Ruby-Spears Heathcliff vs. DiC Heathcliff

[A.Magik]

This beloved comic strip character had been animated twice. First by Ruby-Spears in the early-1980s, in which he shared spotlight with Marmaduke, Thundarr, Ding Bat and the Creeps, and Plastic Man (well, I do remember one long closing credit that featured most of these groups with their own musical signature). The other was in the mid-1980s by DiC with some massive artistic liberties done on some of the characters, as well as the creation of Rifraff and the Alley Cats (and this version seemed to co-exist in the Inspector Gadget universe). In both versions, Mel Blanc did the voicework. Which animated version of this beloved comic strip character do you prefer?

I guess I would choose the DiC version, at least before the animation style changed (suddenly, all the character were frowning). I was generally brought up by this version, even though there was a Heathcliff & Dingbat recording on a 1981 tape long since destroyed (sigh...)

A.Magik

[Mittenz]

The version by DiC! I remember watching that looong ago. It was awesome.

[Prism]

The RubySpears version was good but the DiC version just seemed better. The characters were more memorable and there was some continuity.

[ThePeterNetwork]

The Ruby-Spears Heathcliff had the characters being more on-model with the comic strip. In the DIC version, Iggy didn't look like Iggy. Major gaffe. DIC also had more serious stories. R-S was a bit zanier.

I don't even recall Marmaduke being a toon paired off with Heathcliff except in reruns on syndicated programming.

[Martianinvader]

This beloved comic strip character had been animated twice. First by Ruby-Spears in the early-1980s, in which he shared spotlight with Marmaduke, Thundarr, Ding Bat and the Creeps, and Plastic Man (well, I do remember one long closing credit that featured most of these groups with their own musical signature). The other was in the mid-1980s by DiC with some massive artistic liberties done on some of the characters, as well as the creation of Rifraff and the Alley Cats (and this version seemed to co-exist in the Inspector Gadget universe). In both versions, Mel Blanc did the voicework. Which animated version of this beloved comic strip character do you prefer?

I guess I would choose the DiC version, at least before the animation style changed (suddenly, all the character were frowning). I was generally brought up by this version, even though there was a Heathcliff & Dingbat recording on a 1981 tape long since destroyed (sigh...)

A.MagikI didn't even know there was a Heathcliff show before 1984 (it premiered in 84, not 85). I did know that Mel Blanc voiced Heathcliff and he sounded pretty close to Bugs Bunny.

Explain to me how Heathcliff and Inspector Gadget crossed over. All I remember is Iggy's grampa turning on the TV and seeing I.G. dancing on it; that was the only time I saw him there.

Does anybody know why Iggy was "remodeled" for that series? My guess is the old "some suits wanted it" reason.

[Prism]

Heathcliff's always been good for animation. I remember the original SatAM airing of Heathcliff and Marmaduke. It was a decent toon, just didn't grab the ratings needed for a secondary season. And while the DiC version wasn't quite as faithful as the Ruby Spears in terms of character designs DiC did a better job of portraying Heathcliff as a rough,tough hooligan,irrepressible cat. But the Ruby Spears song was terrific.

[A.Magik]

Explain to me how Heathcliff and Inspector Gadget crossed over. All I remember is Iggy's grampa turning on the TV and seeing I.G. dancing on it; that was the only time I saw him there.
Actually, it was more like Rifraff and the Alley Cats (who co-existed in the Heathcliff world, though the two head cats and their gals never met) in Inspector Gadget (the latter season, with Capeman, the Gadget manor, and a Cree Summer-less Penny who wore jackets). Rifraff appears as a stuffed doll and on TV, but there was one scene where the Gadgetcar ran through the junkyard and freaked out Wardsworth and the headphones cat, who hissed and shriek back (since this show was in the human POV, this meant the cats' words couldn't be heard in English).

A.Magik

[STARTOUNZ]

I didn't even know there was a Heathcliff show before 1984 (it premiered in 84, not 85). I did know that Mel Blanc voiced Heathcliff and he sounded pretty close to Bugs Bunny.

