The Game Industry Loves Fabio



This Freeze Frame is a little different, because this is actually who it says it is. While not totally new, it should be noted that in the 1980's millions of unsuspecting

youths were getting their moms interested in what they were playing, but only because it had Fabio on the cover. That's right!! The man who can't believe it's not butter was the unlucky sap picked to play Kuros in Iron Sword, Rare's sequel to Wizards and Warriors.

And not only did Fabio make his appearance on the Iron Sword cover (above left), but he also found his way on everything attached to the game. Electronic Gaming Monthly put Fabio on their cover, Acclaim used him in their advertising, and videocassettes (above right) tapped him to add a little flare to their strategy guides. Ah yes, it certainly seemed like Fabio was on top of the world.


However, gamers who just played the game would never fully recognize Fabio. For his character was drawn with a huge suit of armor and helmet. In the game he looked more like a Matt Groening cartoon than the hunkiest man to ever own a dozen dogs. But that didn't matter, the damage was done, and many of our young innocent children were already hooked on the biceps of Fabio. Some may have even gone out and bought his record of love songs, his work out video, or maybe even his calendar.

So be off, Kuros. You are the ultimate warrior. And this is the ultimate war ...