Friday, November 21, 2008
Today in Toons #2838
On this day in 1948 comix cartoonist Larry Welz was born. The creator of Cherry Poptart hits the Big Six-Oh today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
On this day in 1967 a well-established cartoon family increased by one member. Snuffy Smith's kid, Tater, is 42 years old today.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
On this day in 1923 one of the 1960s mainstays of DC Comics was born. Mike Sekowsky, co-creator of Star Hawkins, B'Wana Beast and of course The Justice League of America, entered the world 85 years ago today.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
On this day in 1998 Cartoon Network (Johnny Bravo, Dexter's Lab) launched a brand-new superhero series. Powerpuff Girls begen ten years ago today.
Monday, November 17, 2008
On this day in 1934 Snuffy Smith committed his first potentially deadly assault against Barney Google. The historic shot was fired 74 years ago today.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
On this day in 1916 America's second-most famous (after Mel Blanc) voice man was born. Daws Butler, who spoke for Huck, Yogi and more, uttered his first sound 92 years ago today.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
On this day in 1946 Repunlic Pictures (Nyoka the Jungle Girl, King of the Royal Mounted) released Santa Fe Uprising, which wasn't the first time Red Ryder was in the movies, but it was the first with a new star. Alan "Rocky" Lane, who later played Red on TV, first appeared in the role 62 years ago today.
Friday, November 14, 2008
On this day in 2003 the Looney Tunes guys went back into action. Looney Tunes: Back in Action was released five years ago today.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
On this day in 1978 one of America's most popular movie stars received one of show biz's highest honors. Mickey Mouse was awarded a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame 30 years ago today.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
On this day in 1915 cartoonist Cal Alley was born. The creator of The Ryatts would, if living, have been 93 years old today.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
On this day in 1992 Disney premiered a new animated feature that later became a half-hour TV series. Aladdin was first seen 16 years ago today.
Monday, November 10, 2008
On this day in 1953 an obscure Disney featurette had its even more obscure moment in theatres. Ben & Me was released 55 years ago today.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
On this day in 1886 actor Ed Wynn was born. The voice of Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter was first heard 122 years ago today.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
On this day in 1959 one of America's first black comic book artists died. Matt Baker (Phantom Lady, Sky Girl) was killed in a tragic accident 49 years ago today.
Friday, November 7, 2008
On this day in 1970 MGM released another feature-length animated cartoon by Chuck Jones. The Phantom Tollbooth came out 38 years ago today,
Thursday, November 6, 2008
On this day in 1972 an unusual and critically-acclaimed newspaper comic began from Newspaper Enterprises Association (Alley Oop, Red Ryder). It was the day before that year's election, according to cartoonist Bob Thaves, that he launched Frank & Ernest — 36 years ago today.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
On this day in 1966 Warner Bros. released Sugar & Spies, which seemed like a perfectly ordinary cartoon at the time. But the very last Road Runner/Coyote cartoon came out 42 years ago today.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
On this day in 1945 the cartoonist who, some say, is the most talented ever to work on Tarzan started a comic strip of his own. Drago, by Burne Hogarth, began 63 years ago today.
Monday, November 3, 2008
On this day in 1928 a cartoon man of international repute was born. Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy) entered this world 80 years ago today.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
On this day in 1923 a prolific voice man was born. Shepard Menken, heard in Thundarr the Barbarian, The Phantom Tollbooth, Super President and elsewhere would, if living, have been 85 years old today.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
On this day in 1975 we lost a prominent journeyman cartoonist. Mel Graff, whose credits include Secret Agent X-9 and Captain Easy, died 33 years ago today.
