Meaning: The quote "Most of us came out of Popeye, so turning Popeye into something believable was tricky enough" by Gil Kane, an artist, provides insight into the challenges faced by artists when reimagining and adapting well-known characters or stories. In this case, Gil Kane is referring to the iconic cartoon character Popeye and the difficulty of transforming him into a more realistic and believable figure.

Popeye, created by Elzie Crisler Segar, first appeared in the "Thimble Theatre" comic strip in 1929. Known for his distinctive appearance, superhuman strength after consuming spinach, and his love interest, Olive Oyl, Popeye quickly became a beloved and enduring cultural icon. The character's exaggerated physical features and larger-than-life persona presented a unique set of challenges when attempting to translate him into a more realistic and believable form.

As an artist who likely grew up with Popeye as a prominent figure in popular culture, Gil Kane's statement reflects the sentiment shared by many creators who have been tasked with reimagining or modernizing familiar characters. The pressure to honor the original source material while also infusing it with new life and relevance can indeed be a "tricky" endeavor.

One of the primary challenges in transforming Popeye into something believable lies in the character's exaggerated physical attributes. Popeye is known for his impossibly muscular forearms, squinty eyes, and a prominent anchor tattoo on one arm. These traits, while iconic and instantly recognizable, present a departure from the proportions and features of a more realistic human figure. As such, artists faced the delicate task of retaining these defining characteristics while finding a way to ground them in a more believable context.

Furthermore, Popeye's larger-than-life persona and his extraordinary ability to gain superhuman strength from consuming a can of spinach added another layer of complexity to the task at hand. While these elements are integral to Popeye's identity and appeal, integrating them into a more realistic portrayal required careful consideration and creative problem-solving.

In addition to the physical and fantastical aspects of Popeye's character, the world in which he exists also posed a challenge for artists. The whimsical and often surreal nature of Popeye's adventures in the original comic strips and animated series presented a stark contrast to the grounded and believable settings often sought after in reimagined or modernized adaptations.

In the context of Gil Kane's quote, the term "believable" likely encompasses not only the physical appearance of Popeye but also his overall portrayal and the world in which he exists. Artists faced the daunting task of striking a balance between honoring the character's iconic status and making him and his world more relatable and plausible for contemporary audiences.

Ultimately, Gil Kane's quote serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in reimagining beloved characters and stories. It highlights the need for creativity, ingenuity, and a deep understanding of the source material in order to successfully navigate the challenges inherent in transforming larger-than-life figures like Popeye into something that feels believable and relevant in a new context.