Thursday, July 12, 2007

Snoop Dogg

Basics

Snoop Dogg is a fictional character from the mature reading Charlie Brown by Todd McFarlane (originally by Charles M. Shulz). As his name suggests, he is a dog, and is frequently deeply involved in the interconnected plots and storylines that are the hallmark of the series.

History

Originally penned as a lovable and lazy canine companion to Charlie Brown, Snoop Dogg slowly evolved into the dark anti-hero that fans of McFarlane's books know and love today. Little has been said on the behalf of the writers and publishers of the books as to how or why the characters so drastically morphed, but various fans have put forward their own ideas as to why this has happened.

Appearance (Past & Present)

1930's: A small white dog with a red collar and black spots. Does not speak.

1960's: A slightly larger version of the original. Still does not speak but has "thought bubbles".

1980's: First manifestations of the ability to speak, usually unintelligable or very fast with a penchant for hysterics and ghetto slang and jargon.

1990-5: Loses his mostly-white colouration, adopts a near-total black appearance, with gold chains replacing his regular dog collar.

1996-2002: Still in black, but with glowing green eyes and a red cape.

2002-Present: Takes on a distinctly humanoid appearance, similar colouration to previous incarnations (post 90's).

Adaptations

Snoop Dogg has influenced many facets of the entertainment industry, especially the genres of horror and science fiction. Futuristic ghost story Notting Hill, where a woman goes in search of her daughter, quotes Snoop Dogg on several occasions throughout the movie. The same can be said of sci-fi thrillers The Gods Must Be Crazy and Sesame Street as well as horror flicks Shrek and Ugly Betty.

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