Buzz
I’ve always been deeply intrigued by history, especially when it comes to tracing ancestry and family roots. Following up on my earlier work, '10 Beatles Songs and Their Origins,' this new piece uncovers the fascinating tales behind some of the most beloved cartoon characters. This project took six months to complete, utilizing a variety of sources such as videos, interviews, books, and more. What makes this compilation stand out is its exclusivity to Mytour and its unprecedented global appeal, as no other publication or online resource has ever offered such a comprehensive and unified collection of this information. Thank you for taking the time to explore it.
10. Betty Boop
Produced: August 9, 1930 – July 7, 1939. Inspiration: Helen Kane (Singer)
Helen Kane rose to fame as 'The Boop Boop a Doop Girl' in 1928 after her scat lyrics 'boop-boop-a-doop' in the song 'That’s My Weakness Now' became an instant hit, launching her music career. The next year, she transitioned to film, appearing alongside Ned Sparks and Richard Dix in the 1929 comedy 'Nothing But the Truth,' now in the public domain. Audiences were introduced to her shy, squeaky-voiced persona, complete with a hair bow and a childlike singing style. Her second song, 'Do Something,' was cut from the film and is now lost, but it became a national sensation. Kane embodied the 'flapper girl' aesthetic of the era, sporting a Louise Brooks bob, cloche hats, short skirts, and high heels. Flappers were seen as liberated women, known for their boldness and outspoken nature.
In August 1929, Max Fleischer, an established animator, was preparing to make his mark in the film industry. Having already achieved modest success with Ko-Ko the Clown and educational films, he founded Fleischer Studios in 1929. Utilizing his invention, the rotoscope, Fleischer launched the Talkartoon Series, starting with 'Noah’s Lark' in October 1929. The third installment, 'Hot Dog,' introduced Bimbo the dog, a clumsy yet endearing character. The animators soon began designing potential love interests for Bimbo, initially sketching Betty as a plump French poodle with floppy ears and a hair bow. Over time, her design evolved, with the ears becoming hoop earrings and her face taking on a more human appearance, though she remained Bimbo’s girlfriend.
Betty Boop made her debut in the sixth Talkartoon installment, 'Dizzy Dishes,' on August 9, 1930. Portrayed as a showgirl and singer, she featured long legs, a square face, and a distinctive childlike, squeaky voice. Betty quickly overshadowed Bimbo, becoming the star of her own cartoons. She appeared in 111 cartoons from 1930 to 1939, including 'Minnie the Moocher' (1932) with Cab Calloway’s music and 'Poor Cinderella' (1934), her only color appearance. Betty’s popularity endures even today, over 80 years later. However, it was evident from the start that Betty was modeled after Helen Kane, from her mannerisms to her voice. Mae Questel, Betty’s original voice actress, was chosen specifically for her resemblance to Kane. The name 'Betty Boop' itself hints at a connection to Kane’s 'Boop Boop a Doop Girl' persona.
In May 1932, Helen Kane sued Fleischer Studios and Paramount Pictures for $250,000, claiming they had impersonated her. By April 1934, Fleischer had all six actresses who voiced Betty deny any imitation of Kane’s voice. Testimonies argued that 'Boop Boop a Doop' was not unique to Kane, with evidence pointing to Baby Esther, who used a similar phrase in 1928. Witnesses also claimed Betty’s character drew inspiration from various sources, notably Clara Bow, a Hollywood star who retired in 1933. In 'Poor Cinderella,' released four months later, Betty sported Clara Bow’s signature red hair, seemingly distancing her from Kane. Ultimately, Kane lost the case and never received compensation, despite Betty Boop’s clear resemblance to her. What began as a flattering homage ended up eclipsing Kane’s career. Meanwhile, Fleischer secured the rights to produce Popeye cartoons in 1933, dominating Paramount’s releases for the next 25 years.