Friday, October 31, 2008
On this day in 1996 one of comics' more memorable weddings took place. Dressed as Batman and Robin, Funky Winkerbean's Les and Lisa tied the knot 12 years ago today.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
On this day in 1935 a pioneer in the field of comic book journalism, who was covering the doings of Marvel and DC long before it became possible to make a living at it, was born. Don Thompson, co-editor (with his wife Maggie) of The Comic Buyer's Guide, would, if living, have been 73 years old today.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
On this day in 1966 a new made-for TV Terrytoons series began. Ralph Bakshi's Moghty Heroes started 42 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
On this day in 1928 an old character came out from a new studio. Universal Pictures released Bull-Oney, Walter Lantz's first Oswald the Rabbit cartoon, 80 years ago today.
Monday, October 27, 2008
On this day in 1923 a very highly paid plagiarist was born. Roy Lichtenstein, whose favorite "swipe" victim for his expensive canvasses was his World War II military superior, Irv Novick (Batman, The Shield), would, if living, have been 85 years old today.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
On this day in 1946 MGM launched a new cartoon series. Tex Avery's Henpecked Hobos, first of his George & Junior cartoons, was released 62 years ago today.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
On this day in 1925 a highly versatile cartoonist was born. Leonard Starr, whose work ranges from Mary Perkins (which he created) to Doctor Thirteen, is 83 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, October 24, 2008
On this day in 1962 Chuck Jones's first feature-length cartoon came out. Gay Purr-ee was released 46 years ago today.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
On this day in 1908 one of our most famous cartoonists began his rise to fame. Rube Goldberg's Foolish Questions began one century ago today.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
On this day in 1942 the best-known of Disney's original Mouseketeers was born. Annette Funicello is 66 years old today. Happy birthday!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
On this day in 1987 Carl Barks's creation Gladstone Gander made his animated debut. His first appearance on the DuckTales animated TV show occurred 21 years ago today.
Monday, October 20, 2008
On this day in 1908 Little Nemo in Slumberland opened at New York's Amsterdam Theatre. Winsor McCay's classic Sunday page became a Broadway play one hundred years ago today.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
On this day in 1963 Warner Bros. released Mad as a Mars Hare — the very last appearance of Marvin Martian during the days the studio made cartoons for theatrical release. Marvin was revived later, but during the Looney Tunes heyday, he was last seen 45 years ago today.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
On this day in 1896 William Randolph Hearst introduced "The American Humorist" as a section in the Sunday edition of his New York Journal — an important step leading to the Yellow Kid rivalry that was so big a part of the early history of U.S. comics. In a sense, then, the American comics industry can be said to have started 112 years ago today.
Friday, October 17, 2008
On this day in 1958 cartoonist Bill Holbrook was born. The creator of Safe Havens, On the Fastrack and Kevin & Kell hits The Big Five-Oh today. Happy birthday, Bill!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
On this day in 1923 Walt Disney signed his ill-fated contract with distributor Margaret J. Winkler. Legal groundwork for the later hijacking of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit by her husband was laid 85 years ago today.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
On this day in 1923 the man comic book artist Neal Adams (Deadman) once called "the worst inker ever in comics" was born. Leaving behind a mountain of non-exemplary work at both Marvel and DC, Vince Colletta would, if living, have been 85 years old today.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
On this day in 1945 Disney and King Features got together to produce one of their less famous comic strips. Tales of Uncle Remus, which was produced in conjunction with the feature Song of the South, started 63 years ago today.
Monday, October 13, 2008
On this day in 1993 Disney staged the premiere a feature quite different from its usual kind. The Nightmare Before Christmas was first seen 15 years ago today.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
On this day in 1989 we lost a giant in the history of TV animation. Jay Ward, who gave us Dudley Do-Right, George of the Jungle and (oh yes) Rocky & Bullwinkle, died 19 years ago today.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
On this day in 1954 Post-Hall Syndicate (Pogo, Dennis) launched a family comic that brought chuckles for more than a generation. The Ryatts began 54 years ago today.
