When I first read this story, I was a little confused. I had just done a post not even a month ago about the creator of Scooby-Doo, Joseph Barbera, passing away. Then I read that the creator of Scooby-Doo just died a few days ago?
It turns out that Iwao Takamoto was the actual animator of Scooby-Doo. He came up with the design for him and submitted it to Hanna
Barbera studios. Therefore they get the credit for introducing Scooby to the world thru their distribution, but he was the one actually responsible for the image we have all grown up with. Takamoto died of heart failure at the age of 81 on Monday.
As is the case with most legendary animators, Iwao did more than Scooby-Doo. He also created Astro from "The Jetsons", Mutley and even Captain Caveman. He assisted in the designs of the classic animation television shows and features such as "Cinderella", "Peter Pan" and even "The Flintstones". As if that wasn't enough, he also directed the original 1973 "Charlotte's Webb".
I just wish other Japanese animators would have continued some of the creative design he had laid instead of inventing that irritating anime junk I can't stand. Thanks for the memories and rest in peace Iwao...
