Paw Paws

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Paw Paws, sometimes known as Paw Paw Bears, debuted as one of the original segments of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera. A group of small bears that lived in a tribal society, the cubs spent every day defending themselves from their enemies, The Meanos, led by the evil sorcerer, Dark Paw. The antagonist bear and his henchmen were after the Paw Paws' three large wooden totems, Totem Bear, Totem Tortoise, and Totem Eagle. The totems also served as the tribe's protectors, coming to life when needed through means of Princess Paw Paw's Mystic Moonstone, which she wore around her neck, to defend the village.

Much like Smurfs or Biskitts, the bears had names that denoted their personalities—Laughing Paw, Medicine Paw, Bumble Paw, etc. Brave Paw and Princess Paw Paw tended to be the leads, riding into adventures on their magical flying ponies, while aging Wise Paw served as tribal advisor. The mascot of the group was a tiny dog by the name of PaPooch.

The cartoon featured the vocal talents of Don Messick, Frank Welker, Scatman Crothers, Ruth Buzzi and Billie Hayes. Reruns of the show currently air on Boomerang.

Contents

[edit] Characters

  • Wise Paw is the chief leader of the Paw Paws. He is the oldest and wisest of the tribe.
  • Princess Paw Paw (Susan Blu) is Wise Paw's daughter. She is beautiful and cares for everyone and the village. She carries around the Mystic Moonstone which has the power to bring Totem Bear, Tortoise and Eagle to life. When she blows on her whistle, she can summon her flying horse Flying Cloud.
  • Brave Paw is the Princess's closest friend and presumably her boyfriend. He is courageous and willing to rescue his fellow Paw Paws from danger and fight the forces of evil. Aside from the Princess, he is the only other Paw Paw who rides a flying horse. He can summon Golden Thunder from Thunder Mountain simply by calling his name.
  • Trembly Paw (Howard Morris) is the coward of the tribe and would rather run from danger, although occasionally he would do heroic deeds.
  • Medicine Paw is the shaman of the tribe, but he is a bit of a quack. He appeared in only a few episodes and his voice is based on that of W.C. Fields.
  • Laughing Paw is younger than the Princess, and she is known for her sense of humor. PaPooch (Frank Welker) is Laughing Paw's pet puppy. He is loyal and brave, but always gets into trouble.
  • Mighty Paw is the biggest and strongest of the Paw Paws, although a bit slow.
  • Dark Paw (Stanley Ralph Ross) is the main antagonist (villain) and leader of the Meanos. He carries around a magic staff which he uses for all evil purposes, especially to zap his cohorts. Unfortunately he is not all that smart and his personality is similar to Moe Howard of The Three Stooges.
  • Slippery Paw is known for his greasy long hair but not his intelligence.
  • Bumble Paw (Frank Welker) is the shortest and dumbest of the group.
  • Aunt Pruney (Ruth Buzzi) is Dark Paw's aunt but she is also a witch who rides a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom. She complains to her nephew that he never calls or writes. She is often disappointed at his constant failures and even helps him out. Aunt Pruney and Wise Paw knew each other personally.
  • Nice Paw is a former meano who used to be called Nasty Paw. He was abducted by aliens and was reprogrammed into a good guy.
  • The Totem Animals are the main protectors of the village. Totem Bear (Frank Welker) is usually the one who attacks first (after Totem Eagle flies off his head), and would often send the Meanos flying. Totem Eagle's main function is air transportation while Totem Tortoise's main function is water transportation.
  • Eugene the Genie (Scatman Crothers) is a friend of the Paw Paws. He has magic powers and a sassy attitude, especially towards Dark Paw. He appeared in a few episodes.

[edit] Episodes list

The Big Spill
The Wishing Star Crystal
The Flying Horse Napper
The Creepy Cave Creature
Greedy Greenies
The Rise of the Evil Spirits
The Genie-athalon
The Golden Falcon
Honey of a Robbery
Tot 'em Termi' Nation
Waif Goodbye to the Paw Paws
The Dark Totem Pole Monster
Dark Paw Under Wraps
Genie without a Lamp
Egging Dark Paw On
Two Heads are Better than One
The Great Paw Paw Turnaround
The Lost Lake Monster
Totem Time Trip
S'no Business
The Zip Zap 4-D Trap

[edit] Toys

Paw Paws toys
Paw Paws toys

Toys were produced by Applause in 1985. Princess Paw Paw, Brave Paw, Mighty Paw, Pupooch, Medicine Paw, the Meanos, and other characters were produced as PVC figurines ranging from 2" to 3" tall. The figurines had accessories, like a canoe or a cart. Pupooch was also produced as a plush toy. These toys were only produced for a short time and are rare today.

[edit] External links