#golden age of looney tunes

[twistedtummies2]

Marvin the Martian in the Golden Age - "Least Good" to Best

Recently, I made a list of my favorite Looney Tunes characters. Right at the top of that list was our favorite martian, Marvin. I’m not sure why this little destroyer of worlds is my favorite in the Looney Tunes cast, but he is, and always has been. What’s interesting about Marvin is that he’s actually a lot more prominent today than he was back during the Golden Age of the Looney Tunes, back in their theatrical cartoon days. In that time, out of the hundreds of Looney Tunes made, Marvin only appeared in five cartoon short subjects. But over time, the character evolved, and creators began to use him more in a wide array of projects. This year, not only is Warner Bros. turning one hundred years old, but it marks the 75th anniversary of Marvin, as a character. I therefore thought it would be fun to look at Marvin’s track record onscreen, and talk about some of my favorites of his appearances. And, since it IS a celebration of Marvin, I figured I’d do this in the form of two separate lists: one dedicated to his early Golden Age shorts, and one dedicated to…well…basically everything else. With that said, this countdown is a ranking of the five cartoons Marvin appeared in during the Golden Age of the Looney Tunes. While I personally enjoy all five of these shorts, naturally I like some more or less than others. So, for the first half of this celebration of my favorite Looney Toon, here’s a little ranking I like to call “Marvin the Martian in the Golden Age - Least Good to Best.”

5. Mad as a Mars Hare.

Marvin’s final appearance in the Golden Age. This was, believe it or not, the first Golden Age cartoon with the character I think I ever saw, and it’s not a bad final trumpet sound for the martian to go out on. The story begins with Marvin not planning to DESTROY Earth, but instead simply studying it from his hideaway on Mars. Bugs Bunny is sent rocketing into space (not wholly voluntarily). The mission lands him on Mars (after crashing through Marvin’s observatory). The Martian, believing Bugs to be a threat, proceeds to use a few of his gadgets to try and either destroy the rabbit or transform him into a mind-warped servant. As you can probably guess from the image used here, it doesn’t go the way Marvin anticipated. I love the beginning of this cartoon, as well as the way it ends, and Marvin and Bugs each have some good lines, but I feel the cartoon is a bit too simple for its own good, with a lot less going on through the midsection. This was late into the Golden Age of the Looney Tunes, when the animation department and other creative areas were starting to lose both budget and steam. While it’s still a good cartoon, it does feel somewhat weaker than earlier cartoons that came before it, and perhaps that’s the reason why.

4. Haredevil Hare.

Right on the heels of the Martian’s last outing, we now have Marvin’s very first appearance. It’s an alright character introduction, in my opinion. The plot is pretty simple: Bugs Bunny is sent into space (against his will) for a science experiment, just as would be the case years later in “Mad as a Mars Hare.” Not long after landing on the Moon, however, Marvin the Martian arrives, planning to use an Explosive Space Modulator to blow up the Earth. Bugs steals the device to prevent this, so Marvin sics his alien pet dog, K-9, on the rascally rabbit. Hijinks then ensue. The cartoon established a lot about Marvin; many of the gags and character distinctions in this short would be repeated in later outings with the Martian, and his design would remain largely unchanged through the decades following. However, while this is a solid START for Marvin, that’s also exactly what it feels like: a START. I think a lot of the jokes and elements present here would be expanded and improved upon in some later shorts. Most notably, Marvin’s voice in his first appearance is quite different from his later appearances: instead of a prim, proper, only somewhat nasally performance, Mel Blanc’s first voice for Marvin literally sounds like a stereotypical nerd with a bad cold. You can see why they changed it later on; if Marvin had used this voice for the rest of time, I get the feeling he’d be a lot less beloved.

3. The Hasty Hare.

This was Marvin’s second appearance, and in my opinion, it’s the point where the character really got cemented and became the Marvin we know and love best today. (For one thing, this is the cartoon where his now-well-known voice was properly set.) This is sort of funny to me, since I often get the feeling it’s the Golden Age Marvin cartoon least remembered nowadays. In this short, instead of Bugs going into space, this time, it’s the Martian who comes down to Earth. He and K-9 have been given orders to abduct one specimen of Earthling life and bring it back to Mars for analysis; by sheer chance, Bugs Bunny is the first Earth creature the pair come across, and thus the carrot-chomping trickster must find a way to outwit the man from Mars (and his “K-9” companion) and escape. The cartoon gives us a lot more interaction between Marvin and both of his co-stars, and gives us a better understanding of his personality, with more of his classic lines and manners than his first appearance, as well as more of a look at his gadgets, and a better showcase of his infamous temper. It’s simple, but it’s fun, and for me it’s a great example of a second appearance that outmatches the first. FUN FACT: one thing that WASN’T established here was Marvin’s name. He wouldn’t receive his classic name until much later. In this cartoon, he’s referred to as “Commander of Flying Saucer X-2,” and behind the scenes work refers to him “Antwerp.” I think we can all agree “Marvin the Martian” is a much catchier moniker, however.

