I love these Tell-A-Tale books. This one, "Bugs Bunny Hangs Around," comes from a 1957 book. Nancy Hoag wrote the story. Fred Abranz and Norm McGary supplied the artwork (McGary most likely did the beautiful painting). The painting for these books from Whitman, as well as the artwork in the similar Little Golden Books, was nearly always wonderful. For more about artist, Norm McGary, check out the typically educational post by pal John Kricfalusi. Just click HERE!
The art is beautiful, but storywise, I've never cared for the the Whitman version of Bugs Bunny. Instead of the resourceful prankster who usually gives his antagonists what they deserve, in these books they turn him into a lazy, no-account good-for-nothing-bum who had to be "Taught a lesson" and punished for his misdeeds. And Elmer the victor? Apparently they thought the Bugs of the films was a threat to middle-class values.
ReplyDeleteChris: I tend to agree. The lazy troublemaker Bugs was often prevalent in the four Color comics as well. The artwork certainly carries the show here, and it is stunning.
ReplyDeleteBlame it on Western Publishing wanting to view Bugs that way I guess.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you posting again! Missed you!
ReplyDeleteIt never really works to have Bugs as the "fall guy." Having the last line delivered by Elmer in his baby talk just seems wrong. (Shouldn't the story's title therefore be "Bugs Bunny Hangs Awound"?) Also, Porky and Petunia are quite devious in rigging up a trap for Bugs. And would Bugs fall for such a simple trick as being lured by lemonade and cake? Those aren't even his favorites, anyway. His beloved carrots are his food of choice. It also makes no sense to distract someone from his food by offering him other food. He's already getting the goodies he's after--and he's wary enough about Elmer to know that there's bound to be an ulterior motive in the extra snack. The "real" Bugs Bunny would never fall for that trick--or if he did, he would walk into it knowingly just to give ol' Fudd the satisfaction of "thinking" he's won. The "real" Bugs might finish this story with a sly wink to the audience, saying, "Oh, well, you can't win 'em all" to prove that he isn't a dumb as he's made out to be in this story.
And what's up with Porky? Porky's supposed to be his buddy, not his nemesis. I prefer the comic book stories where Porky is Bugs' sidekick as they take on a breathtaking adventure together and operate on more or less equal terms--I definitely don't like to see Porky siding with Elmer! And Petunia doing likewise? For shame, for shame!
Still and all, the artwork in this book is excellent--really captures the characters in a variety of moods and poses. The colors are magnificent as well. Even if the characters' personalities are all wrong, the book itself is still well worth a look.
Thanks--and welcome back!
Thanks, Scarecrow: I suppose Whitman thought the subtle sophistication of the Warner Brother's cartoons a bit much for this reading level . . .but still - it's tough to see the crafty, street-wise Bugs such a dupe. As you mention, all characters are stripped of their cartoon character. Thanks for the welcome back.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mykal, I love these painted Tell-A-Tale books. Norm McGary's work is awesome! Keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Dave - I think I'll do one more Tell-A-Tale.
DeleteIf you were tasked with creating a consistent personality and / or shtick for Bugs Bunny, particularly during an age where not everyone saw all (or most) of his cartoons, this seemed a logical approach to take.
ReplyDelete1957 was three years before the 1960 prime time BUGS BUNNY SHOW, and may have been the year the AAP package of Warner cartons came to TV. It always looked like the year “1957” appeared on that AAP “overlay” that supplanted (alas, in many cases, for good) the original Warner openings.
And, in the 1940s, when Western Publishing’s template for these characters was formulated, I’d imagine that not everyone “went to the movies” 52 weeks a year, and saw every cartoon Leon Schlesinger cranked out. So, I always thought this was a good compromise. At least they got way closer to the mark than they did with “Beep Beep the Road Runner” – a comic I liked on its own merits, independent of the Chuck Jones cartoons, which also came to TV *after* that comic was instituted.
Bugs wasn’t really much of a “dupe” in Western’s version. Perhaps, here, Elmer was just “due” for a victory, per the Law of Averages. Nearly all comic book covers he shared with Fudd showed Bugs getting the best of him. Every once in a while he even got his comeuppance in cartoons – from the Gremlin, and Turtle, to name two. Also, the very late entry “Dr. Devil and Mr. Hare” didn’t exactly “end well” for him. He couldn’t win every time – though he DID come close.
Fred Abranz’s artwork here, enhanced by the painted images, looks better than it did in the comic books. It sorta evokes a 1940s – early ‘50s McKimson look.
I’m not really looking to do a plug, but the subject matter makes it appropriate… If you wish to see a review of a Warner comic from Western where I feel they did everything right, go to my Blog this coming Monday (September 23). Mykal is kind enough to have my link in his Blog-roll (I gotta add one of those and reciprocate!), at the right of his page.
Meanwhile, great job on both the Bugs Bunny and Woody Woodpecker Tell-A-Tale books, Mykal! Those get even less attention than the comic books, and that’s clearly a shame.
Joe: I hope lots of folks go to your wonderful blog. I agree with your observations about Abranz' work looking especially good here - and the similarity to 50s style McKimson. I just love the painting done here by McGary.
ReplyDeleteI think that perhaps the people at Western Publishing wanted to produce stories that would get a parental seal of approval, which may be why Bugs gets his comeuppance in comics and storybooks like this one.It's almost a "Yogi Bear in a Bugs Bunny costume" story (even though Yogi wasn't around yet in 1957).
ReplyDeleteThe artwork here is a joy to look at. I may have had a reprint of this book when I was younger (or an old copy one of my relatives had hung on to). Some of these books must have been reprinted into the 1970's, as I recall this one and one about Tom and Jerry's Toy Circus, as well as dozens of Disney storybooks.
Hi, Debbie. I suspect you're right about the parental approval concept. Western was extremely cognizant of that and proud of their reputation for publishing "good comics." I love your Yogi in a bear suit analogy. Yep, the artwork is certainly a joy. I am going to consider your mention of the Tome and Jerry Tell-A-Tale book a request. I have hunted one down on eBay and will post it ASAP. Thanks for the tip!
Delete