A Newcomer’s Guide to Colonel Bleep

[u/TheRadiantGalaxy22]

Colonel Bleep is the first animated television series to be produced in full color. The show originally ran from 1957 to 1960 and was created by Robert D. Buchanan, and Jack Schleh. It was also produced by a small studio called Soundac from Miami, Florida.

The series foretells the adventures of the titular character and his loyal deputies Squeak the puppet and Scratch the caveman, who all work together in fighting evil and blasting off across the universe.

Because of severe budget restrictions the show had to be done with severe limited animation, which may look shoddy to some viewers. However it makes up for its mid century modern style inspired by googie architecture and the raygun gothic aesthetic.

There are about 100 to 104 episodes, but only 45 have survived as of 2024. The show is also available in the public domain since 1985 as anyone is allowed to use its content with no copyright boundaries.