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Who's Who Characters of Disney Animation and Comics
| DISCLAIMER: |
| All characters and their likenesses (images) are the sole property of the Walt Disney Company, and this list is by no means endorsed by The Disney Company, it is merely a reflection of my many years of enjoyment and research which I wish to share with others. The information listed is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and is, as you may notice, a work-in-progress (subject to modification and updating as time allows). However, the "working theories" sections are my own presumptions or postulations given available data: both visual and written. A short list of worthwhile resources can be found at the bottom of this section. |
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| PREMISE: |
| The purpose of HooZoo is to present a list of "classic" and "popular" characters from Disney Animation and Comics which I have compiled to form a semblance of order to the Disney Universe. There are no fast and hard rules which apply all the time except that the characters actions should reflect the Disney Company's vision of the characters. Very little evolution occurs with these characters as consistency seems to be a vital attribute, however, some characters, like Chip 'n' Dale have made successful leaps in their characters' development. Some bit-players have even been totally revamped and given new life, such as Goofy Junior and Pete Junior. There are those who hold strong opinions that Disney characters do not change, and within the family of Disney Fandom, this too, is acceptable and valuable, and it is not my desire to change their minds. Concerning some characters' first "print" appearances, I've tried to include any non-comicbook source (i.e., regular printed books) where I thought appropriate. |
| Much of "Mickey's Gang" originated, like him, on the farm where he once lived. In "The Adventures of Mickey Mouse" published by David McKay of New York in 1931 and sold for 50 cents, Mickey's farmyard roots are revealed. The book was one of the first illustrated Disney stories which continued to be reprinted until World War II. Some of the text read: |
| "This story is about Mickey Mouse, who lives in a cozy nest under the floor of the old barn... Mickey has many friends in the old barn and the barnyard beside Minnie Mouse. There are Henry Horse and Carolyn Cow and Patricia Pig and Donald Duck, Clara the Hen, Robert the Rooster, all the little Peep-peep Chicks and Turkeys and the Geese, too. But the Hound Dog is hardly a friend, and Claws, the Cat, is no friend at all..." |
| The word "HooZoo" comes from an early "Mickey Mouse Annual" published in 1931 by the English firm, Dean & Son, in a poem entitled "More HooZoo" which reiterated Mickey's Gang: |
| "Tom and Dick and Harry Bun laugh at Mickey with a gun, Knowing they are safe and sound, Mickey couldn't hit the ground. Donald Duck and Clara Hen, Robert Rooster, Jenny Wren, Mickey's many farmyard friends. They'll not catch him when he bends. Olga Owl if she'd a chance would lead our friend a pretty dance." |
| COMMENTARY: |
| 1. The Classic Characters: |
| While some of the characters listed have had a long-lasting presence, many of them fell by the wayside early in Mickey's career. Over time the Disney studio established Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto as it's "Fab 5" (or Fabulous Five) who, all except Minnie, were the featured stars of their own animated shorts. Figaro, the Kitten from "Pinocchio," was briefly elevated to that level. With the addition of Daisy Duck (though not a featured headliner), sans Figaro, the group is occasionally called the "Sensational Six." These seven characters achieved a semblance of superstar status, which should, by all rights, include Bad Pete. He is Walt's first and longest continuing character, having come from a time that predates the creation of Mickey Mouse. I call these eight characters (Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Minnie, Figaro, Daisy and Pete), the "Super 8" (pun intended). Figaro's appeal was short lived, however, for he was quickly upstaged by two other furry little critters in the form of Chip 'n' Dale (the Terrific Ten?), briefly followed by Humphrey the Bear (the Excellent Eleven --- now this is getting ridiculous). In any case, most characters granted their own featurette were usually one-shots and Silly Symphonies. Rarely were characters elevated to a status of not only having recurring roles, but headlining in these appearances, which, to the best of my knowledge, was only granted to: Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, the Three Little Pigs, Figaro, Chip 'n' Dale, Winnie the Pooh and Humphrey (in those early days). |
