''
The Powerpuff Girls
''The Powerpuff Girls'' is an American Superhero fiction, superhero animated television series created by animator Craig McCracken and produced by Hanna-Barbera (later Cartoon Network Studios) for Cartoon Network. The show centers on Blossom ...
'' is an American animated franchise that takes place in the fictional city of Townsville and stars the titular Powerpuff Girls —
Blossom
In botany, blossoms are the flowers of stone fruit trees (genus ''Prunus'') and of some other plants with a similar appearance that flower profusely for a period of time in spring.
Colloquially, flowers of orange are referred to as such as w ...
, Bubbles and Buttercup — who appear in the
original TV series, the
anime adaptation, the
2016 reboot series, and the upcoming second reboot series.
Secondary characters include Professor Utonium, the Powerpuff Girls' creator and father figure; The Mayor, the kindhearted, but dimwitted mayor of Townsville, who often calls upon the Powerpuff Girls for help defending Townsville; Ms. Bellum, the mayor's secretary, who serves as a voice of reason; and Ms. Keane, the Powerpuff Girls' kindergarten teacher at Pokey Oaks. Primary villains include Mojo Jojo, an intelligent, megalomaniacal ape; HIM, a demonic being; Fuzzy Lumpkins, a Bigfoot-like hillbilly; Princess Morbucks, a wealthy, spoiled girl; the Gangreen Gang, a group of green-skinned hoodlums; Sedusa, a Gorgon-like seductress; the Amoeba Boys, a trio of dimwitted amoebas, and the Rowdyruff Boys, the Powerpuff Girls' evil male counterparts.
Series creator
Craig McCracken
Craig McCracken (born March 31, 1971) is an American cartoonist, animator, director, writer, and producer known for creating Cartoon Network's ''The Powerpuff Girls'' and ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'', Disney Channel and Disney XD's ''W ...
originally conceived the Powerpuff Girls while attending the
California Institute of the Arts
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a Private university, private art school in Santa Clarita, California. It was incorporated in 1961 as the first degree-granting institution of higher learning in the US created specifically for ...
in 1991, later expanding upon the premise in a short pilot called ''The Whoopass Girls in Whoopass Stew''. After a name change and character redesigns, a new pilot, "The Powerpuff Girls: Meat Fuzzy Lumpkins", aired on
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CN) is an American cable television television channel, channel and the flagship property of the Cartoon Network, Inc., a sub-division of the Warner Bros. Discovery Networks division of Warner Bros. Discovery. It launched on ...
's ''
World Premiere Toons'' animation showcase in 1995. High viewer approval ratings convinced the network to approve a full series, which aired from 1998 to 2005.
Origin
In June 1991,
Craig McCracken
Craig McCracken (born March 31, 1971) is an American cartoonist, animator, director, writer, and producer known for creating Cartoon Network's ''The Powerpuff Girls'' and ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'', Disney Channel and Disney XD's ''W ...
, then a student of the animation program of
CalArts,
created a drawing of three girls on a sheet of orange construction paper as a birthday card design for his brother.
The following year, he made the characters protagonists of the short film ''Whoopass Stew! The Whoopass Girls in: A Sticky Situation''.
Though it was intended to be the first part of four ''Whoopass Girls'' shorts, only one short was produced.
McCracken felt that he wanted to make a superhero student film, but that the muscular guy standard was already played out. After coming up with the concept, he started imagining them in superhero situations.
McCracken's ''Whoopass Girls'' short was picked up for a series by
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CN) is an American cable television television channel, channel and the flagship property of the Cartoon Network, Inc., a sub-division of the Warner Bros. Discovery Networks division of Warner Bros. Discovery. It launched on ...
in 1993, with the Powerpuff Girls appearing in two ''
What a Cartoon!'' shorts before receiving their own series.
