First Cartoon Character

It's debatable whether the first cartoon character was Mickey Mouse, Popeye, or Felix the Cat. Mickey Mouse began as Steamboat Willie in 1928 as the third oldest cartoon character. Popeye began on January 17, 1929. Popeye wasn't even thought of yet when Olive Oyl made her debut as the seventh cartoon character.

 

 The First Cartoon

 

Felix the Cat was created by Pat Sullivan and Otto Mesmer as a silent era cartoon in 1919. Felix embodied a feline body and human traits. Felix started as a movie short before the main features. Felix debuted in Feline Follies as Master Tom who chased down mice and romanced with female cats.

 

 Comic Strips

 

In 1923, Felix the Cat became a comic strip. For almost a century, Felix continues to be one of the most popular cartoon characters. By 1953, Felix could pull anything he needed out of a magical sack. The bag could be transformed into anything he needed.

 

 Merchandising Felix the Cat

 

Ever since the 1920's, Felix the Cat merchandise has been a popular seller. Felix the Cat inspired the Kit Cat clock of the 1930's. Through the years, there have been T shirts, dolls, Pez candy dispensers, mugs, and more. As the times changed, so did Felix.

 

 Felix in the Age of Sound

 

When the movies entered the sound age, Felix the Cat was given a voice in many shorts including April Maze. In 1936, well-known tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk were adapted into Felix the Cat cartoons including Felix the Cat and the Goose that Laid the Golden Egg.

 

 The Age of Television

 

Just like many of his human and cartoon counterparts, when television came out Felix joined the new entertainment media. His television program continue to entertain.