2020 First-Class Forever Stamps,Bugs Bunny: Mermaid

US #5499
2020 Mermaid – Bugs Bunny

• One of 10 stamp designs celebrating Bugs Bunny’s 80^th birthday

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Set:  Bugs Bunny
Value:  55¢ First Class Mail Rate (Forever)
First Day of Issue:  July 27, 2020
First Day City:  Burbank, California
Quantity Issued:  50,000,000
Printed by:  Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method:  Offset
Format:  Panes of 20
Tagging:  Phosphor, overall

Why the stamp was issued:  To commemorate the 80^th anniversary of Bugs Bunny’s official screen debut.

About the stamp designs:  Pictures a one of Bugs Bunny’s iconic personas – a mermaid.  The artwork came directly from Warner Bros. animation artists who also created the sketches on the reverse side of the complete pane of 20 stamps.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic with a First Day of Issue postmark from Burbank, California, home of Warner Bros.

About the Bugs Bunny set:  Includes 10 different stamp designs issued in honor of Bugs Bunny’s debut on screen in 1940.  Each design pictures a different on of Bugs’ famous personas:  a barber, basketball player, Hollywood celebrity, court jester, Brünhilde, mermaid, piano player, super-rabbit, baseball player, and soldier.  The set also honors Bugs’ place in popular culture and animation history.

History the stamp represents:  Sometimes it seems like there is no end to the characters Bugs Bunny can play.  He has dressed up as soldiers, superheroes, accomplished athletes, Hollywood stars, and much more.  Bugs always fully commits to his roles, especially when it means gaining the upper hand on rivals like Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, or other animals.  In one episode, 1944’s Hare Ribbin’, Bugs even dresses up as a fantastical creature – a mermaid.

In Hare Ribbin’, Bugs faces off against a red-haired dog with a Russian accent.  When they first meet, Bugs decides to treat the dog to his usual antics and antagonizes him into a chase sequence.  During the chase, Bugs goes above and beyond by dressing as a mermaid and diving into a lake.  The dog follows him and the two continue their chase underwater.

As the dog gets closer, Bugs decides to dress up as Elmer Fudd to throw him off the scent.  The idea somewhat backfires when the dog asks for a rabbit sandwich.  Bugs decides to play along and climbs in between two pieces of bread.  The dog takes a bit and Bugs screams, pretending to have been bitten in half.

Like other villains who get the best of Bugs, the dog immediately feels guilty and regrets his actions.  In the end, Bugs adds another win to his impressive streak of victories.