Pisellino

Pisellino is a small child character from the Italian humor comic Braccio di Ferro, Italy's adaptation of the Popeye universe. Debuting in the series' very first issue, his name — Italian for "little pea" — reflects the spinach-themed world he inhabits alongside the sailor hero.

Pisellino burst onto the Italian comics scene in 1963 with the very first issue of Braccio di Ferro, a Silver Age debut that planted this Editoriale Metro character at the heart of one of Italy's most beloved humor comics from the very beginning. Created by Michele Gazzarri and Pierluigi Sangalli, Pisellino proved no fleeting presence — 233 catalogued appearances across nearly three decades, stretching all the way to 1990, speak to a character who genuinely resonated with generations of readers. Along the way, Pisellino kept lively company with the likes of Olivia, Timoteo, Trinchetto, Poldo, and Grissino, the colorful ensemble that gave Braccio di Ferro and its spin-off Braccio di Ferro Oro their irresistible charm. With three key-issue appearances to their name, this is a character that collectors and fans of classic Italian comics will find well worth tracking down.