Does anyone remember a cartoon from the late 60's where the super hero got his power from smoking cigarettes?

Question

If you remember it, what was the name of the show? Remember any other details?

Answer 1

8thman. It was a little before my time so I am unable to give any details, but maybe the link will help?

Answer 2

There’s a prehistoric monster
That came from outer space
Created by the Martians
To destroy the human race

The FBI is helpless
It’s twenty stories tall
What can we do?
Who can we call?

Call Tobor, the 8th Man!
Call Tobor, the 8th Man!
Faster than a rocket!
Swifter than a jet!

He’s the one to send for!
He’s the one to get!
Call Tobor, the 8th Man!
Call Tobor, the 8th Man!

When Japanese detective Rachiro Azuma was killed by gangsters, a scientist witnessed the killing and transferred his mind into the brain of his new robot. He had incredible strength, speed, and the ability to change his appearance instantly due to his plastic ‘skin’. (In that respect, he pre-dated the liquid metal Terminator by at least 30 years.) With his new powers, he set out to avenge his own murder.

In the US, this series of cartoons was marketed as Tobor (robot spelled backward) the 8th Man. The scientist had made seven attempts before to make a robot that could think as a human would. The previous attempt Sigma 7, went evil and 8th Man had to destroy his ‘sister’. He used the American secret identity of police detective Peter Brady.

8th Man was particularly susceptible to overheating. After all, he was a piece of electronic equipment! He had a back-up brain located in his shoulder and at least once an episode he would overheat and have to find some way of cooling off in a hurry so he didn’t short out.

The ‘cigarettes’ were power tablets (some variety of rechargeable batteries, I suspect, since robots don’t eat or drink!) However, these were done away with as parents objected (even then) to having their kids taught to smoke. You might be able to find out more about 8th Man on Toonopedia.

This is a separate thing, but DC once published a story called The Super Cigars of Perry White. Some benevolent mutatns whom he had once helped gave him a 'present': cigars that would give him whatever super ability he wished for, but the powers were temporary. Perry helped Superman on an adventure, then decided to use his power to wish to know where his powers came from. He learned when he had only one left, so he put it away in safe keeping for an emergency. That is the only other story I know of where anybody got super powers from smoking.

In later years, they had Clark try a pipe and he hated the flavor so much, he crushed the pipe in his hand. In an even later story, they claimed that Clark's Kryptonian metabolism would not permit smoke to enter his lungs. (A little far-fetched, but you can see how DC was leaning further and further in the anti-smoking direction.)

Nowadays, it is only mavericks and renegades like Wolverine and Nick Fury that smoke.

5 FEB 07 1530 hrs, GMT.

Answer 3

I watched just about every cartoon made in the 60's and i don't recall that one.

Answer 4

the 8th Man. There may have been alive action show called Mr Terrific.

Answer 5

Mr Butts in Doonesbury is the only one I can think of.