#wascally wabbit

[vintage-tigre]

[skullislandproductions]

Getting into the holiday spirit, Bugs Bunny here, "doubles" as good ol’ St. Nick!

[victusinveritas]

Space Bunny by Joel Naprstek.

[mignt051]

🐇Oh, Bugsy!!!!!🥕

[acmenerdette]

Proof that this legend will never stop being funny

[usnatarchives]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUGS! By Miriam Kleiman, with a shoutout to #1 Bugs fan Jason

What’s up, Doc? Bugs Bunny debuted #OTD 1940 in the Warner Bros. cartoon A Wild Hare. That "Wascally Wabbit" went on to sell war bonds (see above), and serve as a Marine in World War II! NARA GIF from “Bond Rally, 1941.” In "Uncle Sam Speaks," NARA ID 1632603. (Image of Bugs Bunny copyrighted by Warner Bros.)

Bugs Bunny: Proud MARINE!

At the end of this 1943 short Bugs wears a USMC uniform. In response, the Marines made him an honorary private. He continued to rise through the ranks and is the only cartoon character to hold the rank of honorary Marine Master Sergeant!

From Marine Corps records, undated, from collection labeled "General – Insignias, Emblems, Patches, Seals." NARA IDs 74239994 and 74239883.

More Looney Tunes/WWII connections! "Private Snafu" in RUMORS, a WW2 training film, part of a series directed by Chuck Jones and other Hollywood animators. The voice of Private Snafu was performed by Mel Blanc! 

See related Tumblr post to learn the surprising connection to Dr. Seuss! NARA ID 35828. NARA Gif here.

Consolidated B-24 Liberator -- "Bugs Buggy." (USAF #58230AC) August 1945, NARA ID 204992017.

Mel and Estelle Blanc with President Reagan at the White House, 3/30/1984. Reagan Library, NARA ID 75853283.

[authorissitohbi]

[skullislandproductions]

Happy 85th Birthday, Bugs! Tex Avery's landmark short "A Wild Hare" was released July 27th, 1940, and has been embraced by the studio as his official birthday. Others cite different cartoons, but whenever you celebrate, we can all agree that he's one special rabbit. To see the rough version of this drawing, check out spike.brandt on Instagram.