Thomas "Tubby" Tompkins is a central character across the Little Lulu comics, animation, and television. Identified by his full name Thomas Tompkins and the universal nickname "Tubby," his appearance features reddish-blond hair, an overweight build, and a signature sailor-inspired outfit: a black jacket, light brown/orange pants, a large blue bow tie, and a white sailor hat. His multifaceted personality drives much of the series' humor and conflict. Tubby relentlessly pursues status, often assuming leadership of the boys' club "The Fellers," though his poor memory and habit of neglecting dues frequently lead to his removal. Self-absorbed and often oblivious to social norms, he reacts with hypersensitivity when slighted. He employs "kid logic" to interpret events and devise unconventional, usually flawed, solutions. Food is a primary motivator, frequently overriding his quest for status. He views his weight as an entitlement to larger portions, not a stigma. He enforces rigid gender roles, championing male superiority and a strict "No Girls Allowed" policy for The Fellers. Paradoxically, he maintains a complex friendship-rivalry with Lulu Moppet, relying on her ingenuity while frequently scheming against her or the girls' group to assert dominance. Romantically, Tubby harbors affection for both Lulu and Gloria Goode Darling. Gloria typically rebuffs him in favor of the wealthier Wilbur Van Snobbe, fueling a secondary rivalry. His leadership of The Fellers also places him in opposition to the tougher West Side Gang; their conflicts sometimes force unlikely alliances between the boys and girls. A defining element is "The Spider," Tubby's detective alter ego. Adopting this persona, he investigates minor mysteries or imagined crimes using elaborate disguises, often erroneously targeting Lulu's father, Mr. Moppet. This role features prominently in comics and animation, such as the episode "Jr. Detective Tubby," where he helps Lulu find a vandal only to be revealed as the culprit. His family includes parents Jim and Ellie Tompkins, whom he calls "Paw" and "Maw." His younger cousin Chubby, a smaller visual replica, occasionally visits, much to Tubby's dislike. In solo comic adventures, particularly in his series *Marge's Tubby* (1952–1961), he frequently encounters the "Little Men from Mars," diminutive aliens seeking his aid or offering help in return. Narratively, Tubby's stories revolve around recurring premises: romantic triangles involving Gloria, Lulu, or Wilbur; boy-girl conflicts; detective capers as The Spider; and occasional fantasy/science fiction elements like dreams or alien encounters. These scenarios leverage his core traits—ego, self-delusion, and appetites—to drive comedic situations and near-disasters. His character evolved from early unnamed appearances in Marjorie Buell's *Saturday Evening Post* panels. He gained the name "Tubby" and distinct personality through Paramount animated shorts (1944–1946) and, crucially, John Stanley's comic book scripts. Stanley developed Tubby into a complex comedic figure whose lack of self-awareness fuels narratives, cementing his role as co-protagonist and occasional antagonist within the Little Lulu universe.