The Powerpuff Girls
As depicted in the opening sequence of each episode, the Powerpuff Girls, Blossom (pink), Bubbles (sky blue) and Buttercup (lime green), were created by Professor Utonium in an attempt to create the "perfect little girl" using a mixture of "
sugar, spice and everything nice". However, he accidentally spilled a mysterious substance called "Chemical X" into the mixture, creating three girls instead of one and granting them superpowers, including flight, superhuman physical abilities,
x-ray vision
In science fiction stories or superhero comics, X-ray vision is the supernatural ability to see through normally opaque physical objects at the discretion of the holder of this superpower. The most famous possessor of this ability is DC Comics' ic ...
, super senses,
heat vision, and energy projection. In the original pilot, the substance was a can of "Whoopass".
The Powerpuff Girls have large eyes, inspired by
Margaret Keane's art, with stubby arms and legs with no visible digits. McCracken preferred that they appear symbolic of actual girls rather than having a "realistic" look, meaning fewer body parts were needed.
Blossom
Blossom (voiced by
Cathy Cavadini in
What a Cartoon! and the
1998 original series and
Amanda Leighton in the
2016 reboot) is one of the three main protagonists and the self-proclaimed leader of the Powerpuff Girls; as the most level-headed and intelligent of the group, she also serves as strategist.
Her personality ingredient is "everything nice" and her signature color is pink. As shown in ''
The Powerpuff Girls Movie
''The Powerpuff Girls Movie'' is a 2002 American animated prequel superhero film based on the Cartoon Network animated television series '' The Powerpuff Girls''. It was co-written and directed by series' creator Craig McCracken (in his feature- ...
'', she was named for having spoken freely and honestly to the Professor shortly after her creation. Her unique power is ice breath and, in the reboot, she possesses the ability to generate pink energy constructs.
Bubbles
Bubbles (voiced by
Tara Strong
Tara Lyn Strong (; born February 12, 1973) is a Canadian and American actress. She is known for her voice work in animation, websites, and video games. Strong's voice roles include animated series such as '' The Powerpuff Girls'', '' The Fair ...
in the
series
Series may refer to:
People with the name
* Caroline Series (born 1951), English mathematician, daughter of George Series
* George Series (1920–1995), English physicist
Arts, entertainment, and media
Music
* Series, the ordered sets used i ...
, Kristen Li in the
reboot
In computing, rebooting is the process by which a running computer system is restarted, either intentionally or unintentionally. Reboots can be either a cold reboot (alternatively known as a hard reboot) in which the power to the system is physi ...
,
Kath Soucie
Kath Soucie (, ). is an American voice actress, known for voicing Phil, Lil and their mother Betty DeVille in '' Rugrats'', Lola Bunny in the ''Looney Tunes'' franchise, Fifi La Fume and Li'l Sneezer in ''Tiny Toon Adventures'', Maddie Fent ...
in ''
What a Cartoon!'') is one of the three main protagonists and the "softest and sweetest" of the three.
Her signature color is sky blue and her personality ingredient is "sugar". Though kind, she is a capable fighter and can understand various languages, including that of animals, and create powerful sonic blasts.
In the reboot, Bubbles possesses the ability to generate blue energy constructs. She starts crying due to something worse happening.
Buttercup
Buttercup (voiced by
E. G. Daily in
What a Cartoon! and the
1998 original series,
Natalie Palamides
Natalie Palamides (born January 6, 1990) is an American actress, comedian and television writer.
Career
Aspiring to work at ''Saturday Night Live'', Palamides moved to Los Angeles and joined the Upright Citizens Brigade after college. She bega ...
in the
2016 reboot) is one of the three main protagonists, who is described as a "tough hotheaded tomboy".
Her signature color is lime green and her personality ingredient is "spice".
According to ''The Powerpuff Girls Movie'', Buttercup disliked the name she was given. Her unique power is curling her tongue. In the reboot, Buttercup possesses the ability to generate green energy constructs. McCracken originally wanted to name the character "Bud" until a friend suggested the name Buttercup.
Secondary characters
Professor Utonium
Professor Utonium (voiced by
Tom Kane
Tom Kane (born 1962) is an American former voice actor. He is known for his work in animation and video games, most notably the ''Star Wars'' franchise.