9. Porky Pig
Produced: March 9, 1935 – March 10, 1956. Inspiration: Joe Cobb (Actor) as Joe in the “Our Gang” TV Series (1922-1929)
The Our Gang series, later known as The Little Rascals, began as a collection of silent comedies produced at Hal Roach’s studio in Culver City, running from the early 1920s until 1944. The show revolved around a group of children who frequently found themselves in humorous predicaments and worked together to resolve them. Among the many cast members, Carl Switzer’s portrayal of 'Alfalfa' stood out. Joe Cobb joined the group as 'Joe' in the 1923 short film 'The Champeen,' appearing in 86 episodes, including notable ones like 'The Big Show' (1923), 'Saturday’s Lesson' (the series' final silent film), and 'Small Talk' (1929), the first talkie. Joe played the cheerful but clumsy 'fat kid,' often setting up jokes and adventures for the others. His final appearance was in 'Lazy Days' (1929), after which he was replaced by his on-screen brother 'Chubby,' played by Norman Chaney, whom Joe had introduced in the previous episode, 'Railroadin’' (1929).
In the early 1930s, Leon Schlesinger, founder of Pacific Title and Art in 1919, secured a contract to produce the Looney Tunes series for Warner Bros. Initially, the series featured 'Bosko,' a young black boy, but after 30 episodes, audiences grew tired of the character’s Southern dialect and politically charged portrayal. In 1933, Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising left the studio, taking Bosko with them and leaving the struggling studio with 'Buddy,' a bland character described as 'Bosko in whiteface.' Schlesinger tasked animators Bob Clampett and Friz Freleng with creating new characters, suggesting an adaptation of the Our Gang films. The resulting short, 'I Haven’t Got a Hat' (1935), introduced Beans the cat, Oliver Owl, Mrs. Cud, and Porky Pig, who quickly overshadowed Buddy and became the studio’s new star. Tex Avery, who joined as producer in 1936, capitalized on Porky’s popularity, reusing characters from the short in 'Gold Diggers of ’49.'
Porky’s name was coined by Friz Freleng, inspired by two childhood friends nicknamed 'Porky' and 'Piggy.' His iconic stutter originated from Joe Dougherty, the first voice actor hired for the role, who had a natural stutter that caused numerous retakes. The studio eventually replaced Dougherty with Mel Blanc in 1937 due to the high production costs. Blanc refined the stutter, using it for comedic effect rather than as a general trait. Porky’s character evolved from a simple-minded protagonist to a clever and relatable sidekick, often paired with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. By the 1950s, his personality shifted to a more serious and irritable demeanor, particularly in his interactions with Sylvester.
Porky’s enduring legacy includes his iconic catchphrase, 'Th-th-that’s all folks!' which concludes Looney Tunes episodes. Originally used by a court jester in the early 1930s, the line was also spoken by Bosko, Buddy, and Beans the cat before Porky adopted it. His stuttering delivery made the phrase unforgettable. Even Merrie Melodies, Warner Bros.’ sister series, switched from 'So Long, Folks!' to Porky’s line in 1936 after audience polls showed a stronger connection to it. That same year, Porky debuted in color using the advanced three-strip Technicolor process, alongside the now-iconic bulls-eye opening and closing sequences.
8. Bugs Bunny
Produced: August 30, 1938 – June 16, 1964. Inspiration: Clark Gable (actor) in It Happened One Night (1934)
With Porky Pig’s success boosting their finances, Leon Schlesinger sought to expand the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series by introducing new characters like Daffy Duck and Elmer 'Egg Head' Fudd in 1937. Around this time, Friz Freleng departed for MGM, leaving Cal Dalton, an inexperienced director, in charge. Dalton’s initial sketch of Happy Wabbit (later Bugs) depicted a less refined character with a longer nose and a fluffy tail, far from the familiar figure we know today. Happy debuted in 'Porky’s Hare Hunt' on April 30, 1938, where Porky encountered a zany rabbit in a plot mirroring Tex Avery’s 1937 cartoon 'Porky’s Duck Hunt,' which introduced Daffy Duck. The film was co-directed by Ben 'Bugs' Hardaway, who collaborated with Bob Clampett and Tex Avery to refine the character’s appearance and personality. Bugs’ high-pitched voice and distinctive laugh were later reserved for Woody Woodpecker, who debuted in 1940, allowing the team to reimagine Bugs. Avery envisioned a calmer, more composed character, inspired by Clark Gable’s suave demeanor in 'It Happened One Night,' contrasting with Daffy’s manic energy.
