Today in Comics History, May 20: Happy birthday, Leon Schlesinger!

Born today in 1884: Leon Schlesinger, movie producer and founder of what became the Warner Bros. Cartoon Studio.

Also: Porky Pig's boss.



from the Porky Pig story in Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies Comics (1941 series) #2 (Dell, November 1941), pencils and inks by Chase Craig
In a relationship that will surprise no one, Schlesinger was also nepotistically related to the actual Warner Bros.

Schlesinger was also probably personally responsible for locking the Warner Bros. (and Dot) up in the WB Water Tower.




from Comic Book History of Animation #2 and 3 (IDW, December 2020-January 2021); script by Fred Van Lente; pencils, inks, and letters by Ryan Dunlavey; colors by Ryan Dunlavey and Adam Guzowski
Leon Schlesinger starred as himself in Friz Freleng's Looney Tunes short "You Ought to Be in Pictures" (1940). No, Mel Blanc did not do his voice.


Looney Tunes "You Ought to Be in Pictures (excerpt) (Warner Bros./Vitaphone, May 18, 1940), directed by Friz Freleng

Happy birthday, Leon!