Walter Lantz and Ub Iwerks

Mike and Neil explore two pivotal animation pioneers in this combined episode. Walter Lantz created Woody Woodpecker and spent over 60 years in animation, while Ub Iwerks co-created Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and Mickey Mouse with Walt Disney and became a technical innovator whose work influenced animators for decades. The hosts discuss Woody's evolution across different eras, the dark humor and uncensored nature of Lantz's cartoons, and Iwerks' experimental 1930s work that prioritized technical innovation over character development.