Mickey Mouse: A Comprehensive History

Mickey Mouse, the world's most famous Mouse, made his very first public debut on November 18, 1928. Today, we commemorate over 90 years of Mickey through a comprehensive illustrated publication on the Disney universe. Beginning with the initial sketches of a character who was nearly named Mortimer, we chronicle the journey of Walt Disney's and Ub Iwerks's most iconic creation, heralded with worldwide acclaim akin only to the early triumphs of Charlie Chaplin.

Through extensive access to Disney's extensive historical collections and various public and private archives, the authors breathe life into Mickey's tale of triumph: concept art, story sketches, background paintings, and animation drawings, alongside historical photographs, track the origins and development of timeless classics like Steamboat Willie, The Band Concert, and Brave Little Tailor. The narratives also delve into Mickey's expansion from short cartoons to groundbreaking feature films like Fantasia and Fun and Fancy Free.

In-depth archival research sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Mickey's journey, including the birth of the Mickey Mouse Club and his symbolic role during World War II. Along the way, the narrative showcases the contributions of notable Mickey artists in both film and comics, such as Ub Iwerks, Win Smith, Ferdinand Horvath, Fred Moore, Floyd Gottfredson, Carl Barks, Manuel Gonzales, Paul Murry, Romano Scarpa, Giorgio Cavazzano, Byron Erickson, and César Ferioli.

Mickey Mouse has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring not only everyday life but also impacting high art, with legendary Pop artists like Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Roy Lichtenstein finding inspiration in his image. As Walt Disney famously remarked: "I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing—that it was all started by a mouse." And the tale of success shows no signs of slowing down. Even after 90+ years since his inception, Mickey endures as a beloved and enduring figure.

Let us honor this beloved character, his legendary tale, and his enduring legacy, celebrating the one and only Mickey Mouse with a lasting monument. Copyright © 2020 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

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