The first survey dedicated to the work of the McKimson brothers, this book offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the upper echelon ofÿ20th-century animation and examines the creative process behind the making of numerous popular characters and classic programs. Featuring original artwork from the golden age of animation, this book includes a wealth of material fromÿmany professional archives-screen captures, original drawings, reproductions of animation cels, illustrations from comic books, lobby cards, and other ephemera from the author's collection-while surveying the careers of three groundbreaking animators whose credits include Looney Tunes, the Pink Panther, and Mr. Magoo. Beginning in the 1920s and then tracing the brothers' work together at Warner Brothers Cartoons in the following decades, this history details Robert McKimson's creation of such beloved characters as Foghorn Leghorn, the Tasmanian Devil, and Speedy Gonzales; Tom McKimson's work at Warner Brothers, Dell Comics, and Golden Books; and Chuck McKimson's long career working in comic books and then later at Pacific Title, creating animated film titles and commercials, including his award-winning work on Music Man, Cleopatra, and The Sound of Music.
Industry Reviews
"For those of us who love Foghorn Leghorn, who could resist three brothers who helped give us Foghorn Leghorn, the Tasmanian Devil and the original Speedy Gonzalez in the hallowed 'Termite Terrace' of Warner Brothers' cartoon studio?" --"Buffalo News" (December 2012)
"His son, Bob McKimson Jr. . . . has written a lavishly illustrated account of his dad's career." --"Jax Air News" (December 2012)
"If nothing else, the book is fun to look at, with tons of art not just from animation, but from comic books and other consumer outlets." --"Detroit News" (December 2012)
"It's a treasure trove of memories sure to delight any grown-up who grew up with a craving for cartoon chuckles." --"American Profile" (December 2012)
"The book is a workhorse of a picture book with lots of valuable images that you haven't seen before. . . . It is the visual materials available here that shows the real value of the book and makes it important to own." --www.MichaelSpornAnimation.com
"There's loads of model sheets, layouts, animation drawings and comic book art. A lot of which I haven't seen reprinted anywhere else. . . . This is definitely one of the best animation-related books out there. A must for Warner Bros. fans!" --www.KLangley.wordpress.com
"With an abundance of rarely-seen original artwork and keen-eyed observations by such latter-day animation masters as John Kricfalusi and Darrell Van Citters, this stacks up as a must-have for animation buffs." --Leonard Maltin, www.LeonardMaltin.com