Friday, October 10, 2008
On this day in 1961 the voice of Disney's The Little Mermaid was born. Jodi Benson is 47 years old today. Happy birthday!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
On this day in 1943 a Pulitzer-winning politcal cartoonist was born. Mike Peters, who also created Mother Goose & Grimm, is 65 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
On this day in 1933 The Chicago Tribune Syndicate launched a comic whose title has led many people to dismiss it as racial propaganda. Whiteboy was no such thing, however, from the moment it began, 75 years ago today.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
On this day in 1971 Disney staged the world premier of a feature that, like Song of the South before it and Who Framed Roger Rabbit after, combined live action with animation. Bedknobs & Broomsticks came out 37 years ago today.
Monday, October 6, 2008
On this day in 1968 the most politically incorrect Disney character of all time made his first and only animated appearance. Moby Duck, a whaler who smokes a pipe, made the transition from comic books to television 40 years ago today.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
On this day in 1996 The Walt Disney Company turned another of its old properties into a new half-hour TV series. Jungle Cubs, based on The Jungle Book, began 12 years ago today.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
On this day in 1943 one of the more longer-lived Tracy knock-offs debuted. Kerry Drake began 65 years ago today.
Friday, October 3, 2008
On this day in 1988 King Features launched a second daily and Sunday comic by cartoonist Bill Holbrook (On the Fastrack, Kevin & Kell). Safe Havens has been around for 20 years today.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
On this day in 2007 we lost a giant in comic book history. Richard Goldwater, one of the movers and shakers involved with the formation of The Comics Code Authority and, not incidentally, publisher of Archie Comics, died one year ago today.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Today in Toons #2787
On this day in 1954 a classic comic strip took to the air. The first Flash Gordon TV show began 54 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
On this day in 1968 Bull Tales, by Garry Trudeau, began in Yale's daily student paper. The characters who later achieved national distribution in Doonesbury were first seen 40 years ago today.
Monday, September 29, 2008
On this day in 1933 The Van Beuren Studio (Cubby Bear, Molly Moo Cow) launched a new cartoon series, licensed from King Features Syndicate. The Fatal Note, the first animated appearance of The Little King, was released 75 years ago today.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
On this day in 1963 Leonardo Productions (named after its first big hit — it was formerly called Total Television) launched a brand-new animated TV series. Tennessee Tuxedo & His Tales began 45 years ago today.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
On this day in 1947 Walt Disney's studio released one of its more famous compilation "features". Fun & Fancy Free, which contained the last and longest cartoon in which Donald, Mickey and Goofy had an adventure together, came out 61 years ago today.
Friday, September 26, 2008
On this day in 1968 a comics star became a TV star for the second time. Patricia Harty starred as Blondie in the remade television series, which began on CBS 40 years ago today.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
On this day in 1933 Dick Tracy got his first (and perhaps most slavish) imitator. Detective Dan Dun's comic was first seen 75 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
On this day in 1924 an early comic strip wedding took place. Rube Goldberg's Boob McNutt and his enamorata, Pearl, tied the knot 84 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
On this day in 1967 animé made another great advance in America. Speed Racer was first seen in this country 41 years ago today.
Monday, September 22, 2008
On this day in 1960 Hanna-Barbera launched a prime-time cartoon that was destined to become a classic. The Flintstones began 48 years ago today.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
On this day in 1927 Universal Pictures, future home of the Walter Lantz cartoon studio, released a two-reeler titled Dancing Fools — initiating a series of comedy shorts featuring Mike & Ike. The first film appearance of Rube Goldberg's pair of look-alike fools came out 81 years ago today.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
On this day in 1998 the Rugrats newspaper comic celebrated Rosh Hashanah by featuring Uncle Boris, in a strip that unexpectedly turned out to offend many Jewish readers. The final appearance of Uncle Boris, as well as the last time Rugrats ever mentioned a religious holiday of any kind, occurred ten years ago today.
Friday, September 19, 2008
On this day in 1979 a now-famous alternative comic had its humble beginning. Wolff & Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre made its first appearance in The Brooklyn Paper 29 years ago today.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
On this day in 1978 an American version of another Japanese cartoon debuted. Battle of the Planets reached these shores 30 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
On this day in 1947 a future winner of the Pulitzer Prize for cartooning was born. Jeff MacNelly, whose Pulitzer was for political cartoons but who is more famous as the creator of Shoe, took his first breath 61 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
On this day in 1949 Warner Bros. released Fast & Furry-ous, a cartoon that launched a major new series. Road Runner & Coyote were first seen 59 years ago today.
