Monday, December 25, 2023

Should Have Had Their Own Cartoon...."Rocky And Bugsy" 1953 (vintage History)


Rocky and Mugsy made their debut in the animated short titled "Racketeer Rabbit," which was released in 1946. However, it wasn't until 1953 that the characters were officially paired together in "By Word of Mouse." This cartoon featured the mobster Rocky, voiced by Mel Blanc, and his dimwitted sidekick Mugsy.
  1. Characters:

    • Rocky is a small but ruthless mobster who often takes on the role of a leader. Despite his diminutive size, he is tough, cunning, and has a distinctive nasal voice.
    • Mugsy, on the other hand, is a large, lumbering character who is loyal to Rocky but lacks intelligence. He often serves as the muscle for Rocky's schemes.
  2. Classic Shorts: Rocky and Mugsy appeared in a series of classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts produced by Warner Bros. These cartoons often revolved around the duo's criminal activities and their interactions with Bugs Bunny or other characters.

  3. Notable Shorts:

    • "Bugs and Thugs" (1954): Bugs Bunny outsmarts Rocky and Mugsy, leading to comedic confrontations.
    • "Gun Crazy" (1950): This cartoon features Daffy Duck interacting with Rocky and Mugsy, with the former being a gangster.
  4. Legacy: The Rocky and Mugsy duo became iconic for their recurring roles as comically inept gangsters in the Looney Tunes universe. Their shorts are remembered for the humorous interactions between the characters and their foiled attempts at outsmarting the likes of Bugs Bunny and other classic Warner Bros. characters.

  5. Conclusion:

  6. While "Rocky and Muggsy" may not have been as prominent or long-running as some other Looney Tunes characters, their presence in various animated shorts contributed to the rich history and humor of the Looney Tunes franchise.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Can't Get Enough Of... "The Incredible Hulk" 1966-2019

 


The Hulk, a popular Marvel Comics character created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, has been a staple in comic book culture since his first appearance in "The Incredible Hulk" #1 in May 1962. The character quickly gained popularity, leading to various adaptations across different media, including animated television series. Let's delve into the history of the Hulk cartoons in detail.

  1. The Marvel Super Heroes (1966): The first animated appearance of the Hulk was in "The Marvel Super Heroes," an anthology series that featured rotating segments of different Marvel characters. The Hulk segment, like the other parts of the show, utilized limited animation and often lifted artwork directly from the comics. The series was a modest success and introduced the Hulk to a broader audience.


  2. The Incredible Hulk (1982): In 1982, a more dedicated Hulk animated series, titled "The Incredible Hulk," was produced by Marvel Productions. This show marked a departure from the previous animated format by offering more sophisticated storytelling. The series followed Dr. Bruce Banner's struggles with his gamma-ray-induced transformations into the Hulk and his quest for a cure. It ran for two seasons and featured memorable episodes like the two-part "The Origin of the Hulk" and "Bruce Banner, Unmasked!"



  3. The Incredible Hulk (1996-1997): A new animated series, also titled "The Incredible Hulk," premiered in 1996. This series had a more modern animation style and aimed at a slightly older audience. It featured story arcs that drew inspiration from the comics, including the Grey Hulk storyline. The show was well-received for its character development and exploration of Hulk's psyche. It ran for two seasons before concluding in 1997.


  4. Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. 2013-2015


    "Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H." was a more recent addition to the Hulk's animated legacy. Premiering in 2013, the series took a different approach by featuring not only the Hulk but also other gamma-powered characters, forming a team known as the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (which stands for "Smashing, Mashing, Adventuring, Shouting, and Hulking"). The show explored the dynamics between the different Hulk personas and provided a unique perspective on the character.

  5. Avengers Assemble (2013-2019):


    While not solely a Hulk series, the character played a significant role in the "Avengers Assemble" animated series, which ran from 2013 to 2019. The show featured the Hulk as a member of the Avengers, showcasing his interactions with other iconic Marvel heroes.

