Could you name fifty famous cartoon characters off the top of your head? I didn’t think I could … until I got started. I’d wager if you are over 30 years old, you would recognize and know every single one of these characters. For real, every single one. In writing this post I came to realize the sheer volume of cartoon characters that have permanently infiltrated my brain. Famous cartoon characters and mascots seem to have one thing in common: they are incredibly sticky. Like it or not, they invade your head space, and never leave.
If you are like me, some of these characters you grew up with as a kid, others you will have gotten to know and love as an adult. The one’s that made it on this list did so because of their enduring greatness to last beyond mere fad and pull up a permanent place both in popular culture and in our minds. In no particular order, let’s get this started! And naturally, all characters are copyright of their respective owners. Don’t steal them m’kay?
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Mickey Mouse
Joyful, vulnerable, lovable. Mickey came into our hearts and minds decades ago and still reigns supreme. He’s like the Jesus of cartoon characters.Read the rest of this entry »
According to a recent press release, one of the world’s most recognizable female cartoon characters is about to set a first, so some will have us believe. Marge Simpson, wife and mother of America’s favorite dysfunctional family is going to pose for the November issue of Playboy magazine.
Marge is being reported as “the first cartoon character ever” to be featured on the cover of Playboy. This is well hyped and not surprisingly the reaction to this event has been varied and heated, but is it accurate?
Not really. According to a flood of responses, it seems Leroy Neiman’s “Femlin” cartoon character was the first cartoon character to be featured (in August 1960) and was subsequently featured many times. Some say that a Playmate dressed as Jessica Rabbit took the honor in their November 1988 issue … we argue that’s not really a cartoon character so much as someone dressed up as a cartoon character.
What do you think … should Marge be doing business with Playboy?
