Which big-eyed cartoon character is your favorite?
Do you like doe-eyed girls? Or maybe googly-eyed dudes looking confused or mad?
Or maybe crazed pets are more your style?
Whatever your favorite style of prodigious peepers, you’re sure to find at least one big-eyed cartoon character who floats your boat below.
Mickey Mouse
The world first got a glimpse of Mickey Mouse in a 1928 short. But back then, Walt Disney’s most famous creation was known as Steamboat Willie. Instantly recognizable for his oversized round ears and eyes, Mickey became an international icon and the face of Disney. As the cheerful, adventurous Mickey, generations grew up watching his cartoon shorts and films.
Popeye
Sailor Popeye and his bulging forearms first appeared in 1929 in the Thimble Theatre comic strip. With his asymmetrical eyes (one open wider than the other) and corncob pipe, Popeye gained more popularity through the Fleischer cartoons. Spinach-eating Popeye packed a mean punch which he used to defeat the bearded bully Bluto and win Olive Oyl’s heart.
Betty Boop
Debuting in 1930, Betty Boop was created by cartoonist Max Fleischer. With her distinctive babydoll eyes, Betty was a symbol of the jazz age. The vivacious, carefree flapper girl starred in over 100 cartoon shorts. Betty’s exaggerated eyes and curvy figure made her a sexy cartoon icon.
Bugs Bunny
The wisecracking Bugs Bunny was officially created in 1940 by Tex Avery for Warner Bros. cartoons. In truth, others were involved in Bugs’ creation, and he actually appeared in the late 1930s. With half-closed eyes, buck teeth, and a Brooklyn accent, Bugs often outsmarted his opponents, including Elmer Fudd and Daffy Duck. Bugs Bunny’s wit and laidback confidence made him a beloved Looney Tunes star.
Casper the Friendly Ghost
The paranormal Casper was created in 1945 by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo. Unlike most ghosts, the oval-eyed, rosy-cheeked Casper was amicable and kind. He just wanted to make friends. Casper’s adventures often involved outwitting wicked ghosts. Several cartoon series and films featured this benign, beloved ghost.
Scooby Doo
This Great Dane dog starred in the 1969 cartoon Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! Produced by Hanna-Barbera, Scooby had a speech impediment and jumbled his words. But with his extraordinarily gangly limbs and oval eyes, he was the lovable, scaredy-cat mascot of teen sleuths solving supernatural mysteries. Generations grew up with “Scoob” and his antics.
Garfield
Jim Davis created the lasagna-loving, nap-taking cat Garfield in 1978. Portrayed as lazy and cynical, Garfield had large oval eyes. He interacted with noble dog Odie and nerdy owner Jon in the long-running newspaper comic strip. Garfield’s humorous observations on life struck a chord, making him the most widely syndicated comic strip.
Strawberry Shortcake
First designed in 1979 on greeting cards, Strawberry Shortcake featured a little girl with vibrant red hair and berry-named friends. Her huge round eyes and ragdoll design were part of her charm. Seductive foods like strawberry cake and lemon meringue pie were her favorite things. Several TV specials and films featured Strawberry Shortcake having sweet adventures.
Smurfs
These small, blue humanoid creatures were created in 1958 by Belgian artist Peyo. They starred in comics and an animated series in the 1980s. With round, bulbous noses, white hats, and oval eyes, the Smurfs were an endearing, comedic bunch led by Papa Smurf. Smurfette was the lone female Smurf among 99 males.
