Cuphead

**General**

History

Relationships

Quotes

Gallery

### Aliases

Cups, Cuppy, Killer Cup, Cuppuccino, Devil's Dog, Glassbrain, Glassface, Bubblehead, Bankie

### Alliances

The Questers, Hell, Seven Rings Gang, Black Hat Casino (Past)

### Relatives

Mugman (Brother)Elder Kettle (Grandfather)

Cannikin (Father) (Deceased)

Demitasse (Mother)

## Character Description

### Physical Description

He is tall and has a lean physique. His body is pure black from neck to feet and he has a white cup-shaped head. His head and body are covered in ceramic-like skin. He has light colored eyes that glows from a dim red to a bright red depending on his level of anger, a small round nose and light colored jello-like hair.

Normally wears a light gray trench coat with a black turtleneck sweater, with red pants, brown shoes and also wears white gloves. A bendy straw swirled red and white sticks out from inside of his head, which is notably shorter and wider than his brothers'. He can occasionally be seen smoking a cigarette. It has also been noted by several female characters throughout the series that Cuphead is handsome.

### Powers and Abilities

Both Cupbros have considerable combat experience from working for The Devil for years and are very physically capable. In fact, before the beginning of this story, they were already strong enough to kill mid-level Demons and even some beastly Demons (Ch 148). They also have extensive knowledge and experience in the criminal underworld, meaning they have a wide range of contacts throughout multiple cities. When interacting with these criminal contacts Cup usually takes the lead, handling the majority of the negotiations with the various seedy characters/debtors the Cupbros deal with.

They are both fairly knowledgeable about Demons and Demon culture due to working/living with them for years. This long exposure to Demons is also likely why Cuphead can identify both demon script and angel runes on sight (Ch 87). The Cupbros have experience with ghosts and appear to be able to "sense" them in a way (Ch 132). It has been confirmed that the Cupbros are able to "parry" ghosts, thus banishing them to the Otherside (Ch 188).

Cuphead is a skilled lockpicker and has been shown to carry lockpicking tools around everywhere he goes. He also, apparently, has all the constellations memorized (Ch 106). The Cupbros are also able to pilot planes (Ch 123).

### Bullet Types-

Both Cuphead and Mugman have the ability to shoot a variety of magic bullets from their fingers thanks to potions they drank as kids. Each type of bullet has different properties and an associated color. In order to switch between bullets they mentally choose which bullet they wish to use before using the action of snapping their fingers to shift between the bullets (Ch 259). The majority of the bullets so far have been shown leaving smoking burns or scorch marks behind, meaning that they are usually very hot unless their abilities directly relate to their temperature such as the Snap-Frost Bullets. This is most likely because the bullets are forms of light magic, which is usually associated with heat. Between the two brothers, Cuphead is the better sharpshooter.

#### Peashooter Bullets- Blue

The "standard" bullet and the one most often used by the Cupbros. A powerful laser like bullet that has been shown to be able to blast through various objects such as doors and shooting range targets (Ch 133). The Cupbros seem to be able to adjust the power of these bullets as seen when Mugs hit Dot with a blast that was only "enough to kill a bird" (Ch 20), while the peashooter bullet that accidentally hit Mugs was strong enough to almost kill him (Ch 53). The emotional state of the shooter also seems to effect the power of these bullets as Cuphead stated that rage made his bullets brighter and hotter (Ch 79).

EX Move- Mega Blast

When using this blast the Cupbros draw their fists in close to their body, where they begin to collect blue and purple magic energy. Once fully charged they thrust their fist out in front of them as if they are throwing a punch. This causes the collected energy to shoot forward towards their target in a powerful blast. As an Ex move this blast is very strong, as we have seen it can demolish a rock wall (Ch 78).

#### Spread Bullets- Red

Arrow shaped bullets that shoot out in multiple streams at once to create an instant barrage. Strong enough to destroy one of Wakko's mallets in a fight, however they burn out at a shorter distance then the peashooter bullets (Ch 33).

EX Move- Eight-Way

This move shoots out eight giant spread bullets in a circle around the shooter, making it virtually impossible to dodge at short distance. However, it does take time to charge up the energy needed to perform this move, which can leave the shooter vulnerable during the charging time (Ch 194).

#### Roundabout Bullets- Sea Green

Curved blade-like bullets that, when fired, travel a short distance forward before turning and coming back like a boomerang, traveling further backwards than forwards. Often used to cut things in battle, such as when Cuphead used them to chop apart a tree monster (Ch 90).

