What color is the Tom cat really: Blue or gray?

'Tom & Jerry' is a timeless animated series that first aired in 1940 and can still be seen today in a number of different incarnations.

The real fur color of Tom cat in Tom and Jerry is not completely gray or blue, but a combination of both colors. According to the official description from the manufacturer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Tom is a blue-grey shorthaired cat . However, throughout Tom and Jerry's long animation history, Tom's color may vary slightly depending on time and animator.

In the 1940 version, Tom is a cat with gray fur that leans more toward blue, and has a rather sad appearance. Originally, Tom was called "Jasper" (inspired by the character Jasper in the cartoon "Puss Gets the Boot" (1937) by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera), but because Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer considered the name This didn't sound good, so people finally decided to change the cat's name to "Tom" after a vote.

In 1942 , Tom's image underwent its first change with a slight color adjustment. Additionally, the visuals no longer look as silly as the first version, and the overall feeling of sadness is no longer as heavy.

In 1944 , Tom's image was adjusted for the third time, the color was darker than in 1942, however the overall color was still gray but changed from light gray to darker gray and bluer, and the four claws were also changes, hands and feet have become much whiter than in 1942.

In 1950 , Tom was changed to gray, similar to 1942, but a bit darker than 1942. The whole image looks more fluid, interesting, and sinister.

Since 1955 , Tom's color gradually became predominantly blue. This period is the beginning of Tom's color change, and Tom's overall image has become more gentle and docile.

In 1958 , Tom completely transformed into a blue cat. Before that, "Tom and Jerry" encountered a crisis and was forced to disband.

In 1961 , Tom went directly from dark blue to a more vivid light blue. During this period, MGM rediscovered the commercial value of Tom and Jerry, so it restarted the animation department and hired Gene Deitch as the artist for this cartoon. From 1961-1962, they produced 13 "Tom and Jerry" cartoons . During this period, Rembrandt Films in Eastern Europe, headed by Jean Deich, was responsible.

In 1963, Tom's image underwent a major change when Chuck Jones of Warner Bros. came to MGM as producer of "Tom and Jerry." Tom's eyebrows were made thicker to show ferocity, and his tail also grew larger and turned gray.

In 1975 , Tom's image was changed to a taller, lighter gray cat image, but Tom had a big tail that always caused trouble. Therefore, in the plot, Tom is often brought trouble by his own body. During this period, it was mainly produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios.

In 1980 , Tom's image changed straight to dark gray, at first glance many people might mistake him for Butch, a homeless cat with all-black fur. However, this image can be considered a relatively big change.

In 1990 , "Tom and Jerry" was produced by Feimison Studios. Tom's image has directly changed from a ferocious adult cat to a cute little kitten.

In 1992 , due to old fans not liking the mini version of Tom, Tom's image finally got back on track and was changed to an image of an adult blue cat.

In 2006 , Warner Bros. took over the production of "Tom and Jerry" and made a modern version of Tom and Jerry, and the image of Tom and Jerry also changed again.

In 2014 , Tom's image had a relatively small change and this image remains unchanged to this day. Although the changes are not huge, the image quality and details have been adjusted, eyebrows, eyes, etc. have also been changed. This can be considered a relatively successful adjustment.

Interesting secrets about Tom cat in "Tom and Jerry"

1. Real name and origin

The Tom cat was originally named "Jasper" in its first appearance in 1940. Later, it was changed to "Tom" to better suit the character's image. Tom Cat was inspired by cartoonist William Hanna's domestic cat.

2. "Supernatural" abilities

Tom possesses many extraordinary abilities that go far beyond normal cats, such as: running lightning fast, enduring attacks, flexible body transformation, etc. This ability is often shown humorously in dangerous situations or when Tom tried to catch Jerry.

3. Relationship with Jerry

Despite their constant conflicts, Tom and Jerry sometimes show concern and help for each other. This is evident in several episodes, especially when they face a common enemy or encounter difficulties.

4. Companions

Tom and Jerry have many other companions in the animated series, including: Spike the dog, Daffy duck, Nibbles the mouse, etc. Each character brings their own humorous and interesting elements to the episodes.

5. Awards and recognition

Tom and Jerry is one of the most successful animated series of all time, having received 13 Oscars and many other prestigious awards. The series has been translated into more than 160 languages ​​and broadcast in most countries around the world.