Career
Kane began his voice acting career in 1977 when he was just 14 years old. Some of his ...
) is a scientist who is the Powerpuff Girls' creator and father. Though he can be strict and easily manipulated, he is caring and fatherly.
The
The Mayor of Townsville (voiced by
Tom Kenny
Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He has been voicing SpongeBob SquarePants (character), the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media since its debut in 1999. Kenny has voice ...
in the series,
Jim Cummings
James Jonah Cummings (born November 3, 1952) is an American voice actor. Beginning his career in the 1980s, he has appeared in over 400 titles. Cummings has frequently worked with the Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros., serving as the offic ...
in ''
What a Cartoon!'') is the mayor of Townsville. Though dimwitted and cowardly, he cares deeply for his city. In ''What a Cartoon!'', the Mayor is depicted as younger, taller, and more competent.
Ms. Bellum
Ms. Sara Bellum (voiced by Jennifer Martin) is the Mayor's
secretary
A secretary, administrative assistant, executive assistant, personal secretary, or other similar titles is an individual whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, program evalu ...
, who often handles issues that he cannot. Her face is
never seen on camera, due to it being obscured by over the top edge of the screen and/or camera angles in which her voluminous curly hair prevents a clear view of her face, sometimes her neck is drawn two inches taller while obscuring her face in the earlier episodes. She is absent in the reboot due to concerns over her sexualized design.
Ms. Keane
Ms. Keane (voiced by
Jennifer Hale in the series,
Kath Soucie
Kath Soucie (, ). is an American voice actress, known for voicing Phil, Lil and their mother Betty DeVille in '' Rugrats'', Lola Bunny in the ''Looney Tunes'' franchise, Fifi La Fume and Li'l Sneezer in ''Tiny Toon Adventures'', Maddie Fent ...
in ''What a Cartoon!'') is the
kindergarten
Kindergarten is a preschool educational approach based on playing, singing, practical activities such as drawing, and social interaction as part of the transition from home to school. Such institutions were originally made in the late 18th cen ...
teacher of Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. She is well-liked among her students for being patient and understanding. Keane is named after
Margaret Keane, the main influence behind the design of the Powerpuff Girls.
Narrator
Narrator (voiced by
Tom Kenny
Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He has been voicing SpongeBob SquarePants (character), the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media since its debut in 1999. Kenny has voice ...
in the series,
Craig McCracken
Craig McCracken (born March 31, 1971) is an American cartoonist, animator, director, writer, and producer known for creating Cartoon Network's ''The Powerpuff Girls'' and ''Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends'', Disney Channel and Disney XD's ''W ...
in ''Whoopass Stew'',
Ernie Anderson
Ernest Earle Anderson (November 12, 1923 – February 6, 1997) was an American radio and television personality, horror host, and announcer.
Known for his portrayal of " Ghoulardi", the host of late night horror films on WJW Channel 8 on Cle ...
in ''
What a Cartoon!'') is the unseen
voiceover
Voice-over (also known as off-camera or off-stage commentary) is a production technique used in radio, television, filmmaking, theatre, and other media in which a descriptive or expository voice that is not part of the narrative (i.e., non- ...
narrator of the show. He serves as comic relief and occasionally becomes involved in the series' events.
Talking Dog
Talking Dog (voiced by
Tom Kane
Tom Kane (born 1962) is an American former voice actor. He is known for his work in animation and video games, most notably the ''Star Wars'' franchise.
Career
Kane began his voice acting career in 1977 when he was just 14 years old. Some of his ...
in the series,
Paul Mercier in ''
What a Cartoon!'') is a small white dog who serves as comic relief.
Mitch Mitchelson
Mitch Mitchelson (voiced by
Tom Kenny
Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He has been voicing SpongeBob SquarePants (character), the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media since its debut in 1999. Kenny has voice ...
) is a bully at Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. He was the host of "Mitch Rocks", a segment on Cartoon Network where he looked at various things and determined whether they "rock" or not.
