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'''Strong Bad''' is a primary character in the fictional world of [[Flash movie|Flash animation]] [[Animated cartoon|cartoon]] series ''[[Homestar Runner]]''. He is best known for his "Strong Bad Emails", or "Sbemails", in which he is shown typing answers to questions written by visitors to the site on his personal computer. Modelled after a [[lucha libre|Mexican wrestler]] character featured in [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Tag Team Wrestling]]'', he is shirtless with [[boxing glove]]s for hands (though a running gag on the website claims that he originally had oven mitts) and a [[Lucha libre|luchador's]] [[wrestling mask]] for a face.
#REDIRECT [[Homestar Runner#Characters]]

Though originally presented as a [[villain]], Strong Bad has been favorably embraced by pop culture for his quick-witted sarcasm and infectiously abrasive voice. He is usually seen as the most popular character, although some fans object to the frequency with which he appears in comparison to other characters. His voice has changed over time from a distinctly [[Mexico|Mexican]] accent to a more gruff [[American English|American]] one, while still retaining its "rough" quality. His eyes have also become steadily smaller. He is also sometimes referred to (usually by [[Homestar]]) as a "wrestleman".

==Origin==
Along with his physically intimidating but mentally limited big brother [[Strong Mad]] and his lackey animal-of-questionable-species [[The Cheat (Homestar Runner)|The Cheat]], Strong Bad represents the self-proclaimed criminal element in the series. Many shorts concern the various [[practical joke]]s and [[scam]]s that they perpetrate. Although these "crimes" are usually only slightly malevolent, Strong Bad still acts as if he is a villainous mastermind, and is highly prone to exaggerating his alluring qualities &mdash; especially with regards to women. He enjoys "cold ones" (or beer), although we never see him drinking on the website. In one email, it was revealed he had the ability to remove caps by making the blue 'jewel' on his mask glow with intense concentration. He demonstrated this ability by removing the cap from a cold one, and by repeatedly removing [[Homestar]]'s cap.<ref>{{cite web | author=[[The Brothers Chaps|Chapman, Matt]] |coauthors=[[The Brothers Chaps|Chapman, Mike]]| year=2003| title=Strong Bad Email 25 "super powers" | format=SWF | work=homestarrunner.com | url=http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail25.html | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref>

Strong Bad debuted in an early children's book project called "The Homestar Runner Enters the Strongest Man In the World Contest". This story (which is viewable at the website "museum section"[http://www.homestarrunner.com/firstbook.swf], also as an anniversary remake[http://www.homestarrunner.com/10years.html]) introduces the totally safe and child-friendly world created by the Chapman Brothers. The somewhat subversive nature of the humour of Strong Bad and the world view of Homestar seems to always lean towards the provocative without endangering the worldview of children. Apart from making it a "safe" place for kids, it also appeals to the adults who enjoy a less-than-threatening expression of the personality types around us. Strong Bad is the bad guy in a not-very bad world.<ref>{{cite web | author=[[The Brothers Chaps|Chapman, Matt]] |coauthors=[[The Brothers Chaps|Chapman, Mike]]| year=2003| title=Strong Bad Is A Bad Guy | format=SWF | work=homestarrunner.com | url=http://www.homestarrunner.com/badguy.swf | accessdate=2007-01-05}}</ref>

Strong Bad has his own version of the website's main pages, which can only be reached through the Homestar Talker game.

Strong Bad is known to be in possession of a lighter with a BMW logo on it. He uses it to burn stuff he doesn't like, such as Strong Sad's drawing of a dragon because it was better than Trogdor. A catchphrase for it was invented when he received a bill from Bubs, he said, "Would you like a ride in my BMW?" he pulled out his lighter and burned the bill.