Explain to me how Heathcliff and Inspector Gadget crossed over. All I remember is Iggy's grampa turning on the TV and seeing I.G. dancing on it; that was the only time I saw him there.

Does anybody know why Iggy was "remodeled" for that series? My guess is the old "some suits wanted it" reason.
The R-S Heathcliff series debuted on Saturday mornings in 1980. Heathcliff originally was paired with the secondary cartoon Dingbat and the Creeps. Combined, it went under the title "The Heathcliff and Dingbat Show". Dingbat was a vampire dog with a taste for sweets and his two sidekicks SpareRib, a shapeshifting skeleton, and Nobody, a real life Jack O' Lantern who were in various misadventures in their neverending quest to find the right kind of job that suited their unique talents. Heathcliff continued the following year, but the Creeps were dropped in favor of Marmaduke as the show was changed to "The Heathcliff and Marmaduke Show". The dog got more of the spotlight in this series since at the time all his cartoons were first run and Heathcliff only got one new cartoon per show as the series usually reran one of the previous season's cat cartoons.

As for the DIC series, there were quite a number of references to Inspector Gadget since the two shows originally aired around the same time in the mid-80's. Most times, there was some sort of clip shown while someone was watching TV. I do remember one episode of the Riff Raff cartoon where his sidekick Hector was dressed like Gadget in hopes he could be a detective. As for the changes from the comics and the R-S Heathcliff, the DIC series had Iggy was a little taller with brown hair instead of blond, his grandparents looked a little different (Grandma more significantly since she had curly hair, if not sort of a perm afro), and Sonja herself was puffy more like a cotton ball, though in the first couple of episodes, she had her original look from the comics and the R-S series.

[One Radical Dude]

I've seen bit of the R-S Heathcliff, and I never really followed it. I've grown up watching the DiC version of Heathcliff, and I enjoy it more.

[STARTOUNZ]

I forgot to mention both R-S Heathcliff series are currently on Boomerang's schedule. For those of you who don't know, the episodes air at 1PM Eastern Time. :)

[Chris Wood]

I don't know which version is which, so my vote goes for the one with the really catchy theme song.

[Natey]

never seen the show. I dont really want to either. it doesn't go to "my likes" but you never know, i could watch it and it be my favorite show.:eek:

[hobbyfan]

This beloved comic strip character had been animated twice. First by Ruby-Spears in the early-1980s, in which he shared spotlight with Marmaduke, Thundarr, Ding Bat and the Creeps, and Plastic Man (well, I do remember one long closing credit that featured most of these groups with their own musical signature). The other was in the mid-1980s by DiC with some massive artistic liberties done on some of the characters, as well as the creation of Rifraff and the Alley Cats (and this version seemed to co-exist in the Inspector Gadget universe). In both versions, Mel Blanc did the voicework. Which animated version of this beloved comic strip character do you prefer?

I guess I would choose the DiC version, at least before the animation style changed (suddenly, all the character were frowning). I was generally brought up by this version, even though there was a Heathcliff & Dingbat recording on a 1981 tape long since destroyed (sigh...)

A.Magik
The first series (Ruby-Spears) aired on ABC from 1980-82. 'Cliff ruled the house, of course. Dingbat & the Creeps, the backup feature, was uneven at best. Oh, by the way, Thundarr & Plastic Man were stand-alone series themselves. Plas was in his 2nd season, with a format change, and Thundarr was also a freshman entry. Marmaduke replaced Dingbat in season 2, bringing with it a theme song performed by Scatman Crothers (Hong Kong Phooey).

After a year off, Heathcliff returned to the airwaves in 1983, with DIC taking over. Cats & Co. (Riffraff & the Alleycats) was a superior backup feature. Unfortunately, Riffraff & Heathcliff never met, though Hector, Wordsworth, & Mongo were mutual acquaintances of both. DIC missed the boat by never doing a crossover.