Monday, September 15, 2008
On this day in 1908 the actress who turned King Features star into a movie star was born. Penny Singleton, famous for portraying Blondie on the silver screen, entered this world one century ago today.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
On this day in 1964 the Medal of Freedom was given to a great American. President Lyndon Johnson awarded the medal to Walt Disney 44 years ago today.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
On this day in 1908 a major voice actress was born. Mae Questel, voice of Betty Boop, Olive Oyl and more would, if living, have been 100 years old today.
Friday, September 12, 2008
On this day in 1908 cartoonist Vernon Greene was born. He isn't particularly known for one comic strip, but handled several over the years including Polly & Her Pals and Bringing Up Father after their creators moved on. This versatile comics man entered our world one century ago today.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
On this day in 1993 Universal Cartoon Studios (a successor to Walter Lantz's operation) lsunched a new cartoon series on cable TV. Exosquad debuted on USA Network 15 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
On this day in 1966 another Hanna-Barbera TV show began. Space Kidettes debuted 42 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
On this day in 1972 Hanna-Barbera launched one of its many series that proved short-lived. Sealab 2020 debuted 36 years ago today.
Monday, September 8, 2008
On this day in 1958 an unremarkable but long-lived sports comic strip began. Gil Thorp is 50 years old today.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
On this day in 1963 the importation to America of manga and animé took a great leap forward. Astro Boy reached these shores 45 years ago today.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
On this day in 1958 one of the less memorable of a generally unmemorable lot, '50s TV cartoons, made its debut. Spunky & Tadpole is 50 years old today.
Friday, September 5, 2008
On this day in 1977 the worldwide animation community lost a cartoon man whose work has stood the test of time. Tatsuo Yoshida, creator of Speed Racer, died at the tragically young age of 44, 31 years ago today.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
On this day in 1994 The King Features (Prince Valiant, Popeye) launched a new comic strip that would soon be carried in hundreds of newspapers. Mutts, by Patrick McDonnell, began 14 years ago today.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
On this day in 1996 The Disney Afternoon programming block added a new half-hour. Quack Pack started 12 years ago today.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
On this day in 1939 Dick Tracy's G-Men was released to theatres. It wasn't Tracy's first movie, but it did come out 69 years ago today.
Monday, September 1, 2008
On this day in 1997 a sequel series began on Saturday morning. Extreme Ghostbusters picked up a few years after Real Ghostbusters ended ,11 years ago today.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
On this day in 1948 Li'l Abner's world faced its deadliest menace. Shmoos invaded for the first time 60 years ago today.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
On this day in 1942 Famous Studios released Terror on the Midway. The last theatrically-released Superman cartoon came out 66 years ago today.
Friday, August 29, 2008
On this day in 2000 a classic post-final monster movie sequal came out. Alvin & the Chipmunkc Meet the Wolfman was released eight years ago today.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
On this day in 1957 Disney released another of those short featurettes that, ten years earlier, would have been swept into one of their compilation "features". The Truth About Mother Goose came out 51 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
On this day in 2000 MTV (Beavis & Butthead) aired the full feature-length Is It Fall Yet?. Daria's first feature was seen eight years ago today.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
On this day in 1980 a legendary cartoon man died. The world has been limping along without Tex Avery. the creator of Bugs, Daffy and more, for 28 years today.
Monday, August 25, 2008
On this day in 1913 cartoonist Walt Kelly was born. The creator of Bumbazine, Albert and Pogo would, if living, have been 95 years old today.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Today in Toons #2749
On this day in 1941 cartoonist Jim Scancarelli was born. The current artist of Gasoline Alley is 67 years old today. Happy birthday, Jim!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
On this day in 2003 Duck Dodgers in the 24½th Century started his weekly series on Cartoon Network. What had started in the '50s as a one-off role for Daffy Duck got his own show five years ago today.