'A Wild Hare,' directed by Tex Avery and released on July 27, 1940, marked the culmination of extensive efforts, showcasing a nearly complete redesign of Bob Clampett’s character, now renamed Bugs Bunny, alongside a fully reimagined Elmer Fudd. This cartoon introduced Mel Blanc’s iconic voice for Bugs and featured the debut of his famous catchphrase, 'What’s up, Doc?'—a line penned by Avery, inspired by a common Texan expression from his youth. According to Chuck Jones, Friz Freleng, and Bob Clampett, Bugs’ relaxed stance while chewing a carrot was inspired by a scene in 'It Happened One Night,' where Clark Gable leans on a fence, munching carrots and speaking with his mouth full. Bugs’ quick-witted, confident personality also drew from Gable’s fast-talking charm in the film. The name 'Bugs' reflects the rabbit’s quirky, obsessive nature. Mel Blanc crafted Bugs’ voice as a blend of Bronx and Brooklyn accents, aligning with Gable’s New York roots. Bugs’ birthplace is humorously noted as a warren under Ebbets Field, home of the Brooklyn Dodgers, with his 'birthdate' set as July 27, 1940.
Tex Avery and Chuck Jones further refined Bugs Bunny over the years, with his appearance and personality evolving significantly. Initially influenced by Groucho Marx—evidenced by Bugs’ use of the line 'Of course you realize, this means war!' from 'Duck Soup' (1933)—his character gradually shifted from a mischievous troublemaker to a clever, idea-driven figure who outsmarts others. Bugs starred in 167 theatrical shorts for Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies until his retirement in June 1964. He later reappeared in specials during the 1980s and ’90s, made a cameo in 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' (1988), and co-starred with Michael Jordan in 'Space Jam' (1996).
7. Tom and Jerry
First Produced: February 10, 1940 – August 1, 1958. Inspiration: World War I / World War II
William Hanna and Joseph Barbera were members of Rudolf Ising’s film production team at MGM’s cartoon studios in the late 1930s. MGM aimed to compete with Leon Schlesinger Productions (Warner Brothers) and Max Fleischer Studios (Paramount Pictures) by tapping into the renewed popularity of animated shorts. Despite hiring Friz Freleng from Schlesinger, their debut project, 'The Captain and the Kids,' flopped, forcing the studio to cut costs. Barbera, a storywriter and character designer, was teamed with Hanna, a production director, to improve efficiency. During their first meeting, Barbera proposed a cat-and-mouse concept, leading to the creation of 'Puss Gets The Boot,' released on February 10, 1940.
Joe Barbera later explained, 'We knew we needed two characters. Conflict, chase, and action were essential, and a cat chasing a mouse felt like a solid foundation.' The initial story featured Jasper, a blue-and-white tabby cat, trying to catch Jinx, a clever house mouse, while avoiding Mammy, the housemaid who would later own Tom. Jasper was portrayed as a typical cat, while Jinx had human-like intelligence and walked on two legs. Their antics often led to chaos and destruction, with Jasper eventually being thrown out, leaving Jinx victorious. Beyond the humor, the series aimed to boost morale during World War II. Coincidentally, the release date aligned with the Battle of Britain, resonating with American audiences who supported the British 'Tommys.'
Unaware of the series’ growing impact, Hanna and Barbera continued working on other projects like 'Gallopin’ Gals' (1940) and 'Officer Pooch' (1941), nearly forgetting their cat-and-mouse duo. However, when 'Puss Gets The Boot' was nominated for an Academy Award but lost to 'The Milky Way' (1940), MGM’s skepticism vanished. Fred Quimby, the studio’s production manager, immediately reassigned Hanna and Barbera to revive the characters. A studio contest was held to rename them, with animator John Carr winning $50 for suggesting 'Tom and Jerry.' Carr’s inspiration came from the term 'tomcat' and the World War I rivalry between 'Tommies' and 'Jerries,' which mirrored the characters’ dynamic.
