It's the desth-picable Daffy Duck

The iconic Daffy will be 86 this year

Welcome to Animated, where you get your weekly dose of famous and not-so-famous animations.

Coming up…

In Conversation - I will be sharing a conversation with one of the writers of the new Chicken Run movie. For those who don’t know, the first Chicken Run movie in 2000 is the biggest-grossing stop-motion movie ever. The fascinating conversation will be posted at the start of December.

Animated Anecdotes -If you’d like to join the halls of fame and write your Animated Anecdotes, please get in touch. It’s easier and more fun than you can imagine

Animated Anniversaries - Disney is 100 this year. I will be posting a series in December all about Disney. I will also be looking at significant Disney films that celebrate a birthday this year.

Daffy Duck

History

Daffy Duck is an iconic animated character who debuted in April 1937. Initially developed by the legendary Tex Avery and Bob Clampett, he quickly became one of the most recognisable characters in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series. Known for his zany antics, distinctive voice, and comedic personality, Daffy Duck has left an indelible mark on the world of animation.

Daffy starred in 130 shorts in the golden age. This ranks him as the third most frequent character in the Looney Tunes/Merrie Melodies stable, behind Bugs Bunny's 167 appearances and Porky Pig at 153 appearances. Almost all the great Warner Bros. cartoon directors, notably Bob Clampett, Robert McKimson, and Chuck Jones, have put their spin on the Daffy Duck character. This made him number 14 in a recent list of the top 50 cartoon characters.

When Clampett gave an interview about Daffy’s character, he said

"At that time, audiences weren't accustomed to seeing a cartoon character do these things. And so, when it hit the theatres, it was an explosion. People would leave the theatres talking about this Daffy Duck."

Early storyboards show Daffy as little more than a black duck. However, as he developed and Mel Blanc created his vocal character with his lisp in speech, Daffy started to have a more significant impact. His body developed a more duck-like quality with characteristic large feet, bill, and white collar.

During his time at the top, Daffy would feature in several war-themed shorts during World War II, remaining true to his strong-willed character. Daffy was also the mascot for the 600th Bombardment Squadron.

From 1946 to 1964, Daffy underwent a series of changes, taking on a more Bugs Bunny persona and changing his image again to match the changing shape of cinema in the US.

As Bugs Bunny became Warner Bros.' most famous character, the directors still found uses for Daffy. One of those was for him to make parodies such as Daffy in The Great Piggy Bank Robbery (1946) and  "Duck Twacy" (Dick Tracy) by Bob Clampett.

Daffy did have his show, too, like Bugs Bunny did, which was popular throughout the 1980s and early 90s. 

Daffy is still famous today, making cameos in major Warner Bros. films, and is available to watch on streaming platforms and home DVD

Then..

…and now

These images show the evolution of Daffy over his 86-year history.

Plotline

Daffy Duck's plotlines often revolve around his interactions with other classic Warner Bros. characters, particularly his rival, Bugs Bunny. Daffy's roles range from a scheming foil to Bugs to a boastful adventurer or simply a lovable and eccentric duck trying to navigate various situations, often with hilarious and unpredictable outcomes.

Daffy's escapades involve various adventures, from battling formidable adversaries to pursuing fame and fortune, all while he displays his quirky and energetic personality. His ambition, charisma, and ability to bounce back from absurd situations make him a fan favourite and a memorable character in animated entertainment.

Characters

Daffy Duck: Daffy's main character and star is a wacky, self-absorbed duck with a distinct speech pattern and a penchant for getting into outrageous predicaments.

Bugs Bunny: Daffy's iconic rival and fellow Warner Bros. character, Bugs Bunny, often finds himself in a humorous rivalry with Daffy. Their interactions are a staple of the Looney Tunes universe.

Elmer Fudd: Another recurring character in Daffy's world, Elmer Fudd, is often the target of Daffy's schemes and comedic antics, leading to memorable and comedic confrontations.

Merchandise

Daffy Duck's popularity has led to a wide range of merchandise featuring the character. From toys, clothing, and accessories to comic books, video games, and collectables, fans of all ages can find various Daffy Duck-themed items to celebrate their favourite duck.

Daffy merchandise often comes in generational waves as a new generation watches the iconic duck buying clothing with his image on.

Fun Facts

Evolution of Character: Daffy's character has evolved over the years, starting as a zany, unpredictable duck and transitioning to a more neurotic and self-absorbed persona, becoming one of the more unique and dynamic characters in the Looney Tunes universe.

Variety of Roles: Daffy has played various roles in animated shorts, ranging from a detective to a space explorer, showcasing the character's versatility and ability to adapt to different scenarios.

Famous Quack: Daffy's distinctive voice, provided by legendary voice actor Mel Blanc, has become synonymous with the character, and his catchphrases, such as "You're despicable!" have become iconic.

Film Appearances: Daffy has appeared in numerous animated films, including classics like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" (1988) and "Space Jam" (1996), showcasing his enduring popularity across generations.

Daffy Duck's timeless appeal and ability to bring laughter to audiences of all ages have solidified his status as a beloved animated character. His memorable moments, humorous interactions, and distinct personality continue to entertain and delight fans, making Daffy Duck an enduring icon in animation.