Hubbry Logo
Don Markstein's ToonopediaDon Markstein's ToonopediaMain
Open search
Don Markstein's Toonopedia
Community hub
Don Markstein's Toonopedia
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Don Markstein's Toonopedia
Don Markstein's Toonopedia
Don Markstein's Toonopedia
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Don Markstein's Toonopedia (subtitled A Vast Repository of Toonological Knowledge) is an online encyclopedia of print cartoons, comic strips and animation, initiated February 13, 2001. Donald D. Markstein, the sole writer and editor of Toonopedia,[1] termed it "the world's first hypertext encyclopedia of toons" and stated, "The basic idea is to cover the entire spectrum of American cartoonery."

Key Information

Markstein began the project during 1999 with several earlier titles: he changed Don's Cartoon Encyberpedia (1999) to Don Markstein's Cartoonopedia (2000) after learning the word "Encyberpedia" had been trademarked. During 2001, he settled on his final title, noting, "Decided (after thinking about it for several weeks) to change the name of the site to Don Markstein's Toonopedia, rather than Cartoonopedia. Better rhythm in the name, plus 'toon' is probably a more apt word, in modern parlance, than 'cartoon', for what I'm doing."[2]

Comic strips

[edit]

Toonopedia author Donald David Markstein[3] (March 21, 1947 – March 11, 2012)[3][4] was fascinated with all forms of cartoon art since his childhood. During 1981, Markstein and his wife, GiGi Dane (August 7, 1949 – August 5, 2016), founded Apatoons, an amateur press association devoted to animation. He edited Comics Revue, a monthly anthology of newspaper comics, from 1984 to 1987, and 1992 to 1996.[2] A writer for Walt Disney Comics,[5] Markstein based Toonopedia on American and other English-language cartoons with the goal of developing the largest online resource concerning American cartoons. Toonopedia accumulated over 1,800 articles since its launch on February 13, 2001.

During 2002, Charles Bowen reviewing the site for Editor & Publisher, said,[6]

For journalists researching stories, these online resources can be golden. A case in point is Don Markstein's simply amazing Toonopedia, a vast repository of information about comics, past and future. Now, honestly, unless you're a comic book collector or a cartoonist, you're probably not going to put this on your frequent filer's list. However, if you're working on a story that deals with pop culture, that focuses on a particular time period, or that touches on classic villains and superheroes, Don just might become your own personal hero. The site serves up illustrated entries on nearly every comic strip, cartoon, and comic book you can think of, from the world famous Blondie and Peanuts to those ultra-obscure strips, such as The Pie-Face Prince of Old Pretzelburg.

Markstein worked on the staff of the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper, writing feature stories for the Sunday magazine section. His freelance credits include weekly restaurant reviews for the Phoenix Business Journal,[7] semi-annual previews of comic book publishing projects, science fiction convention program books, scripts for relaxation tapes and computer manuals.[8] His comic book scripts are mainly for licensed characters, including Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Eek! the Cat.[2]

He provided editing, design and production for numerous publications, including Arizona Living, Arizona Women's Voice, Comics Interview, Comics Revue, Phoenix, Phoenix Resource, Louisiana Weekly Employer, Scottsdale and Sun Tennis.[7]

In February 2011, Markstein, who had a history of strokes, suffered what his daughter called "an incident that caused him to be in and out of hospitals for several weeks", and the following month "suffered a massive stroke while in the hospital. This caused him to be paralyzed on his left side."[9] He died of respiratory failure in March 2012.[10] In 2012, Markstein's family announced plans to continue updating Toonopedia through new articles written by fans,[9] but the site has not been updated since February 2011.

