ABOVE: USPS’ Bugs Bunny stamps, photo via USPS.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a new set of stamps honoring Bugs Bunny’s 80th anniversary July 27, highlighting the beloved “Looney Tunes” character’s iconic moments in and out of drag.
The Bugs Bunny Commemorative Forever stamps are sold in sheets of 20. They feature 10 of the character’s most popular disguises in artwork from Warner Bros. Animation.
“It’s a special privilege to celebrate the 80th anniversary of one of the most popular and iconic characters in history,” USPS Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President Kristin Seaver shared during a virtual dedication ceremony, seen below.
“Bugs is both timeless and timely, a quick-change artist who can get out of a jam, win any battle, through his wits and clever disguises,” she continued. “He simply summons up whatever talent, costume or personality is needed to escape every perilous situation.”
“Looney Tunes Cartoons” Executive Producer Pete Browngardt and Supervising Producer Alex Kirwan joined Seaver in reflecting on the character’s legacy. While Bugs Bunny began in 1940 as a prankster, Browngardt noted, “he became sort of the smartest guy in the room. The every man, the traveler.
“He doesn’t do anything aggressive unless he’s put upon or buillied,” he continued. “He’s played many roles from the bullfighter to the barber to the mermaid – it’s quite amazing how long he’s lasted.”
The first row of stamps showcases Bugs as a barber, in his “Space Jam” attire and during his “diva turn as an operatic Brunhilde in blonde braids and winged helmet,” USPS describes. The second row includes his turn as “a mermaid in a curly 1940s up-do.”
The designs were first teased via USPS on social media and can be seen below:
https://twitter.com/USPS/status/1285982902208135169
The release was also celebrated by the official “Looney Tunes” social media channels. View the full set below:
ok who wants to be pen pals????!! pic.twitter.com/sKos4JPzv7
— Looney Tunes (@LooneyTunes) July 29, 2020
“The thing that we really wanted to represent on these stamps is what a dynamic characters Bugs Bunny is,” Kirwan explained during the dedication ceremony. “We really wanted to represent all these different roles in his shorts. The way he would appear as different characters and in different costumes.”
Watch it in full below, via USPS:
The USPS Bugs Bunny stamps are issued as Forever stamps, meaning they will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail’s one-ounce price. Each sheet is available now for $11 online and in post offices nationwide. To place an order or for more information, visit the USPS website.
