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I think the reason using Jungle Book characters in this show worked is because the Jungle Book WAS more centered on the characters rather than the story itself. (which was very basic ON PURPOSE) So they were actually pretty developed in the Jungle Book already, and even more in TaleSpin.

And also because they well respected the original characters. I read somewhere that Ollie Johnston who was the animator of Baloo in Jungle Book, said that "Baloo is the kind of man that puts feet on his desk, with a half-eaten sandwich next to him and crumbs everywhere, and saying 'Don't worry, relax!' ". That was in 1967. Well...TaleSpin Baloo is EXACTLY that!

Well, my favourite character is Mad Dog from Sky Pirates (his cute voice and his character... I'd like to hug him!). My 2nd favourite is the Prince of Pirates, capitain Don Karnage, speaking to everyone with his Spanish / Italian accent and sometimes funny behaviour... Baloo, Rebecca, Kit and Wildcat don't appeal to me. Why? For example, Wildcat's always behaving like a child, Baloo's a muddler (just look at his room in one of the episodes...), Kit is a kid (you know, kids are not preferred things... )and Rebbecca annoys me with her self-conceit...

True, the Jungle Book was more a display of characters than a story (probably why some consider it an excellent cartoon but an awful adaption). It's almost like a portfolio of characters that had potential in future works (something that is almost to an extent true, not just for Talespin, they used Baloo's mould for Little John in Robin Hood and bits and pieces of others such as Kaa for Sir Hiss, whatever reason there was, they thought TJB's character types were winners). Talespin compliments this idea since while it has good story elements, it is still very much about character display, the large majority of which are vibrant and distinct, maybe why I think some would actually work as Jungle Book characters.

Hah, that's uncanny. In fact I'm pretty sure there was a scene that was basically that (the half eaten sandwich sounds familiar). Wonder if the show's team knew about that quote as they developed their enterpretation of the character.

Well the good thing about Talespin is that everyone likes it, but often for different reasons Yeah Wildcat is a "child", Baloo a muddler, ... but that's what makes them cool actually! And they were multi-sided, so Rebecca is not *just* an annoying business woman, and she showed it many times - we only need to pay attention to the little things.
To me, nothing's more annoying than series where the characters are stereotypical (eg : perfect girls who are never wrong...)



I'm sure they did, but if they didn't, at least it shows they really "got it right".

If we won't get to see a revival of TaleSpin, I wish Disney would again reuse these characters in a new way. It's been too long since we've seen this big bear and the others on the small or big screen (or even video games - why still no Jungle Book world in Kingdom Hearts??) I think Baloo even deserved a spot in the "classics characters" team (Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Daisy etc...) considering he's always been one of the most loved Disney character.

Don Karnage without a doubt. When I was little and even to thsid ay I suppose i have always loved villains, pirates, wolves, and foxes. It was like Disney had read my mind and wanted to give me the ultimate character. His character has always stood out to me and he is my favorite character of all time from any show/movie. Karnage to me always has this sarcastic humor about him yet through all of his comedic remarks he still gives off the image of a ruthless pirate. If his personality wasn't enough to get me hooked just look at his appearance. He is a tall wolf/fox*, formally dressed in a napoleon type captain's uniform, you'll see nothing like him ever again, the perfect mix of class and dangerous. Now to the Iron Vulture, to me this magnificent vessel belongs with icons such as the Nautilus from the 1954 Disney movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. A massive purple aircraft carrier/flying fortress in the shape of a hungry vulture manned by none other than Don Karnage. I would talk about his personal fighter however I believe you get the idea on what Don Karnage means to me .