Books

[edit]
A Prince Valiant Companion, co-edited by Markstein

The subject matter of Toonopedia overlaps with the books Markstein wrote, edited and compiled. A Prince Valiant Companion (Manuscript Press, 1992), by Todd Goldberg and Carl J. Horak, was edited by Markstein and Rick Norwood. It includes plot summaries of the Prince Valiant comic strip from its beginning in 1937 to the 1980 retirement of the strip's creator, Hal Foster, along with additional material on the series and Foster's other work.[11]

Hot Tips from Top Comics Creators (Fictioneer Books, 1994) is a 120-page collection of more 1,000 pieces of advice on the comic-book industry from the first ten years of Comics Interview, plus capsule biographies of 262 comics professionals.[12]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Don Markstein's Toonopedia

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Don Markstein's Toonopedia is a hypertext dedicated to American cartoons and cartoon characters, encompassing both animated and print media such as comic strips and comic books, and was launched on February 13, 2001, by writer and editor Donald D. Markstein as a comprehensive online resource for "toonological knowledge." Markstein, born on March 21, 1947, was a lifelong enthusiast who amassed a collection of 30,000 to 35,000 comic books and hundreds of hours of animation footage, and he drew on this expertise from his career in the industry to create the site. His professional background included co-founding the amateur press publication Apatoons in 1981 with his wife GiGi Dane, editing Comics Revue from 1984 to 1987 and again from 1992 to 1996, and contributing as a writer to Disney comics featuring characters like Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse, as well as titles such as Eek! the Cat and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Motivated by a passion for sharing historical and cultural insights into cartoons—influenced by creators like Carl Barks—Markstein began developing Toonopedia in 1999, envisioning it as a lifelong project to document the "entire spectrum of American cartoonery." The encyclopedia features over 1,000 entries organized into sections on individual toons, creators, and production companies, with a broad scope that includes strips, books, and animation from the early onward, often highlighting obscure or forgotten works alongside major icons. Notable elements include detailed biographical sketches, historical context for characters and series, and a "Today in Toons" chronicling key events in history by date, all presented in an accessible, interconnected hypertext format that Markstein described as the "world's first" of its kind for the subject. The site also incorporated donation options via Amazon and to support its maintenance, reflecting Markstein's independent operation without institutional backing. Following Markstein's death from on March 11, 2012, at age 64, after a prolonged illness, the site ceased regular updates around 2011, though his family announced intentions to incorporate fan-submitted articles to continue its legacy. Despite intermittent downtime, including periods in 2011 and 2020 when the domain faced parking or archival issues, Toonopedia remains accessible online as a static but invaluable archive for researchers, fans, and historians of American art.

Overview

Description and Purpose

Don Markstein's Toonopedia is an online hypertext encyclopedia dedicated to documenting American cartoons and characters, encompassing print cartoons, strips, , and related media. It is subtitled "A Vast Repository of Toonological Knowledge," reflecting its self-described role as a comprehensive collection of information on the subject. The primary purpose of Toonopedia is to provide an accessible reference for the of American cartoonery, offering educational value to enthusiasts, researchers, and the general public interested in the evolution and cultural significance of toons. It aims to become the internet's foremost source on U.S. cartoonery by covering the entire spectrum of the medium in a broad, inclusive manner. Launched on February 13, 2001, Toonopedia was established as a digital platform to facilitate easy navigation and hyperlinked exploration of cartoon-related topics, tying its foundational purpose to the advantages of an online format for ongoing reference and discovery.

Scope and Coverage

Don Markstein's Toonopedia focuses exclusively on American cartoons, encompassing a wide array of formats such as comic strips, comic books, animated television series, theatrical shorts, and individual characters. This broad interpretation of "toon" prioritizes works originating from or primarily developed within the , providing detailed entries on iconic examples like for early strips and for modern animation. The encyclopedia covers over 1,800 topics, ranging from pioneering early 20th-century newspaper strips like The Yellow Kid (1895) to contemporary digital-era animations such as those from the 2000s. Entries are organized alphabetically to facilitate navigation across this extensive historical timeline. A key emphasis lies in providing historical context for each entry, tracing the evolution of American cartooning from print-based media like syndicated strips and magazines to broadcast animation and digital formats. Non-U.S. works are generally excluded unless they exerted significant influence on American cartooning, as seen in limited inclusions like Tintin, which impacted U.S. comic adaptations.