| 2. The Furry Species: |
| Many of Disney's "classic" characters are anthropomorphic (human-like) beings or "furries" of specific species such as mice, rabbits, cows, etc. However, the vast majority of background beings are basically comprised of duckbills (anthropomorphic ducks and geese), dogfaces (anthropomorphic dogs), pignoses (anthropomorphic pigs), birdbeaks (anthropomorphic birds of all types except ducks and geese), as well as occasional mouseears (anthropomorphic mice and rats), catspaws (anthropomorphic cats), longears (anthropomorphic rabbits) and bearclaws (anthropomorphic bears) and others; the most common are dogfaces, which seem to readily conform to the basic human appearance (save for their small round noses and little droopy dog-like ears). A distinction is made between actual animals and anthropomorphic animals, the latter of which usually represent 'human' beings in the "furry" world. The best example of this being Goofy and Pluto, both of whom descend from a common canine ancestor, have similar features, but one is considered a 'man' who walks upright, and the other a 'pet' who walks on all four. One can talk, while the other must bark or make use of "thought balloons" only discernible to other animals and to the readers. There are, however, some characters which walk a fine line between man and beast and occasionally cross over; such as Chip 'n' Dale whom, at times are depicted as animals, but other times are seen to be talking with humans and even wearing clothing. It is rare to find actual 'human' characters, due to a silent moratorium of sorts (imposed, I seem to recall reading once, by Walt Disney himself, especially in comics). Of course this is pretty much moot now. |
| 3. Consistent Inconsistency: |
| Inconsistency among Disney characters also reigns supreme. All the characters are basically in flux, used however the studio deems necessary. I've had to consider this when doing this "Who's Who List." I'm attempting something the studio wouldn't dare, which is to give the characters a semblance of continuity ... allowing great flexibility for change (i.e., Chip 'n' Dale go freely from animal to anthropomorphic and back to animal again, or when Baloo similarly changes from "Jungle Cubs" to "The Jungle Book" and then to "Tale Spin"). Disney's official word on these matters is that the characters are just "actors" playing the "roles" required for the specific film (hence Mickey or Donald or Goofy might be married or have children in one flick and suddenly be a consummate bachelor in the next). So with my adding their 'comicbook' history into the mix, I'm sure to be opening a major can of worms. One which I hope will possibly cause intriguing discussion, but will be allowed by those who hold to stricter view points (i.e., the case where some fervently hold that Huey, Dewey & Louie cannot be distinguished one from the other, and therefore all tales, even in comics, which attempt to do so are spurious, and even completely dismiss the recent animated shows. I think both viewpoints have their place and should be considered part of the Nephews' character, since both are true depending on how they are portrayed). I once asked certain parties within the Disney Company if they might consider doing such a list, and basically their reply to me was what I said about the Studio's "needs." I also once proposed the same to Disney News Magazine, and the editor loved it, only it never happened (both of these suggestions were made several years ago when Disney was producing it's own comics). So I've decided to take on the challenge myself. I realize there will be those who will be vehemently opposed to any attempt to create a continuity to their beloved characters, but I really just want to supply basic information about recurring characters. |
| 4. Personal Opinions: |