Their next short, 'The Midnight Snack,' debuted on July 19, 1941, coinciding with Winston Churchill’s 'V for Victory' campaign. Tom and Jerry became a staple, producing four to five shorts annually, totaling 114 films by 1957 when MGM shut down its animation studio. The final cartoons were released in 1958. Hanna and Barbera then founded Hanna-Barbera Productions Inc. in 1957, focusing on low-budget TV animation. MGM retained the rights to Tom and Jerry and controversially revived the series in the 1960s using Prague-based Rembrandt Films, led by animator Gene Deitch and producer William L. Snyder. This decision was contentious due to Czechoslovakia’s location behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
6. Foghorn Leghorn
Produced: August 31, 1946 – June 29, 1963. Inspiration: Kenny Delmar (Actor) as Senator Beauregard Claghorn
Kenny Delmar debuted as Senator Beauregard Claghorn on NBC Radio’s 'The Fred Allen Show' on October 5, 1945, portraying a flamboyant Southern businessman from Charleston, South Carolina. Claghorn’s obsession with the South and his catchphrases like 'That’s a joke, son!' and 'Pay attention now, boy!' made him a fan favorite. His exaggerated Southern pride and frequent use of phrases like 'Ah say' and 'That is…' became iconic. After 'The Fred Allen Show' ended in 1945, Delmar continued the Claghorn persona in commercials, records, and the 1947 movie 'It’s a Joke, Son!' alongside Una Merkel as Mrs. Claghorn. He also appeared on the 'Four Star Revue' in 1953. Despite his initial popularity, Delmar faded into obscurity, and his 1947 film is now in the public domain.
In 1944, Leon Schlesinger sold his studio to Warner Bros. Robert McKimson, who became head animator in the late 1930s, initially declined a directorial role in 1937, deeming it too demanding. Chuck Jones took the position instead. McKimson reconsidered in 1945 after Frank Tashlin and Bob Clampett left Warner Bros., leaving the team to regroup. By then, the studio had moved on from Porky, Daffy, and Bugs, relying heavily on Tweety. While developing Sylvester as Tweety’s nemesis, they needed new characters to fill the void. McKimson sketched a loudmouth rooster for his directorial debut, refined by Cal Dalton, with Mel Blanc providing the voice.
McKimson drew inspiration for the rooster’s voice from two sources: a hard-of-hearing sheriff on the 1930s radio show 'Blue Monday Jamboree' and Kenny Delmar’s Claghorn character. The rooster inherited Claghorn’s bombastic personality, catchphrases, and mannerisms. The name 'Foghorn' emphasized his loud, direct speech, while 'Leghorn' referenced a chicken breed, completing the character’s identity.
'Walky Talky Hawky' premiered on August 31, 1946, marking the debut of Foghorn Leghorn, who starred in 28 cartoons until his final appearance in 'Banty Raids' on June 29, 1963. By then, the studio had introduced Yosemite Sam, Speedy Gonzales, Wile E. Coyote, and the Road Runner, who were also nearing the end of their runs. Marvin the Martian made his first appearance just four months later. The studio continued for three more years before Warner Bros. shut down its animation division in late 1966. McKimson joined Friz Freleng and David H. DePatie at DePatie-Freleng Enterprises. He briefly returned to Warner Bros. when the studio reopened under the 'Seven Arts' banner in 1967 but left after its final closure on September 20, 1969, with 'Injun Trouble,' directed by McKimson, being the last Merrie Melodies/Looney Tunes cartoon. McKimson rejoined DePatie-Freleng, directing 'The Pink Panther Show' and other projects until his death in 1977.