Stanley Whitfield
Stanley Whitfield (voiced by
Tom Kane
Tom Kane (born 1962) is an American former voice actor. He is known for his work in animation and video games, most notably the ''Star Wars'' franchise.
Career
Kane began his voice acting career in 1977 when he was just 14 years old. Some of his ...
) is a Townsville anchorman.
Villains
Mojo Jojo
Mojo Jojo (voiced by
Roger L. Jackson) is a highly intelligent chimpanzee and the Powerpuff Girls' archenemy. He was formerly Professor Utonium's lab assistant before being exposed to Chemical X and gaining intelligence in the same accident that created the Powerpuff Girls.
His plans often end in failure due to the Powerpuff Girls' intervention or flaws that he overlooks.
Fuzzy Lumpkins
Fuzzy Lumpkins (voiced by
Jim Cummings
James Jonah Cummings (born November 3, 1952) is an American voice actor. Beginning his career in the 1980s, he has appeared in over 400 titles. Cummings has frequently worked with the Walt Disney Company and Warner Bros., serving as the offic ...
) is a pink, furry
hillbilly
''Hillbilly'' is a term historically used for White people who dwell in rural area, rural, mountainous areas in the United States, primarily in the Appalachian region and Ozarks. As people migrated out of the region during the Great Depression, ...
monster who speaks in a
southern accent and lives in the woods neighboring Townsville. Fuzzy has limited intelligence and is not as ambitious as other villains, as he usually targets those who trespass on his property.
HIM
HIM (voiced by
Tom Kane
Tom Kane (born 1962) is an American former voice actor. He is known for his work in animation and video games, most notably the ''Star Wars'' franchise.
Career
Kane began his voice acting career in 1977 when he was just 14 years old. Some of his ...
) is an effeminate
demon
A demon is a malevolent supernatural entity. Historically, belief in demons, or stories about demons, occurs in folklore, mythology, religion, occultism, and literature; these beliefs are reflected in Media (communication), media including
f ...
whose plans are usually psychological in nature, as he often attempts to manipulate events to drive the Powerpuff Girls insane or drive a wedge between them. HIM possesses various supernatural and demonic abilities, including shapeshifting, mind control, and manipulating reality and energy. Craig McCracken has stated that "HIM" was inspired by the
Chief Blue Meanie from ''
Yellow Submarine''.
Princess Morbucks
Princess Morbucks (voiced by
Jennifer Hale in the original series, Haley Mancini in the reboot) is a spoiled, rich, and bratty young girl who hates the Powerpuff Girls due to a rebuffed attempt to join them. Her father, "Daddy" Morbucks, dotes on her and indulges in her whims, but it is implied that his patience is limited and Princess fears truly angering him. Because of him, she has access to virtually unlimited financial resources.
The Gangreen Gang
The Gangreen Gang are a gang of five
green-skinned teenage hoodlums who, despite not having powers and often not posing a threat, can be dangerous when motivated. They delight in vandalizing and tormenting those weaker than themselves, especially children and the elderly. The Gangreen Gang lives in an old shack in Townsville's junkyard.
* Ace (voiced by
Jeff Bennett
Jeff Bennett (born October 2, 1962) is an American voice actor. He voiced the titular character of ''Johnny Bravo'', Dexter and Dee Dee's Dad in ''Dexter's Laboratory'', List of The Powerpuff Girls characters#Ace, Ace, List of The Powerpuff Gi ...
): The Gang's leader, who is mean-spirited and opportunistic and manipulates others with his charisma. In 2018, Ace joined the virtual band
Gorillaz
Gorillaz are an English virtual band created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett in London, England in 1998. The band primarily consists of four fictional members: (vocals, keyboards), Murdoc Niccals (bass guitar), Noodle (gui ...
while Murdoc Niccals was in prison.
* Snake (voiced by
Tom Kenny
Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He has been voicing SpongeBob SquarePants (character), the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media since its debut in 1999. Kenny has voice ...
