Bonkers is the lead character in Disney’s 1993-94 TV series, “Bonkers.” Initially a star in cartoon shorts at Wackytoon Studios, this cheerful and hyperactive Toon Bobcat later finds himself working for the Toon Division of the Hollywood Police Department.
When the 1990s hit, TV animation had a vibrant explosion of characters. Among them was the energetic, and yes, “bonkers” Bobcat: Bonkers D. Bobcat! Remember him? With his wild tuft of hair, wacky expressions, and police badge, he bounced into our lives to entertain us.
While Mickey, Donald, and Goofy had their legacy, Bonkers was the new kid on the block, and boy, did he own that block!
Rediscovering Bonkers D. Bobcat
Bonkers, reminiscent of the lovable Roger Rabbit, brings a delightful dose of animated madness straight from Toontown. Both characters share an infectious enthusiasm that leads them to zany antics in their cartoon world.
While Bonkers might not be the sharpest tool in the shed or the most strategic cop at the station, his unique charm and unpredictable nature ensure there’s never a dull moment when he’s around.
Bonkers is your go-to bobcat if you’re seeking a delightful whirlwind of cartoon hilarity!
First appearance: Petal to the Metal
Voiced by
- Jim Cummings
- Jason Brooks (Young)
From Silver Screen Stardom to Law Enforcement
Bonkers wasn’t just another animated creature; he had a narrative! Starting as a mega-star in Hollywood, life took a zany turn for Bonkers when his star started to fade.
But did he mope? No!
He donned a new hat (or rather, a police badge) and took to the streets to serve and protect, along with his very human partner. Their misadventures, filled with toon-tastic shenanigans, were a refreshing blend of comedy and heart.
Friends, Foes, and Frenetic Fun
Every hero needs a supporting cast, and Bonkers had them in spades. From the sensible Piquel to the sassy Marilyn, his friends provided that critical balance to his zaniness. And let’s not forget his rogue’s gallery!
Bonkers faced off against some uniquely animated adversaries, from collectors to mad scientists, each confrontation zanier than the last.
Bonkers D. Bobcat Background
Bonkers D. Bobcat, the prominent star of the animated series “He’s Bonkers!” by Wackytoons Studios, stood out with his distinctive knobby ears as a quirky Toon bobcat. He adored Fawn Deer, his leading lady, and always had his loyal sidekick, Jitters A. Dog, by his side. His rival, Grumbles the Grizzly, constantly challenged him.
His associates included Fall A-part Rabbit, his stunt double, the Mad Hatter and March Hare, his makeup artists, and his unique pet, Toots the dog/horn.
Unfortunately, the ratings drop led to the cancellation of Bonkers’ show. Shortly after, he inadvertently stopped a dangerous park mugger, saving the iconic Donald Duck. With officer Lucky Piquel’s help, they captured the mugger, earning Bonkers the Citizen of Valor award from Chief of Police, Leonard Kanifky.
Basking in his success, Bonkers shared a story with Chief Kanifky about his role in a detective cartoon that had helped in the mugger’s capture.
Impressed, Chief Kanifky invited Bonkers to join the Hollywood PD. Bonkers accepted with enthusiasm and specifically chose Lucky Piquel as his partner.
However, a twist saw all of Bonkers’ Toon friends mysteriously kidnapped by the villainous “Collector”. After solving the case, W.W. Wacky, Bonkers’ former boss, offered him his old job back. Yet, Bonkers chose to stay in the police force with Lucky, establishing the foundation for the Toon Division.
Bonkers D. Bobcat (voiced by Jim Cummings)
Bonkers D. Bobcat is a unique and iconic character, and one of the elements that vividly brought him to life was the voice behind him. Jim Cummings, a renowned voice actor with a prolific portfolio, was the talent responsible for giving Bonkers his memorable voice.
Jim Cummings has been a powerhouse in the voice acting industry, lending his vocals to numerous beloved characters across a variety of platforms. In the case of Bonkers, Cummings managed to capture the character’s energy, wackiness, and underlying warmth. This made Bonkers relatable to many fans, despite his often zany antics.
Cummings’ portrayal of Bonkers was a testament to his versatility. While he voiced other characters like Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, and Darkwing Duck, his work on Bonkers stood out due to the distinct personality he could infuse into the bobcat.
Cummings beautifully handled the character’s excitable nature, fast-paced dialogue, and occasional emotional depth, ensuring that Bonkers left an indelible mark on animation history.
Bonkers D. Bobcat -Turn of Events
- Bonkers’ show dropped in ratings, leading to his dismissal.
- Thwarted a park mugger, saving cartoon figure Donald Duck.
- With Officer Lucky Piquel’s assistance, Bonkers apprehended the mugger.
- Received the Citizen of Valor award from Chief Leonard Kanifky.
- Shared detective-themed cartoon experience with Chief Kanifky.
- Joined Hollywood PD, partnering with Lucky Piquel.
- Crisis: All of Bonkers’ Toon friends got mysteriously abducted by the “Collector.”
- Following the case resolution, W.W. Wacky offered Bonkers’ reinstatement.
- Bonkers chose to remain with the police, founding the Toon Division.
Appearances
TV Series
- Raw Toonage (1992)
- Bonkers (1993-1994)
- Aladdin
- “Snowman is an Island” (1994)
Video games
- Bonkers (Capcom video game) (1994)
- Bonkers (Sega video game) (1994)
- Bonkers: Wax Up! (1995)
Allies
- Lucky Piquel
- Miranda Wright
- Fawn Deer (girlfriend)
- Jitters A. Dog
- Fall-Apart Rabbit
- Toots the Horn
- Mad Hatter
- March Hare
- Sgt. Frank Grating
- Chief Leonard Kanifky
- Marilyn Piquel
- Mickey Mouse (#1 idol)
- Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
- Donald Duck (#2 idol)
- Goofy
- Toons
Other Shows
- Raw Toonage
- Bonkers
- Aladdin (cameo)
- DuckTales (2017 series) (cameo)
- Chibi Tiny Tales
Disney Parks
From 1993 to 1996, Bonkers was a familiar face at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. During this period, he notably took center stage in the Disney Afternoon show at Mickey’s Starland. Additionally, he made appearances in Disneyland Paris until 2000. However, Bonkers’ presence in the Disney Parks faded after his show’s run on the Disney Afternoon, and he has since been retired.
Bonkers D. Bobcat – Color Me Piquel
