Pon de Lion is the most popular mascot of the Mister Donut fast food franchise, which is owned by the same parent company as Dunkin’ Donuts. This character, a lion with a mane shaped like a “pon de ring” doughnut, is one of a set of doughnut-based mascots (marketed as “Pon de Lion & His Sweet Friends”). In Japan, Pon de Lion has become more recognizable than the actual Misdo logo (a moustachioed chef).
The Wheedle (on the Needle) – No. 287
The Wheedle is the title character of the 1974 children’s book by Stephen Cosgrove. He is a large, round, furry creature who lives in the Northwest. The character eventually evolved into a popular mascot generally associated with the city of Seattle. From 1978 through 1985, the Wheedle was the official mascot of the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics.
Quisp – No. 275
The pink cartoon alien mascot of Quisp, a sugar-sweetened breakfast cereal from the Quaker Oats Company. It was introduced in 1965 and continued as a mass-market grocery item until the late 1970s. It is now primarily sold online. Like Cap’n Crunch, Quisp was created by Jay Ward Productions as a trademark character on which to build a cereal brand.
Note: Quisp clearly looks based on the Moon Men (Gidney and Cloyd) from the 1959-1960 “Jet Fuel Formula” story arc of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.
Buzz the Bee (Honey Nut Cheerios) – No. 270
The anthropomorphic cartoon bee mascot of Honey Nut Cheerios. This sweetened variation of Cheerios breakfast cereal was introduced by General Mills in 1979. It has a honey and almond flavor. As of 2006, it no longer includes actual nuts.
Sonny the Cuckoo Bird (Cocoa Puffs) – No. 269
The cartoon bird mascot of Cocoa Puffs, a brand of chocolate-flavored puffed grain breakfast cereal manufactured by General Mills. Introduced in 1958, the cereal consists of small orbs of corn, oats and rice that have been flavored with cocoa. Sonny the Cuckoo Bird is a desperate addict whose catchphrase is “cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.”
Sugar Bear (Golden Crisp) – No. 268
The cartoon bear mascot of Golden Crisp breakfast cereal made by Post. It was introduced in 1949 as Sugar Crisp, then renamed Super Sugar Crisp (before its absurd sugar content was downplayed as “Golden”). The cereal consists of sweetened puffed wheat. Sugar Bear sings the jingle, “Can’t get enough of that Golden Crisp.”
Dig ‘Em Frog (Honey Smacks) – No. 267
The cartoon frog mascot of Honey Smacks breakfast cereal. This excessively sweetened puffed wheat cereal was introduced in 1953 as Sugar Smacks. Kellogg’s renamed the product Honey Smacks in the 1980s, then Smacks, then back to Honey Smacks. There have been various mascots over the years. Dig ‘Em Frog first appeared in 1972.
Toucan Sam (Froot Loops) – No. 266
The cartoon toucan mascot of Froot Loops breakfast cereal produced by Kellogg’s. It first appeared in stores in 1966. The fruit-flavored cereal consists of brightly colored ring-shaped pieces. Toucan Sam’s catchphrase is “just follow your nose!” With his English accent and penchant for jungle conquest, I suspect him of British imperialism.
Lucky the Leprechaun (Lucky Charms) – No. 265
The cartoon leprechaun mascot of Lucky Charms breakfast cereal. This General Mills product first appeared in stores in 1964. The cereal consists of sugar-coated, toasted oat-based pieces and multicolored marshmallow bits in various shapes. “They’re magically delicious!” he exclaims in an Irish accent.
Randy Savage – No. 264
An American professional wrestler known by his ring name “Macho Man” Randy Savage. He was recognizable for his distinctively deep and raspy voice, his ring attire and his signature catchphrase (“Oooh yeah!”). He was the spokesman for Slim Jim snack foods in the 1990s. Savage was born on this day in 1952. He died of a sudden heart attack on May 20, 2011.
ASIMO – No. 244
A humanoid robot created by Honda. The robot resembles a small astronaut wearing a backpack and can walk or run on two feet. ASIMO made many public appearances during the 2000s, including several amusingly awkward incidents on stairs (as you can see in this short video compilation). On October 31, ASIMO will celebrate its 11th anniversary.
Boo Berry – No. 242
The blue cartoon ghost mascot of Boo Berry breakfast cereal. Introduced in 1973, it is one of three currently distributed General Mills monster-themed breakfast cereals. This sugary variety features blueberry-flavored corn cereal bits and marshmallows. Beginning in 2011, these cereals are only sold during the fall/Halloween season.
Franken Berry – No. 241
The cartoon Frankenstein’s monster mascot of Franken Berry breakfast cereal. Introduced in 1971, it is one of three currently distributed General Mills monster-themed breakfast cereals. This sugary variety features strawberry-flavored corn cereal bits and marshmallows. Beginning in 2011, these cereals are only sold during the fall/Halloween season.
Count Chocula – No. 240
The cartoon vampire mascot of Count Chocula breakfast cereal. Introduced in 1971, it is one of three currently distributed General Mills monster-themed breakfast cereals. This sugary variety features chocolate-flavored corn cereal bits and marshmallows. Beginning in 2011, these cereals are only sold during the fall/Halloween season.
The Trix Rabbit – No. 237
An anthropomorphic cartoon rabbit and mascot of Trix breakfast cereal. He debuted in a 1959 Trix television commercial. He continually attempts to trick children into giving him a bowl of Trix cereal. “Silly rabbit, Trix are for kids!” is what this pathetic, begging rabbit is told every time.
Tony the Tiger (Frosted Flakes) – No. 236
The advertising cartoon mascot for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes (also known as Frosties) breakfast cereal, appearing on its packaging and advertising. Since his debut in the 1950s, Tony has become a breakfast cereal icon. More recently, he started serving as mascot for Tony’s Cinnamon Krunchers and Tiger Power (whatever that is). “They’re grrreat!”
Max Headroom – No. 233
A fictional British artificial intelligence, known for his wit and stuttering, distorted, electronically sampled voice. The character, portrayed by Matt Frewer, was featured in a music video TV show, a British cyberpunk film, a television drama series and commercials. In 1986, he was the spokesman for the New Coke advertising campaign (after the return of Coke Classic).
Travelocity Roaming Gnome – No. 198
The star of the Where is my Gnome? series of viral marketing ads used by Travelocity in early 2004. The ads consisted of a man looking for his garden gnome. The concept was inspired by the traveling gnome prank that began in the 1980s and was popularized by the 2001 film Amélie. The Roaming Gnome is now the de facto mascot of Travelocity.
Brigham Young Cougar – No. 192
The Brigham Young Cougars mascot is NCAA Division I pixel art mascot #53 of 347. Since BYU has left the Mountain West Conference for the 2011-12 season, this is FBS independent schools mascot #4 of 4. (View reference images.)