): The Gang's second-in-command, who speaks with a sibilant hiss. It is revealed in "School House Rocked" that his real name is Sanford D. Ingleberry.
* Lil' Arturo (voiced initially by
Carlos Alazraqui
Carlos Jaime Alazraqui (born July 20, 1962) is an American actor. His voice acting roles include the original voice of Spyro from '' Spyro the Dragon'', the Taco Bell chihuahua in the Taco Bell commercials, Rocko on ''Rocko's Modern Life'', D ...
, subsequently by
Tom Kenny
Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He has been voicing SpongeBob SquarePants (character), the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media since its debut in 1999. Kenny has voice ...
): A Mexican child who seems to take the most amusement from the Gang's activities. His full name is Arturo de la Guerra.
* Grubber (voiced by Jeff Bennett): A disfigured, barefoot hunchback who communicates by blowing raspberries.
* Big Billy (voiced by Jeff Bennett): A hulking, dimwitted colossus who serves as the Gang's muscle. Though possessing a childlike innocence, he mostly does the Gang's bidding. It is revealed in "School House Rocked" that he is a cyclops and his real name is William W. Williams.
The Amoeba Boys
The Amoeba Boys (voiced by
Chuck McCann
Charles John Thomas McCann (September 2, 1934 – April 8, 2018) was an American actor, comedian, puppeteer, commercial presenter and television host. His career spanned over 70 years. He was best known for his work in presenting children's televi ...
in the series and ''
What a Cartoon!'',
Lou Romano in ''Whoopass Stew'') are a trio of mutant
amoebas who aspire to be respected villains, but are unintelligent and incompetent. Though largely harmless, their actions have caused danger.
* Bossman: The Amoeba Boys' leader. In the pilot, he is depicted with a cigar in his mouth.
* Junior: The smallest of the Amoeba Boys. He wears a black hat. In ''What a Cartoon!'', he was named Tiny.
* Slim: The tallest of the Amoeba Boys, who is more incompetent than Bossman and Junior. He wears a brown fedora. In ''What a Cartoon!'', he was named Skinny Slim.
The Rowdyruff Boys
The Rowdyruff Boys are the Powerpuff Girls' evil male counterparts, created by Mojo Jojo using a mixture of "
snips, snails, a puppy dog tail", and radioactive toilet water, and possess the same powers as them. They are Brick (red), Boomer (blue) and Butch (green). They are destroyed when the girls kiss them, but are later resurrected by HIM.
* Brick (voiced by
Rob Paulsen
Robert Frederick Paulsen III (born March 11, 1956) is an American voice actor and voice director, known for his roles in numerous animated television series and films. He received a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Pro ...
): Blossom's male counterpart and the Rowdyruff Boys' self-proclaimed leader. His short temper and rashness often causes conflict with his brothers. His signature color is red, and he wears a backwards red
baseball cap
A baseball cap is a type of soft cap, hat with a rounded crown and a stiff bill projecting in front.
The front of the hat typically displays a design or a logo (historically, usually only a sports team, namely a baseball team, or names of releva ...
compared to Blossom's bow. He also originally had bangs, which were replaced with long spiky hair when he was revived.
* Boomer (voiced by Rob Paulsen): Bubbles' male counterpart. He is a loud-mouthed dunce, in contrast to Bubbles' sweetness, and likes disgusting things. Boomer is the least intelligent of the boys, and they often bully and boss him around. His signature is blue and Boomer's hair parts in a curved fashion like Bubbles', but is longer and spiky on each end, in a
wings haircut.
* Butch (voiced by
Roger L. Jackson): Buttercup's male counterpart. He is hyperactive and easily excited. His signature is green and his hair is spiked upwards, abandoning his previous cowlick from his first appearance. He also shares Buttercup's small triangular hair parting.
Sedusa
Sedusa (voiced by
Jennifer Hale) is a
Gorgon
The Gorgons ( ; ), in Greek mythology, are three monstrous sisters, Stheno, Euryale, and Medusa, said to be the daughters of Phorcys and Ceto. They lived near their sisters the Graeae, and were able to turn anyone who looked at them to sto ...
