The Powerpuff Girls is an American animated franchise that takes place in the fictional city of Townsville and stars the titular Powerpuff Girls — Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup — who appear in the original TV series, the anime adaptation, the 2016 reboot series, and the upcoming second reboot series.
Secondary characters include Professor Utonium, the Powerpuff Girls' creator and father figure; The Mayor, the kindhearted, but dimwitted mayor of Townsville, who often calls upon the Powerpuff Girls for help defending Townsville; Ms. Bellum, the mayor's secretary, who serves as a voice of reason; and Ms. Keane, the Powerpuff Girls' kindergarten teacher at Pokey Oaks. Primary villains include Mojo Jojo, an intelligent, megalomaniacal ape; HIM, a demonic being; Fuzzy Lumpkins, a Bigfoot-like hillbilly; Princess Morbucks, a wealthy, spoiled girl; the Gangreen Gang, a group of green-skinned hoodlums; Sedusa, a Gorgon-like seductress; the Amoeba Boys, a trio of dimwitted amoebas, and the Rowdyruff Boys, the Powerpuff Girls' evil male counterparts.
Series creator Craig McCracken originally conceived the Powerpuff Girls while attending the California Institute of the Arts in 1991, later expanding upon the premise in a short pilot called The Whoopass Girls in Whoopass Stew. After a name change and character redesigns, a new pilot, "The Powerpuff Girls: Meat Fuzzy Lumpkins", aired on Cartoon Network's World Premiere Toons animation showcase in 1995. High viewer approval ratings convinced the network to approve a full series, which aired from 1998 to 2005.
Origin
In June 1991, Craig McCracken, then a student of the animation program of CalArts,[1] created a drawing of three girls on a sheet of orange construction paper as a birthday card design for his brother.[2][1][3] The following year, he made the characters protagonists of the short film Whoopass Stew! The Whoopass Girls in: A Sticky Situation.[4] Though it was intended to be the first part of four Whoopass Girls shorts, only one short was produced.[1][4][5] McCracken felt that he wanted to make a superhero student film, but that the muscular guy standard was already played out. After coming up with the concept, he started imagining them in superhero situations.[2] McCracken's Whoopass Girls short was picked up for a series by Cartoon Network in 1993, with the Powerpuff Girls appearing in two What a Cartoon! shorts before receiving their own series.[1][6]
The Powerpuff Girls
| The Powerpuff Girls | |
|---|---|
| The Powerpuff Girls characters | |
| First appearance |
|
| Last appearance |
|
| Created by | Craig McCracken |
| Voiced by |
|
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Artificial humans |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | Students Superheroines |
| Family |
|
| Nationality | American |
As depicted in the opening sequence of each episode, the Powerpuff Girls, Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup, were created by Professor Utonium in an attempt to create the "perfect little girl" using a mixture of "sugar, spice and everything nice". However, he accidentally spilled a mysterious substance called "Chemical X" into the mixture, creating three girls instead of one and granting them superpowers, including flight, superhuman physical abilities, x-ray vision, super senses, heat vision, and energy projection. In the original pilot, the substance was a can of "Whoopass".[7]
The Powerpuff Girls have large eyes, inspired by Margaret Keane's art,[8] and stubby arms and legs with no visible digits. McCracken preferred that they appear symbolic of actual girls rather than having a "realistic" look, meaning fewer body parts were needed.[9]
Blossom
Blossom (voiced by Cathy Cavadini) is one of the three main protagonists and the self-proclaimed leader of the Powerpuff Girls; as the most level-headed and intelligent of the group, she also serves as strategist.[10] Her personality ingredient is "everything nice" and her signature color is pink. As shown in The Powerpuff Girls Movie, she was named for having spoken freely and honestly to the Professor shortly after her creation. Her unique power is ice breath and, in the reboot, she possesses the ability to generate pink energy constructs.
Bubbles
Bubbles (voiced by Tara Strong in the series, Kristen Li in the reboot, Kath Soucie in What a Cartoon!) is one of the three main protagonists and the "softest and sweetest" of the three.[10] Her signature color is sky blue and her personality ingredient is "sugar". Though kind, she is a capable fighter and can understand various languages, including that of animals, and create powerful sonic blasts.[10] In the reboot, Bubbles possesses the ability to generate blue energy constructs.
Buttercup
Buttercup (voiced by E. G. Daily in the original series, Natalie Palamides in the reboot) is one of the three main protagonists, who is described as a "tough hotheaded tomboy".[10] Her signature color is lime green and her personality ingredient is "spice".[10] According to The Powerpuff Girls Movie, Buttercup disliked the name she was given. Her unique power is curling her tongue. In the reboot, Buttercup possesses the ability to generate green energy constructs. McCracken originally wanted to name the character "Bud" until a friend suggested the name Buttercup.[1]
Secondary characters
Professor Utonium
| Professor Utonium | |
|---|---|
| The Powerpuff Girls character | |
| First appearance |
|
| Last appearance |
|
| Created by | Craig McCracken |
| Voiced by | Tom Kane |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Scientist |
| Family | Eugene Utonium (brother) |
| Children | |
| Home | Townsville, U.S.A. |
| Nationality | American |
Professor Utonium (voiced by Tom Kane) is a scientist who is the Powerpuff Girls' creator and father. Though he can be strict and easily manipulated, he is caring and fatherly.
