Everyone is talking about the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth, the release date of Devil May Care, the next James Bond novel. But a very select few are talking about another centenary: Today, 100 years ago, in Taylor, Texas, one Fred “Tex” Avery was born. Now, some may know Tex Avery because of his wildly controversial cartoon, “Red Hot Riding Hood”. Others may know Tex Avery as the creator of Droopy Dog, the depressive bloodhound. Still others may know about Tex Avery’s wacko takes on fairy tales. All of these and many more, that was the genius of Tex Avery.
Today marks the 100th birthday of one of animation’s finest pioneers. Yet, he’s unfortunately ignored by the powers-that-be, and the only Tex Avery animation releases are the recent Droopy boxset, several laserdiscs, and several VHS tapes. Is this the best way to treat an animation legend? Disney treats their legends of animation with the utmost of respect! The rest of the animation industry should do the same, because without Tex Avery, there’d BE no Family Guy, or South Park, or Looney Tunes, even! So be grateful that you have those funny cartoons this day, and let’s hear it for Tex Avery!
