Vintage Cartoons. . . And "Vintage Movies"

The Fantastic Four, a team of superheroes created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, first appeared in "The Fantastic Four" #1, published by Marvel Comics in November 1961. The team consisted of four individuals with unique superpowers: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards),

who could stretch his body like rubber; the Invisible Woman (Susan Storm), who could become invisible and create force fields; the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), who could generate and control fire; and the Thing (Ben Grimm),

a rock-like creature with superhuman strength.

Over the years, the Fantastic Four became one of Marvel's most iconic superhero teams, and in the late 1960s and early 1970s, they made their way into animated television.

Here is a brief history of some of the notable Fantastic Four animated series:

1. The Fantastic Four (1967-1968): The first animated adaptation of the Fantastic Four aired in 1967. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera and ran for 20 episodes. The show was relatively faithful to the early comic book stories, featuring the team battling various villains from their rogues' gallery.

2. Fantastic Four (1978): This series, produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, was an animated adaptation that aired as part of the "Marvel Super Heroes" programming block. The animation was limited, but it provided a glimpse of the Fantastic Four's adventures for a new generation of viewers.

3. The Fantastic Four (1994-1996): One of the more well-known animated adaptations, this series ran for two seasons and a total of 26 episodes. It closely followed storylines from the comics and introduced characters such as the Skrulls, the Inhumans, and the Silver Surfer.

4. Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes (2006-2007): This series adopted a more stylized animation approach and modernized the team's origin story. It featured 26 episodes and focused on both traditional villains and newer threats from the Marvel Universe.

While these are some of the primary animated adaptations, the Fantastic Four has appeared in various other Marvel animated projects, including guest appearances in series like "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" and "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes."

It's worth noting that the Fantastic Four has not been as prominently featured in animated form as some other Marvel characters, but they remain integral to the Marvel Comics legacy and have left a lasting impact on superhero storytelling.

I think this is one the best action cartoons that ever came out. (BJ)

Rocky and Mugsy made their debut in the animated short titled "Racketeer Rabbit," which was released in 1946. However, it wasn't until 1953 that the characters were officially paired together in "By Word of Mouse." This cartoon featured the mobster Rocky, voiced by Mel Blanc, and his dimwitted sidekick Mugsy.

1. Characters:

   • Rocky is a small but ruthless mobster who often takes on the role of a leader. Despite his diminutive size, he is tough, cunning, and has a distinctive nasal voice.
   • Mugsy, on the other hand, is a large, lumbering character who is loyal to Rocky but lacks intelligence. He often serves as the muscle for Rocky's schemes.

2. Classic Shorts: Rocky and Mugsy appeared in a series of classic Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies shorts produced by Warner Bros. These cartoons often revolved around the duo's criminal activities and their interactions with Bugs Bunny or other characters.

3. Notable Shorts:

   • "Bugs and Thugs" (1954): Bugs Bunny outsmarts Rocky and Mugsy, leading to comedic confrontations.
   • "Gun Crazy" (1950): This cartoon features Daffy Duck interacting with Rocky and Mugsy, with the former being a gangster.

4. Legacy: The Rocky and Mugsy duo became iconic for their recurring roles as comically inept gangsters in the Looney Tunes universe. Their shorts are remembered for the humorous interactions between the characters and their foiled attempts at outsmarting the likes of Bugs Bunny and other classic Warner Bros. characters.

5. Conclusion:

6. While "Rocky and Muggsy" may not have been as prominent or long-running as some other Looney Tunes characters, their presence in various animated shorts contributed to the rich history and humor of the Looney Tunes franchise.

1. The Marvel Super Heroes (1966): The first animated appearance of the Hulk was in "The Marvel Super Heroes," an anthology series that featured rotating segments of different Marvel characters. The Hulk segment, like the other parts of the show, utilized limited animation and often lifted artwork directly from the comics. The series was a modest success and introduced the Hulk to a broader audience.

   
   

2. The Incredible Hulk (1982): In 1982, a more dedicated Hulk animated series, titled "The Incredible Hulk," was produced by Marvel Productions. This show marked a departure from the previous animated format by offering more sophisticated storytelling. The series followed Dr. Bruce Banner's struggles with his gamma-ray-induced transformations into the Hulk and his quest for a cure. It ran for two seasons and featured memorable episodes like the two-part "The Origin of the Hulk" and "Bruce Banner, Unmasked!"

   
   

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4. The Incredible Hulk (1996-1997): A new animated series, also titled "The Incredible Hulk," premiered in 1996. This series had a more modern animation style and aimed at a slightly older audience. It featured story arcs that drew inspiration from the comics, including the Grey Hulk storyline. The show was well-received for its character development and exploration of Hulk's psyche. It ran for two seasons before concluding in 1997.

   
   

5. Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. 2013-2015

   
   "Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H." was a more recent addition to the Hulk's animated legacy. Premiering in 2013, the series took a different approach by featuring not only the Hulk but also other gamma-powered characters, forming a team known as the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (which stands for "Smashing, Mashing, Adventuring, Shouting, and Hulking"). The show explored the dynamics between the different Hulk personas and provided a unique perspective on the character.

6. Avengers Assemble (2013-2019):

   
   While not solely a Hulk series, the character played a significant role in the "Avengers Assemble" animated series, which ran from 2013 to 2019. The show featured the Hulk as a member of the Avengers, showcasing his interactions with other iconic Marvel heroes.

Throughout the years, the Hulk has remained a compelling character in animated adaptations, capturing the essence of his inner struggle and monstrous alter ego. These cartoons have contributed to the broader appeal of the Hulk, making him a beloved figure in both comic books and animated media.