# TV Guide's 50 Greatest Cartoon Characters **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 31, 2002, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749 "2002-07-31T20:20:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 8:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/41 "2002-08-03T08:28:45Z")
Kudos for Daria and Donald Duck. But there’s no mention of Brian from Family Guy. Even Peter or Chris would’ve done in a pinch. Seems to me that someone from South Park would be worth a mention, considering the impact it’s had on entertainment. ---
**Author:** ![Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c67d28/32.png) [@Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weird_AL_Einstein)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/42 "2002-08-03T14:32:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jjtm \* > \*\*Seems to me that someone from South Park would be worth a mention, considering the impact it’s had on entertainment. \*\* Cartman is on the list. But none of the Animaniacs, which is just wrong. ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/43 "2002-08-03T19:04:58Z")
That list is pure crap. (My, it is funny how riled up we are getting:) ) Gumby should not be there because Gumby really isn’t a cartoon. He should be replaced by Foghorn Leghorn immediately! Wile e. Coyote is #38?? Have you people no shame? The powderpuff girls? The powderpuff girls??? And what about… Hong Kong Phooey The Great Gazoo Elmer Fudd (???) I do however agree with the first two on the list ---
**Author:** ![Wolfian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/7ea924/32.png) [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/44 "2002-08-03T20:16:14Z")
I’m going to have to stick up for the rodent. I’m happy with the selection of Pikachu. Although the focus of the show has shifted for a while Pikachu was the main star and managed to express a wide range of emotions with only 4 syllables. It will definately be remember, especially by those that are young now. I only have one compliant with the choice, its’ way too high up. I would expect somewhere much lower 35-50. I like the nod to the Powerpuff Girls, but I’m not sure that I like the pick. The show is amazing, but their characters definately aren’t the best. Angela? They could have at least picked the entire ensemble. They should have bumped it down to the middle. Spongebob? Eh, not my cup of tea, but much lower on the list (say 52). Ren and Stimpy, no complaints. Space Ghost, Daria, no complaints. Josie? Why? At least they didn’t pick Jabberjaw. Who got left off? Definately Sindley Whiplash. Pierre LaPew was great. The pink panther just for being so cool. The Tick. Johnny Quest. The Smurfs. Oh well. Pobody’s Nerfect. ---
**Author:** ![capacitor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@capacitor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capacitor)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2002, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/45 "2002-08-03T23:14:20Z")
Ok how is it that they picked three of the Simpsons and not the best character of all: Marge. She is the glue to the whole show, as well as one of the most multi-dimensional characters ever created in any media. Look at the shoplifting episode as a prime example as to why she is more important a character than the other three listed together. And come on, she is at once one of the most beautiful and funniest drawn characters ever. Pokemon would be a much better show without the kids using Pikachu and the gang as cockfighters. Keep Team Rocket, for they are one of the best villian groups ever, and have it just be the Pikachu show. As much as I like the Powerpuff Girls, Mojo Jojo is by far the best villian in any cartoon, and the best character in this one. Is that Bill of Saturday Night Live Fame (Oh noooooooo!!!) Good pick. No Linus and Lucy Van Pelt?? They got the best theme song ever!! The blanket, the psychiatry booth, the Christmas recital, the Great Pumpkin, the hapless right fielder, what more do you want? They should have had Davey and Goliath in it, just for the “Mountain Dew” commercial if nothing else. Spongebob, wow. The media must think very highly of the show that started late last year. I must look at it again. ---
**Author:** ![Yookeroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yookeroo/32/323_2.png) [@Yookeroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yookeroo)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/46 "2002-08-04T01:15:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by musicguy \* > \*\*That list is pure crap. > > (My, it is funny how riled up we are getting:) ) > > Gumby should not be there because Gumby really isn’t a cartoon. > > He should be replaced by Foghorn Leghorn immediately! > > Wile e. Coyote is #38?? Have you people no shame? > > The powderpuff girls? The powderpuff girls??? > > And what about… > > Hong Kong Phooey > The Great Gazoo > Elmer Fudd (???) > > I do however agree with the first two on the list \*\* You complain about the Powerpuff Girls and then suggest that Hong Kong Phooey belongs??? You’re joking, right? ---
**Author:** ![capacitor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e47774/32.png) [@capacitor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capacitor)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/47 "2002-08-04T01:49:21Z")
Also, they just totally ignored Steven Spielberg’s contribution to TV cartoons. That’s like doing martial arts retrospective without Jackie Chan. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/48 "2002-08-04T02:35:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by capacitor \* > \*\*Spongebob, wow. The media must think very highly of the show that started late last year. I must look at it again. \*\* Late last year? I’m no Spongebob fan (I’ve only seen it once, but I have to admit it was actually kind of funny) but I know I heard people talking about it at least as far back as Spring 2001. So it’s definately over a year old. Ya know, now that I think about it…were the **Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles** on the list? That was the last time I remember a cartoon blowing up so big with the kids so fast. If Spongebob is there then they should be too. ---
**Author:** ![airdisc](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e19adc/32.png) [@airdisc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/airdisc)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/49 "2002-08-04T02:43:09Z")
I’m gonna take Hell for this, but: No Garfield? ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/50 "2002-08-04T02:47:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Wolfian \* > \*\* > Josie? Why? At least they didn’t pick Jabberjaw. > > Who got left off? Definately Sindley Whiplash. Pierre LaPew was great. The pink panther just for being so cool. The Tick. Johnny Quest. The Smurfs. > > Oh well. Pobody’s Nerfect. \*\* That’d be Snidely Whiplash and Pepe Le Pew… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![mobo85](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b19c9b/32.png) [@mobo85](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mobo85)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/51 "2002-08-04T03:05:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by capacitor \* > **Is that Bill of Saturday Night Live Fame (Oh noooooooo!!!) Good pick.** No, that’s Bill of _Schoolhouse Rock_ fame. The _Saturday Night Live_ Bill has a “Mr.” as part of his moniker. (Useless fact: The bill that was the star of “I’m Just a Bill” was for school buses to stop at railroad crossings.) ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/52 "2002-08-04T16:42:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Yookeroo \* > \*\* > > You complain about the Powerpuff Girls and then suggest that Hong Kong Phooey belongs??? You’re joking, right? \*\* Yes. In hindsight, I will admit that HKP is a bit of a stretch. Although, I just love Scatman Crothers’ voice and always had an affinity as a kid for anything martial arts related. I dug HKP. One of the greatest though? Nah, I will concede… But Elmer Fudd being dissed is a crime. ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/53 "2002-08-04T18:16:45Z")
Well… Hong Kong Phooey WAS the number-one super guy. 🙂 As said on page one of this thread, this list is basically a popularity contest. It’s not so much about who are the greatest characters of all time, but rather it’s an extended plug for some of the newer characters, which is why you see Cartoon Network cartoons represented on there. And if a character is no longer seen as politically correct, he/she’s off, too. Someone in this thread mentioned that for a list to really represent the “greatest” cartoon characters, the characters should have been around for at least 20 years or so, to give it all a sense of perspective. After all, we need to know if a show is popular because it’s new and appeals specifically to today’s audiences or if because it’s timeless - IMO, if it’s as appealing in one decade as it is in another, it’s a keeper. ---
**Author:** ![Soup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@Soup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soup)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2002, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/54 "2002-08-04T22:06:36Z")
I have to question the vailidity of a list of the “greatest cartoon characters ever” that doesn’t include the original **Jonny Quest**. An absolute no-brainer, in fact, it should be in the top ten. I don’t mind so much the fact that characters who originally appeared in theaters are listed. Who among us saw a **Bugs Bunny** short that way? But I don’t think the classic Disney characters really qualify. I never saw them on pre-cable TV while growing up, but I could always catch Warner Bros’ ( **Bugs** ), MGM’s ( **Tom & Jerry** ), and Paramount’s ( **Popeye** ) shorts on any number of kiddie shows after school. I have to second the nominations for **Davey and Goliath** , **Quick Draw McGraw** , **Inspector Gadget** , and **Courageous Cat**. And a previosly unmentioned nominee: Tex Avery’s **Droopy**. ---
**Author:** ![Linus\_Van\_Pelt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ebca7d/32.png) [@Linus\_Van\_Pelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linus_Van_Pelt)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/55 "2002-08-05T07:58:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by OxyMoron \* > \*\*…The formula: hit the major characters that inspire nostalgia, regardless of how insipid they were. Hit the popular cartoons of today. Hit the cartoon the PBS parents like, even if they’re insufferable (what, no Clifford?)… \*\* If you look at them, pretty much _all_ of the lists of this type (and remember how many of them came out during the pre-Year 2000 hype) have followed this formula, or one similar to it. Here’s another example:[VH1’s 100 Greatest 1 hit wonders](http://www.vh1.com/shows/series/100_greatest/one_hit_wonders/) How are they chosen? They never give any indication. How are they ranked? Who knows. These lists are created for one reason only: they are a gimmick to get you to watch their show or read their magazine, or whatever it is they are trying to sell. And it works. People respond to lists like this. They respond, because it evokes a memory of a loved (or hated) character, song, etc. And they do what we are doing here - debate the merits of the list. I would not be surprised if I found that some selections were included _only_ to generate debate. I find that the debates are often more entertaining than the lists. **PatrickM** , I completely disagree with your rule that the cartoon can’t be a one-shot. There are characters that appear one time only that make such a lasting impression on popular culture that they _must_ be included in lists of this sort. **The Grinch** belongs here, no question about it. [pout] And there was, without a doubt, at least one defininate omission in this list. [/pout] ---
**Author:** ![PatrickM](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7feea3/32.png) [@PatrickM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickM)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/56 "2002-08-05T15:52:22Z")
Linus, I’m sorry you disagree with my standards, but FWIW I’m sticking to them. You are certainly entitled to apply your own criteria. Having said that, the nominees for the best 50 TV cartoon characters of all time appear to be as follows: Adam Ant Aeon Flux Alvin Ambiguously Gay Duo Angelica Pickles Angry Beaver Arthur Barney Rubble Bart Simpson Batman Beanie Beavis Betty Boop Bill (I’m Just a) Blossom Bobby Hill Boo-Boo Bear Boris Badenov Brac Brian (Family Guy) Bubbles Bugs Bunny Bullwinkle J. Moose Buttercup Butthead Cartman Catnip Cecil the Sea Serpent Charlie Brown Courageous Cat Daffy Duck Danger Mouse Daria Morgandorfer Davey & Goliath Dick Dastardly Donald Duck Dot Warner Droopy Dog Dudley Do-Right Elmer Fudd Fat Albert Felix the Cat Foghorn Leghorn Freakazoid Fred Flintstone Garfield George of the Jungle George Jetson Gerald McBoing-Boing Goofy Grape Ape Gumby Hank Hill He-Man Heathcliff Heckle & Jeckle Herman Cat Homer Simpson Hong Kong Phooy Huckeberry Hound Inspector Gadget Jerry Mouse Jiminy Cricket Johnny Bravo Johnny Quest Josie (of the band “Josie & the Pussycats”) Kang & Kodos Linus Van Pelt Lisa Simpson Lucy Van Pelt Magilla Gorilla Marge Simpson Mickey Mouse Mighty Mouse Mojo Jo Jo Montgomery Burns Mr. Whoopie Mr. Bill Mr. Peabody Mr. McGoo Ms. Frizzle Muttley Natasha Fatale Olive Oyl Optimus Prime Pepe Le Pew Peppermint Patty Pikachu Pink Panther Pinky Pokey Popeye Porky Pig Quickdraw McGraw Ren Ricochet Rabbit Road Runner Rocky the Flying Squirrel Savoir Faire Scooby Doo Scrooge McDuck Secret Squirrel Shaggy Snagglepuss Snidely Whiplash Snoopy Son Goko Space Ghost Speedy Gonzalez Spongebob Squarepants Stimpy Super Chicken Superman (Fleishmann) Sylvester Team Rocket Tennessee Tuxedo The Grinch The Tick The Great Gazoo The Brain Tigger Tom Cat Tom Terrific Top Cat Tweety Bird Underdog Wacko Warner Waylon Smithers Wile E. Coyote Wimpy Winnie the Pooh Wolf (Tex Avery’s HGM) Wonder Woman Woodstock Woody Woodpecker Yakko Warner Yogi Bear Any other ommissions? Generally, I tried to distinguish between characters on the same show, however, for some (ie Heckle & Jeckle and Davey & Goliath) I decided not to do that, since the characters seem to share the same brain. ---
**Author:** ![handsomeharry](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9c0ed/32.png) [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2002, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/57 "2002-08-05T23:37:09Z")
Obviously, the list was created by some dilletante. No one who was a real player would have such a wimpy lineup as that. or, some gen X kid who needed copy and polled a few people in the tv guide offices, then went to an online cartoon database for the rest…that’s how it smells to me. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/58 "2002-08-06T02:04:48Z")
:mad: Japan is represented by _Pikachu_?! I could compile a list of the 50 best Japanese cartoon characters and never get to Pikachu. ---
**Author:** ![Hamish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a5b964/32.png) [@Hamish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamish)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2002, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/59 "2002-08-06T02:07:23Z")
_cough_ Matt was in Spain for one month, and already I’m out of the habit… …for the record, the last post by **matt\_mcl** was actually mine. I forgot to clear the cookies. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2002, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749/60 "2002-08-07T22:21:41Z")
Nevertheless, I’d like to associate myself with the remarks of my learned colleague. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tv-guides-50-greatest-cartoon-characters/121749.md?page=4)