Happy Birthday, Mickey! 81 Years Old Today

I wrote the other day about how Mickey Mouse is getting a makeover. And now I see why they're redoing him; he's an old man! Today is Mickey Mouse's birthday, and it turns out he's a whopping 81 years old. If all of us humans can get a little nip and tuck now and then to make the transition to these later years somewhat easier, why can't our cartoon friends do it, too?

November 18 is the big day because that was when Steamboat Willie was released in 1928 (see below). Man, he sure has come a long way since then. The Disney blog, a site "by fans, for fans" today features a post about what Mickey fandom looks like in modern times: new Mickey-themed merchandise includes a pirate-themed mouse-ear cap and weird "Vinylmation" dolls.

Disney blogger John Frost waxed nostalgic about Mickey's many decades on the mouse's 80th birthday last year: "You’ve gone from a sweet and unpretentious little rascal to a modern day role model for the young." Then he hits the reader with a surprise left, slightly ominous in tone, about the intellectual property rights issues Mickey will likely contend with as he moves toward 100 and beyond: "The next 80 are sure to be as transformative, especially as more images of you begin to enter the public domain. Sure there will be fights, huge ones, for control of your future."

Man, way to spoil a birthday celebration. We were all just getting ready to sit down for our mouse-shaped cake wearing our pirate mouse-ear caps. But every party needs a pooper, and Frost makes a good point. Think of the possibilities! Let's do a mash-up between Mickey and Beeker from the Muppets and see what kind of craziness ensues!

In the meantime, here's the inimitable Steamboat Willie:

Photo courtesy of kevindooley, via Flickr