==E-mails==
Strong Bad Emails (also known as "sbemails") have traditionally been among the most popular features on ''Homestar Runner.'' The format has remained essentially unchanged since its inception: Strong Bad receives an email from a fan or viewer, and starts typing his response. Strong Bad generally mocks the sender, criticizing names, hometowns, spelling, and grammar. Most of the time a cut-away sequence is used that gets away from typing the e-mail. Once the events of the email finish unfolding, Strong Bad wraps up the email, and then "The Paper" comes down with a link to email Strong Bad. Often, hidden animations ([[Easter egg (virtual)|Easter Eggs]]) are displayed when the user clicks on a word or picture either during the email or after it has concluded.<ref>{{cite web | author=Chapman, Matt |coauthors=Chapman, Mike| year=2003| title=Strong Bad Email 79 "the process" | format=SWF | work=homestarrunner.com | url=http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail79.html | accessdate=2006-12-19}}</ref> The animations were initially brief, but grew to establish numerous spinoffs and inside jokes on the site. As of [[April 21]], [[2008]], there are 194 Sbemails.

==''Strong Bad Sings''==
'''''Strong Bad Sings (and Other Type Hits)''''' is an [[audio CD]] featuring songs by characters from [[Homestar Runner]].<ref>Hirsch, Deborah. (July 22, 2003) [[Orlando Sentinel]] ''"Tooned in" The curious characters on Homestar Runner look to be more than just an Internet fad. The site's 200,000 daily hits and a legion of fans mean they're a genuine phenomenon.''Section: Life and times; Page E1.</ref> ''Strong Bad Sings'' is the first CD spinoff from the online cartoon world of homestarrunner.com.<ref name="playlist">Strauss, Neil. (January 25, 2004) [[New York Times]] ''[http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/s/neil_strauss/index.html Playlist; On Speaking Terms With The Devil.]'' Section: 2; Page 227.</ref> The CD stands out since the characters' expressive nature and sarcastic wit comes across through sound alone even though they normally are present in a visual format on the website.<ref name="playlist"/>

The songs "Trogdor" and "Because It's Midnite" appear in [[Guitar Hero II]] and [[Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s]], respectively. There is also a "Secret Song" that features [[Homestar Runner]] very late into the last track.<ref name="playlist"/> Placing this CD into your computer also allows you to see [[Coach Z]]'s "These Peoples Try to Fade Me" Music Video.

===Track listing===
All tracks credit Strong Bad as the artist unless otherwise noted.

# "Trogdor" - 1:40
# "The System Is Down" - 1:47
# "Strong Badia National Anthem" - ft. Mrs. Partsmatter's 1st Grade Class - 2:12
# "Oh Yeah Yeah" - Marzipan - 1:10
# "Because, It's Midnite" - Limozeen - 2:14
# "Circles" - The Kinda Long-Haired Band - 0:44
# "Let's Get Started On Doing All Those Awesome Things I Suggested" - 0:51
# "Moving Very Slowly" - Taranchula - 4:06
# "Sweet Cuppin' Cakes Theme Song" - 0:56
# "I Think I Have A Chance With This Guy" - What's Her Face from Teen Girl Squad - 0:56
# "It's Like It Was Meant To Be" - 1:05
# "Nite Mamas" - Limozeen - 2:30
# "Sensitive To Bees" - Marzipan ft. Strong Bad & Homestar - 1:55
# "You've Got An Ugly & Stupid Butt" - 0:32
# "These Peoples Try To Fade Me" - Coach Z - 2:11
# "The Ladies In My Town All Know My Name" - 0:35
# "Theme From Dangeresque II: This Time, It's Not Dangeresque I" - 1:30
# "Somebody Told Me (Now I Believe Them)" - 0:48
# "The Cheat Is Not Dead" - 3:02
# "Everybody To The Limit (Live From West [[Reykjavik]])" - 7:53
#*Song ends at 3:53 followed by 2:27 of silence. Then Homestar fades in with a secret song titled "Secret Song" (or Secwet Song as annunciated), which lasts until the end of the album. The only instruments on the track are Homestar's voice and a piano in the background.
#*Everybody To The Limit - 0:00 - 3:22 | Cheering - 3:23 - 3:52 | Silence - 3:53 - 6:19 | Secwet Song - 620 - 7:53

==Video game==
{{main|Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People}}
An upcoming game for the Nintendo [[Wii]].

