U.S. #5499
2020 55¢ Bugs Bunny: Mermaid
Value: 55¢ 1-ounce First-class rate (Forever)
Issue Date: July 27, 2020
First Day City: Burbank, CA
Type of Stamp: Commemorative
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Pane of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 50,000,000
Sometimes it seems like there is no end to the characters Bugs Bunny can play. He has dressed up as soldiers, superheroes, accomplished athletes, Hollywood stars, and much more. Bugs always fully commits to his roles, especially when it means gaining the upper hand on an enemy like Elmer Fudd, Yosemite Sam, or other animals. In one episode, 1944's Hare Ribbin', Bugs even dresses up as a fantastical creature – a mermaid.
In Hare Ribbin', Bugs faces off against a red-haired dog with a Russian accent. When he comes across Bugs, Bugs decides to treat the dog to his usual antics and antagonizes him into a chase sequence. During the chase, Bugs goes above and beyond by dressing as a mermaid and diving into a lake. The dog follow shim and the two continue their chase underwater.
As the dog gets closer, Bugs decides to dress up as Elmer Fudd to throw him off the scent. The idea somewhat backfires when the dog asks for a rabbit sandwich. Bugs decides to play along and climbs in between two pieces of bread. The dog takes a bite and Bugs screams, pretending to have been bitten in half.
Like other villains who get the best of Bugs, the dog immediately feels guilty and wishes he had died instead. Bugs makes his wish come true, and adds another win to his impressive streak of victories.