TBO (comics)

TBO, short for "Tim und die Strokopps," was a popular German comic series created by Walter Trier. It originally appeared in the illustrated magazine Das Blatt der Hausfrau (The Housewife's Magazine) from 1932 onwards. Later, from 1950 to 1995, it was published as a standalone comic book.

The stories revolved around the character Tim, a young boy, and his mischievous companions, the "Strokkopps" (often translated as "Stuffheads" or similar terms). The Strokkopps were usually depicted as small, round, and somewhat clumsy creatures who often caused trouble or found themselves in humorous situations.

TBO was characterized by its simple, expressive drawing style and its focus on lighthearted, slapstick humor. The comics were generally wordless, relying on visual storytelling to convey the narrative. This made them accessible to readers of all ages and language backgrounds. The absence of dialogue also contributed to the comic's international appeal.

TBO became a cultural phenomenon in East Germany (GDR), where it was one of the few widely available comic books. The comic was produced by the East German publishing house Verlag Junge Welt. Despite its relatively simple premise, TBO enjoyed decades of popularity and remains a fondly remembered part of East German popular culture. Even after reunification, TBO maintains a nostalgic appeal for many Germans.