History

Creation and Launch

Don Markstein conceived Toonopedia in the late as a personal project dedicated to cataloging and sharing his extensive knowledge of cartoons, , and . With over 50 years of accumulated expertise in the field, Markstein began writing the content in 1999, viewing it as a lifelong endeavor to disseminate "toonological" lore drawn from his personal collection of 30,000–35,000 comic books and related materials. The site's copyright originated in 1999, aligning with the initial writing phase, but the official launch occurred in early 2001 through the domain toonopedia.com, which was registered on February 6, 2001. Markstein's primary motivation was to create a comprehensive online reference for American cartoonery—encompassing strips, books, , and more—that would serve as a central hub for enthusiasts and researchers, filling a gap in accessible, interconnected resources at the time. Technically, Toonopedia was established as a hypertext-based utilizing to enable linked, navigable entries, allowing users to explore related topics through embedded hyperlinks rather than linear reading. This structure reflected Markstein's vision of an encyclopedic "vast repository of toonological knowledge," where individual articles on characters, creators, and series formed an interconnected web of information.

Development and Updates

Following its launch in , Don Markstein's Toonopedia expanded continuously through regular additions of new entries, reflecting Markstein's ongoing commitment to documenting cartoon history. Milestones included the 1,000th article, "Smiley Face," added on August 25, 2005, marking significant growth in coverage. Updates proceeded at a steady pace into the early , with examples such as the addition of "Man-oo the Mighty" on February 4, 2011, and "" shortly thereafter on February 9, 2011, demonstrating consistent personal enhancements by Markstein. The site's maintenance relied on voluntary funding, with Markstein encouraging donations via Amazon and starting in the mid-2000s to cover hosting and operational costs. Challenges arose, including a brief outage in mid-2011 when the site became temporarily unavailable before being restored the following month. No new entries have been added since early , following Markstein's in March 2012, though the resource remains accessible online as of 2025.

Content and Features

Main Entries on Toons

Don Markstein's Toonopedia features a core database centered on characters and series, forming the encyclopedia's primary repository of information on toons. This collection encompasses a broad spectrum of American cartoonery, including both animated productions and static formats such as comic strips and comic books. The entries provide detailed histories of individual characters, , and notable one-shots, emphasizing their cultural and artistic significance within the medium. The database is organized through an alphabetical index comprising over 1,000 entries, ranging from "" to "Zot!". Each entry follows a standardized structure that begins with a biographical summary of the toon, outlining its conceptual origins and narrative essence. This is followed by documentation of the , including publication details and creative context, and a chronological overview of key milestones such as major plot developments, adaptations across media, and shifts in popularity or format. Hyperlinks embedded throughout enable seamless cross-references to related characters, series, or influences, facilitating in-depth exploration while integrating briefly with entries on creators where relevant. Illustrative examples highlight the depth of coverage for classic newspaper strips and animation series. For "The Gumps," the entry traces the family's serialized adventures from their 1917 debut in the , through expansions into books and films, to their influence on soap opera-style comics, with timelines marking pivotal events like the 1920s radio adaptations. Similarly, Hanna-Barbera series entries, such as those for "The Flintstones," detail the 1960 prime-time premiere on ABC, production innovations in , and enduring syndication success, including crossovers with other toons. These formats ensure that users can navigate the interconnected web of toon history efficiently.