| This list is dedicated to Disney characters irrespective of their medium format. What is important is the character's relationship to Walt Disney or the Walt Disney Company. If the character appeared (more than once, not counting re-presentations, like reprints or reruns), in a film, commercial, book, comicstrip or comicbook, as a tin or plastic toy, printed on a poster, postcard, playing card, plastic cup or porcelain plate, anytime between the 1920s to the year 2000, this is important. Typical exceptions include characters which may appear in Disney publications, but are not Disney-owned, like Jeff Smith's "Bone," Marvel's "X-men," and others which appear frequently in "Disney Adventures Magazine," but does include such Disney-licensed characters as "Marsupilami" and "Roger Rabbit." |
| Nearly all of the listed characters are recurring in comics and film, and have made at least two or three appearances, with two primary exceptions: Peter Pegasus and Yen Sid. One is my favorite character, and the other is my tribute to their creator. There are some more recent characters, like Bonkers, who may have appeared in sources not normally tracked (i.e., "Disney Adventures Magazine") of which I am not aware. Any assistance you can share to help me complete, correct or enhance this list, especially the "unknown" items, would be greatly appreciated. Also, comments which are proceeded by "[?]" should be regarded as speculation and not cannon. Other information may require some fan-based refining. |
| 5. Future HooZoo: |
| Future additions to the HooZoo List that I would like to include are Tanglefoot, Mickey's horse; Dolores the Elephant; Milton, Mickey's Cat; the Aracuan; Bernard & Miss Bianca; Br'er Rabbit; Gummi Bears; Prof. Einmug; Pongo & Perdita; Captain Churchmouse & Spooks; Bip-Bip the Atom; Bolivar, Donald's St. Bernard dog; Profs. Ecks, Doublex & Triplex; Dangerous Dan McBoo & Idgit the Midgit; Gloomy; Ellsworth; Dinah the Dachshund; Bent-Tail & Junior; Bridgitta MacBridge & Jubal Cock; Trudy; J. Gander Hooter & the Agents of S.H.U.S.H., NegaDuck & the Fearsome Four (Bushroot, Quackerjack, Megavolt & the Liquidator); Morgana McCawber; Dr. Nogood & the Agents of F.O.W.L. (including Steelebeak; Ammonia Pine, the Steerminator, etc.); Don Karnage; Rebecca Cunningham & Molly; Kit Cloudkicker; Minima de Spell; and others. In most of these cases, I lack enough data to make a sufficient entry. If you can help, please do. |
| 6. Contributions: |
| I'd like to take a moment to express my gratitude to those who have aided me with corrections and additional information. Especially David Gerstein, Per Starback, Frank Stajano, Johan Rhen, Tad Stones, Juan Lara, and others. |
If you know of any other Disney-based characters that you believe belong on this HooZoo list please e-mail me. I will do what I can to provide art and profile data, but as much assistance as you can provide would be especially helpful. To determine the type of information and the approach I've taken to presenting it, you can see the specific catagories for which I need data (i.e. character background, voice actor, film name and air date, etc.) by checking out a typical profile. Too much information is better than not enough. It may be subject to editting to match my established style. You may e-mail these requests or provide the information to me by sending it to me at: xephyr@jps.net |
| REFERENCES: |
 Walt Disney's Animated Characters by John Grant, 1993, Hyperion Press Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia by Dave Smith, 1996, Hyperion Press The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cartoon Animals by Jeff Rovin, 1991, Prentice Hall Press< The Encyclopedia of Cartoon Superstars by John Cawley & Jim Korkis, 1990, Pioneer Books Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse in Color, Pantheon Books, 1988, Another Rainbow Publishing The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide by Robert M. Overstreet, 1997, Avon Books Mickey Mouse: Fifty Happy Years, The Official Birthday Book, 1973, Harmony Books Mickey Mouse: His Life and Times, 1986, Harper & Row Donald Duck: 50 Years of Happy Frustration, 1984, Three Ducks Editions Goofy: The Good Sport, 1985, HP Books The Disney That Never Was by Charles Solomon, 1995, Hyperion Press Other sources include various Disney Comic Books published by Dell, Gold Key/Western, Whitman, Gladstone, Disney, Marvel and others over the past 60 years (especially "Walt Disney's Comics & Stories" which serves as a wonderful showcase for a plethora of characters and information), and, of course, the Disney animated features and shorts themselves. Highly recommended: Per Starback's Disney Comics website @ www.update.uu.se/~starback/disney-comics/ |
| Thank you and enjoy. |