5. The Flintstones
Produced: September 30, 1960 – April 1, 1966. Inspiration: The Honeymooners TV Show (1955-56)
'The Honeymooners,' a popular 1950s sitcom, revolved around four quirky characters living in a Brooklyn apartment building. Ralph Kramden (Jackie Gleason), a bus driver, often hatched get-rich-quick schemes that frustrated his wife, Alice (Audrey Meadows), who frequently criticized his unrealistic plans. Their neighbors, Ed Norton, a sewer worker, and his wife Trixie, added to the comedic dynamic. Ralph’s iconic line, 'One of these days… POW!!! Right in the kisser!' became a national catchphrase, contributing to the show’s immense success.
After parting ways with MGM in 1957, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera struggled to sustain Hanna-Barbera Productions Inc. Losing their $600,000 annual budget from MGM, they shifted focus to television, starting with 'The Ruff and Ready Show,' followed by 'The Huckleberry Hound Show' and 'The Quick Draw McGraw Show.' With a reduced budget of $3,000 per five-minute cartoon, they adopted limited animation techniques. Despite quality challenges, the studio earned a reputation as the 'King of Saturday Morning Cartoons,' though they lacked a blockbuster hit to match their 'Tom and Jerry' success. Barbera developed several character concepts, most of which were rejected, until he conceived a sitcom inspired by 'The Honeymooners,' featuring a couple and their son, Fred Jr. Barbera acknowledged the influence of 'The Honeymooners,' blending Ralph Kramden’s personality with Chester A. Riley’s traits to create Fred Flintstone. Wilma mirrored Alice Kramden’s sharp wit and spending habits, while Barney and Betty Rubble, added later, echoed the dynamic of 'The Honeymooners’' best friends. Mel Blanc provided Barney’s voice.
The show underwent numerous design changes before settling on the Stone Age theme. Early concepts included hillbillies, ancient Romans, pilgrims, and Native Americans. The Stone Age setting allowed for creative visual gags, such as using bird beaks as clothespins and aardvarks as vacuum cleaners. Initially titled 'The Flagstones,' the name was changed to 'The Gladstones' due to copyright issues, and finally to 'The Flintstones.' Late in development, Fred Jr. was removed to focus on the main characters, despite existing comic strips featuring him.
Joe Barbera storyboarded a pilot and spent eight grueling weeks in New York pitching the show. He performed all character voices during presentations, often entertaining potential backers as a cost-saving measure. Despite numerous rejections, Barbera persisted, delivering up to five pitches daily. Exhausted and ready to abandon the project, he made a final pitch to Leonard Goldenson and Oliver Treyz from ABC, who bought the show in just 15 minutes. Barbera later reflected that this moment saved Hanna-Barbera, though the memory of those stressful weeks haunted him for years.
'The Flintstones' premiered on September 30, 1960, at 8 p.m. Critics initially panned it, with Variety calling it a 'Pen and Ink Disaster.' However, the show broke new ground, becoming the first animated series to depict a married couple sharing a bed, the first to run for more than two seasons, and the first to feature a pregnancy and birth. Winston cigarettes sponsored the first two seasons, and the characters appeared in black-and-white commercials, marking one of the few instances of cartoon characters promoting smoking. Fred Jr. was reintroduced through Barney and Betty’s adopted son, Bamm-Bamm, in the 100th episode.
4. Wacky Races
Produced: September 14, 1968 – January 4, 1969. Inspiration: The Great Race (1965).
'The Great Race,' a slapstick comedy directed by Blake Edwards, starred Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, and Natalie Wood. The film follows a cross-continental race from New York to Paris, featuring the antics of Professor Fate (Lemmon) and his sidekick Max Meen (Peter Falk) in their black 'Hannibal Twin-8' car. They relentlessly pursue The Great Leslie (Curtis) in the 'Leslie Special,' resorting to sabotage and chaos. The film’s humor and chaotic race dynamics inspired Hanna-Barbera’s 'Wacky Races.'