[Doyng]

Heathcliff, Marmaduke, and Dingbat & The Creeps were packaged on The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show for syndication. Taylor Marks played Plastic Man in the live action segments introducing off network RS programs (Plas, Mightyman and Yukk, Fangface, Rickety Rocket, Goldie and Jack, and the previous programs mentioned). The closing credits were clips from those shows, which made it seem pretty long. The opening credits were also clips from those shows.

My favorite version is (Drumroll,please)................................................ta,da:

RUBY SPEARS' version because:

Dean Elliott's excellent main titles and underscores
The characters were straight from the comic strips
Heathcliff's co-stars (Dingbat and the Creeps)
RS' decision to choose Mel Blanc as his voice

The DIC version was pretty decent. This was the one I grew up on. BTW, does any one remember this ORIGINAL opening title for Heathcliff:

"Cats and Co. Have fun
Playing pranks on everyone
New Adventures Everyday
The Cats will always get their way."

This was before we got used to this new main title for Heathcliff:

"Heathcliff, Heathcliff, no one should
Terrorize the neighborhood
But Heathcliff just wont be outdone
Playing pranks on everyone."

[hobbyfan]

Heathcliff, Marmaduke, and Dingbat & The Creeps were packaged on The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show for syndication. Taylor Marks played Plastic Man in the live action segments introducing off network RS programs (Plas, Mightyman and Yukk, Fangface, Rickety Rocket, Goldie and Jack, and the previous programs mentioned). The closing credits were clips from those shows, which made it seem pretty long. The opening credits were also clips from those shows.

I remember seeing this. It lasted just the one season, and the segments rotated on a daily basis.

My favorite version is (Drumroll,please)................................................ta,da:

RUBY SPEARS' version because:

Dean Elliott's excellent main titles and underscores
The characters were straight from the comic strips
Heathcliff's co-stars (Dingbat and the Creeps)
RS' decision to choose Mel Blanc as his voice

Elliott's music was no different than what he'd used in previous works, like Chuck Jones' Tom & Jerry shorts and various specials for DFE and/or Jones. Elliott was R-S' house musical director during the early years.

The DIC version was pretty decent. This was the one I grew up on. BTW, does any one remember this ORIGINAL opening title for Heathcliff:

"Cats and Co. Have fun
Playing pranks on everyone
New Adventures Everyday
The Cats will always get their way."

This was before we got used to this new main title for Heathcliff:

"Heathcliff, Heathcliff, no one should
Terrorize the neighborhood
But Heathcliff just wont be outdone
Playing pranks on everyone."
I think depending on where you lived, the two themes were used concurrently in different parts of the country. I have not seen the DIC series in several years, and I'm trying to remember if you've got the lyrics correct. I've heard both, and thought it might be a little dubious that they'd create a separate theme, since Heathcliff was clearly the star of the show.

[Dudley]

Though the RS series made me laugh on occasion, I enjoyed and grew up on the DiC version.
Does anyone here enjoyed the cartoons more than the comic strip itself?

[Mister Intensity]

I believe the "Cats and Company" theme was used in the earliest episodes but the "Heathcliff, Heathcliff" theme were used for majority of the series. At least, that's how I remembered it.

Mister Intensity

[Lupin the Wolf]

If you got the Heathcliff/Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 freebie DVD that came with several General Mills cereals over the past year, you might notice that they include two versions of the show's intro: one with the Cats & Company-centric tune, and the Heathcliff-centric tune.
Is it possible the show was split into segments and played the theme multiple times per episode to introduce the different character sketches?

[Mister Intensity]

No, there was only one version of the theme song per show. In fact, both segments used the same introductory music on their title cards.

Mister Intensity

[Jeff Harris]

Fun fact . . . Marmaduke actually met both Heathcliff and Garfield. Aside from sharing the opening credits of Heathcliff and Marmaduke, the lovable pooch also made a cameo in a short on Garfield and Friends with a "can you guess what's wrong?" theme, and he appeared in the final scene of the short taking the place of Odie. Pretty funny short now that I think about it.