Throughout the years, the Hulk has remained a compelling character in animated adaptations, capturing the essence of his inner struggle and monstrous alter ego. These cartoons have contributed to the broader appeal of the Hulk, making him a beloved figure in both comic books and animated media.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Do You Remember Ignat The Brick Throwing Mouse...On Krazy Kat Cartoons 1920-1963


 Krazy Kat is a classic American comic strip created by George Herriman. The

strip first appeared in 1913 and ran until 1944. It gained popularity for its unique and surreal artistic style, as well as its complex, multilayered humor.

The main characters in Krazy Kat are Krazy Kat, a black cat with a simple and innocent demeanor; Ignatz Mouse, a mischievous mouse who frequently throws bricks at Krazy Kat;


and Officer Pupp, a dog who is in love with Krazy Kat and often tries to protect Krazy from Ignatz's brick-throwing antics.

The strip is renowned for its abstract, expressionistic art style and its exploration of themes such as love, friendship, and the absurdities of life. Herriman's use of language and the characters' interactions added depth to the strip, making it a unique and influential work in the history of American comics.

As for animated adaptations, Krazy Kat was featured in a series of animated shorts produced by Columbia Pictures in the 1920s. The cartoons were silent and featured music and sound effects. The character also appeared in later animated adaptations, including a 1963 TV series produced by King Features Syndicate and another attempt in the 1990s.




Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Maybe Too Young To Remember This Classic Vintage Cartoon..."Sinkin n The Bathtub" 1930



"Sinkin' in the Bathtub" is a significant animated short film that marks the debut of Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes series. Released in 1930, it was directed by Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising, who played pivotal roles in the early development of animation at Warner Bros.

The cartoon is considered a pioneering work in the history of animated cinema and set the stage for the creation of iconic characters like Porky Pig and Daffy Duck.

 Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising Background: Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising were both animators who began their careers working for Walt Disney. They were part of the team that created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons. However, in 1928, they left Disney after a dispute over financial matters and formed their own animation studio. Harman and Ising established their own studio in 1929. They started producing a series of cartoons featuring a character named Bosko, a curious and mischievous character who would later become one of the first stars of the Looney Tunes series.
 Contract with Warner Bros.: In 1930, Harman and Ising signed a deal with Warner Bros. to produce a series of animated shorts. This agreement led to the creation of the Looney Tunes series, with "Sinkin' in the Bathtub" as the inaugural release. The success of this cartoon laid the foundation for the enduring partnership between Warner Bros. and the two animators. 
 "Sinkin' in the Bathtub" (1930) Premiere: The cartoon was released on April 19, 1930, and it premiered at the Strand Theater in New York City. Characters: The cartoon features Bosko, the main character, and his girlfriend Honey. Bosko is an inkblot character, and his design was influenced by the early blackface minstrelsy characters, reflecting the animation style of the time.
Plot: The storyline revolves around Bosko attempting to serenade Honey in a bathtub, but various obstacles and comedic situations ensue. The cartoon is known for its musical elements, with Bosko singing and using everyday objects as instruments.
Innovation: "Sinkin' in the Bathtub" showcased the technological innovations and creativity of the time. The synchronization of animation with a synchronized soundtrack was a relatively new concept, and the cartoon featured synchronized music and sound effects. Success: The cartoon was well-received and played a crucial role in establishing the popularity of animated shorts produced by Harman-Ising Productions for Warner Bros. It contributed to the success of the Looney Tunes franchise. 
 Legacy: The success of "Sinkin' in the Bathtub" paved the way for the continued collaboration between Harman and Ising with Warner Bros., leading to the creation of more animated shorts featuring Bosko and other characters. 
 The Looney Tunes series evolved over the years, introducing iconic characters like Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, and many more, becoming one of the most celebrated and enduring animated franchises in history. The early work of Harman and Ising at Warner Bros. laid the groundwork for the animation industry's growth and contributed to the development of animated storytelling techniques that would be influential for decades to come.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

"Smarted Than The Average Bear"....Who said that on Saturday Morning Cartoons? 1958-1962

 


Yogi Bear is a beloved animated character who first appeared in the Hanna-Barbera cartoon "The Huckleberry Hound Show" in 1958. Created by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Yogi

quickly became one of the most iconic and enduring characters in animation history. Here's a detailed history of Yogi Bear:

Early Years:

  1. Creation and Debut (1958): Yogi Bear made his first appearance on The Huckleberry Hound Show in 1958 as a supporting character. He was initially designed as a sidekick to Huckleberry Hound but quickly gained popularity due to his witty personality and charm.