Following the success of 'The Flintstones,' Hanna and Barbera sought new inspiration, leading to 'Wacky Races.' Drawing from 'The Great Race,' they created Dick Dastardly and Muttley, mirroring Professor Fate and Max Meen. Dastardly’s design, including his blue duster coat, top hat, and 'The Mean Machine 00,' closely resembled Fate’s character. Muttley’s look and mannerisms were modeled after Peter Falk’s Max. Other characters, like Peter Perfect and Penelope Pitstop, were inspired by Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood’s roles. Voice actors Daws Butler, Don Messick, Paul Winchell, and Janet Waldo brought the characters to life.
'Wacky Races' premiered on CBS in September 1968, running for 17 episodes. Its popularity led to spin-offs like 'The Perils of Penelope Pitstop' and 'Dastardly and Muttley in Their Flying Machines.' In 1976, Muttley reappeared as Mumbly in 'The Mumbly Cartoon Show,' and Dastardly returned as Dread Baron in 'Laff-A-Lympics.' These characters continued to appear in various shows, including 'Yogi’s Treasure Hunt.' The Slag Brothers from 'Wacky Races' were reimagined as Captain Caveman in 1977, further cementing the franchise’s legacy.
Peter Falk, the inspiration behind Muttley and Mumbly, later channeled these characters into his iconic role as Frank Columbo in the long-running series 'Columbo' (1968-2003). Columbo mirrored Mumbly’s traits, wearing a similar trench coat, walking with a stoop, driving rundown cars, and adopting a dry, satirical tone. Both characters were police detectives with wheezy laughs—Columbo’s due to his cigar habit—and shared a habit of muttering to themselves, further linking Falk’s creations.
3. The Simpsons
Produced: December 17, 1989 – present. Inspirations: Homer Simpson (Character) in “The Day of the Locust” Book (1939) and Ken Osmond (Actor) as Eddie Haskell in “Leave it to Beaver” TV Series (1957- 1963)
Matt Groening’s 'Life in Hell,' a self-published comic from 1977, depicted his experiences in Los Angeles, including school, odd jobs, and personal relationships. The comic caught the attention of James L. Brooks, who hired Groening to create short skits for 'The Tracey Ullman Show.' While waiting for his interview, Groening sketched initial designs that would later become 'The Simpsons.' He presented these fresh sketches and secured the job, laying the foundation for the iconic series.
Matt Groening named the Simpson family after his own relatives: his father Homer, mother Marge, and sister Lisa, while substituting Bart for himself. Homer’s personality was inspired not by Groening’s intelligent father but by the clumsy, disaffected 'everyman' Homer Simpson from Nathanael West’s 1939 novel 'The Day of the Locust.' Homer’s middle initial 'J' pays tribute to Jay Ward’s characters Bullwinkle J. Moose and Rocket J. Squirrel. Bart’s name is an anagram of 'brat,' and his mischievous nature was influenced by Groening’s older brother Mark, blending traits of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Groening also drew inspiration from Eddie Haskell of 'Leave it to Beaver,' imagining what his own show might look like.
The Simpson family’s design prioritized simplicity for quick animation and budget efficiency, with easily recognizable silhouettes. Homer’s hair was initially a quick sketch of Groening’s initials, 'M' for the hairline and 'G' for the ear, which the production team traced without refinement, leaving Groening’s mark on the character. Marge’s iconic hairstyle was inspired by Elsa Lanchester’s look in 'The Bride of Frankenstein' (1935) and Margaret Groening’s 1960s style. Lisa’s hair evolved from hand-drawn lines to a simpler hexagonal design. The characters’ final traits were shaped by the voice actors, particularly Nancy Cartwright as Bart and Dan Castellaneta as Homer.
The Simpsons debuted on April 19, 1987, as shorts on 'The Tracey Ullman Show,' followed by three more seasons. The first full-length episode aired on December 17, 1989, and the show has since become the longest-running animated series, with over 508 episodes. In 1992, Tracey Ullman sued Fox, claiming her show was the foundation of 'The Simpsons’' success, but her claim for a share of profits was dismissed in court.
