The Evolution of Mickey

        Mickey Mouse has, over his near 90 year lifespan, become one of the most recognisable and well loved characters in animation history. During this time, he has undergone many superficial changes, both in appearance and behaviour, yet the spirit of the character has endured.

The earliest known sketches of Mickey Mouse,
1928.

        The strength of Mickey has been attributed to his simple design. Created by Walt Disney himself in 1928, he is comprised mainly of circles, making him simple to draw and animate, and easy to identify. The circular design is most apparent in his ears, which generally remain flat circles, regardless of which way he is facing. They are perhaps Mickey's most iconic feature, remaining unchanged throughout his evolution, and have formed the cornerstone of countless Disney logos.

        An odd testimony to the mouse's growing status in western animation is the fact that his likeness was used in a 1936 Japanese propaganda film (above) as a visual metaphor for the American armed forces. The are ostensible differences between this mouse and the genuine article, namely a thinner, more rat-like appearance to fit with his 'evil' portrayal. However, enough original characteristics remain for him to be instantly recognisable.

        When changes were made to the original incarnation of Mickey Mouse, they were done gradually, one change at a time, allowing people to get used to his new gloves, rounder body, larger eyes, and the addition of colour. Many design decisions were based on practical considerations. For example, three fingers instead of four, to prevent his hands looking like 'bunches of bananas' as well as to cut costs; white gloves to provide contrast and clarity against his black body. 

        It wasn't until close to Fantasia's release in 1940, more than 10 years since the character's creation, that Mickey underwent a more drastic change, and began to more closely represent the mouse that we are used to seeing today. But what is it about this Mouse that makes his appeal so enduring? While his popularity may have waxed and waned incrementally over the decades, he has never been far away from public consciousness. 

A brief spell with a more pear shaped head...

...before returning to the rounder shape we all know.

         Indeed, aside from being the mascot of one of the world's biggest animation studios, he has also been adopted as an unofficial symbol of the USA. A fairly positive comparison in most people's eyes; everything about Mickey's appearance is indicative of a confident, open, friendly kind of guy with a can-do attitude. Even in his earliest incarnations as a flawed 'antihero' Mickey Mouse was more mischievous than malicious. Being synonymous with a nation has made him a prime target of unflattering slang, satire, as well as the aforementioned political parody. Yet it seems that for Mickey there really is no such thing as bad publicity.   

        Interestingly, while the rest of the animation industry is taking advantage of technological advancement and innovation, Mickey Mouse has undergone something of a return to his roots of late. In his most recent cartoon incarnation, Mickey has lost his Caucasian colouring, has reverted to simple black eyes, and more closely resembles his Steamboat Willie predecessor. In a climate where technology can pose as many threats as benefits, this may be a reflection of a western desire to recall to the 'good old fashioned' values of a bygone era, and the simplicity of a pre-digital era.

        Whatever the motivation, Disney have proven that a simple yet fundamentally appealing character design can endure for decades, and maintain a strong level of public affection across generations of audiences.