The Yogi Bear Show (1961-1962):

  1. Spin-Off Series: Yogi's popularity led to the creation of his own show, "The Yogi Bear Show," which premiered in 1961. The show featured Yogi's adventures in Jellystone Park, where he constantly outsmarted the park ranger and pilfered picnic baskets.

Yogi's Catchphrases:

  1. "Smarter than the Average Bear": Yogi's famous catchphrase, "I'm smarter than the average bear," became synonymous with his character. It highlighted his clever and scheming nature.

Other Characters:

  1. Boo Boo Bear: Yogi's sidekick and best friend, Boo Boo, was introduced as a loyal companion who often tried to keep Yogi out of trouble. Boo Boo's catchphrase was, "Yogi, do you really think that's a good idea?"

  2. Ranger Smith: The long-suffering park ranger, whose job was to keep Yogi in check and maintain order in Jellystone Park.

Cultural Impact:

  1. Merchandising and Spin-Offs: Yogi Bear's success extended beyond television with the release of comic books, merchandise, and even feature films. He became a cultural icon, with his image appearing on a variety of products.

  2. Yogi Bear in Comics: Yogi appeared in various comic book series, extending his adventures beyond the animated screen.

Feature Films and Revivals:

  1. "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear!" (1964): Yogi Bear starred in his first feature film, which combined live-action and animation.

  2. Later Revivals: Yogi Bear continued to be featured in various revivals and adaptations over the years, including a new animated series and a 2010 live-action/CGI film titled "Yogi Bear."

Legacy:

  1. Enduring Popularity: Yogi Bear's character has stood the test of time, remaining popular with audiences of all ages. His legacy is marked by his wit, charm, and the timeless appeal of his animated adventures.

Despite the passing of his creators, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Yogi Bear remains a beloved character in the hearts of fans, symbolizing the golden age of American animation.

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

"The Mad Doctor" Mickey Mouse Cartoon 1933...One Of The Scariest Cartoons Ever !!


The plot is fixated on the title character, an insane mad doctor who has hijacked Mickey's canine, Pluto. Mickey attempts to safeguard him before the insane doctor can play out his examination: putting Pluto's head to the body of a chicken to check whether a dog/chicken will bring forth a puppy from an egg. Mickey fights his way through booby traps and energized skeletons before at last getting found out. Then he is lashed onto a table to get cut open by a buzz-saw. Mickey sucked in his tummy so he wouldn't be cut in half. The scene then, at that point, blurs to Mickey sleeping in bed and unexpectedly awakened by a mosquito or fly😏 whose humming looks like the buzzing of the saw. Not yet understanding the occasions were just a bad dream, Mickey yells for Pluto, who enthusiastically bounces onto Mickey's bed unharmed.

The cartoon was banned in the United Kingdom and Nazi Germany and some theaters in the United States...because it was thought to be too scary for children. 

Billy Bletcher played the mad doctor (Voice)....and Pinto Colvig played Pluto the dog (voice).  
                                     
                                                    
                                                                       Click Here.....


Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Brief History Of " Droopy Dog "...Do You Remember This Lovable Dog" Who Could whip Some Butt" !! 1943-1960's


 Droopy Dog is an animated cartoon character from the golden age of American Animation. He was created in 1943 by Tex Avery for theatrical cartoon shorts.
Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and voiced by Bill Thompson. Due to his extremely slow nature and deadpan voice, Droopy was a hit with audiences and went on to become one of MGM's most popular cartoon characters, alongside other staples like Tom and Jerry and Barney Bear. He made regular appearances in cartoons from the 1940s until the early 1960s, and since then he has made sporadic random guest appearances in both animated shows and feature films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Space Jam. As his name implies, Droopy is always portrayed as a droopy-eyed mutt, although his original design was much rougher and less refined than what we know today. He is often presented as a foil to other characters in the cartoons, most notably in his rivalry with Wolfie, who was actually modeled after him but with a more aggressive disposition. Tex Avery, the creator of Droopy Dog, was renowned for his wit and visual humour. He worked at a number of studios throughout his career, including Warner Brothers and MGM, and was largely responsible for developing the "looney" style of animation that's still popular today. He also had a hand in creating other popular characters such as Daffy Duck, Screwy Squirrel, and George P. Dog. Avery was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 and passed away in 1980.




Monday, December 4, 2023

William ( refrigerator) Perry " The Frig"....Did You Know They Made A GI Joe Cartoon Commercial Of Him ? 1985

 

Cartoon Fans.....I had to through this bit of vintage history in, cause the Frig was my favorite football players of all-times.


The history of the Gi Joe William Perry commercial dates back to 1985 when the toy company Hasbro created a toy line called G.I. Joe A Real American Hero. As part of its marketing campaign, the company created a series of television commercials featuring then-NFL star William "The Refrigerator" Perry. The ads were incredibly successful, gaining a massive amount of attention and making Perry into a household name. The commercial featured Perry in full G.I. Joe uniform, with a voiceover intoning, “He’s tough, he’s athletic, he can run, catch, and tackle – William ‘The Refrigerator’ Perry!” In the ad, Perry is then seen running through a field with a giant G.I. Joe figure strapped to his back. The ad ends with the tagline “G.I. Joe – America’s Movable Fighting Man.” The commercial was an immediate hit, and it made Perry an overnight celebrity. He was even invited to appear on various TV shows, such as “Good Morning America” and “Nightline”, as a result of his newfound fame. The commercial also cemented G.I. Joe’s place in pop culture history, becoming one of the most recognizable commercials of its time. It proved so popular that Hasbro later released a set of G.I. Joe figures featuring Perry in full G.I. Joe gear.

Even today, more than thirty years later, the Gi Joe William Perry commercial remains an iconic piece of pop culture.
 Now If You Don't Know Frig ?






    

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Snickering Dog Named Muttley 1960's...Cracked Me Up !!

 


Muttley Mutt is a cartoon dog character created by Hanna-Barbera and best known as the sidekick of the villain Dick Dastardly in the 1960s television series Wacky Races and its spin-off series, Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines. Muttley first appeared on Wacky Races, where he served as the snickering partner of Dick Dastardly's villainy. Although initially called "Snarl," the name was changed to "Muttley" before the debut episode aired. The character was voiced by Don



Messick with a slight Southern drawl, and his signature sound effects (such as "wuh-wuh-wuh") were provided by Mel Blanc. Muttley was typically revealed to be the smarter of the two, often foiling Dastardly's schemes. His loyalty to Dastardly only extended to the point where it benefited him; otherwise, he had little respect for his master's orders and often played pranks on him. After Wacky Races ended its run in 1968, Hanna-Barbera produced the spin-off series Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines. This show focused more on the duo's bumbling attempts at air combat, as they worked for an organization called Vulture Squadron. In this series, Muttley was given a larger role and more individual storylines. The character was featured in several pink and white cartoons during the 1970s and beyond, usually without Dastardly. Muttley appeared in The Perils of Penelope Pitstop, Yogi's Treasure Hunt, Laff-A-Lympics, and Crazy Chase, among other Hanna-Barbera shows. The character has also made several guest appearances on other animated programs, such as Animaniacs and Duck Dodgers. More recently, the character has appeared in the 2020 Scooby-Doo! and Guess Who? series and the 2019 reboot of Wacky Races.