EX Move - Jumbo Roundabout

#### Lobber Bullets- Purple

Round, bouncy bullets that, when fired, bounce across the floor like a bouncy ball does. Can be used as a distraction, such as when Mugman used it to distract a three-headed dog (Ch 92). Lobbers are heavy bullets that fall quickly over longer distances. Cuphead equates firing one of these bullets to throwing a bowling ball (Ch 252).

EX Move - Kablooey

This move shoots a giant lobber bullet from the shooters fist. While it does take a couple moments to charge, it seems like it can be shot fairly quickly for an Ex Move. It is also very strong, as when it was shot in close quarters between Cups and Popeye it slammed Popeye back hard enough to send him smashing into a pile of crates while Cup was slammed back into the wall behind him hard enough to knock him out. Popeye, who is a zany renowned for his toughness, even mentions how much the blast actually hurt him (Inky Extra's Ch 105).

#### Chaser Bullets- Lime Green

Slow-moving star-shaped bullets. While often laughed at by opponents for their slow speed, they lock onto the closest enemy target without the need to aim. The bullets not only count living beings as enemies, but also any magic that may impede the Cupbros or their friends, as seen when Mugs chaser bullets destroy the Runes keeping Bendy pinned during the fight with the Voodoo Queen (Ch 41). This makes them almost impossible to dodge. However, they are not very strong bullets and will not seriously damage most opponents outside of some small burns (Ch 165). They can also form a protective shield of sorts around the one who shoots them. If the bullets are unable to identify any enemies in the area when fired they will slowly circle around the head of the shooter (Ch 244).

#### Charge Bullets- Orange

Flame bullets described as explosions by Felix (Ch 165) sets anything they touch on fire and are very effective at fighting demon shadows. They need time to "charge" to fire at full power, leaving a window of time where the Cupbros may hesitate in shooting in order to give the bullet more time to charge. As it charges, the shot becomes brighter and brighter. Shown to be incredibly strong and lethal to the point where the Cupbros refused to fire them directly at Bendy during training despite his feral state (Ch 165).

#### Snap-Frost Bullets- White

Ice bullets that can freeze a maximum three-foot radius. Like the charge shot above the amount of damage these bullets do depends on how long the user charges the shot for. When first lit this white bullet sits on the end of the finger with small snowflakes swirling around it. As it charges the snowflakes grow larger to show the shot becoming more powerful. Once shot the bullet is fired it flies forward in a white streak with snowflakes continuing to fall from it, curving downwards in the same way a thrown baseball might as it heads towards its target. As demonstrated by the curve of the shot this bullet does have some weight, as when it was fired into the earth it kicked up dirt when it hit. It also makes an odd twang sound, likened to that of a chord struck underwater, when it hits it's target. The more powerful the shot fired, the louder this twang is. On it's lowest charge this shot will simply cover it's target in frost while a fully charged shot covers the full three-foot radius with ice with spikes of ice growing up out of the radius (Ch 252). When shot towards something it can freeze it solid to the nearest available surface, leaving the item or target trapped for as long as the ice remains. This ice is far stronger than normal ice, able to handle strong blows and pulls on it without shattering. While it will eventually slowly melt naturally it can be melted away faster using other Dish bullets (Ch 308). It should be noted that while using this shot the user feels a cold sensation equivalent to sticking their hand in ice water. The more powerful the shot, the colder the shot feels and, though the cold stops when the user stops using the shot, it can take a little while to shake off this sensation (Ch 252). If held long enough the shooter will even begin shivering and frost will appear on clothing items close to the hand with the bullet (Ch 308).

The potion for the Snap-Frost is contained in a icicle-shaped vial that glows a pale blue with a snowflake symbol on the label. Upon first ingestion of the person a strong chill races down the spine of the user, causing them to shiver. Goosebumps cover the user's skin and if they breathe during this time it will cloud in front of them like it would in winter air regardless of the actual surrounding temperature (Ch 252).

As well as these standard bullets Cuphead also has a "Super" that his brother does not have. He is able to unleash a powerful blast of magic liquid from his head, which is compared to a waterfall by Yakko (Ch 33), by jumping up and spinning in the air so he is horizontal with the ground.

### Languages

The authors have stated that he can speak up to four or five languages, normally just enough to pass through a country. He has the ability to fake accents as well. Half the time when he is learning a new language the first words he gets are the swears. Cuphead can speak Russian (Eastern) very well (actually likes the guttural tones of the language) for a main foreign language. He can also speak German, Cockney English, and Northern UK. He can fake the accents of the languages he is able to speak as well as Italian and New Yorker accents. If Cup gets mad and is in Russia, he'll switch between Russian and English swears. Both Cup and Mugs speak with a dominant southern accent because of where they were raised, normally dropping the "g" from certain words (Example: Gonna, runnin', fightin', cussin' and so on).

