The First Weed Comic Superhero

It’s not unusual for lovers of weed to enjoy comic books. In many ways the two go together in harmony, being generally anti-establishment (this despite the widespread legalization of cannabis) and a pleasurable experience. Comic book superheroes come in all shapes and sizes, and they all have a purpose which is usually to fight the bad guys. People who smoke weed or dab wax are somewhat reluctant to fight anything. That’s the good thing about weed, it’s not conducive to aggression.

No matter who your favourite superhero is there is one you may not have heard about, but if you love your marijuana, he’s right up your street! Who are we talking about? Captain Cannabis of course! Never heard of him? Then let us tell you what this hero of heroes is all about!

Introducing Captain Cannabis

Captain Cannabis has never been a mainstream superhero, but he’s a superhero, nonetheless. Captain Cannabis first appeared in 1977, a product of creative and original designer and illustrator Verne Andru. A Canadian, Andru says the copyright date from 1977 makes his creation the first cannabis-related comic book character, and we think he’s right!

Canada had made noises about decriminalizing cannabis as early as 1972, although nothing happened for many years. As a youngster discovering the counterculture of the time including the hippy movement, weed and the more interesting underground comic books, Andru began drawing characters, and Captain Cannabis was first sketched in 1975.

His creator saw the superhero in a post-prohibition future, placing him as a beacon of hope for the cannabis loving hippy crowd, and the first issue of Captain Cannabis was indeed published in ’75 by Andru himself. This would be a landmark in as much as the character was unique and appealed across the board.

Popular and Welcomed

Captain Cannabis was an instant success. Different, amusing and beautifully drawn, this renegade character looked set for a bright future with Canada’s discussions about cannabis and legalization ongoing. However, there was trouble on the horizon in the shape of the newly formed Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the USA which set out a hard line on drug use and sales.

Nevertheless, Canadians elected Pierre Trudeau as Prime Minister on the basis of his liberal stance – especially where cannabis was concerned – but the USA, with President Ronald Reagan now pushing his famous ‘War on Drugs’ – threatened to close the border between the two countries should Trudeau go ahead with his promised cannabis reforms. Canada could not afford this, and the plans were shelved.

The likes of Verne Andru became targets for the anti-drugs authorities, with any cannabis-related publications – Captain Cannabis included – becoming frowned upon. The disappointment of the Canadian people was not held back, but it would take until 2018 for any move toward cannabis legalization to become certain. What of Captain Cannabis today?

Captain Cannabis Today

Since the state laws for marijuana use in the USA have begun changing illustrators such as Andru now find they are able to secure a space at conventions. Before, the organizers were reluctant to allow him and his colleagues thanks to the draconian laws. He is working on several Captain Cannabis projects including a movie – something that would have impossible until now.

Captain Cannabis remains a unique and popular superhero with a difference, shying away from the overt violence of some of his contemporaries and presenting a fresh face to a new generation of comic book lovers. His appeal lies in his originality and charm, plus the stunning illustrations from the pen of Andru. We hope he stays around for some time as he’s now in the right era.

*Image is from Pixabay.com