The History And Legacy Of Oswald The Rabbit Cartoon

The History And Legacy Of Oswald The Rabbit Cartoon
Oswald the Lucky Rabbit by DarkDarren on Newgrounds from www.newgrounds.com

Introduction

Oswald the Rabbit cartoon is one of the most iconic cartoons in the history of animation. Created by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks in 1927, Oswald was the first animated character to feature in a series of short films. Despite losing the rights to Oswald to Universal Studios in 1928, Disney’s creation paved the way for the success of Mickey Mouse and other iconic characters.

The Creation of Oswald the Rabbit

Walt Disney created Oswald while working for Universal Studios. He was inspired by a pet rabbit he had as a child and based the character’s design on the popular cartoon character Felix the Cat. Oswald’s first appearance was in a short film titled “Trolley Troubles.”

The Success of Oswald the Rabbit

Oswald quickly became a hit with audiences, and his popularity led to the creation of several more short films featuring the character. The Oswald series was the first animated series to have a regular cast of characters, including Oswald’s girlfriend, Ortensia, and his dog, Pluto.

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The Loss of Oswald

In 1928, Disney lost the rights to Oswald to Universal Studios, which led to bitter legal battles between the two companies. Disney was devastated by the loss of his creation and vowed to never again lose control of a character he created. This led to the creation of Mickey Mouse and the formation of Disney Studios.

The Legacy of Oswald the Rabbit

Despite losing the rights to Oswald, the character’s legacy lives on. In recent years, Disney has regained the rights to Oswald and has featured him in several projects, including the video game “Epic Mickey” and the animated series “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”

Oswald the Rabbit’s Impact on Animation

Oswald’s creation and success paved the way for the success of other iconic characters, including Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Tom and Jerry. His influence on the animation industry is still felt to this day, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of animators.

The Importance of Oswald’s Character Design

Oswald’s character design was groundbreaking for its time. His long ears and expressive face made him instantly recognizable and helped to establish him as a beloved character. His design also paved the way for other iconic characters, including Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse.

The Significance of Oswald’s Storytelling

Oswald’s storytelling was also groundbreaking for its time. His short films featured recurring characters and plotlines, which helped to establish him as a relatable and beloved character. His storytelling techniques were later used by other animators, including Disney himself.

The Enduring Popularity of Oswald the Rabbit

Oswald the Rabbit may have been created over 90 years ago, but his enduring popularity is a testament to the impact he had on the animation industry. His fans continue to celebrate his legacy, and his influence can be seen in the works of contemporary animators.

Conclusion

Oswald the Rabbit cartoon may have been created in 1927, but his legacy lives on. His creation and success paved the way for other iconic characters, and his influence on the animation industry is still felt to this day. His enduring popularity is a testament to the impact he had on the world of animation, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of animators.

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