Pop Culture Buzz

1.) Homer Simpson - “The Simpsons”

Who would argue that Homer isn’t the best animated character of all time? His antics always seem to muster a laugh even from the hardest cynic. Whether he is being un-PC, drunk, a bad parent or a terrible worker, he always seems to endear himself by the episode’s end. Homer’s one liners and outrageous adventures have been a staple of t.v. cartoon history for the past 20 years. And by the looks of the success from the feature film that came out this past summer, he and his brood will be around for quite a long time.

2.) Spongebob Squarepants - “Spongebob Squarepants”

The most innocent and sweet character on this list is the childlike “Spongebob Squarepants”. This cartoon has been making parents, adults and kids laugh for almost 9 years with no sign of the “Spongebob” craze slowing down in sight. Spongebob is a loyal friend and a devoted employee, what better role model is there for kids to have? Celebrities like David Bowie and Scarlett Johansson have supplied their voices to the classic ‘toon with great results. Spongebob’s appeal is ageless and universal, you would have to be an old fart to not like Spongebob and his friends!

3.) Stimpy - “Ren & Stimpy”

This cartoon was ahead of it’s time when it debuted on Nickelodeon in 1991. The subversive and delightful humor was fresh and irreverent for a children’s cartoon on a children’s television network. Stimpy is undeniably stupid externally, idiotically yet adorably cheerful, and intelligent in some ways, and completely devoted to Ren, as he perceives Ren to be a good friend (despite Ren’s constant abuse toward him). Whether he is singing “Happy Happy, Joy Joy” or playing “Don’t Wizz on the Electric Fence”, Stimpy’s dead pan delivery and simple minded mistakes always make you laugh.

4.) Stewie Griffin - “The Family Guy”

Stewie Griffin is the most wickedly evil character on this list. His taboo, potty mouthed moments of fantasy are hilarious and just plain wrong sometimes. Making Stewie a closeted homosexual is a touch of pure genius by creator Seth McFarland. Stewie’s sophisticated attitude, nature and mannerisms are juxtaposed with typical childish interests and actions. The result is the most hysterical and entertaining animated toddler t.v. villain ever.

5.) Butters - “South Park”

Leopold “Butters” Stotch (voiced by Matt Stone) is my favorite character in the animated television series “South Park”. He is almost always the voice of reason and he usually gets the short end of the stick each time. His sweet and cute persona makes him stand out in the mean spirited world of Comedy Central’s hit cartoon series. Watching Butter’s bumping into his dad at a gay bath house has to be one of the best moments ever on “South Park”. He was mainly portrayed as the social outcast of his class in some of his first episodes and has since evolved into a great main character on the show.

6.) Jack Skeleton - “The Nightmare Before Christmas”

Jack Skeleton is a hero to thousands of “goths” all over the world. This charming, dark film has stood up to the test of time. Jack Skeleton (voiced by Oingo Boingo lead singer/composer Danny Elfman) is the coolest dead guy in cartoon history (sorry Casper) and his singing voice is terrific. This movie not only helped build the “Hot Topic” empire but Jack Skeleton’s appeal has been so big that “A Nightmare Before Christmas” returns on IMAX (and in 3-D) every Halloween/Christmas season (talk about marketing genius!).

7.) Roger - “American Dad”

Roger’s flamboyant speech pattern is a parody of Paul Lynde and is voiced by creator Seth McFarland. Roger is the best thing about the FOX animated series “American Dad”. Speculation exists regarding Roger’s sexuality, but let’s not forget that he is, after all, an alien. Roger brings a somewhat mediocre cartoon to a new level. I am sure this addition will piss some cartoon fans off, but his scenes alone on “Dad” are priceless cartoon moments.

8.) Beavis - “Beavis & Butthead”

Don’t get me wrong, I love Butthead, I do. But who can’t relate to the butt of all of Butthead’s jokes (no pun intended) and torture? Their feature length film was an animated comic surprise hit and critical darling. This cartoon defined a generation of “grunge” fans. Don’t let “B&B’s” dumb persona fool you, their cartoon has a lot to offer, even if it is a fart joke.

9.) Bender - “Futurama”

Bender is everyone’s favorite animated kleptomaniac, alcoholic futuristic robot. If you haven’t seen the under-rated Comedy Central hit t.v. show “Futurama” then you will have your chance to see new episodes in 2008. The re-runs of the canceled show airing on Comedy Central’s “Adult Swim” have been such a hit, FOX is bringing the show back. Fans of the show wouldn’t dispute that much of that success is due to Bender’s corrupt robotic appeal.

10.) Scooby-Doo -”Scooby Doo, Where Are You?”

The first cartoon I can remember ever watching is the “Scooby Doo, Where Are You” Saturday morning cartoon t.v. show when I was 4 years old. For years Scooby and his stoner friend Shaggy helped me get over my fears of the dark and monsters under my bed. Screw “Astro”, “Huckleberry Hound” and especially “Scrappy-Doo”, Scooby is the coolest dog in cartoon history.

