Our most loved cartoon diva started out to be a dog character. Created by Grim Natwick, originally "Betty" was the girlfriend of another dog named Bimbo. Her singing style was modeled after Helen Kane and her full sized figure came from the popular Mae West. May Questal ( also did the voice of Olive Oyl and Sweet Pea) was the famed voice for Betty Boop. Betty Boop made her debut in Aug, 1931 as the sexy canine character with her sidekicks Koko the clown and Pudgy, (her loyal, white puppy buddy) and Bimbo's replacement. She lost her long "doggie" ears and they were replaced with long earrings and our Betty Boop was born. Betty depicted a daring and assertive character and at the same time had the air of innocence. Her character style was a bit risque for the time (1933-1934) with the showing of a lot of leg and the air gusts blowing up her dress way before Marilyn Monroe. She was retired in 1939 only to be brought back one more time in 1988 to appear in "Who framed Rodger Rabbit".  Betty Boop has made a come back being popular then as she has become popular now. She is a sought after as a collectible.    I like to dedicate this article to my good friend and coworker, Alecia, for her love of Betty Boop "sparked" an interest to research, write and find out why Betty Boop is once again popular. My friend, Alecia, is the "today's" Betty Boop diva. 
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