Entries on Creators and Companies

Don Markstein's Toonopedia features dedicated sections for exploring the human and organizational forces behind and comic production, providing biographical and historical context that complements the site's primary focus on individual characters. These entries emphasize the creative individuals and corporate entities responsible for developing iconic toons, offering insights into their careers, innovations, and lasting contributions to the industry. The "People Behind the Toons" section presents an alphabetical index of biographies for key creators, including cartoonists, , and writers who shaped animated and printed humor. It covers career overviews, notable works, and personal influences, with entries highlighting figures such as , known for his macabre cartoons that influenced later media adaptations, and , creator of the satirical Pogo strip which blended political commentary with anthropomorphic animals. Other prominent examples include , a pioneering famous for innovative shorts like , and , the voice artist behind countless Warner Bros. characters including and . These profiles link directly to relevant main toon entries, allowing users to trace a creator's impact on specific characters, such as Avery's contributions to the wild antics of or Blanc's vocal legacy in . To address gaps in mainstream references, the section also includes lesser-known figures whose work influenced niche or foundational aspects of cartooning, such as Henry Boltinoff, a prolific gag cartoonist for DC Comics whose simple, humorous panels appeared in titles like Detective Comics, and Gelett Burgess, an early 20th-century illustrator whose The Purple Cow verse popularized absurd poetry in visual form. As the newest addition to Toonopedia, this section remains somewhat sparse but aims for comprehensive expansion to cover a broader array of influencers. Complementing the creator profiles, the "Companies That Produce the Toons" section offers alphabetical profiles of studios, publishers, and production houses central to the cartoon industry, detailing their histories, major outputs, and economic or cultural impacts. Entries focus on entities like Productions, which revolutionized in the 1950s and produced enduring series such as and , transforming television with cost-effective, family-oriented content. entry chronicles its evolution from early shorts to feature-length animations like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, underscoring its role in establishing animation as a viable cinematic art form. Similarly, DC Comics is profiled for its comic book legacy, including the creation of superhero icons like and Batman through innovative storytelling and artist collaborations. These company overviews integrate hyperlinks to associated toon entries, illustrating specific contributions—such as Hanna-Barbera's development of or Disney's stewardship of —to provide a holistic view of production ecosystems. The section extends to lesser-known firms that filled specialized roles in cartoon history, such as smaller publishers or regional studios that supported underground or international works, helping to document underrepresented facets of the medium beyond Hollywood giants. Overall, these entries underscore Toonopedia's commitment to crediting the collaborative networks that birthed beloved toons, fostering a deeper appreciation for the industry's behind-the-scenes dynamics.

Additional Resources and Tools

Don Markstein's Toonopedia offers several supplementary features that enhance user engagement and provide contextual support beyond its primary entries. One prominent tool is the "Today in Toons" feature, which delivers daily highlights of significant cartoon-related events, including anniversaries, first appearances of characters, and other historical milestones in animation and comics. For instance, entries might note events like the 1933 disinheritance of Dagwood Bumstead in the Blondie comic strip or earlier engagements in its storyline, presented in a concise, numbered format signed by the site's creator, Don Markstein. This section links to an archive for past dates, allowing users to explore a chronological record of toon history. The "Other Stuff" category serves as a hub for miscellaneous resources, encompassing FAQs on terminology and site operations, a dedicated page, information on awards received by the site, and guidelines for donations to support its maintenance. The FAQs address common queries such as the definition of "toon" as shorthand for in animated films and comic books, explanations of why certain modern series are underrepresented (due to a focus on topics at least seven years old for historical perspective), and clarifications on the site's non-commercial nature, emphasizing it provides information only without offering services like syndication advice or artifact valuations. The site page chronicles key milestones, including the addition of the 1,000th article on the Smiley Face in 2005 and reaching over 1,700 entries by 2011, alongside redesigns and recognitions like 20 million page views in 2005. Awards details highlight accolades such as the USA Today Hot Site recognition in 2001 and 2002, the afNews International Internet Award in 2005, and selection as an Encyclopedia Britannica iGuide site in 2006, underscoring the site's credibility in toon scholarship. Donations are facilitated through Amazon wish lists or PayPal contributions to cover hosting costs, with explicit instructions provided. Navigation is supported by a robust search functionality and site map, primarily through an alphabetical index of over 1,000 entries and categorized sections like "The Toons," "The People Behind the Toons," and "The Companies that Produce the Toons," enabling efficient browsing without a dedicated search bar. These tools facilitate quick access to the site's expansive database, which has grown through ongoing entry expansions. In terms of archival value, Toonopedia preserves information on defunct series and outdated media formats, such as early 20th-century animated shorts or discontinued comic strips, ensuring historical continuity for topics that might otherwise fade from public awareness within its comprehensive coverage of American toons. This preservation effort contributes to the site's role as a lasting reference for obsolete or niche cartoon elements.

