During the 1970s, the recent release of Jaws caused an uprising of shark mania through pop culture. But while most people were swimming far away from ferocious sharks, Hanna-Barbera turned one into a household staple. Do you remember this Saturday morning cartoon?
Jabberjaw, created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, aired on ABC from September 11, 1976 to September 3, 1978. Jabberjaw, voiced by Frank Welker, is an air-breathing, anthropomorphic great white shark. He is also the drummer for The Neptunes, a rock group made up of four teenagers - Biff (Tommy Cook), Shelly (Pat Parris), Bubbles (Julie McWhirter), and Clamhead (Barry Gordon). The Neptunes and Jabberjaw live together in the underwater civilization in the year 2076. Although they often travel to underwater cities where they encounter and battle diabolical villains. The format and writing style for Jabberjaw was very similar to Scooby-Doo, Josie and the Pussycats, and Speed Buggy. The series also drew inspiration from The Flintstones' penchant for making puns, in this case ocean-themed puns (i.e., Aqualaska instead of Alaska).
The popularity from the animated series inspired appearances in various comic books, from Laff-A-Lympics to Hanna-Barbera Presents as well as Cartoon Network Presents. Jabberjaw also made cameo appearances in Scooby's All-Star Laff-A-Lympics, Hanna-Barbera's All-Star Comedy Ice Revue, Yogi's Space Race, Johnny Bravo and many, many more. In addition to various comic and TV appearances, Jabberjaw was marketed into coloring books, lunch boxes, jigsaw puzzles, and Funko bobbleheads.
Those looking to party with The Neptunes and Jabberjaw can enjoy the complete series as part of the Hanna–Barbera Classics Collection.