Anywho, there was two version of the Heathcliff theme song. The one everybody knows talks about Heathcliff at the opening and the end of the song. The second theme is the same song, only with the Cats and Company focus at the beginning and end. The middle and bridge are exactly the same.

But to answer the question, I like Ruby-Spears' version of Heathcliff better than the DiC version, although it would have been nice to see Cats and Company on their own show without Heathcliff. Riff-Raff, Cleo, and the Alley Cats (Hector, Wordsworth, and Mongo) could have stood their own ground without being backup to Heathcliff.

Plus, and this is a huge plus, the Ruby-Spears' Heathcliff was actually closer to George Gately's original comics designwise. Iggy doesn't look like a Victorian-era throwback with is Alfalfa-esque hair and bowtie outfit.

Wonder if they ever though about doing a new Heathcliff series, though it would be hard to fill in Mel Blanc's shoes.

[mammy2shoesfan]

I grew up on the DIC version and love the DIC. Thanks to Boomarang I got to see the RS version and I do remember it a little bit being that I was lilke only 2 when it was on. Always thought Riff Raff was the better part of the show must have been the car. Seems funny how no one said anything about the other set of cats that hung around Healthcliff. I don't remember them that well but I remeber they were shown a few times.

[Toon Capone]

I liked the Dic version the best.

[STARTOUNZ]

Seems funny how no one said anything about the other set of cats that hung around Healthcliff. I don't remember them that well but I remeber they were shown a few times.I remember those cats. They were Lefty, Raul, and Knuckles, three more thuggish-looking cats that Heathcliff didn't much bother with. They were seen mainly in the DIC series second season in which they stopped having the Cadillac Cats cross over.

[bat313]

Anyone have any screen grabs to compare the two shows??? I only remeber the version with the Alley Cats from when i was little, i had no idea he was in two shows!

[mammy2shoesfan]

If you have boomerang they usually show the old Ruby-Spears Heathcliff cartoon. Its the Dic version of Heathcliff that I haven't been able to see for the past few years.

[B-chan]

Hi! I'm new in the forums, been visting for a while but hadn't been able to sign up till yesterday. Hope to have some pleasant conversations here.

I started here because I loved Heathcliff (Dic). I remember watching it coming home from school everyday in Nickelodeon in the late 80's, back when original animation was an impossibility for the channel. I didn't even know about the RS version till many years later until some other channel showed it.

I loved how the Dic version portrayed Heathcliff as such a badass, after that the RS Heatchliff seemed watered down, not that he wasn't funny, just wasn't the Heathcilff I knew.

[Jason Furness]

Does anybody know why Iggy was "remodeled" for [the DIC] series?
I dunno, but DIC just seemed to like drawing licensed characters however the fragg they wanted. Just take a look at their versions of King Bowser Koopa and Mouser from the Super Mario Bros. games, Dr. Robotnik (and Tails, to a smaller degree) on Sonic the Hedgehog, and pretty much everyone on Captain N.

Other Heathcliff characters that DIC redesigned include Marcy and that guy who sells fish, if not others.

[RAINMAN]

There will always be difference between character drawing in the toons then they were in the comics or toons. Just compare the drawing of DCAU char to their DC comics version.


The Dic version is the firts time I saw heathcliff so I like that one more then the rest.

[CookieS]

Hands down the DIC version of Heathcliff was the best. It had the best writing, the best animation, and was just more interesting. The Ruby-Spears version was more like a 1930's Looney Tune, in which situations and stuff happened only in one cartoon. The later series was much more sitcom-ish and kept the same cast throughout.

[loyalheart]

i enjoyed both but since i grew up on DIC's version.... I prefer it more...

[Warrior Kitana]

Although I haven't seen the DIC version in quite a while, I still prefer to the Ruby-Spears version. I wish they would show the DIC version on Boomerang.

[hdofu]

Having seen both, I remember DIC's version being alot better in both graphics and humor

I dunno, but DIC just seemed to like drawing licensed characters however the fragg they wanted. Just take a look at their versions of King Bowser Koopa and Mouser from the Super Mario Bros. games, Dr. Robotnik (and Tails, to a smaller degree) on Sonic the Hedgehog, and pretty much everyone on Captain N.