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{Spoken Wikipedia|Strong Bad.ogg|2006-10-04}}

* [http://www.homestarrunner.com/vcr_sb.html Strong Bad's character video]
* [http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail.html Strong Bad e-mails]
* [http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbsite/ Strong Bad's Website] ([http://www.homestarrunner.com/cheatintro.swf Flash introduction])
* [[HRWiki:Strong Bad|Strong Bad on HRWiki, a Homestar Runner Wiki]]

[[Category:Homestar Runner characters]]
[[Category:Fictional Internet personalities]]
[[Category:Fictional luchadores]]
[[Category:Fictional singers]]
[[Category:Internet personalities]]
[[Category:Fictional dictators]]

Revision as of 19:40, 3 August 2008

Strong Bad is a primary character in the fictional world of Flash animation cartoon series Homestar Runner. He is best known for his "Strong Bad Emails", or "Sbemails", in which he is shown typing answers to questions written by visitors to the site on his personal computer. Modelled after a Mexican wrestler character featured in Nintendo's Tag Team Wrestling, he is shirtless with boxing gloves for hands (though a running gag on the website claims that he originally had oven mitts) and a luchador's wrestling mask for a face.

Though originally presented as a villain, Strong Bad has been favorably embraced by pop culture for his quick-witted sarcasm and infectiously abrasive voice. He is usually seen as the most popular character, although some fans object to the frequency with which he appears in comparison to other characters. His voice has changed over time from a distinctly Mexican accent to a more gruff American one, while still retaining its "rough" quality. His eyes have also become steadily smaller. He is also sometimes referred to (usually by Homestar) as a "wrestleman".

Origin

Along with his physically intimidating but mentally limited big brother Strong Mad and his lackey animal-of-questionable-species The Cheat, Strong Bad represents the self-proclaimed criminal element in the series. Many shorts concern the various practical jokes and scams that they perpetrate. Although these "crimes" are usually only slightly malevolent, Strong Bad still acts as if he is a villainous mastermind, and is highly prone to exaggerating his alluring qualities — especially with regards to women. He enjoys "cold ones" (or beer), although we never see him drinking on the website. In one email, it was revealed he had the ability to remove caps by making the blue 'jewel' on his mask glow with intense concentration. He demonstrated this ability by removing the cap from a cold one, and by repeatedly removing Homestar's cap.[1]

Strong Bad debuted in an early children's book project called "The Homestar Runner Enters the Strongest Man In the World Contest". This story (which is viewable at the website "museum section"[1], also as an anniversary remake[2]) introduces the totally safe and child-friendly world created by the Chapman Brothers. The somewhat subversive nature of the humour of Strong Bad and the world view of Homestar seems to always lean towards the provocative without endangering the worldview of children. Apart from making it a "safe" place for kids, it also appeals to the adults who enjoy a less-than-threatening expression of the personality types around us. Strong Bad is the bad guy in a not-very bad world.[2]

Strong Bad has his own version of the website's main pages, which can only be reached through the Homestar Talker game.

Strong Bad is known to be in possession of a lighter with a BMW logo on it. He uses it to burn stuff he doesn't like, such as Strong Sad's drawing of a dragon because it was better than Trogdor. A catchphrase for it was invented when he received a bill from Bubs, he said, "Would you like a ride in my BMW?" he pulled out his lighter and burned the bill.

E-mails

Strong Bad Emails (also known as "sbemails") have traditionally been among the most popular features on Homestar Runner. The format has remained essentially unchanged since its inception: Strong Bad receives an email from a fan or viewer, and starts typing his response. Strong Bad generally mocks the sender, criticizing names, hometowns, spelling, and grammar. Most of the time a cut-away sequence is used that gets away from typing the e-mail. Once the events of the email finish unfolding, Strong Bad wraps up the email, and then "The Paper" comes down with a link to email Strong Bad. Often, hidden animations (Easter Eggs) are displayed when the user clicks on a word or picture either during the email or after it has concluded.[3] The animations were initially brief, but grew to establish numerous spinoffs and inside jokes on the site. As of April 21, 2008, there are 194 Sbemails.

