The Fleischer Story: Max Fleischer in the Golden Age of Animation

Softcover – 216 Pages – Black Text

First released in 1976, this remains the only book ever published about the Max Fleischer animation studio that, during the 1930s, was second in popularity only to Walt Disney. The Fleischer brothers were the pioneering animators (actually pre-dating Disney) who created KoKo the Clown in “Out of the Inkwell,” The bouncing ball, Betty Boop, Bimbo, and who brought Popeye The Sailor and Superman to the screen. Fleischer cartoons are known for their own special brand of zany creativity, and for their use of classic (live) recording stars of the day such as Cab Calloway, Louis Armstrong, Ethel Merman, The Mills Brothers, and many others who often appeared in live action in the cartoons. Naturally, The Fleischer Story is profusely illustrated with historic photos, stills, animation sketches and backgrounds, news clippings, posters and publicity art. This is the book that provided the formerly-lost publicity illustrations of Betty Boop which helped her current rise to fame. After creating this book, I went on to create the first Betty Boop ceramics and greeting card designs that reestablished Betty in today’s market.
This is the second edition of the Fleischer Story that I’m selling from 1986 that were originally priced at $20. I have the last 30 or so remaining, unopened, mint condition copies that I am selling. I always sign them and draw a little picture of Betty Boop.