Creator and Legacy

Biography of Don Markstein

Donald D. Markstein, born on March 21, 1947, developed a deep interest in and during his childhood after his parents acquired one of the first televisions on their block, where he watched theatrical shorts from . This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion, leading him to absorb knowledge about the medium for over half a century. Markstein's professional career in the industry began in the 1970s, when he wrote an article in 1970 that is believed to mark the first use of the term "universe" in a cartoon-related context. He worked as a and editor, contributing to Disney featuring characters like , , and Bucky Bug, as well as titles such as Eek! the Cat and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. In 1981, he co-founded Apatoons with GiGi Dane, a publication highlighting leading commentators. Markstein also edited Comics Revue from 1984 to 1987 and again from 1992 to 1996, and he compiled books including A Prince Valiant Companion in 1992 and Hot Tips from Top Comics Creators in 1994. Drawing from his extensive expertise and personal collection of 30,000 to 35,000 comic books, newspaper strips, and hundreds of hours of animation, Markstein created Toonopedia in 1999 as a means to share his accumulated knowledge while indulging his enthusiasm for cartoons. He described the project partly as "an excuse to play with toons." In his later years, Markstein faced significant health challenges, including a stroke in February 2011 that caused minor deficits. He suffered from a prolonged illness leading to respiratory failure, and he passed away on March 10, 2012, at the age of 64. His death effectively ended active maintenance and updates to Toonopedia, with the site remaining unchanged thereafter.

Influence on Comic Scholarship

Don Markstein's Toonopedia has been widely recognized as a vital reference tool in comics and animation scholarship, frequently recommended in academic library guides for its detailed coverage of cartoon history. For instance, the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) highlights it as an encyclopedia providing in-depth character histories, bibliographic data, and images, making it essential for researchers studying print and animated cartoons. University libraries, including those at the , the , and , include Toonopedia in their curated bibliographies and research guides on , underscoring its utility for scholarly inquiries into American cartoonery. The has significantly contributed to filling documentation gaps in history, particularly for obscure characters and strips from and , eras often underrepresented in mainstream archives due to the ephemeral nature of syndication. Entries on lesser-known figures, such as the adventure hero (debuting in 1927 but prominent through ) and pulp-inspired detective Speed Saunders (from 1936), offer comprehensive timelines, creator credits, and contextual analysis that were previously scattered or inaccessible. Similarly, coverage of anthology series like Famous Funnies, which reprinted early 1930s strips including Reg'lar Fellers and Dixie Dugan, preserves details on transitional works bridging and the emerging format. This meticulous documentation has aided scholars in tracing the evolution of genres like adventure and humor during the of . Toonopedia's legacy lies in its commitment to free, ad-free access, which has democratized cartoonological research and fostered open scholarship in a field historically reliant on costly print volumes or paywalled databases. Maintained without commercial interruptions since its launch, the site enables unrestricted exploration of over 1,000 entries, aligning with principles of preservation for cultural artifacts like mid-20th-century strips. Following Markstein's death, his family announced intentions to incorporate fan-submitted articles, but the site has remained a static without further updates since approximately 2011. In comparison to resources like the Lambiek Comiclopedia, which focuses primarily on international comic creators with biographical emphasis, Toonopedia stands out for its character-centric approach and pioneering hypertext structure, enabling seamless navigation through linked entries on related strips, adaptations, and cultural impacts. This personal curation by Markstein, blending encyclopedic rigor with narrative depth, has set a benchmark for digital toon repositories, influencing how subsequent online archives integrate and cross-references.
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.