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Terrific Whatzit

The Terrific Whatzit
The Terrific Whatzit (left) and his "conscience" (right). From Funny Stuff #6 (Fall 1945).
Art by Martin Naydel.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceFunny Stuff #1 (Summer 1944)
Created byMartin Naydel
In-story information
Alter egoMerton McSnurtle
Team affiliationsFlash Family
Legion of Super-Pets
Notable aliasesMcSnurtle the Turtle
AbilitiesSuper-speed
Super-strength
Flight
"Automatic conscience"

The Terrific Whatzit (real name Merton McSnurtle, also known as McSnurtle the Turtle) is a fictional superhero turtle appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. DC's first talking animal superhero, the Terrific Whatzit first appeared in Funny Stuff #1 (Summer 1944) and was created by writer-artist Martin Naydel.[1]

Natasha Lyonne voices the character in the animated film DC League of Super-Pets (2022).

Fictional character biography

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McSnurtle is a turtle and shopkeeper who lives in the town of Zooville and is famed for his honesty and laziness. Wishing to see how such a person would handle receiving superpowers, otherworldly entitles called Prince Highness and Prince Lowness grant him super-speed, among other abilities.[2] Dubbing himself the "Terrific Whatzit",[3][4] he would go on to aid the Allies during the "Second Weird War". Additionally, his nephew Timmy Joe Terrapin / Fastback would acquire similar powers and join the Zoo Crew.[5]

Powers and abilities

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McSnurtle possesses super-speed, super-strength,[6] and the ability to fly. Additionally, he is haunted by a ghostly "automatic conscience" that berates him unless he takes action against danger and can remove his shell.[7][8]

In other media

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Television

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Film

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Merton the Turtle / Terrific Whatzit appears in DC League of Super-Pets, voiced by Natasha Lyonne.[9][10] This version is a non-anthropomorphic female turtle who acquires super-speed after being exposed to orange Kryptonite and goes on to become the Flash's pet and a founding member of the titular League of Super-Pets.

Miscellaneous

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References

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  1. ^ Mitchell, Kurt; Thomas, Roy (2019). American Comic Book Chronicles: 1940-1944. TwoMorrows Publishing. p. 276. ISBN 978-1605490892.
  2. ^ Becattini, Alberto (2019). "Super-Animals". American Funny Animal Comics in the 20th Century: Volume Two. Theme Park Press. ISBN 978-1683902218.
  3. ^ Markstein, Don. "McSnurtle the Turtle: The Terrific Whatzit". Don Markstein's Toonopedia. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  4. ^ Rovin, Jeff (1991). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cartoon Animals. Prentice Hall Press. pp. 165–166. ISBN 0-13-275561-0. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
  5. ^ Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #4 (June 1982)
  6. ^ Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew #9 (November 1982)
  7. ^ Funny Stuff #1, Summer 1944
  8. ^ Nevins, Jess (2013). Encyclopedia of Golden Age Superheroes. High Rock Press. p. 268. ISBN 978-1-61318-023-5.
  9. ^ Agard, Chancellor (November 17, 2021). "Dwayne Johnson's Krypto assembles a team in DC League of Super-Pets first look". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  10. ^ "DC League of Super-Pets | Meet the Pets: Natasha Lyonne as Merton".
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