Myth #9: The Real Mickey Mouse Illustrator

Get ready for a twist in the beloved saga of Mickey Mouse’s creation. While the common narrative paints Walt Disney as the lone artist behind the inception of the iconic mouse, the real story is a far more collaborative affair. Enter Ub Iwerks, an animator whose pivotal role in Mickey Mouse’s birth has long been eclipsed by Disney’s towering legacy.

Those very first sketches of Mickey? They bore the indelible mark of Ub’s artistic prowess, breathing life into what would eventually evolve into a global sensation. While Disney undoubtedly played a vital part in shaping Mickey’s character and catapulting him to stardom, it was Iwerks who held the initial pencil, quietly crafting the foundation.