Jose Carioca was originally created in the early 1940s by the Walt Disney Company, to help improve relations between The United States and Latin America during World War II, he would make his film debut in a segment in the film “Saludos Amigos” where he appeared alongside Donald Duck. He would later appear with Donald and Mexican rooster, Panchito Pistoles in the film “The Three Caballeros”.
Jose Carioca is very popular in Brazil, having had his own comic book since 1961 with over 1800 issues so far. He is mostly referred to as Zé Carioca, Zé being a common nickname for José in Brazil. Most of his relatives and several other supporting characters also share the name Zé.
As with many other Disney characters, Jose has a super-hero persona. He calls himself Morcego Verde (Green Bat) when he fights crime.