Most Known American Icon

[Infusions]

After watching Superman Returns, I got to thinking, who is the most well-known American fictional character? I labelled it down to three characters of my own: Superman, Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse.

I think Superman would be the most famous among all of them, even as a kid, I know who Superman was but didn't know anything about him.

[MonkeyFunk]

I'd pick Mickey Mouse - I mean, he's a logo for a massive corporation, after all. Superman would be a close second, possibly even tied for first place. Bugs would be a little behind.

[cyde]

For me it's Peanuts.

[Golgo13]

That's a tough one. I'd say it's a tie between Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse. Mickey has been symbol of Disney and was a huge hit when the character first appeared on screen. Bugs has also been a symbol for WB considering that they used him for the WB opening logo in many cartoon and movies (not to mention he's had a great life in movies from Roger Rabbit to LT: Back in Action).

[Racattack!Force]

Either Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny.

[Old Guy]

Ronald McDonald.

[Pomegranate]

I don't think Mickey Mouse is as popular as he once was, so I'm not sure who's the popular American icon right now! I think Disney is probably now all about Hannah Montana and its ilk, their Barbie-esque merchandising lines, Power Rangers and other Toei properties, Jetix and Pixar.

[Blackstar]

For me it's Peanuts.

Peanuts isn't a character, it's the name of the comic strip (which was imposed on Chalres Schultz by United features Syndicate and was a name that Schultz has always hated, incidentally). A better example would be a character from the strip, such as Charlie Brown or Snoopy (to name the most obvious choices).

[Mala Loba]

Ronald McDonald.

I second this. Failing that I would say Mickey Mouse.

[Infusions]

I don't think Mickey Mouse is as popular as he once was, so I'm not sure who's the popular American icon right now! I think Disney is probably now all about Hannah Montana and its ilk, their Barbie-esque merchandising lines, Power Rangers and other Toei properties, Jetix and Pixar.

I'm talking about like, if you were to walk up to any person who was able to form complete sentences and asked "Do you know who <CHARACTER> is?" they would instantly know.

[Uncle_Lina]

Are you guys kidding? Mickey Mouse! Bugs Bunny hasn't been popular in years.

[mariofan]

Ronaldmcdonald nuff said

[Anthonynotes]

I'd probably say either Mickey Mouse (being the logo of a massive conglomerate like Disney, plus decades of cartoons of his playing around the world) or Superman (the world's best-known superhero, and decades of media appearances/comics/etc. around the world, plus heavy familiarity as the superhero archtype, even in countries where superheroes aren't popular). Not sure where Bugs would rank, though I'd also think Tarzan would be pretty high up on the list (since you didn't specify they had to be only *animated* fictional American characters...).

-B.

[tb4000]

I think while WB has done a good job of making their characters well known, Disney has been notoriously well done at making their characters literally a part of the world's pysche regarding recognizable via sight or sound. You could put Disney's big three, meaning Mickey, Donald and Goofy anywhere on the planet, have their VA's talk in their voice, just show them via silohuette, whatever...people from every country would know who they are. I know Wayne Allwine gets freaking sick of people asking him to be their voice mail as Mickey.

[Blackstar]

Are you guys kidding? Mickey Mouse! Bugs Bunny hasn't been popular in years.

Ahem. Bugs Bunny has not fallen out of popularity. You could go to the deepest, darkest jungle of Borneo, visit a tribe of hut dwelling natives, put one hand on your hip and start chomping on a carrot and they will know who you're imitating. I don't know what gave you the idea that Bugs is no longer popular.

[The Huntsman]

Ahem. Bugs Bunny has not fallen out of popularity. You could go to the deepest, darkest jungle of Borneo, visit a tribe of hut dwelling natives, put one hand on your hip and start chomping on a carrot and they will know who you're imitating. I don't know what gave you the idea that Bugs is no longer popular.

Perhaps, but I believe that it’s evident that he is no longer as popular as he once was. His legacy is immortal and he will never be forgotten, but that is not the same thing as popularity; I’m pretty sure most children in this day and age would be more eager to watch an episode of “SpongeBob SquarePants” over some of the classic Looney Tunes.

[blazecat]

The most known American icon is Mario(Italian plumber). Everyone knows who he is whether they love him or hate him. The only possible way to not know about him is if you've been living in a cave most of your life.

[Dr.Pepper]

I will say Mickey Mouse. I mean everyone has heard of him.

[Pomegranate]

The most known American icon is Mario(Italian plumber). Everyone knows who he is whether they love him or hate him. The only possible way to not know about him is if you've been living in a cave most of your life.

Mario(I believe you're talking about that plumber of the Super Mario video game franchise) is originally Japanese, actually!

[Sonic_Eclipse]

I'd definately say Mickey Mouse. Then Bugs Bunny.