Brand mascots and company logo characters have been a staple of advertising and marketing for decades. The Michelin Man, Chester Cheetah, the Energizer Bunny, or the Pillsbury Doughboy – all these characters have captured our attention and become ingrained in our memories. As much as you might hate ads, you must admit that some brand mascots are no less than iconic. Moreover, we bet not once have many people imagined some of them turned into cartoon, anime, or video game characters. Let’s explore the 13 most emblematic brand mascots that could have easily made the transition to a different medium. Who knows, maybe they’d become the main stars during the next comic, anime, TV show, or movie convention!
1. Tony the Tiger
Tony the Tiger has been selling Frosted Flakes for over 70 years. He’s a lovable and enthusiastic character who’s always up for a good time and ready to share his love of cereal. Tony the Tiger would make for a great cartoon character, with his larger-than-life personality and positive attitude. He could star in a series where he travels the world, trying new cereals, making new friends, and helping those in need. With his friendly temper and love of adventure, he’d be a hit with both kids and their parents.
2. Mr Clean
Mr. Clean has been keeping homes clean since 1958. This muscular, bald, and earring-clad fella in an instantly recognizable white t-shirt and tight pants is always ready to tackle any mess. Mr. Clean would be an interesting anime character, with his impressive physique and tough-guy attitude. He could star in an action-packed series about a cleaning superhero who battles dirt and grime and saves the day with his trusty mop and bucket. With his tough exterior, no-nonsense attitude, and love of cleanliness, he’d definitely be a favorite among both boys and girls, as well as their moms.
3. Kool-Aid Man
The Kool-Aid Man has been crashing through walls and delivering fruity drinks with his signature “Oh yeah!” shout since 1954. This pitcher-shaped character is already a cartoon in his own right, having fought villains called “Thirsties” and even a man engulfed in fire. Yet, imagine him in an anime series with even more action and adventure. The Kool-Aid Man could be a heroic figure, battling against baddies who want to keep kids from drinking flavored beverages. Alternatively, his ability to break through walls would make him a great video game character on a mission to find the perfect Kool-Aid recipe, battling against enemies who want to keep it for themselves. With his iconic catchphrase and love of fun, he’d certainly form a great pool of followers.
4. The Jolly Green Giant
The Jolly Green Giant has been selling canned and frozen vegetables since 1928. He’s a friendly and towering character eager to promote healthy eating and lend a helping hand. The Jolly Green Giant would most definitely make for a vivid anime or TV series character. He could star in a series where he helps people in need and battles against those who want to harm the environment while spreading the message of healthy eating along the way. With his positive attitude, gentle nature, and love of vegetables, he, for a fact, would be a hero for the little ones and their parents who want them to eat peas and broccoli.
5. Chester Cheetah
Chester Cheetah has been the mascot for Cheetos snacks since 1986. He’s a cool and smooth-talking character who’s always ready to share his cheesy bite. Chester Cheetah’s ability to run fast as lightning would make him a great video game character. He could star in a game where he’s on a quest to find the perfect bag of Cheetos and share them with everybody. Along his journey, Chester could collect power-ups to help him battle against enemies who want to steal his snack. With his laid-back attitude and love of cheese, he’d be a great addition to any game.
6. The Energizer Bunny
The Energizer Bunny has been drumming his way through commercials and selling batteries since 1989. He’s a lively and energetic character who keeps going and going, and his animated counterpart could be just as entertaining. The Energizer Bunny could star in a video game where he’s on a quest to find the ultimate source of energy or perpetuum mobile. His adversaries would be able to drain power from the Bunny, so he’d need to collect power-ups to help him on his journey. Sounds like a cool idea for an addictive arcade game with a fun and memorable character, doesn’t it?
7. Toucan Sam
Toucan Sam has been advertising Froot Loop breakfast cereal since 1963. He’s a colorful and adventurous character who’s always ready to share his love of fruity and healthy snacks. Toucan Sam would be a daring adventurer, traveling through the lush jungles of South America in search of rare and exotic fruits. Along the way, he would face various obstacles and challenges, such as dangerous predators, treacherous terrain, and rival fruit hunters. Each episode would focus on a different fruit that Toucan Sam is trying to find, and the story would unfold as he and his team navigate their way to the fruit’s location. Throughout the series, our hero would learn valuable lessons about the importance of respecting and preserving nature. With his upbeat personality, quick wit, and unrelenting sense of adventure, Toucan Sam would capture the hearts of viewers young and old, inspiring them to explore the world around them and try new things.
