Why Looney Toons & Merrie Melodies are better than any modern toon

They were funny, they were always fresh, they are old. They introduced characters that are a permanent part of American culture, and are famous round the world. They focused on all the American Ideals. Looney Toons and their sister series, Merrie Melodies, invented the modern cartoon.

American in every way

In almost every aspect of the toons, they were American. Bugs Bunny stood up to oppressors, daffy duck provided wit. They covered American history, albeit in a funny way. They supported the troops in WWII, so much, as to Bugs being awarded a service record. They acted as a rolling political cartoon in some respects, with various characters fighting Hitler, Nazis, and other enemies of the RW&B.; They showed aspects of life that are hard to find nowadays, and yet still feel like home.

Culture

Many kids who grew up in the 40s, 50s, and even 60s, learned their music from Loonie toons and Merrie Melodies. It is so true that in one Seinfield episode, Elane accuses Jerry of learning all his music from Looney Toons. Carl Stalling, the in house composer, took classic music, folk music, even opera, and arranged it for the various episodes. One of the more famous is the Ride of the Valkyries parody, with E. Fudd being the viking, and so on. Many episodes had little, if not none, dialog, purely music in the Operatic style.

Legacy

Look at the cartoon style before looney toons. All smooth curves, like Steamboat willie, right? Now look at the present day toons. That style is as dead as latin. The animation tecniques of modern cartoons were invented at Termite terrace. The style of bright, simple colors was born there.

And why modern toons dont hold a candle to them

Duration

It is said that The Simpsons are the longest running animated series of all time. Poppycock, i say. Look at Loonie toons. They ran for over 50 years, and introduced so many characters that are instantly recognizable. Say Tweety Bird, Taz, Wile E. Coyote, or Daffy, and anyone instantly thinks of those characters. Try the same test with "Moleman", and see how many people know he is the guy off the Simpsons.

Plot

Each episode was like a new show, no carry overs between. They shared characters, and a few common plots, but that was about it. You could watch any cartoon for the first time ever, and the characters would be set up with each as if it was the first.

Back To Top