Celebrating Characters at Comic-Con

Gary Baseman heads to San Diego Comic-Con this week, the premier comic book convention and nonprofit multi-genre entertainment event held annually in “America’s finest city” since 1970. Since the early 2000s, Baseman has attended Comic-Con to check out current ideas and trends in toy design and the popular arts.

Born, bred, and based in Hollywood, Baseman has followed the many characters and stories that have cycled through. Inspired by the likes of Walt Disney (Mickey Mouse et al), Bob Clampett (Porky Pig), George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Max and David Fleischer (Betty Boop, Popeye), and Otto Mesmer and Pat Sullivan (Felix the Cat), Baseman has long been drawn to the comedy and tragedy of characters.

Baseman dreamed of creating his own characters and manifesting them into comics, animation, and toys. His Emmy and BAFTA award-winning series “Teacher’s Pet” about the dog Spot who wanted to be a boy (Scott) brought much international attention; and so have his other characters like Toby, Hotchachacha, Dumb Luck, and others. It’s been 20 years now that Baseman has offered limited edition toys, which he considers affordable art.

So even if Hollywood won’t be present in the same way it has been in recent years (due to the current WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes), marketing their mega-budget franchises, Baseman will still celebrate all who will be there. Be sure to say “Hi!” if you see him and Toby!