-like
seductress who uses her feminine wiles to influence men to do her bidding. She is absent in the reboot due to concerns over her sexualized design.
''Powerpuff Girls Z'' characters
''The Powerpuff Girls'' 2016-exclusive characters
Allies
Blisstina "Bliss"
Blisstina "Bliss" (voiced by
Olivia Olson) is the original Powerpuff Girl in the
2016 series, who, due to being created from Chemical W rather than Chemical X, possesses additional abilities that the Powerpuff Girls do not, including telekinesis and teleportation. Initially joining the team after isolating herself out of fear of her powers, she later joins the Universal Protection Bureau, an intergalactic police force.
The Derbytantes
The Derbytantes (voiced by
Kate Higgins
Catherine Davis Higgins is an American voice actress, singer and jazz pianist. She is best known for her voice-acting roles of Sakura Haruno in ''Naruto'', Miles "Tails" Prower in the video game series ''Sonic the Hedgehog'', Frankie Stein i ...
) are a group of roller skaters who enjoy playing Deathball, a sport similar to dodgeball and rollerball. Notable members include Maylyn, Jaylyn, Haylyn, and Bobby Susan Ray-Lyn.
Donny
Donny (voiced by
Josh Fadem) is a young unicorn and Bubbles' friend.
Villains
Packrat
Packrat (voiced by
Jason Spisak
Jason Spisak () is an American actor, producer, and computer programmer. He is also the co-leader of the Symphony OS Project and the designer of Symphony's unique Mezzo desktop environment and wrote the Laws of Interface Design, to which the proje ...
) is a rat thief.
Allegro
Allegro (voiced by
Eric Bauza
Eric Bauza (born December 7, 1979) is a Canadian voice actor based in the United States. He is mostly known for voicing several ''Looney Tunes'' characters, for which he won three Emmy Awards for his performances in '' Looney Tunes Cartoons'' (20 ...
) is a panda-like being who can cause people to go into a stupor of pure happiness. "Largo" reveals that he and Largo were originally one being before being split by a cosmic storm, before they later re-merge.
Manboy
Manboy (voiced by
Maurice LaMarche
Maurice LaMarche (born March 30, 1958) is a Canadian voice actor. Across a career spanning more than four decades he has voiced Chief Quimby on Inspector Gadget, Egon Spengler on ''The Real Ghostbusters'', The Brain on ''Animaniacs'' and its spi ...
) is a short man who possesses superhuman strength and a magical, prehensile beard. He is sexist and believes that men are superior to women. He is later revealed to be a child who gained an adult body when he got his powers.
The Fashionistas
Bianca and Barbarus Bikini (respectively voiced by Lily Vonnegut and
Natalie Palamides
Natalie Palamides (born January 6, 1990) is an American actress, comedian and television writer.
Career
Aspiring to work at ''Saturday Night Live'', Palamides moved to Los Angeles and joined the Upright Citizens Brigade after college. She bega ...
) are a human and gorilla. Bianca was initially chosen to be the new assistant of the Mayor before being found out.
Jemmica/Jemoire
Jemmica (voiced by Anais Fairweather) is a thief who masquerades as a treasure hunter and adventurer. "Total Eclipse of the Kart" reveals that she is an ancient evil entity named Jemoire.
Silico
Silico (voiced by
Jason Spisak
Jason Spisak () is an American actor, producer, and computer programmer. He is also the co-leader of the Symphony OS Project and the designer of Symphony's unique Mezzo desktop environment and wrote the Laws of Interface Design, to which the proje ...
) is a supervillain and the owner of a self-titled company. He was originally a lonely kid who built toy robots to keep him company, vowing revenge against the Powerpuff Girls after they accidentally destroyed them.
Notes
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Powerpuff Girls secondary characters, List Of The
Lists of characters in American television animation
*
characters
Hanna-Barbera characters
1990s television-related lists
2000s television-related lists
2010s television-related lists
2020s television-related lists
*
*
*
*
*
*
*