Friday, August 22, 2008
On this day in 1880 cartoonist George Herriman was born in New Orleans. The creator of Major Ozone, Gooseberry Sprigg and of course Krazy Kat came into the world 128 years ago today.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
On this day in 1919, future cartoonist Alfred G. Caplin lost a leg in a traffic accident. One of the events that shaped the boy who grew up to create Li'l Abner occurred 89 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
On this day in 1928, Disney released Hot Dog, its final cartoon in the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit series. After that, Oswald went elsewhere and Disney turned to new pursuits. Disney's last pre-Mickey cartoon came out 80 years today.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
>On this day in 1930, an orphan animated star was introduced. The Museum, first cartoon starring Toby the Pup was released 78 years ago today.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
On this day in 1956, a second-generation comic book artist was born. Marvel artist John Romita Jr. is 52 years old today. Happy birthday, John!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Today in Toons #2742
On this day in 1892, cartoonist Harold R. Foster was born. The creator of Prince Valiant came into the world 116 years ago today.
Friday, August 15, 2008
On this day in 1920, a classic character of children's literature (although a somewhat different version) became a Sunday page star. Harrison Cady's Peter Rabbit (based on Thornton W. Burgess's Peter, not Beatrix Potter's) began 88 years ago today.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
On this day in 2007, a feature-length version of Doctor Strange was released to home video. Marvel Comics' Sorcerer Supreme became an animated star one year ago today.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
On this day in 1983, Kudzu became a live-action TV show — only not quite. A pilot episode, which was never made into a series, was broadcast on CBS 25 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
On this day in 1902, comic book artist Jack Binder, brother of writers Earl and Otto Binder, was born. The man whose studio was involved with The Whizzer, Mary Marvel, Daredevil and much, much more, entered our world 106 years ago today.
Monday, August 11, 2008
On this day in 1934, Disney released Orphans' Benefit. The first cartoon (of many) to feature all of his Big Three (Donald, Mickey and Goofy) came out 74 years ago today.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
On this day in 1953, Walter Lantz's studio launched a new series of animated cartoons. Maw & Paw may not have set the world on fire, but it did begin 55 years ago today.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
On this day in 1964, cartoonist Fontaine Fox died. The pool of comics pioneers grew smaller with the loss of the creator of Toonerville Folks, 44 years ago today.
Friday, August 8, 2008
On this day in 1908, comic book artist Louis Cazeneuve was born. The co-creator of Red Raven, The Dart and much else among 1940s comics, took his first breath one century ago today.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
On this day in 1933, after a brief stint with a smaller syndicate, a popular, long-running comic strip was picked up by Newspaper Enterprise Association (Wash Tubbs, The Born Loser). Alley Oop hit the big time 75 years ago today.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Today in Toons #2732
On this day in 1945, at the age of six, cartoonist Keiji Nakazawa survived a disaster that devastated his home town. He grew up to create manga about the event. Hiroshima, the site of Nakazawa's Barefoot Gen, became the first city destroyed by an atomic bomb 63 years ago today.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
On this day in 1924, The Chicago Trbune launched a daily and Sunday comic strip that went on to become probably the most successful (and, many say, most schmaltzy) melodrama in cartoon history. Little Orphan Annie was first seen 84 years ago today.
Monday, August 4, 2008
On this day in 2007, the Kudzu daily comic strip ended, due to the death of its creator, with the Sunday following three weeks later. The demise of Doug Marlette necessitated the demise of his comic strip, starting one year ago today.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
On this day in 1990, John Darling went out with a bang. The TV star (in his series) and comic strip star (in real life) was shot to death in the second-last episode of his daily comic, 18 years ago today.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
On this day in 1920, Bill Scott was born. The voice of Bullwinkle J. Moose, among his other accomplishments, was first heard 88 years ago today.