2. Hare-way to the Stars.

Marvin’s penultimate Golden Age appearance is probably one of his most popular, being the most referenced, quoted, and generally showcased cartoon featuring his feud with Bugs Bunny out there. Once again, Bugs gets shot into space (this time accidentally, rather than him being forced for some sort of scientific purpose). This round, he winds up on a Martian space station, where Marvin seems to be the only lifeform running anything. Just like in “Haredevil Hare,” the little rogue plans to blow up the Earth using “the Illudium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator.” He claims the planet “obstructs his view of Venus.” Bugs stops and steals the device at the last possible second (“Where’s the kaboom?! There was supposed to be an Earth-shattering kaboom!”), so Marvin creates an army of bird-like “Instant Martians” to chase the rabbit down and get the Space Modulator back. The visuals, gags, and dialogue of this cartoon are all sublime; interestingly, Marvin’s costume in this version is given a different color scheme, with a green jumper and armor that is bronze-hued. This same color scheme would reappear in “Mad as a Mars Hare,” and seems to be unique to these two appearances. While I do prefer Marvin’s traditional red-and-green outfit, this look isn’t too bad, and it’s curious that it was used so rarely; I guess fans never really cottoned to it. No matter.

1. Duck Dodgers in the 24th ½ Century.

It’s funny that, nowadays, Marvin often seems to be considered an arch-nemesis of Daffy Duck, rather than Bugs Bunny. Out of the five Golden Age cartoons made with the character, this is the only one where Daffy and the Martian interact. But, oh, what an interaction it was: “Duck Dodgers in the 24th ½ Century” (a parody of the space fantasy series “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century”) is widely regarded as one of the greatest Looney Tunes cartoons of all time, and along with “Hare-way to the Stars,” is likely Marvin’s most lauded appearance. The cartoon features Daffy as the dunderheaded, over-confident space adventurer Duck Dodgers, who is given a mission to locate the mysterious Planet X and stake a claim for it on the Earth. Unfortunately, at the exact same time, Marvin arrives to claim Planet X for Mars. Declaring “there just ain’t room enough on this planet for the two of us,” Dodgers and Marvin thus proceed to try and destroy each other in increasingly wild ways, till one of them can claim Planet X. This cartoon inspired more spin-offs, reimaginings, and homages than probably any other cartoon either Marvin OR Daffy ever made. In a way, the rivalry between these two makes more sense than Marvin against Bugs: the two are complete antitheses of each other. Marvin is a smoldering ball of destructive rage who carries himself with dignity, while Daffy is a wild whirlwind of chaotic energy. Both have tremendous egos, and both are infamously unwilling to compromise as a result. Seeing these two personalities clash is a delight, and it’s probably why their single encounter is more fondly remembered than almost any of Marvin’s meetings with Bugs Bunny (which, I should point out, are also terrific, obviously). It’s a cartoon as iconic as the Looney Tunes themselves, and for having such recognizable status, it more than earns its place as My Favorite Golden Age Marvin the Martian Cartoon. “Isn’t that lovely, hm?”

[comic-covers]

(1941)

[punster-2319]

Since Bugs and Daffy are trending I’m just going to say this now: Classic Looney Tunes (and Tom & Jerry) are peak slapstick comedy.

[ducktoonsfanart]

Foghoron Leghorn with Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner - Pepe Le Pew and Penelope Pussycat - Looney Tunes - Cartoons

In order not to draw only ducks and only related to Disney, I drew related to one of my favorite cartoons, Looney Tunes, and two drawings.

The first drawing is related to sadness by Wile E. Coyote and Road Roadrunner, the famous non-speaking duo that Coyote wants to capture and eat Roadrunner but succeeds and becomes one of the most unlucky characters overall. Yes, it is confirmed by the fact that the company that created Looney Tunes canceled the broadcast of the movie Coyote vs Acme, which is really a big stupid thing in my opinion. And that's why Coyote is very sad and is comforted by his rival Roadrunner. And because of the current meme and the fact that he likes to talk all the time, I added Foghorn Leghorn, the famous rooster from Looney Tunes who advises and criticizes his people with his accent from the American South and for his speeches he has become famous. Yes, here Foghorn is pitying Coyote and criticizing owner Warner Bros for treating them badly, so Disney isn't the only one who treats their characters badly. And they are all together in the area of the Grand Canyon.

For those who can't see what my drawing says, here's what Foghorn says: "Boy, I say boy, what did I tell you? Y'see, that the main director won't let you make your movie at any price because he is an big asshole and we are just like mascots for children. Can you dig it?"

