#4: Early Prototypes of Mickey and Donald Duck

Disney characters are a staple of our culture these days. However, they were brand spanking new almost a century ago. Mickey Mouse made his cartoon debut in 1928 in Steamboat Willie. The famous, grouchy Donald Duck appeared in a 1934 cartoon. This image of a young Walt Disney with two early prototypes of the characters is a true gem for Disney fans. 

Mickey and Donald may look different today, but their essence is definitely in these early versions. They’re also pretty cute! You can see Donald Duck’s signature grouchiness come through in his facial expression. This early version of Mickey still has Steamboat Willie elements that harken back to Mickey’s predecessor, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.