Friday, August 1, 2008
On this day in 2006, cartoonist Bob Thaves died. The creator of Frank & Ernest has been gone for two years today.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
On this day in 1987, another in a long line of feature films based on comic book heroes came out. The Spirit was released 21 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
On this day in 1979, an experiment in comics formatting came to an end. The Star Hawks daily newspaper oomic, by comics historian Ron Goulart and artist Gil Kane (Iron Fist) dropped down from two tiers (the size of two daily strips, stacked vertically) to one (normal size) 29 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
On this day in 1955, cartoonist Dave Stevens was born. The creator of The Rocketeer died a few months ago; otherwise, he'd have been 53 years old today.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Today in Toons #2723
On this day in 2000, another newspaper comic joined the ranks of animated TV specials. Baby Blues was aired on the WB network eight years ago today.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
On this day in 2001, Little Golden Books, a division of Whitman Publishing, which licensed the Disney, Warner Bros. and other major toon blocs of properties, declared bankruptcy. An American institution came to an end seven years ago today.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
On this day in 1910, a classic cartoon situation was established. Ignatz Mouse hurled his first brick at Krazy Kat 98 years ago today.
Friday, July 25, 2008
On this day in 1904, a minor comic by a major cartoonist began. Winsor McCay's Little Sammy Sneeze started 104 years ago today.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
On this day in 1931, an early superhero (albeit seldom identified as such) revealed the source of his superhuman strength. Popeye the Sailor first mentioned that he owed it all to spinach, 77 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
On this day in 1923, kid gang comics took a great leap forward. Just Kids, by Ad Carter, began 85 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
On this day in 1934, daydream adventure returned to the comics. Billy Make Believe, by cartoonist H.E. Homan, began 74 years ago today.
Monday, July 21, 2008
On this day in 1995, Judge Dredd's movie had its British release (after weeks out in the U.S.). The Judge was first seen on the screen in his native country 13 years ago today.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
On this day in 1941, Disney released an early compilation feature — maybe the first, depending on whether or not you count Fantasia. The Reluctant Dragon came out 67 years ago today.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
On this day in 1929, a soon-to-be-famous cartoonist signed a deal for his already-existing feature with Hearst. Ripley's Believe It or Not achieved national distribution 79 years ago today.
Friday, July 18, 2008
On this day in 1915, one of the quirkier comic book writers was born. Robert Kanigher, responsible for Metal Men, The War That Time Forgot, The Trigger Twins and much more, would, if living, have been 93 years ago today.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
On this day in 1947, a vehicle that ascended to the level of a character was introduced. Gordo acquired La Cometa Halley 61 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
On this day in 1954, one of Walt Disney's dreams began to take physical form. Ground was broken on the construction of Disneyland 54 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
On this day in 1971, the world lost Droopy, Touché Turtle and more. Voice actor Bill Thompson died 37 years ago today.
Monday, July 14, 2008
On this day in 1894, a highly-acclaimed animation man was born in New York City. Dave Fleischer, who had his hand in Betty Boop, classic early Popeye and much more, took his first breath 114 years ago today.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
On this day in 1952, the number of Walt Disney comic strips distributed by King Features got one larger. Walt Disney's Treasury of Classic Tales, which adapted feature-length movies to comics, started 56 years ago today.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
On this day in 1937, cartoonist Al Capp compounded his success with Li'l Abner by getting another artist to draw a second comic, with his writing. Abbie & Slats started 71 years ago today.
Friday, July 11, 2008
On this day in 1913, a newspaper comic strip made the transition onto the screen. The animated version of Old Doc Yak was released 95 years ago today.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
On this day in 1945, Dick Tracy got himself a brand new but kind of disreputable supporting character. B.O. Plenty joined the cast 63 years ago today.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
On this day in 1981, Apatoons, the first amateur press alliance specializing in fanzines devoted to animation, put out its first mailing. Fans of Bugs, Betty and Beany got together to discuss their mutual enthusiasm 27 years ago today.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
On this day in 1949, we lost one of the pioneers of American comics. Harold Knerr, who took over The Katzenjammer Kids from creator Rudolph Dirks, died 59 years ago today.
