Homestar Runner (character)
Homestar Runner (usually just called Homestar) is the main character featured in many popular Homestar Runner internet cartoons.
A self-described "star" athlete who enjoys "running", Homestar refers to himself as the captain of an unspecified sports team led by Coach Z. He also describes himself as being able to "run", jump, and kick, the fastest, highest, and like nobody's business." He is amiable but absent-minded, and suffers from a speech impediment (as he says, he has "twouble" with [his] aw's.") Also he has no visible arms but seems to be able to grasp things with nothing but the air around him. His name was coined by The Brothers Chaps who, while listening to a grocery store commercial featuring Braves baseball player Mark Lemke, heard a sports-challenged friend mangle the phrase "all-star second baseman" into "home star runner" for the Braves". His middle name (Michael) has recently been used in the latest "Halloween" cartoon, when Marzipan became angry at him for being lazy when it came to his Halloween duties.
Since he is somewhat dim, Homestar consistently assumes that everyone likes him, and is unable to grasp when he has been the victim of a prank. So, although he is invariably the butt of jokes, he is usually unfazed and often comes out on top. This is a source of constant frustration for Strong Bad, who once lamented: "It's like, even when we win, he wins." Strong Bad is also annoyed by Homestar's habit of borrowing his possessions (and returning them) without the former's knowledge.
You can never be quite sure whether Homestar and his "girlfriend" Marzipan are going out or not, but he sure seems to think they are. His best friend remains Pom Pom, although the true depth of their friendship is also subject to question. Homestar often unintentionally insults his friends, and is unable to understand their resulting feelings of anger. Homestar is sometimes preety stupid.
Alternate versions
The Homestar Runner is shorter and has a larger underbite. His hat is a beanie cap with a propeller. He has an exaggerated U.S. Midland accent.
Futuristic anime-style Homestar is taller, has larger eyes and shoes, a smaller hat, and a more complex star design on his shirt. He idolizes Stinkoman, the 20X6 version of Strong Bad, and hopes to someday be "the guy" like him.
A very pixellated form of Homestar Runner. He appears in "Main Page 13", "Armless invaders" and "The 2nd games menu", as well as for about an eighth of a second in the Strong Bad e-mail "long pants". He is supposed to be a character from the 4-bit Atari 2600. His speech is made up primarily short beeps, most from real Atari games.
Trivia
Homestar Runner's favorite snack is the Bronco Trolley, a Triscuit topped with peanut butter and a slice of orange.