Lesser-Known Super Heroes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Wally Cox

Comedian and actor Wally Cox (1924-1973) voiced the title character in the NBC television series. The secret identity of Underdog was Shoeshine Boy (both a name and a job description). His frequent love interest was television reporter Sweet Polly Purebred (Norman MacMillan). Two frequent adversaries he faced were Simon Bar Sinister and Riff Raff (both voiced by Allan Swift). Underdog was often known for speaking in rhyming couplets such as "There's no need to fear--/Underdog is here!" On occasion, Underdog is shown replenishing his powers with an "Underdog Super Energy Pill".

In modern re-airings, references to the energy pill are often edited. Cox also appeared in the television series Mister Peepers (1952-1955). A 2007 live action film version of "Underdog" received generally negative reviews.

Answer: Herschel Bernardi

"The Mighty Heroes", created by Ralph Bashki, aired on CBS for 20 episodes. The titular heroes defended the city of Good Haven from various super villains. Strong Man, voiced by Herschel Bernardi (1923-1986), was the "Superman" stand-in of the group.

In his secret identity he worked as an auto mechanic (as shown in the opening credits) and had a southern accent. Herschel Bernardi also voiced several commercial mascots including Charlie the Starkist Tuna and the Jolly Green Giant.

Answer: Orson Welles

The Shadow began in 1930 as the narrator of a radio program designed to advertise Detective Story Magazine. After the Shadow became popular a new magazine, "The Shadow Magazine" was created include stories about him. A long-running radio drama (1937-1954) featured The Shadow and his alter ego Lamont Cranston. Orson Welles (1915-1985) voiced the Shadow in the first season.

The radio program was known for the opening line--"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"--spoken by actor Frank Readick Jr.

The Shadow character has also appeared comic books, movies and other media since his creation.

Answer: Paul Frees

The Green Lama's first appearance was in the April 1940 issue of "Double Detective Magazine". With a secret identity of Jethro Dumont, the Green Lama has gained supernatural powers from his knowledge of radioactive salts. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Green Lama among costumed crime-fighters of the 1940s was that he was a practicing Buddhist. Paul Frees voiced the title character in a 1949 CBS-radio drama that aired for 11 episodes in July 1949.

Answer: Will Smith

Will Smith plays the titular character, a vigilante superhero whose powers cause almost as much harm as good. Hancock is one of the last of a race of immortals. During the course of the film he works with a public relations expert to try to improve his image. Will Smith (born 1968) is an television and film actor and a rapper.

Answer: Ben Stiller

"Mystery Men" was loosely based on the Flaming Carrot Comics series by Bob Burden. In the 1999 film, Ben Stiller portrays Roy and his alter ego, Mr. Furious, the leader of the titular group. The Mystery Men attempt to defend Champion City but are largely unsuccessful until the climax of the film.

The powers of Mr. Furious, such as they are, depend on him being able to effectively channel his rage. Although unsuccessful at the box office, "Mystery Men" received generally positive reviews and the film has become somewhat of a cult classic.

Answer: Patrick Warburton

The Tick was created in Ben Edlund in 1986 as a mascot for New England Comics. He appeared in his own comic book series. Patrick Warburton appeared as the title character in the live-action series that aired on FOX (for nine episodes). The Tick is a superhero whose lack of intelligence is balanced (one hopes) by his near invulnerability. One difference in the costume for the live-action Tick had more of his face exposed allowing for Patrick Warburton's facial expressions to help define the Tick. Patrick Warburton is also known for portraying David Puddy on "Seinfeld".

Answer: William Katt

"The Greatest American Hero" aired on ABC and starred William Katt as Ralph Hinkley as a high school teacher who is given a super powered red suit by aliens to fight crime and injustice. Ralph never gives his superhero persona an official name although he occasionally refers to it sarcastically with titles like "Captain Crash" and "Captain Gonzo". During much of the 1981 season, in the wake of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan by John Hinckley, Jr., Ralph Hinkley is renamed Hanley or refered to as Mr. H.

There was an unsuccessful attempt to reboot the series as "The Greatest American Heroine" in 1986.

Answer: Jeffrey Combs

The Question was voiced by Jeffrey Combs in several episodes of "Justice League Unlimited". The Question was created by Steve Ditko in 1967 and first appeared in Charlton Comics before moving to DC Comics in the 1980s. While he is not the most powerful of super heroes, the Question uses detecting skills and martial arts abilities in a manner more ruthlessly than many other superheroes. Jeffrey Combs (born 1954) is an American actor who has also portrayed several characters in the Star Trek universe including the Vorta Weyoun and the Andorian Shran.

Answer: Frank Buxton

Frank Buxton provided the voice of Batfink. The Batfink series was a series of 100 six-minute cartoons produced by Hal Seeger that were meant to parody both Batman and the Green Hornet. Batfink has the ability to fly with the use of his metal wings but his ability to manipulate his super-sonic sonar radar is what really makes him stand out.

His side kick was Karate, a martial arts "expert" voiced by Len Maxwell. His most common adversary was Hugo-A-Go-Go, the world's maddest scientist, also voiced by Frank Buxton.