by Lennon “LJ The Toy Addict” George
Do you remember back in the 80’s when there were bear’s everywhere? I mean Teddy Rukspin, Paddington, Pooh, Care, the list can go on. But do you all remember the bouncing group of bears that use to make us drink Kool-Aid or Hi-C, pretend it was “Gummi Berry Juice” and bounce around the house every Sat morning? