Imagination is the heart of comic book art.

Walter Lantz is always seen as the creator of Woody Woodpecker, yet that distinction should actually go to Ben "Bugs" Hardaway. Woody first appeared in 1940 as a supporting character in an Andy Panda cartoon, Knock Knock. Hardaway not only wrote that script, but over at Warner Bros., had co-directed the first cartoon featuring the now famous Bugs Bunny. This explains the similarity in the two characters. Woody's unique laugh was even voiced by actor Mel Blanc-also of the rabbit's fame. The woodpecker eventually became popular enough to merit his own cartoons, and in 1941, in The Cracked Nut, he finally received his name. Apparently most beloved cartoon characters were not named until their second outing.

Woody Woodpecker made his way into comic books in 1942. His guest appearances with Andy Panda in Dell's New Funnies, paved the way for his own series. In 1947, Dell began devoting a few issues of Four Color Comics to Woody. By 1952, he was in his own regularly-published comic, which continued until 1984. His cartoons have been airing on television since 1954. His Dell series ran nearly 200 issues with various specials, digests, and other reprints along the way. In the 80's, Harvey Comics began reprinting his stories.

If you don't know Woody Woodpecker, check out Scoop's February 7th "Did You Know?" or the following sites that explain it all:

One is Don Markstein's Toonopedia™ Home Page found at http://www.toonopedia.com/woody.htm From there you can link to all sorts of information dealing with Woody and many other characters.

And two that I really love are virtual exhibits of some fantastic Woody Woodpecker covers over the years. They need to be seen. For a gallery of Woody's specials and giant size issues, try Woody Issues or go to http://eega.net/covers/w_fc/fc_pages/fc_woodpk.html for some wonderful Dell Four-Color Woody Woodpecker covers.

It is amazing what one can find on the internet.

Until next time...

This is a weekly column from our friend David Jay Gabriel, Executive Director and Founder of the New York City Comic Book Museum. You can find out more about the museum at www.nyccbm.org.

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		1954 Woody Woodpecker Comic (from Chevrolet Company)