Mastermind

Real Name: Alf Witt

Identity/Class: Human transformed by magic.

Occupation: School boy

Affiliations: Bones (the Superdog, sidekick), Blunder Girl, Madness Madnesson

Enemies: The Lime from Leopard Street, Mr.Hyde, Crazy Maisie, Crossword Puzzle Man, Rodd the Odd, Laura the Borer, Dylan the Villain, Mr.Punch, Super Slug, Spoilsport, the Abdominal Snowman, Blooperman, Fletcher the Stretcher, Natasha the Basher, Quizkid, Tree-Man, Wyatt the Quiet, Kanga Roo

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: Monstermind

Base of Operations: Flittem, U.K.

First Appearance: Buster (Fleetway, November 8th 1980)

Powers/Abilities: He has superhuman intelligence. He can transform only when he says his magic word, and apparently that only works while he is standing in a telephone box (or Madness' cave).

History: Alf Witt was a well-intentioned but dim lad, growing up in the tiny (population 59) English village of Flittem. His lack of brains frustrated his school teacher and made him the butt of the jokes from his fellow pupils. One day, while despondently walking home bewailing his lot in life, he fell down an open manhole cover. Down in the caverns below, he was greeted by Madness Madnesson, an ancient wizard who claimed to know everything. He informed Alf that he had summoned the lad to aid him in his fight against "evil and villainy". However before the lad could qualify, he needed to prove himself by answering a question. Alf, completely bamboozled, said "Pass", and since that was actually the correct answer, he was struck by a bolt of magic lightning, immediately transforming into the world's brainiest hero, Master Mind. Then Madness sent him forth to begin the "never ending battle for truth and justice". Master Mind leapt upwards uttering his terrible battle-cry, "I've started, so I'll finish!"

Master Mind soon acquired a sidekick, Bones the Wonder Dog, as well as a variety of colourful and bizarre foes.

Comments: Created by Jak Edward Oliver.

The wizard Madness Madnesson is named after television presenter Magnus Magnusson, who for several decades now has hosted the quiz show "Mastermind". The phrase "I've started, so I'll finish." is that same presenters catch-phrase from the show in question.

Mastermind's opponent "the Lime from Leopard Street" was a pun on another Buster strip, the Leopard from Lime Street.

Thanks to Billy Hicks for informing me when Master Mind first appeared.

Bones

Bones, the Wonder DogReal Name: Bones

Identity/Class: Canine transformed by magic.

Occupation: Sidekick and pet

Affiliations: Master Mind (owner and partner)

Enemies: The Lime from Leopard Street, Mr.Hyde, Crazy Maisie, Crossword Puzzle Man, Rodd the Odd, Laura the Borer, Dylan the Villain, Mr.Punch, Super Slug, Spoilsport, the Abdominal Snowman, Blooperman, Fletcher the Stretcher, Natasha the Basher, Quizkid, Tree-Man, Wyatt the Quiet

Known Relatives: None

Aliases: Unknown

Base of Operations: Flittem, U.K.

First Appearance: Buster and Jackpot (Fleetway, November 22nd 1980)

Powers/Abilities: Super-intelligence.

History: Bones was a normal dog until he met Alf Witt. Bones had managed to get a thorn stuck in his paw, and the kind hearted Alf thoughtfully removed it for him. The greatful dog chose Alf as his master, and when Alf nipped into a phone booth to turn into the superhero Master Mind, Bones followed him in; caught in the same magical lightning that transformed Alf, Bones also gained superhuman intelligence.

Comments: Created by Jak Edward Oliver.

CLARIFICATIONS: Master Mind is not to be confused with

Bones should not be confused with

Any Additions/Corrections? Please let me know.

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