### Personality

Cuphead is often described as a "hothead" by others. He tends to get angry easily and will often picks fights with other people. Others have said that he is very good at getting people angry at him, mostly due to his rather blunt way of speaking. Bendy notes that he often uses this snide bluntness, as well as annoyance, to get people to stop talking about certain topics he doesn't want to discuss (Ch 255). He also tends to swear quite a lot. It should also be noted that he is very skilled in intimidation, as he has scared multiple characters throughout the series.

Cuphead's personality has also notably changed due to the Demon blood added to his system. Not only has he become angrier and colder than before but he has also begun to suffer from rage blackouts. When in a blackout his eyes would glow red and he would continue to fight and destroy things until everything around him was torn to pieces. So far only Mugman has been successful in stopping him while he is in this state without serious injury. Afterwards Cuphead never really remembers what happened during his blackouts, leaving him confused and upset (Ch 159).

Between the two brothers Cuphead is the "leader" and tends to take charge when they are on jobs. In fact, in many stressful situations he tends to take charge, such as when he made a plan on how to stop a slaughter at the Dark Circus. Alice even described him as "a calm in a storm" at the time (Ch 153). He will often make most of the plans and do the majority of the negotiating with criminal contacts while he and Mugs are on the job. Thanks to making many of the decisions for these jobs, Cuphead has gained a good head for strategy. However, most of his intelligence falls into the "street smarts" category, as he himself even admits he doesn't read much and his educational background isn't exactly standard schooling. He has become somewhat cautious after years of dealing with criminals. He is not one to easily give trust in other. This cautiousness has also lead him to have top notch awareness in every situation he is in, such as when he noticed Black Hat attempting to steal the Cog despite being in the middle of an argument with Bendy (Ch 95). Cuphead has shown to be very perceptive of other people, being able to read them and make fairly accurate inferences about them quickly.

Despite his prickly attitude, Cuphead has proven to be very caring towards his friends. Shortly after becoming friends with The Questers, Cuphead actually attempted to manipulate The Devil into giving them more time to help them with the quest (Ch 82). Both him and Mugman have used their criminal reputation in order to protect their friends, such as when they protected Holly from the various rumors flying around the local mobs after Nightmare Night (Ch 95). He is good at giving "tough love" style pep talks to friends when they are struggling through something, such as with Bendy (Ch 95) and Holly (Ch 96) when they were both struggling with the consequences of Nightmare Night.

Cuphead is a trickster and often enjoys playing pranks on others (especially Bendy). Him and Bendy have gotten into multiple prank wars over the course of the series. He also seems to enjoy puns.

## Soul Contract

The Cupbros current soul contract was negotiated between Cuphead and The Devil a few months after they lost their fight with him. The contract states that the Cupbros have to do a certain amount of specific tasks for the Devil. However they wouldn't know how many tasks or what any of those tasks would entail. In exchange, the Cupbros would get their souls back as well as being given one charm and one super between the two of them in addition to their bullets to complete their tasks. Elder Kettle was also protected from The Devil, and anyone working for The Devil, as long as the Cupbros had no contact with him (Ch 172).

## Biology

Both Cuphead and Mugman's heads are filled with liquid magic, though many people mistake it for milk due to it's similar appearance. They can harden the consistency of their liquid magic into a firm jello-like substance or soften it back into a liquid form. This allows them to put thing into their heads or take it out of them. The Cupbros have poured a number of substances into their head, such as tea and beer, which Cup claims that it allows the substances to enter their systems faster and with more impact then if they drank it (Ch 29). However, they can not taste the drinks poured directly into their heads (Ch 243). When angry, the liquid in their heads will heat up and literally start steaming while nervousness or fear will cause condensation to form on the sides of their heads. It is also shown in a chapter of Inky Extra's that Cup's hair changes color in response to what he put in his head, as his hair darkens when he pours in tea (Inky Extra's Ch 106).

However, no matter what consistency they have their liquid magic at anything that travels down their straws will get into their heads regardless of whether they want it there or not. Mugman notes that Bendy should only put things down the straw that he could safely put in his own mouth, implying that anything else would be harmful (Ch 127). When Cuphead had tea leaves in his head after them being put down his straw he mentions that his body can naturally filter them out of his system, though it will take time (Ch 128). According to this Tumblr post The straws are used to keep a spot open for magic to filter out of the top of their heads. Otherwise, they would have to keep their entire head liquid and more vulnerable to things getting in or spilling. If they keep it firm without a straw or some opening, they’ll develop flu-like systems from magic buildup, and eventually their magic system will poison itself and they’ll die. When surprised, their straws become exclamation points, while confusion changes them into question marks. Cup mentions that he does not have nerves in the straw either so he can't feel it when it get's ripped (Ch 100), and that if it get's clogged it gives him a headache (Ch 128). During their fight with the Warners, Dot grabbed Cuphead's straw and blew into it, which caused his hair to puff up (Ch 33).

