Guest Post: Top 10 Cartoon Characters

Saturday is Guest Post Day! This week our guest writer selects the most popular cartoon characters of all time!

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Top 10 Most Popular Cartoon Characters Of All Time

Picking the most popular cartoon characters of all time is difficult. Their popularity ranges from everything from whether they were in some of the most iconic cartoons or features, or whether they have been a lucrative part of merchandising empires spanning cartoon games, toys and theme park rides. Any of these kinds of lists is going to be subjective, and the following characters shouldn’t be seen as being definitive. There are many exceptions, and the list comes down to characters that I’ve enjoyed over time, or believe have made an important contribution to animation. They include:

10 – Popeye

Popeye first appeared as a comic strip character created by Elzie Crisler Segar in 1929, and grew in popularity as a syndicated figure throughout America. In 1933 Popeye was turned into a cartoon character, appearing in shorts made by the Fleischer Studios for Paramount Pictures. Popeye was later adapted into a Warner Bros. live action film in 1980.

9 - Betty Boop

Designed by Max Fleischer as a cartoon version of the 1920s flapper, Betty Boop appeared in animated shorts for Paramount in 1930, and went on to be one of the most popular characters of the era. Her flapper personality and sex appeal made her into an iconic figure, and she has since gone on to be a lucrative merchandising item, even if new material isn’t made around her.

8 - Scooby Doo

The Great Dane made his first appearance in a Hanna Barbera cartoon in 1969, which aired on American network CBS on Saturday mornings. Scooby Doo was the loveable sidekick to a gang of mystery solvers, and appeared again in an ABC cartoon and multiple adaptations through to the 1980s and 1990s. Live action films and rides have been made from the original cartoon character.

7 - Donald Duck

Created in 1934, this Disney character appeared in a number of cartoons as part of the studio’s series of shorts in the 1930s. Donald also became the star of a series of Disney comics, and eventually gained a family that included Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie. Donald has been particularly popular in Europe and Scandinavia, where his comic books are still bestsellers.

6 - Powerpuff Girls

These Craig McCracken designed superheroes were a hit on the Cartoon Network from 1998 to 2005, and spun off a number of films, specials and merchandise. Recommended for their blend of feminism, comedy and great animation.

5 - Fred Flintstone

A major influence on later animated characters, Fred Flintstone first appeared as the star of The Flintstones, the first primetime cartoon in 1960. The put upon, blue collar Fred helped make the series the longest running primetime cartoon until The Simpsons.

4 - Bart Simpson

For the first few years of The Simpsons in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Bart was the undoubted star, spawning catchphrases and merchandise. While the show gradually moved its focus to Homer and the family as a whole, Bart remains one of the most recognisable cartoon figures in the world.

3 - Bugs Bunny

Bugs made his first appearance in 1938 as part of the cartoon ‘Porky’s Hare Hunt,’ and went on to be one of Chuck Jones and Warner Bros. Animation’s most popular characters in the Looney Tunes series in the 1940s. Today Bugs is a corporate mascot and the star of extensive cartoons and feature films.

2 - Mickey Mouse

The corporate icon of Disney, Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in the 1928 short Steamboat Willie. While Mickey has appeared in 130 films and shorts, he has gained greater longevity as Disney’s official mascot, and has also appeared in video games and comic strips.

1 - Homer Simpson

Voiced by Dan Castellaneta, Homer Simpson has arguably become the most popular character in The Simpsons. From his clumsy but essentially sweet natured behaviour, through to his slapstick performances and one liners, Homer is perhaps the most consistently entertaining animated character in history.

Liam Ohm is a technology and gaming enthusiast. In his spare time he enjoys anything from blogging about the newest developments in technology to playing free online games for boys. His children are eagerly awaiting the release of FIFA 13 and currently use the Cartoon Network website to get their gaming fix!

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So what did you think of this list? The right choices? Anyone missed out? Let me know! Join us every Saturday for more great guest posts and if you fancy writing one yourself, find out how here!