Strong Bad Sings

Strong Bad Sings (and Other Type Hits) is an audio CD featuring songs by characters from Homestar Runner.[4] Strong Bad Sings is the first CD spinoff from the online cartoon world of homestarrunner.com.[5] The CD stands out since the characters' expressive nature and sarcastic wit comes across through sound alone even though they normally are present in a visual format on the website.[5]

The songs "Trogdor" and "Because It's Midnite" appear in Guitar Hero II and Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s, respectively. There is also a "Secret Song" that features Homestar Runner very late into the last track.[5] Placing this CD into your computer also allows you to see Coach Z's "These Peoples Try to Fade Me" Music Video.

Track listing

All tracks credit Strong Bad as the artist unless otherwise noted.

  1. "Trogdor" - 1:40
  2. "The System Is Down" - 1:47
  3. "Strong Badia National Anthem" - ft. Mrs. Partsmatter's 1st Grade Class - 2:12
  4. "Oh Yeah Yeah" - Marzipan - 1:10
  5. "Because, It's Midnite" - Limozeen - 2:14
  6. "Circles" - The Kinda Long-Haired Band - 0:44
  7. "Let's Get Started On Doing All Those Awesome Things I Suggested" - 0:51
  8. "Moving Very Slowly" - Taranchula - 4:06
  9. "Sweet Cuppin' Cakes Theme Song" - 0:56
  10. "I Think I Have A Chance With This Guy" - What's Her Face from Teen Girl Squad - 0:56
  11. "It's Like It Was Meant To Be" - 1:05
  12. "Nite Mamas" - Limozeen - 2:30
  13. "Sensitive To Bees" - Marzipan ft. Strong Bad & Homestar - 1:55
  14. "You've Got An Ugly & Stupid Butt" - 0:32
  15. "These Peoples Try To Fade Me" - Coach Z - 2:11
  16. "The Ladies In My Town All Know My Name" - 0:35
  17. "Theme From Dangeresque II: This Time, It's Not Dangeresque I" - 1:30
  18. "Somebody Told Me (Now I Believe Them)" - 0:48
  19. "The Cheat Is Not Dead" - 3:02
  20. "Everybody To The Limit (Live From West Reykjavik)" - 7:53
    • Song ends at 3:53 followed by 2:27 of silence. Then Homestar fades in with a secret song titled "Secret Song" (or Secwet Song as annunciated), which lasts until the end of the album. The only instruments on the track are Homestar's voice and a piano in the background.
    • Everybody To The Limit - 0:00 - 3:22 | Cheering - 3:23 - 3:52 | Silence - 3:53 - 6:19 | Secwet Song - 620 - 7:53

Video game

Main article: Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People

An upcoming game for the Nintendo Wii.

References

  1. ^ Chapman, Matt (2003). "Strong Bad Email 25 "super powers"" (SWF). homestarrunner.com. Retrieved 2007-01-05. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ Chapman, Matt (2003). "Strong Bad Is A Bad Guy" (SWF). homestarrunner.com. Retrieved 2007-01-05. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Chapman, Matt (2003). "Strong Bad Email 79 "the process"" (SWF). homestarrunner.com. Retrieved 2006-12-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Hirsch, Deborah. (July 22, 2003) Orlando Sentinel "Tooned in" The curious characters on Homestar Runner look to be more than just an Internet fad. The site's 200,000 daily hits and a legion of fans mean they're a genuine phenomenon.Section: Life and times; Page E1.
  5. ^ a b c Strauss, Neil. (January 25, 2004) New York Times Playlist; On Speaking Terms With The Devil. Section: 2; Page 227.
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