2. He-Man
Produced: September 5, 1983 – December 15, 1984. Inspiration: Conan and Barbarian (Character) (1932-present)
Conan the Barbarian, a fantasy series by Robert E. Howard, debuted in 1932 in 'Weird Tales' magazine. Known for his muscular build, Conan resembled Superman, who also appeared that year. In the late 1970s, Mattel, having declined George Lucas’ offer to produce 'Star Wars' action figures, sought a new line to revive their fortunes. Roger Sweet, a lead designer, crafted a prototype by modifying a Big Jim figure, adding clay for bulk, and creating three versions: soldier, spaceman, and barbarian. The barbarian was chosen, featuring black hair, tanned skin, and a helmet. Concurrently, Mattel negotiated with CPI for Conan licensing, but He-Man’s development continued independently.
In 1981, Mattel’s Tom Kalinske redesigned He-Man with blond hair and lighter skin for a friendlier appearance. Comic writers like Donald F. Glut and Earl Norem developed the backstory, characters, and promotional materials. Although Mattel secured Conan licensing in July 1981, they terminated the agreement by January 1982, launching He-Man in February 1982. The 'Masters of the Universe' series became a global success. When 'Conan the Barbarian' (starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) released in May 1982, CPI sued Mattel over He-Man’s resemblance to Conan, but the case was lost.
Filmation Studios was tasked with creating the 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' TV series. He-Man, now Prince Adam, protected Castle Grayskull from Skeletor, wielding half of a Magic Power Sword. Filmation added characters like Teela, Man-At-Arms, and Cringer, who transformed into Battle Cat. Despite ABC’s initial rejection, the series aired on September 5, 1983, through barter syndication. By 1984, it was broadcast in over 120 U.S. stations and 30 countries. While the franchise’s origins remain debated, Conan’s influence is undeniable. Filmation later produced 'She-Ra: Princess of Power,' 'The Original Ghostbusters,' and 'Bravestarr' before closing in 1988.
1. Scooby-Doo
Produced: September 13, 1969 – Present. Inspiration: The Archies TV Series (1968-69)
In 1967, groups like Action for Children’s Television (ACT) protested against increasing violence in Saturday morning cartoons, targeting Hanna-Barbera’s 'Jonny Quest,' 'Space Ghost,' and 'The Herculoids.' This led to the cancellation of many shows and the introduction of monitors to oversee new productions. Fred Silverman, CBS’s head of children’s programming, sought to revitalize the genre with 'The Archie Show,' based on Bob Montana’s comic. The sitcom, about a teenage pop band, mirrored 'The Monkees' and produced hits like 'Sugar, Sugar,' the top Billboard song of 1969. The show’s success inspired spin-offs like 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch' and 'The Groovie Goolies,' created by Filmation, known for their 'Superman' cartoons.
Following 'The Archie Show,' Fred Silverman proposed a mystery-themed series to Hanna-Barbera, featuring a teenage rock band solving crimes. Writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, along with artist Iwao Takamoto, initially designed the show, but Silverman found it too frightening. To soften the tone, Joe Barbera suggested adding a dog as a central character, similar to Muttley in 'Wacky Races.' The second draft, titled 'Mysteries Five,' included Geoff, Mike, Kelly, Linda, her brother 'W.W.,' and their Great Dane, 'Too Much.' Silverman rejected this version, leading to further revisions. The third draft, 'Who’s S-S-Scared,' merged Geoff and Mike into Fred Jones, renamed Kelly to Daphne Blake, and transformed Linda into Velma Dinkley. 'W.W.' became Norville 'Shaggy' Rogers, a hippie-like character.
By 1969, the show’s fourth revision was nearly complete. The characters drew inspiration from 'The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis' and Enid Blyton’s 'Famous Five.' Shaggy and Too Much were portrayed as cowardly yet voracious eaters, reminiscent of Muttley. Don Messick voiced Too Much, later renamed Scooby-Doo after Fred Silverman heard Frank Sinatra’s 'Strangers In The Night.' Casey Kasem voiced Shaggy, and Nicole Jaffe played Velma. The final show, 'Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!,' premiered on September 13, 1969, running for two seasons on CBS before moving to ABC for nine more seasons, with numerous spin-offs and revivals.
