Bugs in Print

Back in the 1910s, animated cartoons were based much of the time on characters found in the comic section of the newspaper—Krazy Kat, Mutt and Jeff, The Police Dog and Jerry on the Job come to mind. But there was some turnabout. Felix the Cat appeared in newspapers long after his screen career came to an end.

Bugs Bunny’s huge popularity in 1940 made him in demand for syndication in the comic pages. In 1942, Leon Schlesinger signed a deal with the National Enterprise Association to put him and sidekick characters like Elmer Fudd, Sniffles and Porky and Petunia Pig in a daily comic strip (Oh, and “Chester Turtle” according to the ad to the right). The first Sunday page appeared on January 10, 1943.

As papers were added, they were encouraged to promote Bugs arriving in their comic section. It would appear a Bugs “biography” was part of the press kit.

This appeared in the Battle Creek Enquirer of November 7, 1952. Evidently, the copy was pretty old because Bugs had been in comics for ten years, not five.

Antics of a Funny Bunny To Appear in Paper Daily
Bugs Bunny was not born deep down inside some obscure Hollywood inkwell as you might think. The amazing animated rabbit is the creation of some of the film capital's cleverest writers, directors and cartoonists.
This is the story of his rise from movie extra to streamlined star of the screen cartoons and newspaper comics.
Started As Bit Player
Like many famous stars, Bugs Bunny got his start as a bit player. He was the intended victim of the intrepid hunter, Elmer Fudd, but somehow managed to elude the double-barreled shotgun in every sequence.
Pretty soon Bugs Bunny was popping up out of rabbit holes, chewing his carrot and shout "What's cookin', Doc?" as the star of Warner Bros, cartoon shorts, while Elmer was playing supporting roles. Now baby-talking Elmer turns up frequently in the Bugs Bunny comic strip, along with stuttering Porky Pig, plump Petunia and Bugs Bunny's other screen pals.
The bold, brash character of Bugs Bunny so unlike the everyday rabbits you meet is the result of many years of development.
First he got a shot of courage. Then his creators added a Brooklyn accent, which Bugs now uses most effectively in the balloons of his daily strip which starts in the Enquirer and News on Monday.
Kept in Wild State
The nation's best-known Bunny has been kept in the wild state—never given houses to live in and rarely wearing clothes. He has no steady girl friend, although he is permitted an occasional romance.
Much of Bugs popularity is due to the fact that all red-blooded Americans enjoy watching the underdog get the better of his oppressor. The Bunny always gets into trouble through no fault of his own then turns the tables on the trouble makers. This formula for fun is as successful in the NEA daily comic strip as on the screen.
Bugs Bunny has an impressive war record. He was adopted by every branch of the armed forces and became the most widely traveled Hollywood star going 'round the world on bombers, warships, tanks, jeeps and other military vehicles.
He served as the mascot insignia of countless units and kept 10 million GIs’ minds off their troubles with his 16 mm. appearance overseas.
Birthday Celebrated
While authentic Bugs Bunny autographs are exceedingly rare the rabbit is as popular as Santa Claus with his juvenile fans. They have formed Bugs Bunny fan clubs throughout the country and have made his comic book the second largest seller in the world.
Last Easter, Bugs Bunny's birthday was the occasion of big celebrations in movie houses throughout the country. Entire chains of theaters featured simultaneous releases of his biographical cartoon "A Hare Grows in Manhattan" and promotion stunts included everything from kiddie drawing contests to "personal" appearances.
Bugs Bunny has been an NEA comic star for nearly five years. While his busy schedule permits him to make only six to eight cartoons annually, his thousands of fans see Bugs daily in the comic pages of America's leading newspapers.