The Incredible 18-Month Epic: Master Artist Illustrates Every Single Character from The Simpsons Season 1

Summary

Though certain characters from season 1 became less prominent as the series evolved, others have occasionally resurfaced in subsequent seasons.

Cooper's ambitious project to depict every single character from The Simpsons is a remarkable tribute to the show's rich history and provides a fresh and distinctive viewpoint on its beloved ensemble.

Simpsons aficionado and talented artist, David Cooper, embarks on a monumental quest to illustrate each and every character from the iconic animated series. His endeavor kicks off with a challenging 18-month mission to immortalize the original 241 inhabitants of Springfield as introduced in the show's first season. After their initial appearances in an animated segment on The Tracy Ullman Show, The Simpsons officially debuted on television in December 1981 with the episode "Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire." This premiere installment garnered two Emmy nominations, and episode 9, "Life in the Fast Lane," clinched the prestigious Emmy award for Outstanding Animated Program. Season 1 left an indelible mark, establishing The Simpsons as a cultural phenomenon that continues to leave an enduring impact.

For Simpson season 35, Cooper has taken on the challenge of reimagining every character from season 1. He has shared his artwork on his Twitter account, bringing to life each and every resident of Springfield. Starting with the core Simpsons family, Cooper has captured them in their season 1 outfits, followed by the remaining 237 characters that appeared throughout the show. It took him 18 months to complete this process. Cooper's artwork showcases not only the familiar recurring characters like Principal Skinner and Mr. Burns, but also includes background characters and one-time guest characters such as Babysitter Bandit Lucille Botzcowski. He has been sharing his individual pieces through his Patreon. Cooper has expressed his thoughts on this project, saying:

The Simpsons Season 1 Established Many Beloved Springfield Residents

The first season of The Simpsons aimed to introduce viewers to the beloved animated family through its 13 original episodes. Alongside the main characters, the season also introduced most of the residents of Springfield who continue to be part of the show. These characters include Nelson Muntz, the bully at Springfield Elementary, the regulars at Moe's Tavern who interact with Homer, and even lesser-known individuals like Kelsey Grammer's Sideshow Bob, who goes from being a clown to a criminal. As a result, the first season created an authentic world that provided a solid foundation for further exploration in future episodes.

Despite this, not every character from The Simpsons season 1 had a lasting impact, as many gradually faded into the background in the following seasons. Nelson's two underlings, who helped him bully kids in "Bart the General," made fewer appearances as the show progressed. Nelson became more closely associated with Jimbo, Dolf, and Kearny over time. However, there have been instances where characters return in newer seasons after a long absence, such as Marge's former love interest Jacques in season 34's "Pin Gal."

Cooper's latest project is a perfect tribute to The Simpsons' history for longtime fans of the show. The artist not only reimagines the entire cast in his unique art style but also pays tribute to lesser-known yet enjoyable characters. Therefore, many viewers of The Simpsons are eager to see Cooper's interpretation of later seasons' casts in the future as his project continues.

Source: David Cooper/Twitter