Other Heathcliff characters that DIC redesigned include Marcy and that guy who sells fish, if not others.

Can't forget the awful atrocity of their version Megaman >_<

[Teknomancer]

The one by DiC.

[Fifi Fanatic]

Well, I'm old enough to have seen both when they first aired. (Ut-oh! I'm giving away my age here!). Well, I remember I liked the dogcatcher who was after Heathcliff in the R-S series. But overall, I prefer the DIC version. Good cartoons plus an excellent backup feature in the form of Riffraff and the Alley Cats. Plus the immortal Mel Blanc in both series! :cool:

For those wanting to see the DIC series again, I did see a DVD at Best Buy. Don't know what episodes were on it, however. But hey, Cleo and her very 80's legwarmers live again! XD

[CPlanetKwame]

They are both good to me since I loved that fat orange tabby cat.

Ruby-Spears; made a good choice having Mel Blanc voicing Heathcliff, also having June Foray doing Iggy & Grandma Nutmeg. They used the comic strip models. The 7 minute shorts were funny. My favorite; Fair of an Affair, which also marked the only appearance of Crazy Shirley!

DIC; had to remodel Grandma Nutmeg & Iggy. They did keep Blanc as Heathcliff though. My favorite DIC episode; The Siamese Twins (since I once had a Siamese).

[Ducktales Fan]

Grew up on DiC version ... never knew there was an earlier version of the series until now.

[dth1971]

The DIC Heathcliff is best with the Cats and Co./Catillac Cats in it!

If a new Heathcliff cartoon series is made in the future, I think Billy West (Ren and Stimpy) should be the new Heathcliff voice, or if a Canadian cast is used, maybe Daniel "Buster Baxter from Arthur" Brochu should voice Heathcliff.

[Zechs]

I would have to go with the DIC verson. I was of age to watch and remember it more so than the Ruby-Spears verson which I remember very little of though I did see it back in the 80's.

[Brandon Pierce]

I liked the Ruby Spears Heathcliff episodes, mainly because the episodes were livelier and almost Looney Tunes-ish. I didn't really enjoy the DiC, Heathcliff shows.

BUT I loved The Catillac Cats. Especially Cleo. Is that wrong?

Also, does anybody know the REAL reason Heathcliff and Riff Raff never met, except for in the end credits? There's a reason given at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catillac_Cats but it sounds more like a rumor/theory to me.

[Pc-Famicom64]

Never saw the RS version, Only the Dic version.

Another Fact 1:Tokyo Movie Shinsha only supervise the animation (As well with Toei (Shigeru Akagawa, Supervise for TMS for some time, Move to KK C&D Asia for superviseing the work for The Real Ghoustbusters more often, As well as doing the animation for some Episodes when not superviseing other studios) & Wang (James Wang, Founder/CEO of Wang) to what I know of) , The real animation studios were done by Ahshi (The studio who did the F-Zero Anime) Mushi (Foundid by Osamu Tezuka) Studio Mook (Unknow) & Studio Take (Unknow as well).

Another Fact 2:John K. Worked on Heathcliff.

Wher The Facks were Found: Read The Credits.

;)

[Eric B]

Also, does anybody know the REAL reason Heathcliff and Riff Raff never met, except for in the end credits? There's a reason given at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catilllac_Cats but it sounds more like a rumor/theory to me.That sounds like it is probably true. (Riff Raf and Cleo were DIC's own characters, and shouldn't be in the erd party owned HEathcliff.) Stuff like that generally does influence those decisions.
Besides, what would Heathcliff and Riff Raff do in the same episode? The premise was that the the three cats were the stooges, and in both Heathcliff and Riff Raff cartoons, they treated them pretty much the same (Hated that); i.e Heathcliff and Riff Raff pretty much filled the same role.
So that sounds like what the article said: that the 3 cats were specifically designed to be in both series.