Saturday Morning Memories: The Smurfs

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I still remember the summer before going into the third grade (it was 1981).  I was looking at the comics section in the Sunday newspaper and found a full page color ad for the upcoming Saturday morning cartoon lineup on NBC.  One of the new shows was called The Smurfs.  I don't know what it was, but at that moment I connected with the little blue people staring back at me from the paper.

I couldn't wait for September to roll around and learn more about the Smurfs.  It didn't take long for eight year old Kevin to become addicted.  Six months later when I turned nine I had a Smurf themed birthday party which included an ice cream cake with a Smurf artistically added to the top.  Gifts included Smurf t-shirts, ColorForms and stuffed animals. I had dozens of the little rubber figures by then too.  Hardee's had released a series of Smurf glasses a couple years later and I had them all. Again I was addicted.

I watched their many adventures week after week and even forced down several bowls of Smurf Berry Crunch cereal (I wasn't crazy about the cereal).  Clumsy was without a doubt my favorite. But I also loved Papa Smurf, Brainy and Smurfette.  I cheered when they overcame the underhanded tactics of Gargamel, Azrael and Hogatha.  Somehow they escaped danger in both episodes that aired each Saturday morning.

The one episode that stands out to me the most aired on Halloween 1981.  The Purple Smurfs told the story of a how the happy blue Smurfs turned angry and purple after a bug bite spread like wildfire.  It was a zombie apocalypse of Smurfy proportions.  Just as it seemed as if the end was in sight for the Smurfs, the day was saved and everyone returned to the happy Smurfy selves. 

Even into adulthood I held onto those Smurfy memories.  I kept my collection of toys and even added to them after graduating college, scoping out yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores.  Then in 2011, the tiny characters overtook the big screen.  New merchandise was released and I added to my already out of control collection.

Way Back WhensDay: Hulk Hogan's Rock N Wrestling

Junkyard Dog voiced by James Avery

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents

I've written about Hulk Hogan's Rock N Wrestling Cartoon before, but the recent passing of actor James Avery has inspired me to write again.  Avery is best known for his role as "Uncle Phil" on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and the voice of Shredder on the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. A little known fact, Avery was the voice of the Junkyard Dog on WWF inspired cartoon.

Hogan & Friends

I thought Avery did a pretty good job of sounding like JYD.  I've included an episode featuring the Dog at the end of this blog.  Sadly now, both of these talents are gone.  May they both rest in peace.

The cartoon aired two seasons on CBS and featured Hogan, who was voiced by Everybody Loves Raymond's Brad Garrett. Other superstars besides Hogan and JYD included Andre the Giant, Hillbilly Jim, Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik, Moolah, and Wendi Richter.  I don't know why the real wrestlers didn't provide the voices for their animated alter egos, but there were live action skits in between the cartoons.

I was in 7th grade when the show finally debuted. I was outgrowing cartoons, but I was sure to get up each Saturday morning in 1985 and 86 and watch.  I picked up a copy with a couple of episodes on VHS years ago.  Watching those cartoons bring back great memories, even though they're cheesy as you can imagine.

I'm looking forward to the soon-to-be released animated Scooby Doo film with WWE talent.  I believe it's the first animated endeavour the company has embarked on since Hulk Hogan's Rock N Wrestling was cancelled nearly 30 years ago.