Their skin is also notably different then the average toon's. Cuphead explains that their skin is probably just as strong as normal skin but it is stiffer, causing it to crack or chip instead of split. Fanny also says that their skin is smoother then a normal toon's as well. Because of their odd skin the Cupbros have to use a special cream to heal up their cracks, which stings when they use it (Ch 100).

In Chapter 218 it is revealed by Cannikin that cup-based Dishes such as the Cupbros have their brain located in their heads. The brain sits not in the hollow of their head but rather underneath the base of their cup.

### Specialty Cells

Dishes, unlike other toons, have two additional cells in their system that seem to act as a kind of magic immune system (Inky Extra's Ch 73). The Dish immune system is legendary in it's effectiveness, Dishes are rarely ever sick and are resilient against most poisons.

The first cell is a crescent moon shaped cell that travels in groups of 4-12. When White Egret was introduced into the bloodstream these cells encircled part of the potion and absorbed it. Holly describes this as an upgraded version of a white blood cells response and claimed these were the "offense" of the magic immune system. After absorbing the potion these cells began secreting a substance that went around to all other cells (including the black) and repaired them. When ink from an ink attack was introduced into the blood these cells were the first response and absorbed the ink. However, the ink still caused these cell's to liquify. These cells are also what make up Cuphead's hair (Inky Extra's Ch 73).

The second cell in this magical immune system is a cylinder shaped cell with two thin lines running down the length of it and two pairs of circles attached to either end. They are very active in the bloodstream as they seem to move among other cells though are apparently too small for Holly to see what they were doing. When White Egret was introduced into the bloodstream these cells acted as a "defense", taking the crescent cells towards the potion while moving Cuphead's black cells away from it. After the potion was absorbed these cells moved any damaged cells towards the crescent cells to be healed. When ink from an ink attack was added to the blood stream these cells pushed the crescent cell towards the ink. Once the ink began liquifying cells, these cells attempted to protect other cells by keeping all but the crescent cells away from the ink (Inky Extra's Ch 73).

Cuphead, thanks to an experiment by Black Hat in his childhood, also has the special Demon cell in his blood. This is a round black cell with a white spot on it about the size of a red blood cell. This means that, in theory, Cuphead should have some immunity to Ink Illness. Having this cell in this system seems to have caused a number of side effects for Cuphead. For instance, Mugs and Cup state that it was just after Cup got the Demon blood put in his head that his eyes started flashing red and he began suffering from rage-induced blackouts (Ch 104). Shadows have also been shown to react oddly to Cup's emotional state, such as when their excited twisting due to Cup's violent intent warned Bendy that Cup was about to shoot at him when they first met (Ch 16).

## Trivia and Notes

### Trivia

* According to Mugman as a child Cuphead would often try to bring various birds, squirrels and rabbits into the house (Ch 80)
* His bent straw and hair come from his mother
* According to Inky Extras Snowball's Day Out, Snowball refers to him as Alpha while Jackpot calls him The Great Man
* In Popeye's Punch it is mentioned that he likes sweet things
* He's an early riser
* Once he considers someone a friend he will usually give them a nickname
* As a boy, Cup played baseball and was the best pitcher on the Inkwell Isles (Ch 203)
* Mugman admits that both him and Cuphead have zany aspects about them, even though Cup doesn't like acknowledging them (Inky Extra's Ch 105)
* According to this Tumblr post Cuphead's favorite flower is wood lilies
* Cuphead's Labyrinth dream door was a dark wood door with the ace of hearts carved into it with two bent straws on either side of it (Ch 226)
* He has all the constellations memorized (Ch 106)
* Cuphead began smoking out of spite around age fifteen in order to annoy Dr. Flug, who had weak lungs and would cough from the smoke (Ch 127)
* Cup's comb was a gift from Mugman (Ch 130)
* The Cupbros have visited a number of countries such as Italy, England and Spain (Ch 236)
* The Cupbros straws are very durable, capable of splintering and even chopping through wood with enough work without any lasting damage being done to the straw itself (Ch 252)
* Cuphead almost started a civil war in another country (Ch 279)

### Notes

* Cuphead is primarily written by Tap (ThisAnimatedPhantom)
* He is the only non-demon character known to have demon blood in his system

* Oh, I like him. He’s always been a little source of chaos! So much trouble! He’s fantastic! Definitely one of my favorites to watch, wouldn’t you agree? Fair better than any dusty old order of knights. I can’t wait for him to-well that would be telling. (Lolling's Note: Hi Chaos!)