The Neanderthal Mickey.
Walt Disney's success began with this rabbit he dubbed "Oswald", one
Disney's first characters. He did not own the rights to this cartoon, however,
andthus Oswald the Rabbit (as property) was taken from Walts' hands when the
rabbit grew in popularity. Disney would not tolerate such unjust theft, so he,
along with Oswald, abandoned Disney's employer at the time. From there, Disney
bounced from studio to studio, generating different animated shorts. His ultimate
success came after some brainstorming with his wife on a train, where Disney
thought up of a character knownas Mickey Mouse (Mickey was originally to be
named "Mortimer", but Mrs. Disney felt that it lacked charm). Observe
the similarities in facial structure, body shape, and apparel between Oswald
the Rabbit and Mickey Mouse.
And
after that:
Mickey Mouse
in his original form. Note the large eye sockets, oblong snout, and gloveless
hands. The ears are placed in an awkward position on his head and the limbs
resemble pipestems. However, the infamous two-button shorts have been established.How
the public first saw Mickey Mouse on November 18th, 1928 (recognized as Mickey's
birthday). Black circles have now replaced the huge eye sockets. Note that shoes
adorn Mickey's feet, but he is lacking gloves. He still has the beanpole limbs
and the very full pear body shape. Ears are becoming more separated (however,
this isn't a static trait; they go all over the place). Tail is at a long
Finally:
How
Mickey Mouse is generally seen animated today. Eyes have narrowed into tight
ellipses and he has wider temples (well, in any case, there's more room between
his eyes and his ears). Ears are definitely more separated and the eternal black
circles have returned. The nose is more wide than long. Always handsomely dressed
to match his smooth figure.