Monday, July 7, 2008
On this day in 1941, a former comic strip adventurer settled down. Wash Tubbs married Carol McKee 67 years ago today.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
On this day in 1951, moviegoers were encouraged to sing along by following the bouncing ball for the last time in a new cartoon. Famous Studios released Slip Me Some Redskin, the last of its Screen Songs series, 57 years ago today.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
On this day in 1997, Minnie Pepito visited Disneyland. Since she isn't famous in animation or other types of cartooning, this would be a perfectly ordinary event — if not for the fact that she happened to be the 400 millionth person to do so. The theme park's guest log hit a milestone of the mid-nine-figures 11 years ago today.
Friday, July 4, 2008
On this day in 1942, Warner Bros. launched a new animated series. Bugs Bunny Gets the Boid, containing the first appearance of Beaky Buzzard, was released 66 years ago today.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
On this day in 1926, Jerry DeFuccio was born. The long-time associate editor of Mad magazine would if living, have been 82 years old today.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
On this day in 1997, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was, if not displaced, at least seriously challenged for the title of biggest multi-media sensation made out of a black and white comic book. Men in Black came out as a movie eleven years ago today.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
On this day in 1935, a Warner Bros. released I Haven't Got a Hat, a cartoon introducing several new stars, including one that became a big hit for them. Porky Pig was first seen 73 years ago today.
Monday, June 30, 2008
On this day in 1940, a journalist/protagonist was born. The Chicago Tribune launched Brenda Starr 68 years ago today.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
On this day in 2007, an old cartoon was brought back for new episodes in a new style. George of the Jungle was revived one year ago today.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
On this day in 1999, Disney released another new animated feature. The Tarzan property came to The Mouse Factory nine years ago today.
Friday, June 27, 2008
On this day in 1942, Republic Pictures (Spy Smasher, King of the Royal Mounted) released the first chapter of The Perils of Nyoka. The Jungle Girl starred in her second movie serial, starting 66 years ago today.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
On this day in 2003, MTV (Beavis & Butthead) launched a new animated TV show. Stripperella, the latest creation of Stan Lee (X-Men) debuted five years ago today.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
On this day in 1979, an important part of animation history was lost forever. Cartoon director Dave Fleischer died 29 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
On this day in 1938, the cartoon studio where Betty Boop was born launched another new series, albeit a very minor one. Fleischer introduced Hunky & Spunky 70 years ago today.
Monday, June 23, 2008
On this day in 1995, yet another Disney animated feature went into general release. Pocahontas came out 13 years ago today.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
On this day in 1988, a the bar was raised on combining animation with live action. Disney released Who Framed Roger Rabbit? 20 years ago today.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
On this day in 1916, cartoonist Jack Sparling was born. The creator or co-creator of Claire Voyant, Tiger Girl, Pirana and much more first saw the light of day 92 years ago today.
Friday, June 20, 2008
On this day in 1986, animated films took a step forward. The full-length My Little Pony feature was released 22 years ago today.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
On this day in 1992, superhero movies took a step forward. Batman Returns was released 16 years ago today.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
On this day in 1908, actor Bud Collyer was born. The voice of Superman not only on radio but also in cartoons from Fleischer, Famous Studios and eventually Filmation was first heard one hundred years ago today.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
On this day in 1927, cartoonist Wallace Wood was born. The old EC man, who went on to create Sally Forth among others, would, if living, have been 81 years old today.
Monday, June 16, 2008
On this day in 1874, cartoonist Clare Victor Dwiggins was born. The creator of Ophelia's Slate, School Days and more entered our world 134 years ago today.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
On this day in 1952, Li'l Abner's comic strip within a strip entered a new medium. Fearless Fosdick's short-lived TV show began 56 years ago today.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
On this day in 1958, a new and perennially popular attraction opened in Disneyland. The Alice in Wonderland Mad Teacups ride has been part of Fantasyland for one half-century today.