The second drawing I drew is one of my favorite couples, Pepe Le Pew and Penelope Pussycat. And before anyone even attacks me that it's not true that they love each other, look at the last cartoons before they banned Pepe for stupid reasons, where the two really love each other. Yes, in the old cartoons, Penelope avoided Pepe, because Pepe is a skunk and stinks, but there are times when Penelope wanted to hug Pepe. However, one approach is to old cartoons, and the other is more recent. They certainly don't do that anymore, and I love them together no matter what and I'm very sad that they banned Pepe from appearing anymore. I wish he could come back. That's why I drew the usual them in my own way in my own style, the two of them who are really underrated characters. Also this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APH4kmx-sAI

Pepe, Penelope, Wile and Road were invented by Chuck Jones, while Foghorn Leghorn was invented by Robert McKimson.

I hope you like these drawings and I hope these Looney Tunes characters get their justice. Feel free to like and reblog this if you're a fan of these characters!

[dailylooneys]

Looney Tunes Title (1930 - 1969)

In celebration of the 93rd birthday of Looney Tunes, I did, what I like to call, a “title evolution” post.

[acmeoop]

Happy 110th Birthday to Bob Clampett! (May 8, 1913 – May 2, 1984)

[tfbsattic]

CW:

Blood, gore, and many ruined childhoods GALORE!

Hide your kids or anyone who cherishes those classic cartoons but can’t stomach the HORROR!

And you think that Disney has all the fun during Halfway to Halloween, Docs?

[the-pea-and-the-sun]

its time for everyone to watch my favorite chuck jones clip of all time

[theruffiansretrorampage]

art by Vinz

[muttonchopsalley]

Today marked the 40th anniversary of the passing of my personal favorite Looney Tunes director, Bob Clampett

[sleepy-stories]

I draw some redraws of the looney tunes. (2 from the classic and 1 from space jam 2) for fun and then realize i missed it. I looked through this morning for others like disney and others but i couldn't find some that wow me. So i save them....not knowing that I literally have a pinterest folder of stuff for redraws. But it was too late to continue on. Anyways, here's the drawing that took from my window and my best crop out it. I did use a filter called deep on one of the pictures

Here's the references:

[growingstrong2019]

“My cartoons weren't good, they were just first!”

Mickey Mouse in The Simpsons.

Insanely accurate if you compare the original Disney shorts to its competitors during the golden age of animation.

[comic-covers]

(1952)

[punster-2319]

[ducktoonsfanart]

The Three Caballeros and Daffy Duck as Carmen Miranda - Crossover - Looney Tunes and Disney - Duckverse - My version - Carnival in Brazil

After a long time I finally returned to my favorite activities and drew a crossover drawing of Daffy and Donald Duck, my favorite ducks, together with Jose Carioca and Panchito Pistoles. And they are all dressed in dresses together, through crossdressing and that's like Carmen Miranda. Carmen do Carmo Miranda da Cuna, better known by her pen name Carmen Miranda, was a Portuguese-Brazilian samba singer and dancer, Broadway actress and film star who was popular from the 1930s through the 1950s. She was born in Portugal, but her parents immigrated to Brazil shortly after. Born in 1909, died in 1955, she was one of the greatest dancing and singing icons of Latin American music of the 20th century. And she inspired a lot in popular culture. Daffy Duck was Carmen Miranda in the classic short "Yankee Doodle Daffy" from 1943, produced by Friz Frieleng, while Jose Carioca was Carmen Miranda in "The Three Caballeros" from 1944, produced by Walt Disney. For Donald and Panchito, I added in my own way. Yes, Brazilian women sometimes wear fruit on their heads, as a decoration, although this can also be found in Africa, the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Yes, it's funny to see male characters in dresses, so I drew those characters in my own way, just to make a joke, otherwise this is just a joke. Also, the background is in the colors of the rainbow, I only missed the last two colors, sorry, although it can also be linked to gay colors. Certainly the golden era of cartoons was full of humor and crossdressing so here I am drawing my favorite characters as Carmen Miranda, one of my favorite singers of all time and thank her for everything. And it's not bad that Daffy Duck from Looney Tunes is with the Disney trio, the Three Caballeros. José Carioca, Panchito Pistoles, Donald Duck and Daffy Duck in one place. Let me describe a little what the carnival in Brazil is like, which is held in February every year, plus a little refreshment related to the summer months. Plus this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHJLm6WNEv4

I hope you like this drawing and feel free to like and reblog this, just don't copy these same ideas of mine without mentioning me. Thank you! Also Happy 90th Birthday Donald Duck and 80th Anniversary of The Three Caballeros!

[dailylooneys]

I realize that was what it was really all about. I can only be as good as I could be. Whatever my limits were! It wasn't that I had to compete with the birds! And learned the second thing that creative is never competitive [...] In the world today of animation, in this particular year, there are a bunch of people making features. But that isn't the point! The point is you're trying to make the best picture. Not the best picture that was ever made or the best picture somebody else has made. There's no competition possible. When we were making cartoons at Warner Bros., we didn't know what MGM was doing or Disney was doing. It take a year to make a year to make a cartoon.

Chuck Jones