The Mayor of Townsville
The Mayor of Townsville (voiced by Tom Kenny in the series, Jim Cummings in What a Cartoon!) is the mayor of Townsville. Though dimwitted and cowardly, he cares deeply for his city. In What a Cartoon!, the Mayor is depicted as younger, taller, and more competent.
Ms. Bellum
Ms. Sara Bellum (voiced by Jennifer Martin) is the Mayor's secretary, who often handles issues that he cannot. She is absent in the reboot due to concerns over her sexualized design.[11]
Ms. Keane
Ms. Keane (voiced by Jennifer Hale in the series, Kath Soucie in What a Cartoon!) is the kindergarten teacher of Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. She is well-liked among her students for being patient and understanding. Keane is named after Margaret Keane, the main influence behind the design of the Powerpuff Girls.[citation needed]
Narrator
Narrator (voiced by Tom Kenny in the series, Craig McCracken in Whoopass Stew, Ernie Anderson in What a Cartoon!) is the unseen voiceover narrator of the show. He serves as comic relief and occasionally becomes involved in the series' events.
Talking Dog
Talking Dog (voiced by Tom Kane in the series, Paul Mercier in What a Cartoon!) is a small white dog who serves as comic relief.
Mitch Mitchelson
Mitch Mitchelson (voiced by Tom Kenny) is a bully at Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. He was the host of "Mitch Rocks", a segment on Cartoon Network where he looked at various things and determined whether they "rock" or not.[12]
Stanley Whitfield
Stanley Whitfield (voiced by Tom Kane) is a Townsville anchorman.
Villains
| List of The Powerpuff Girls characters | |
|---|---|
| The Powerpuff Girls character | |
| First appearance |
|
| Last appearance | |
| Created by | Craig McCracken |
| Voiced by | Roger L. Jackson |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | Chimpanzee |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Mad scientist |
| Family | Professor Utonium (owner, formerly) Unnamed mother (only in the 2016 reboot) |
| Children | The Rowdyruff Boys (created sons) (only in 1999) |
| Home | Townsville, U.S.A. |
Mojo Jojo
Mojo Jojo (voiced by Roger L. Jackson) is a highly intelligent chimpanzee and the Powerpuff Girls' archenemy. He was formerly Professor Utonium's lab assistant before being exposed to Chemical X and gaining intelligence in the same accident that created the Powerpuff Girls.[10] His plans often end in failure due to the Powerpuff Girls' intervention or flaws that he overlooks.
Fuzzy Lumpkins
Fuzzy Lumpkins[13] (voiced by Jim Cummings) is a pink, furry hillbilly monster who speaks in a southern accent and lives in the woods neighboring Townsville. Fuzzy has limited intelligence and is not as ambitious as other villains, as he usually targets those who trespass on his property.
HIM
HIM (voiced by Tom Kane) is an effeminate demon whose plans are usually psychological in nature, as he often attempts to manipulate events to drive the Powerpuff Girls insane or drive a wedge between them. HIM possesses various supernatural and demonic abilities, including shapeshifting, mind control, and manipulating reality and energy. Craig McCracken has stated that "HIM" was inspired by the Chief Blue Meanie from Yellow Submarine.[14]
Princess Morbucks
Princess Morbucks (voiced by Jennifer Hale in the original series, Haley Mancini in the reboot) is a spoiled, rich, and bratty young girl who hates the Powerpuff Girls due to a rebuffed attempt to join them. Her father, "Daddy" Morbucks, dotes on her and indulges in her whims, but it is implied that his patience is limited and Princess fears truly angering him. Because of him, she has access to virtually unlimited financial resources.
The Gangreen Gang
The Gangreen Gang (sometimes referred as The Ganggreen Gang)[a] are a gang of five green-skinned teenage hoodlums who, despite not having powers and often not posing a threat, can be dangerous when motivated. They delight in vandalizing and tormenting those weaker than themselves, especially children and the elderly. The Gangreen Gang lives in an old shack in Townsville's junkyard.
- Ace (voiced by Jeff Bennett): The Gang's leader, who is mean-spirited and opportunistic and manipulates others with his charisma. In 2018, Ace joined the virtual band Gorillaz while Murdoc Niccals was in prison.[17]
- Snake (voiced by Tom Kenny): The Gang's second-in-command. It is revealed in "School House Rocked" that his real name is Sanford Ingleberry.
