Happy Smurf Day!

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I wouldn't even have realised this special pop culture occasion if it wasn't for a discussion on the radio this morning, but today marks the 50th anniversary of the first ever appearance by those little blue Belgian dudes (and occasional dudette!), the Smurfs.


It was on 23 October 1958 that cartoonist Peyo (real name Pierre Culliford) introduced the Smurfs to the world through Belgian comics magazine Le Journal de Spirou... This said, I'm sure more of you reading this are familiar with the incredibly popular Hanna-Barbera animated series that ran in the 1980s, as well as the figurine collection (Hmmm, I wonder where my old box of smurfs is?).

Anyway, I'd just like to take this moment to wish Papa Smurf and co. a very happy birthday. May you be a thorn in the side of Gargamel and Azrael for many years to come.

To everyone else reading this, Happy Smurf Day!

As a side note I have to wonder if the Smurfs are going to receive the special Google Doodle treatment. On 13 October this year, Paddington Bear received his own commemorative logo in celebration of the character's 50th anniversary (how did I miss this?). 1958 was clearly a good year for fictional character creation... and out of interest, next year marks the 50th anniversary of Asterix and Obelix. Roll on the half century celebrations!

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