How ‘Banana Man’ Took A Small Indiana Town By Storm: ‘I Didn’t Expect To Be A Banana’

In Linton, Indiana, there have been reports and sightings of a superhero of sorts, “Banana Man.”

“Just boom, like a yellow streak going by,” one Linton resident said. “…And everyone says, ‘It’s the Banana Man.'”

“Little legs and tights,” said another.

Banana Man started popping up around town a few months ago. Videos that also began circulating on social media appeared to show a boy, around middle school age, riding his bike around town in a fanny pack suit.

So CBS News came to Linton to investigate and find out who and why, but it wasn’t easy.

Because Banana Man’s other trademark is that he never speaks. In fact, by all accounts, he never uttered a word publicly. That is, until now.

In an interview, CBS News disguised his voice to protect his identity.

“So my mom bought a banana costume at Goodwill, and I put it on and rode my bike as a joke,” says Banana Man of how his alter ego took shape. “And I saw that it made a lot of people smile, and I like making people smile.”

Banana Man said that when he was younger he dreamed of being a superhero.

“But I didn’t expect to be a banana,” he said.

But as a banana, it has much more appeal. The people of Linton have now fully embraced the legend and many have even dressed up as him for Halloween.

A local girls’ cross-country team held a race in her honor. Some people even wear Banana Man T-shirts.

“People are honking and yelling and waving,” one Linton resident said of Banana Man sightings.

As a thank you to his legions, Banana Man distributes autographed cards, which have become a true collector’s item in Linton.

What started as a joke has now made a serious difference. Banana Man brought the city together.

“Yeah, it feels good. I feel proud,” Banana Man said. “And I’m just going to keep doing the same thing that I’m doing.”