- Lil' Arturo (voiced initially by Carlos Alazraqui, subsequently by Tom Kenny): A Mexican child who seems to take the most amusement from the Gang's activities. His full name is Arturo de la Guerra.
- Grubber (voiced by Jeff Bennett): A disfigured, barefoot hunchback.
- Big Billy (voiced by Jeff Bennett): A hulking, dimwitted colossus who serves as the Gang's muscle. Though possessing a childlike innocence, he mostly does the Gang's bidding. It is revealed in "School House Rocked" that he is a cyclops and his real name is William Williams.
The Amoeba Boys
The Amoeba Boys (voiced by Chuck McCann in the series and What a Cartoon!, Lou Romano in Whoopass Stew) are a trio of mutant amoebas who aspire to be respected villains, but are unintelligent and incompetent. Though largely harmless, their actions have caused danger.
- Bossman: The Amoeba Boys' leader. In the pilot, he is depicted with a cigar in his mouth.
- Junior: The smallest of the Amoeba Boys. He wears a black hat. In What a Cartoon!, he was named Tiny.
- Slim: The tallest of the Amoeba Boys, who is more incompetent than Bossman and Junior. He wears a brown fedora. In What a Cartoon!, he was named Skinny Slim.
The Rowdyruff Boys
The Rowdyruff Boys are the Powerpuff Girls' evil male counterparts, created by Mojo Jojo using a mixture of "snips, snails, a puppy dog tail", and radioactive toilet water, and possess the same powers as them. They are destroyed when the girls kiss them, but are later resurrected by HIM.
- Brick (voiced by Rob Paulsen): Blossom's male counterpart and the Rowdyruff Boys' self-proclaimed leader. His short temper and rashness often causes conflict with his brothers. His signature color is red, and he wears a backwards red baseball cap compared to Blossom's bow. He also originally had bangs, which were replaced with long spiky hair when he was revived.
- Boomer (voiced by Rob Paulsen): Bubbles' male counterpart. He is a loud-mouthed dunce, in contrast to Bubbles' sweetness, and likes disgusting things. Boomer is the least intelligent of the boys, and they often bully and boss him around. His signature is blue and Boomer's hair parts in a curved fashion like Bubbles', but is longer and spiky on each end, in a wings haircut.
- Butch (voiced by Roger L. Jackson): Buttercup's male counterpart. He is hyperactive and easily excited. His signature is green and his hair is spiked upwards, abandoning his previous cowlick from his first appearance. He also shares Buttercup's small triangular hair parting.
Sedusa
Sedusa (voiced by Jennifer Hale) is a Gorgon-like seductress who uses her feminine wiles to influence men to do her bidding. She is absent in the reboot due to concerns over her sexualized design.[18]
Powerpuff Girls Z characters
The Powerpuff Girls 2016-exclusive characters
Allies
Blisstina "Bliss"
Blisstina "Bliss" (voiced by Olivia Olson) is the original Powerpuff Girl in the 2016 series, who, due to being created from Chemical W rather than Chemical X, possesses additional abilities that the Powerpuff Girls do not, including telekinesis and teleportation. Initially joining the team after isolating herself out of fear of her powers, she later joins the Universal Protection Bureau, an intergalactic police force.
The Derbytantes
The Derbytantes (voiced by Kate Higgins) are a group of roller skaters who enjoy playing Deathball, a sport similar to dodgeball and rollerball. Notable members include Maylyn, Jaylyn, Haylyn, and Bobby Susan Ray-Lyn.
Donny
Donny (voiced by Josh Fadem) is a young unicorn and Bubbles' friend.
Villains
Packrat
Packrat (voiced by Jason Spisak) is a rat thief.
Allegro
Allegro (voiced by Eric Bauza) is a panda-like being who can cause people to go into a stupor of pure happiness. "Largo" reveals that he and Largo were originally one being before being split by a cosmic storm, before they later re-merge.
Manboy
Manboy (voiced by Maurice LaMarche) is a short man who possesses superhuman strength and a magical, prehensile beard. He is sexist and believes that men are superior to women. He is later revealed to be a child who gained an adult body when he got his powers.
The Fashionistas
Bianca and Barbarus Bikini (respectively voiced by Lily Vonnegut and Natalie Palamides) are a human and gorilla. Bianca was initially chosen to be the new assistant of the Mayor before being found out.[18]
Jemmica/Jemoire
Jemmica (voiced by Anais Fairweather) is a thief who masquerades as a treasure hunter and adventurer. "Total Eclipse of the Kart" reveals that she is an ancient evil entity named Jemoire.
Silico
Silico (voiced by Jason Spisak) is a supervillain and the owner of a self-titled company. He was originally a lonely kid who built toy robots to keep him company, vowing revenge against the Powerpuff Girls after they accidentally destroyed them.
Notes
References
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