New Dobbs book takes a deep dive into Fleischer Studios

Date: 12/23/2022

SPRINGFIELD – Author and recently retired Reminder Publishing Executive Editor G. Michael Dobbs recently released his new book “Made of Pen and Ink: Fleischer Studios, The New York Years.” The book, which represents a lifelong passion project for Dobbs, combines exclusive interviews and extensive research in a look back at the lasting impact of the 20th century animation staple, Fleischer Studios.

Dobbs will be hosting a book signing for his new release at Comics N’ More in Easthampton on Jan. 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Along with serving as the executive editor for Reminder Publishing for two decades, Dobbs is also the author of several books, including “15 Minutes With … 40 Years of Interviews.”

Formed in 1929, Fleischer Studios left an indelible impact in animation with iconic characters, such as Popeye the Sailor, Betty Boop and Koko the Clown. Dobbs reflected warmly on his experiences growing up as an avid animation fan. He even became affectionately known as Popeye by the local TV repairman who stopped by his former homestead.

“When I was a little kid, it was an era in which every local TV station bought the local animation package … The Fleischer theatrical cartoons featuring Popeye were huge rating grabbers, it was actually a phenomenon,” said Dobbs in an interview with Reminder Publishing.

Dobbs first conceived the idea of a book on Fleischer Studios when attending a 1975 revival of Fleischer Studio cartoons.

“I was like, ‘Oh my god, these are fabulous.’ In complete and utter innocence, I said, ‘I should write a book about this,’” said Dobbs.

He then began working on the project in 1976 after completing college. Dobbs regularly visited New York City to interview principal members from Fleischer Studios. He stressed the importance of representing the now-deceased creative team that shaped Fleischer Studios’ extensive portfolio of animated offerings.

“The goal was to have their voices heard, because they were the ones working on the shorts,” said Dobbs.

In addition, Dobbs traveled to the Library of Congress and the Museum of Modern Art Collection for his research process. His investigation into Fleischer Studios material included dissecting microfilm of movie trade publications and watching endless archived moviolas from the Fleischer era.

“The book is a combination of a lot of time,” said Dobbs.

Dobbs completed his research thanks to the “depths of the internet.” He credited the vast sources of the internet for providing several niche discoveries.

“I have greater access to sources that I never had before,” said Dobbs.

Throughout his research and writing process, Dobbs marveled at the fascinating nuances of Fleischer’s animation practices. Where most cinematic creations rely upon collaboration and a structured plan, Fleischer Studios often embraced free-flowing improvisation as they transformed a one-page concept into a finished work.

“Their process making these shorts was so different from how we conceive specifically animation today … There was a whole sequence of time at the Fleischers where there was an element of improvisation, which fascinated me,” said Dobbs.

Dobbs envisions his book and its upcoming sequel as “a piece of journalism.” He would put together sequences of a chapter before later fleshing them out with myriad details.

“I treated this as an extended journalism story,” said Dobbs.

Dobbs credited his semi-retirement for helping him finalize “Made of Pen and Ink” and its upcoming sequel, which he expects to completed in May. Dobbs expects his sequel book to include even more graphics from Fleischer Studio’s past work.

Reflecting on the completion of his work, Dobbs sees his new book as a tool for readers to learn of Fleischer Studios work and the context behind their creations.

“A lot of people don’t understand how and why these cartoons were made … I wanted to explain things and put the cartoons within their context in the motion picture industry,” said Dobbs.

Dobbs said it’s “surreal” to complete an ongoing passion project of his. He aspires for his two books to provide a complete overview of Fleischer Studios.

“When I get the second book done this year, then I will have told the story as completely as I possibly could,” said Dobbs.

Readers can learn more about “Made of Pen and Ink: Fleischer Studios, The New York Years” at https://www.amazon.com/Made-Pen-Ink-Fleischer-Studios/dp/1733014446.