by Coleman Wigger

Created on: August 12, 2009

We all know that someone always comes up with something special. Over the years television people have came up with several such things. They are cartoons. All of these characters have been developed for our entertainment pleasure. However some of them stood out more than others. For whatever reason we as fans enjoyed and remembered these so much more than the others. You might call them cartoon icons. Have you noticed what started as cartoons are not just cartoons anymore?

When I was growing up in the eighties we had so many cartoons on television. Back then they were just that. Good shows to watch for the children. Just to name a few we had. Rubix The Amazing Cube, Richie Rich, Transformers, and several super hero's. We loved watching these cartoons. It's what we did. Especially on Saturday mornings. We had a whole line up that day. I could go into an entire list of just my favorites. I'm not going to do that.

Instead I'm going to explain why I say they are not just cartoons anymore but something more. Our favorite characters from these programs, in a sense, have been brought to life. In more ways than one. If you don't believe me just walk down any toy isle in the stores. You will see many of them. It's like the show all over again just walking around looking. They have so many to choose from for your children to play with. Or you.

Another way they have been brought to life is with the movies. Here you actually get to see a real person portraying your favorite characters. This can be even more entertaining because it looks like real life. They have been countless movies made from cartoons. Such as Transformers, He-Man, Scooby-Doo, Richie Rich, and even G.I Joe. Not to mention the numerous movies produced about super hero's. You could have a good size collection with just these.

Not only have such characters survived with an impressive longevity. They have given us ways to enjoy them that I never thought possible. We dress like them for conventions. This is where people get together and really celebrate the ones they love. Some people have humongous collections. In them are things such as toys, movies, posters, pictures. Even the hard core collector's have such memorabilia as the actors autographs and actual movie or cartoon props.

These fans not only collect these things to enjoy them anymore either. People can really make good money off these collectibles. So we now have our favorite cartoon characters helping us make a living in the real world. How cool is that? Hong Kong Phooey really is here to save the day after all.

You know once the big shots figure out which ones we like the best they start to market it in the millions. Everything from toys to clothes. We are bombarded with the visions of these cartoons. Whatever your fascination is with these cartoons. One thing is for certain. They will continue to entertain us with their ever changing styles and formats. Our favorite characters will probably out live us as well. I know one thing for sure we as fans will never forget the truly great cartoon characters that have been given to us from the marvelous writers and artist over the ages. Thanks to everyone involved in the cartoon and movie industry.

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