8. Ronald McDonald
Even if the last time you visited McDonald’s was years ago, you must know who Ronald McDonald is. And now imagine that behind the cheerful facade, Ronald leads a secret life as a superhero. Isn’t it an intriguing plot for a blockbuster video game? Who wouldn’t want to see Ronald fight Burger Khan, who wants to take control over the fast-food world, only to figure out that the villain is actually a rogue AI created by a group of disgruntled workers who were replaced by machines! Of course, in the end, Ronald saves the day and even becomes a better version of himself, promoting healthy eating and lifestyle. Alternatively, there’s always an option of a horror TV series where valiant FBI agents catch the elusive evil clown who keeps scaring children with obesity nightmares. How about that Elon Musk and Freddy Krueger?
9. Captain Crunch
A fearless and adventurous character, Captain Crunch is always ready to set sail on the high seas. Yet, in the meantime, he’s been selling cereal for Quaker Oats since 1963. Should he become an anime hero, he’d be a swashbuckling hero, leading a band of adventurers on a mission to find the legendary SS “Crunchberry” treasure hidden on a mysterious island in the middle of the ocean. Along the way, they would face various challenges, including fierce sea monsters, treacherous storms, and rival pirate crews who are also after the riches. The anime would be filled with exciting action sequences, dramatic plot twists, and plenty of humor. Captain Crunch would be portrayed as a charismatic and daring hero, always ready to lead his crew into battle while also showing his softer side when it comes to his love of cereal.
10. Pillsbury Doughboy
The Pillsbury Doughboy has been promoting Pillsbury products since 1965. He’s a lovable and huggable character who is always ready to bake up a storm. With his soft and squishy appearance, the Pillsbury Doughboy would make for a great cartoon character known for his love of cooking and baking. He could star in a series where he travels the world, trying new recipes, discovering new ingredients, and battling against villains who want people to eat bland and tasteless food. With his adorable appearance, warm personality, and love of food, he’d most surely be a hit with kids from all walks of life.
11. Geico Gecko
The Geico Gecko could easily star in adult cartoon series about an ex-criminal with expertise in insurance frauds and financial schemes, as well as a conman who helps the FBI catch other white-collar thieves, counterfeiters, and other wrongdoers. With his quick wit, expert knowledge of insurance policies, and unparalleled problem-solving abilities, the Geico Gecko proves that size doesn’t matter when it comes to making a big impact. Gecko’s abilities will also come in handy when he uncovers a sinister plot by a monstrous insurance company to take over the industry by any means necessary, even if it means hurting innocent people in the process. Putting an end to this evil plan and saving the day could take at least 5 seasons!
12. Michelin Man
The Michelin Man has been selling tires for Michelin since 1898. He’s a friendly and rotund character, always ready to help drivers stay safe on the road. As the anime guardian of all things automotive, he uses his tire-like body to roll into action whenever there’s trouble on the road. To keep his superhero identity secret, the Michelin Man teams up with a group of young mechanics who run a garage on the outskirts of town. Their adventures take a more dangerous turn when they discover a group of rogue racers who create cars that are faster and more powerful than anything the world has ever seen. These cars are dangerous and unstable, and they pose a threat to everyone on the road. With the help of his friends, the Michelin Man sets out to stop the villains and put an end to their dangerous creations, learning the value of teamwork, determination, and the importance of maintaining safety on the road along the way.
13. Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese has been entertaining kids since 1977. He’s a fun-loving mouse who loves to play music and dance. Chuck E. Cheese would make for an entertaining video game character completing missions to uncover the truth behind strange occurrences in his hometown. Whether he’s investigating a haunted house or tracking down a missing toy, Chuck E. Cheese always finds a way to use his unique talents to solve mysteries. This could be a fun and educational game for kids, featuring catchy music, colorful animation, and engaging puzzles that develop logic and math skills. The winner gets the cheesiest pizza!
Brand logo characters and mascots have become an integral part of our culture. Not only do they promote products and services, but also become iconic figures that people recognize and identify with. As we’ve shown, many of these characters have the potential to become great cartoon, anime, graphic novel, or video game characters due to their unique appearances, personalities, and backstories. With their popularity and recognizability, they have great chances of becoming instant hits with kids and their parents. They bring a level of nostalgia and familiarity that’s hard to replicate with new characters. Whether it’s the Energizer Bunny’s never-ending energy, the Michelin Man’s helpfulness, or the Geico Gecko’s wit, these characters have left a lasting impression on us.
Who knows what the future holds for these brand logo characters and mascots. We might see some of these characters make the leap from advertising to the world of entertainment in the near future – not necessarily via the companies they advertise, but with the help of fans. The thing is, currently available AI-based tools and utilities not only can be used as your free academic paper writer but also as creators of cartoons, videos, and simple games with your favorite mascots as main characters. And then, specific mascot-themed cons are not so far off! Until then, we’ll continue to enjoy their appearances in advertisements and at conventions, where they continue to bring joy and entertainment to fans of all ages.
