I’m probably not alone when I say that I’m a big fan of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The fact that Rudolph is the longest running holiday special kinda proves that. With Christmas season in full swing I thought it was high time to sketch my favorite reindeer. I’ve actually always found him to be a pretty hard character to sketch. With that swooping head and those large eyes he balances adorable proportions that are not easy to get my pen around. Out of love I’m going to persevere.
Rudolph has fascinated me for a long time. First, because this was always hands down my favorite of the seasons movies. As I got older, I learned things about Rudolph which only helped my fascination grow. Rudolph is a commercial creation. This deer was generated purely to generate revenue for the department store Montgomery Ward. A yearly promotion for the store was to buy books and give them out to kids during Christmastime. In 1939, it was decided that it was easier for them to publish their own little story. Robert L. May was hired to write it, and thus the red-nosed fawn was born.
It astounds me that a figure that is so beloved was manufactured by a business. I’m sure Rudolph is not alone, but it still impresses me that a symbol that is regarded as a timeless celebration of the season isn’t timeless at all. He has a time: 1939. His purpose wasn’t just to spread Christmas joy, it was to fill a business’ coffers. Maybe I should feel like I’ve been duped, robbed of some of that childish Christmas spirit, but Robert did a good job. I flippin’ love that deer.Of course, some of that deer appreciation is thanks to Rankin/Bass’ fantastic animation.
Little did I know, there was more to the birth of Rudolph than meets the eye!
What makes perfect sense, but I had never considered, is that other businesses would be vying for the top spot of ‘Santa’s 9th Reindeer”. I didn’t uncover much, but thanks to Comic Vine I learned about The Adventures of Stubby, Santa’s Smallest Reindeer. Published by W.T. Grant, Stubby wanted that top spot, but lost out to Rudolph. The second that Gene Autry crooned “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and it floated onto the radio airwaves, Stubby and all the other deer were left behind in the dust.
I’m not saying that I would abandon Rudolph for Stubby, I’m just sad that this ultra-cute battle royale occured. When adorable things are fighting each other nobody wins, ’cause then there are less cute things.
And c’mon, he’s a cute lil’ guy:
Just to keep the comic theme alive, I would like to point out that Rudolph has starred in a number of comics. To my great delight, he was licensed by DC. Of course, my mind immediately went to all of the cross-over possibilities:
Call me, DC. We can make this happen.