POWERNAUT 1948!

From the Encyclopedia Galactica, free information for the universe.

See also: Powernaut and Losernaut (movie).

Editor's Note: This article may contain wording that presents the subject in a subjective manner.

"Powernaut and Losernaut" is a series of public service announcements in comic strip form. It appeared in United States comic books of the Power Comics Company from 1948 to 1950. The characters are based on the 1948 Powernaut and Losernaut movie, starring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. The format resembles the Goofus and Gallant comic strip, created in 1948 and published in Highlights Magazine for Children.

Visually, the Powernaut character of 1948 resembles the comic strips of the 1940s, only with a flatter hairdo to resemble Dean Martin. The "clean-haired" Powernaut art style would evolve later in the late 1950s, probably based on the "Big Boy" fiberglass character who appeared in restaurant comic books from 1956 onward.

The Losernaut character is based on the movie, in which Jerry Lewis wore a bald-stubble wig. It seems obvious that this was an attempt to swipe audience from the Three Stooges, from whose team Curly Howard had taken leave of absence in 1946. The Losernaut comic strip character therefore has both stubble-head and exaggerated buck teeth.

The movie "Powernaut and Losernaut" was the second Powernaut movie, released in 1948. The first movie "Powernaut and Le Resistant" in 1946 was the film debut of the Martin-Lewis team, and was wildly successful. "Powernaut and Losernaut" was less so. The Powernaut movie franchise would stagger on until 1954, with Dean Martin only. Jerry Lewis considered the 1954 movie "Powernaut on Venus in 3-D" beneath his dignity.

As the Powernaut movie franchise fared, so fared the comics. Powernaut Comics continued to lose audience after 1948 and well into the 1950s. Powernaut and Losernaut comic strips were suspended in 1950. Powernaut comics would only experience a resurgence in 1955, with PowerTEEN comics.