Diener Cartoon Character Sets
For kids who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, Saturday morning was always a highlight of the week, as that’s when all cartoons both old and new aired on network TV. The various wacky and outrageous characters on popular shows like The Flintstones and Looney Tunes naturally lent themselves to the eraser medium. The first and most diverse sets of Diener erasers are based on popular 20th-century animated cartoon characters from animation giants like Disney and Hanna Barbera. William Diener’s close relationship with Walt Disney gave him a competitive edge, and many of his licensed erasers were sold in Disney parks. So whatever your favorite cartoon of yesterday might be, there’s a good chance you’ll find a faithful reproduction of it by Diener!
Flintstones Characters
“The Flintstones” was the first cartoon series on primetime TV when it premiered in 1960, and Flintstones erasers became some of Diener’s most fabulous creations. Early versions were elaborately painted and up to 2-3/4 inches tall, which makes them some of the largest Diener erasers.
Looney Tunes
From the golden age of American animation, Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig lead a lovable cast of Looney Tunes erasers. Rounding out Diener’s set of six full-bodied Looney Tunes erasers are Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner he chased, plus Sylvester the Cat and the Tweety Bird tried to catch.
Popeye
A one-eyed sailor who stood up to bullies was the star of the popular Popeye animated cartoon series and Diener erasers. The set includes Popeye plus friends, family, and his rival Bluto. Popeye carries a can of spinach. Like Popeye himself, this enduring eraser line stayed “strong to the finish.”
Walt Disney Characters
Disney characters were the very first Diener erasers. Over the decades Diener created Disney erasers in a dizzying array of sizes, shapes & colors, some of which were sold only at Disney theme parks. Disneyland is where dreams come true, and that was certainly true for Diener and his eraser empire.
Winnie The Pooh
Friendly talking animals share forest adventures in the whimsical Winnie the Pooh series. Disney adapted the 1920s storybook with films starting in 1966, when Diener released this set of 8 erasers. The “silly old bear” Pooh leaves a lasting cultural legacy that cannot be erased, not even by Diener erasers.
Yogi Bear & His Pals
Yogi Bear erasers are way more fun than the average eraser. Bears look and act hilariously human in Hanna-Barbera’s Yogi Bear animated TV show that premiered in 1961. It soon inspired a set of six erasers with Yogi and the rest of the gang from the fictional Jellystone Park.