Friday, June 13, 2008
On this day in 2003, Rugrats Go Wild was released to theatres. The first theatrical appearance of The Wild Thornberrys, who guest-starred with them, came out five years ago today.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
On this day in 2001, TNT inaugurated a Witchblade series, Augmenting the made-for-cable movie of the previous year. Yancy Butler starred as the wielder of the ancient weapon seven years ago today.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
On this day in 1984, Disney was the victim of a successful attempt at greenmail. The company paid $32 million so corporate raider Saul Steinberg would leave them alone, 24 years ago today.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
On this day in 1949, MGM released a cartoon titled The Bear Who Couldn't Sleep. Barney Bear was introduced 69 years ago today.
Monday, June 9, 2008
On this day in 1954, cartoonist George Perez was born. The co-creator of The Teen Titans and revamper of Wonder Woman is 54 years old today. Happy birthday!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
On this day in 1947, an important strike in the cartoon world was settled. The Gordo characters resolved their grievances and went back to work 61 years ago today.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
On this day in 1908, The San Francisco Chronicle did not run an episode of Mutt & Jeff. Thus, it became the first newspaper to acknowledge a cartoonist's legal ownership of his own work — one hundred years ago today.
Friday, June 6, 2008
On this day in 1932, the characters of cartoonist Clifford McBride began entertaining readers on a regular basis. Napoleon & Uncle Elby began 76 years ago today.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
On this day in 1949, voice actor Paul Frees (Dinky Duck, Ludwig Von Drake starred in a radio show about a superhero who did not originate in comic books. The Green Lama's show began 59 years ago today.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
On this day in 1989, cartoonist Dik Browne died. The creator or co-creator of Hi & Lois, The Tracy Twins and oh yes, Hagar the Horrible, has been missing from the world for 19 years today.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
On this day in 1992, Mad magazine publisher William M. Gaines died. The world lost one of the men most responsible for the greatness of EC Comics 16 years ago today.
Monday, June 2, 2008
On this day in 1940, Lady Luck and Mr. Mystic were both introduced to the comics-reading public. The innovative Spirit Sunday comic book section began 68 years ago today.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
On this day in 2003, one of the highest-grossing non-Disney animated features was first seen. Rugrats Go Wild, which guest-starred The Wild Thornberrys, premiered five years ago today.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
On this day in 1940, cartoonist Gilbert Shelton was born. The creator of Wonder Warthog and The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers is 68 years old today. Happy birthday!
Friday, May 30, 2008
On this day in 1923, one of comics' early domestic comedy stars took on a new look. Toots Hawkins dropped her "flapper" image 85 years ago today.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
On this day in 1920, EC artist Jack Kamen was born. The co-creator of The Lone Rider is 88 years old today. Happy birthday!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
On this day in 1938, Warner Bros. released The Isle of Pingo Pongo, starring Egghead. Tex Avery's first mock travelogue came out 70 years ago today.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
On this day in 1940, a classic King Features comic became a seven-day feature. Flash Gordon added a daily version 68 years ago today.
Monday, May 26, 2008
On this day in 1941, cartoonist Dudley Fisher's teenage daughter got a comic strip of her own, of sorts. Fisher's Myrtle, a spin-off of his Right Around Home, began 67 years ago today.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
On this day in 1866, cartoonist Charles Edward "Bunny" Schultze was born. The creator of Foxy Grandpa entered our world 142 years ago today.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
On this day in 1931, King Features' Thimble Theatre comic strip, where Popeye had been the star for two years, added an important new character. Rough House, who ran the waterfront diner, was first seen 77 years ago today.
Friday, May 23, 2008
On this day in 1926, King Features Syndicate revived one of its stars from years gone by. F.B. Opper's Maud the Mule became the topper to his Happy Hooligan 82 years ago today.
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