A friend and I were discussing classic anime characters, such as He and Jerry and Woody Woodpecker, around the water cooler. We discussed why many shows from the golden age of animation were more adult than unprofessional. We also discussed why characters like Woody Woodpecker changed from crazy to responsible adult throughout the years. There are many reasons why the pre-World War II characters and shows changed over the years.

Most people are aware that shows in the 1930s, forties, and even 50s were more adult in nature. Characters consumed, smoked cigarettes, and focused on taxes. For example, From the a Woody Woodpecker anime in which Buzz Buzzard was determined to sign Woody up for a life insurance policy. ugly cartoon characters girl But, Buzz would make himself the beneficiary, affect Woody off and keep the insurance money. Pretty heavy stuff. Let's dive into why shows were more adult like in this example.

First off, shows were more adult back in the golden age of animation because shows used to be shown before theatrical movies. Many of us Generation Xers and those who have come after us are used to seeing shows on television. (Who doesn't remember the classic Looney Tracks opening used in the 1980s in which all the famous Looney Tracks characters paraded across the stage? ) But, before shows were on television, these were in the cinemas. For example, He and Jerry shows were shown before MGM movies. Woody Woodpecker and friends were shown before General movies. Of course, Looney Tracks shows preceded Warner Bros. movies.

Now, as for why the pre-World War II characters like Woody Woodpecker served in insane ways happens because the artists and inventors were teenagers feeling their oats. It makes perfect sense that early Woody Woodpecker, for example, was wild and crazy. Later on, as the inventors began settling down and raising families, characters like Woody became more domesticated. Woody started caring for his nephew and niece, Knothead and Splinter. Meanwhile, over at Looney Tracks, Sylvester the Cat began raising his son. Even Foghorn Leghorn became a father figure to Miss Prissy's son, Egghead, Junior.

Yes, the post-World War II anime characters were not the same as how they were before the war and for good reason. The main reason is because of the fact shows were shown in theaters before adult audiences. Also, animators' real-life individuality seeped into the characters and the characters changed as the creators' lives changed. And, of course, the fact shows started being shown on television meant characters must be tamed down a little. But, we'll get into shows being edited for television in another article.

The wonderful thing is all the classic anime characters, such as Wood Woodpecker, Andy Panda and Daffy Duck, continue to exist in television reruns and DVD sets. I thoroughly enjoy watching the adventures of old-school characters, such as Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig, whether we are talking about their early shows or later assaults.