The Dark Truth Behind Mickey Mouse That Might Definitely Ruin Your Childhood

Jessica Wilson
Oct 17, 2023
Oct 17, 2023

Celebrating Disney's 100th anniversary, we're here to explore the untold secrets of Mickey Mouse. The cheerful face that brought joy to countless children hides a darker side that's been shrouded in mystery.

The truth will leave you astounded and may forever change how you view this beloved character. So, fasten your seatbelts as we journey into a different side of Mickey Mouse.

Mickey Mouse’s Origin

Source: Google Images

The origins of the iconic Mickey Mouse can be traced back to a cartoon known as "Hungry Hobos," created in 1928 and discovered only in 2011. This piece of Disney history features a character who was the precursor to Mickey Mouse, found in a British film archive.

The black-and-white footage features Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and was drawn shortly before the character was abandoned and turned into Mickey Mouse that same year.

Mickey made his unforgettable debut in the legendary film "Steamboat Willie," which first graced the screen at the Colony Theatre on Broadway on November 18, 1928.

This film, among the first to feature synchronized sound and music, catapulted Mickey to stardom, where he starred in over 130 films alongside beloved characters like Minnie Mouse, Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy.

Mickey Mouse Tried To End His Life

Source: Google Images

In fact, the American cartoonist Floyd Gottfredson penned a series of daily comics in which Mickey Mouse tried to take his own life after Minnie rejected him. Fortunately, Mickey's efforts were continuously thwarted by various humorous circumstances or wacky mishaps.

For instance, he found the water too chilly to carry out his plan, or he couldn't quite figure out how to operate a simple shotgun. Eventually, Mickey had a change of heart, deciding that life was worth living, and he abandoned his suicide plot.

Source: Google Images

Believe it or not, the idea for this story arc came from none other than Walt Disney himself, as reported by Comics Alliance.

The comic strips were initially launched in 1930, after being suggested in 1929, following the success of the Mickey Mouse animations.

These comic strips took flight in 1930, a year after they were conceived in 1929, riding on the coattails of Mickey Mouse's animated success. Initially, the artwork was in the skilled hands of Ub Iwerks, a renowned animator and Walt's business partner.

However, Iwerks eventually left the company, paving the way for Floyd Gottfredson to continue crafting Mickey's comic adventures.

Mickey Mouse’s Typical Harrowing Storyline

Source: Google Images

In one from 1930, Mickey builds a homemade airplane for a romantic flight with Minnie. However, their plans take a nosedive when Minnie falls from the aircraft, leaving Mickey to navigate a treacherous storm and end up on a deserted island where the locals try to eat him.

Meanwhile, in another storyline, Mickey finds himself pitted against two villains who've kidnapped Minnie. Their goal? To find out about a hidden gold mine owned by her uncle.

What Mickey Mouse’s Actual Personalities

Source: Google Images

He is an animal abuser

In a blog post titled "The Dark Side of Mickey'' on Medium, writer Jasmin James delves into the less-known aspects of Mickey Mouse's character. Surprisingly, despite being a mouse himself, Mickey was sometimes depicted engaging in animal cruelty.

For instance, there's one comic strip where Mickey, feeling frustrated because a race horse he bet on didn't win, callously comments that it's "not even worth sending to the glue factory.

Source: Google Images

Another blogger, known as The Journal of Cartoon Overanalyzations, has shed light on Mickey's not-so-innocent behavior. For instance, there's a case where he twisted up a wiener dog to serve as a makeshift motor for a plane's propeller.

The post recalls the notorious Steamboat Willie animation, where Mickey uses animals as musical instruments. 'This goes beyond animal cruelty,' the author writes. Mickey's actions include swinging a cat by its tail and tossing it overboard, separating a piglet from its mother, and playing the poor sow's teats like an accordion.

Mickey is not LGBTQ+ friendly

Source: Google Images

As you know, Mickey’s plots are meant to reflect people’s lifestyles, and every story portrays jokes without any severe consequences.

In an episode, Mickey pays a visit to his neighbor, "Kat Nipp," who's portrayed as a tough character. However, the issue arises when Kat Nipp emerges from his cave dressed and behaving in a stereotypically "gay" manner.

Instead of embracing diversity, Mickey's character takes a regrettably intolerant turn. He kicks Kat Nipp off his back and expresses his disapproval in a loud and insensitive manner.

Conclusion

Source: Google Images

The dark truth about Mickey Mouse comes as a huge shock for loyal fans of Disney. The beloved character is not as positive and cheerful as we thought. Yet, before the secret reveal, many children might not realize that and Mickey Mouse remains a memorable part of their childhood. After all, Micky’s effect is undeniable and in the kids’ eyes, thí character is forever fun-loving and kind.

The Dark Truth Behind Mickey Mouse That Might Definitely Ruin Your Childhood

Mickey Mouse’s Origin

Mickey Mouse Tried To End His Life

Mickey Mouse’s Typical Harrowing Storyline

What Mickey Mouse’s Actual Personalities

He is an animal abuser

Mickey is not LGBTQ+ friendly

Conclusion

Related Articles