Oswald the Lucky Rabbit makes his debut:

 Before Mickey Mouse became a global sensation, there was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

In 1927, distributor Charles Mintz, commissioned Walt Disney and animator Ub Iwerks to create a cartoon character for Universal Studio's first cartoon series. The pair created Oswald, a mischievous rabbit who debuted in the short "Trolley Troubles" Sept. 5 1927. The Oswald cartoon series became a hit with audiences.

 A year later, in a pay dispute with Mintz, Walt lost the rights to Oswald and also discvovered that Mintz had secretly hired some of his animators. On the train ride back to California after meeting with Mintz in New York, Walt dreamed up the idea for a new character- and Mickey Mouse was born.

 Oswald wound up starring in 194 shorts, 26 of them under Walt's direction. The Walt Disney Company negotiated the return of the rights to Oswald from NBC Universal, and Oswald went on to win a starring role in the video game Epic Mickey (2010), as well as his very own merchandise location,Oswald's, in Disney California Adventure Park. Oswald will reunite with Mickey Mouse on Nov.18 in "Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two."



Fun Fact:

 A candy bar, stencil and pin-backed button featuring the lovable Oswald were the first merchandise items featuring a Disney character.


Just some History and Heritage...Dr Lee