Name: Frank Retruf (a.k.a. Hot Dog, Canine Defender of the Innocent)
Occupation: Software Developer at SeaLeft Software, Super Hero
First Appearance:
     As Hot Dog: Hot Dog, Canine Defender of the Innocent issue #1
     As Frank Retruf: Hot Dog weekly strip #3

Bio:
Frank Retruf was an ordinary dog, working as a software developer for the small company SeaLeft Software, when he ate a hot dog laced with radioactive sardines. Due to a weird gastronomical convergence, Frank developed super powers. At the urging of his friend Cedric, Frank became the super hero Hot Dog, Canine Defender of the Innocent.

As Hot Dog, Frank wages a battle against the forces of nastiness throughout the city. He has had encounters with such enemies as Mister Mustard, the Scrambler, Heat Wave, and F. L. Ine. Hot Dog works closely with the city police, aiding them in their cases.

By day Frank sets aside his red and yellow costume and tries to live a normal life. Since gaining his powers, however, he has a greater interest in physical activities and a greater dependence on coffee to keep him awake through the day.

Attending a party at the ritzy Club Posh, Frank met star reporter Mindy Minx. The two were getting to know one another when Frank had to leave to stop a jewellery heist as Hot Dog. While in super-hero guise he met Mindy but his arrogant attitude totally turned her off. Now Frank wonders where he stands with the attractive reporter.

In his civilian life, Frank works for the company SeaLeft Software as the lead software developer. He is also the groups hardware expert, although he has had to brush up his knowledge with the help of Honey Klim's eight year old nephew, albert.

Frank was shocked and dismayed when he learned, several years after the fact, that SeaLeft Software had been acquired by Ine Industries. The head of Ine Industries, F. L. Ine, is one of Frank's alter ego Hot Dog's most dangerous foes.

Behind-the-scenes:
Hot Dog was the first Cubes character created (even before there was a Frank Retruf or even the name Cubes). He started off as a number of sketches scrawled in the margins of old university notes.

The extent of Hot Dog's powers has been kept intentionally vague. Essentially, Hot Dog has whatever powers are needed for any given gag to work. The only powers that have been definitively stated are his super strength, super hearing, and his resistance to bullets. It's also been hinted that Hot Dog is faster than ordinary animals.

As Frank Retruf, the character is usually seen with a cup of coffee nearby. The rationale is that since he's out fighting crime at night, he needs coffee to keep him awake during the day. Frank Retruf's name is a fairly obvious twist on the word "frankfurter".