Did you know that the first adventure story to feature talking animals was also the first to have named villains? And it was a concept that took off, paving the way for countless strips to follow.

Appearing in 1910, Uncle Wiggly Longears, an elderly, tailcoat-wearing rabbit created by Howard R. Garis, gained fame as part of a nationally syndicated newspaper column of bedtime stories – as did his cast of sordid villains. This was the first time fans had ever seen such an unusual grouping of bad guys – all with names and personalities of their own. There was Skillery Scallery Alligator, the evil duo of Pipsisewak and Skeezicks, Skuddlemagoon, Old Bazumbers, the Bob Cat and the Fox and Wolf, who were known simply as the Bad Chaps. And through all of their antics, these unsavory characters had their eyes on only one thing: Uncle Wiggily’s ears.

Soon, Uncle Wiggily became a hit with children and adults alike. In fact, people even used the unique language of the strips, words such as “souse” (the term for the coveted ears) and “Pipsisewak” (a guy who was up to no good), in their everyday language! Garis would also place Uncle Wiggily in traditional, family-oriented situations – at a picnic, swimming hole, or sporting event – so his fans could better identify with him. And naturally, each of these adventures would put him in the path of those nasty scoundrels.

But not only did Uncle Wiggily always come out on top, he also had a spectacular group of friends around to help him out of tight spots. These included Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy, Sammie and Suzie Littletail, Jackie and Peetie Bow Wow, and many others.

His successes led to more newspaper strips including a Sunday page that ran from 1919 through the ‘20s, a daily strip that began in the mid-‘20s, comic books that were published from 1942 to 1954, as well as several story books and even a radio program.