11.) Yzma - “The Emperors New Groove”

Maybe it’s because of Eartha Kitt’s campy, pitch perfect vocal work, but Yzma is my favorite Disney villain of all time. Yzma and her companion Kronk are two of the wackiest most hilarious duo’s of recent cartoon memory. This film can still make me laugh even after seeing it so many times. It’s because of the character of Yzma and Kitt’s vocal talent that makes this film so entertaining and re-watchable.

12.) The Iron Giant - “The Iron Giant”

This character reminds me of the live action film character from “E.T.”. The story of “The Iron Giant” is very similar to the family classic by Spielberg, but it is also an emotionally charged original piece of animation considered to be one of the best animated films ever. His character voice work is done perfectly by a young Vin Diesel and was written and directed by Pixar’s Brad Bird (”The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille”). No wonder it has such an impact on fan’s, it’s a rare treat.

13.) Foxxy Brown - “Drawn Together”

Foxxy’s character is crude, a racial stereotype, a sexist depiction of a woman and she is straight up hilarious. Her show “Drawn Together” is the nastiest cartoon ever “drawn” and trumps anything “South Park” has ever shocked audiences with. It may lack the heart and warmth of a “nice” cartoon, but over the top funny as hell characters like Foxxy make “Drawn Together” relevant in the world of animation.

14.) Snagglepuss - “The Yogi Bear Show”/Vanity Smurf - “The Smurfs”

O.k. the only reason why I picked these characters is because even as a child I knew these cartoons were gay. Although I never related to the “butch” Peppermint Patty, these two gay characters made an impact on my little fragile mind. You could say these ‘toons paved the way for other gay characters like Xander (Drawn Together) and that one Care Bear that had a rainbow on on it’s tummy (o.k. that was a stretch). Snagglepuss’s signature gay catch phrases “Heavens to Mergatroid” and “Exit, Stage Left” still crack me up to this day.

15.) Eduardo - “Foster’s Home of Imaginary Friends”

Not only did I name my cat after this “scaredy-cat” giant, purple monster but I bought into the merchandising hype at the local mall and purchased a little Eduardo gear. His innocent, lovable and docile demeanor slams the mean, child eating stereotype that monsters get in the cartoon world. The animation on the Cartoon Network show “Foster’s” is gorgeous and the show has a huge heart. This show is great for the whole family to watch.

16.) Early Cuyler - “Squidbillies”

This Comedy Central “Adult Swim” cartoon original is not well known, but it has been an animated cult favorite of mine fro some time. “Squidbillies” is offensive, the animation is crude and almost juvenile, and there are only a handful of episodes. But the writing on this late night “Adult Swim” show, and Early’s hillbilly stereotype, are pure comic genius. Some people won’t be able to watch a complete episode of this show, some people will get the scathing humor and love it.

17.) Scrat - “Ice Age”

Even though he has never uttered a word, Scrat has become a truly classic cartoon character. Even when the sequel to “Ice Age” didn’t live up to the first film, the scenes with Scrat make both films worthy of the cartoon character hall of fame. Scrat’s small moments on screen always have the audience in stitches. Much like a silent film star, Scrat’s character is able to keep the audience laughing with just physical humor and silly sight gags.

18.) Roger Rabbit - “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”

Roger Rabbit scored Jessica Rabbit, so he has to automatically make my top animated characters list. Having only starred in one film and a few film shorts, Roger has had a lasting impression on the history of animated films since his debut in 1998. “Roger Rabbit” was groundbreaking and ahead of it’s time with it’s eye popping special effects when it was released. The film still has a lasting impression on audiences until this day, I still want to see a sequel.

19.) Dory - “Finding Nemo”

Ellen DeGeneres’ character from the Pixar smash “Finding Nemo” is the best Disney side-kick ever animated. Forget Robin Williams’ over the top work in “Alladin”, Ellen makes the sometimes forgetful, honest and sincere Dory an instant fan favorite. Each scene with Dory in it has me laughing to no end. The beautiful computer animation is only accented by the terrific voice work DeGeneres does as the delightful Dory.

20.) Eeyore - “Winnie The Pooh”

Eeyore never worried about telling people how he really felt. Some may think he was depressed, as I kid I thought he was practical. Seriously though, Eeyore didn’t go for cutesy laughs, he literally is the original “Debbie Downer” and party pooper. I have always had a love for gloomy weather and the rain, and especially for this sweet little Donkey created by Walt Disney over 40 years ago.

RUNNERS UP: Mutley - “The Laugh-A-Lympics”, Bobby Hill - “King of the Hill”, Mr. Horse - “Ren & Stimpy”, Ralphie Wiggum - “The Simpsons”, The Aliens - “Toy Story”, Orko - “He-Man”, Pebbles - “The Flintstones”, Gumby - “Gumby”.