Marvel Superhero: Forbush Man!

Did you know that Clan Forbes has its own superhero? Marvel Comics has given the world gods, mutants, and billionaires in iron suits—but tucked between the panels of satire lies one of its most delightfully ridiculous creations: Forbush Man. A parody of superhero tropes and a mascot of Marvel’s self-deprecating humor, Forbush Man is more than a joke—he’s a symbol of comic book culture’s ability to laugh at itself.

Forbush-Man! Copyright, of course, by Marvel Comics

Forbush Man first appeared in Not Brand Echh #1 (August 1967), a satirical comic series created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby that spoofed Marvel’s own characters. His alter ego, Irving Forbush, was originally a running gag invented by Stan Lee in the 1950s, representing a bumbling office gofer at the fictional “Marble Comics” (a parody of Marvel).

His transformation into a “superhero” came when his Auntie Mayhem slammed a cooking pot over his head in a fit of rage—thus giving him his iconic helmet and unwittingly launching his heroic career. His costume? Red long johns with an “F” on the chest, black galoshes, and that infamous pot.

Forbush Man’s adventures are a masterclass in slapstick and satire. He faced off against absurd versions of Marvel villains like The Juggernut and The Inedible Bulk, often stumbling into victory through sheer dumb luck. His powers were nonexistent, but his determination—and obliviousness—were unmatched.

In Marvel Age and What The--?!, Forbush Man continued to appear sporadically, often as a meta-commentary on Marvel’s own publishing antics. He once erupted from a giant anniversary cake and even protested being left out of newer parody comics.

Forbush Man wasn’t just a gag—he was Marvel’s way of poking fun at its own grandeur. In an era when superheroes were becoming increasingly serious and complex, Forbush Man reminded readers that comics could still be silly, irreverent, and joyful.

He became a cult favorite among fans who appreciated the meta-humor and the willingness of Marvel to lampoon itself. His appearances in Not Brand Echh helped establish the comic as a beloved satire series, influencing later parody titles like Deadpool and Howard the Duck.

Though never a mainstream icon, Forbush Man’s legacy lives on as a symbol of comic book absurdity. He represents the freedom to experiment, to laugh, and to break the fourth wall. His Earth designation — Earth-665 — is a nod to his place outside the serious Marvel canon.

In a world of cinematic universes and billion-dollar franchises, Forbush Man remains a reminder that sometimes, the best heroes wear pots on their heads and trip their way to victory.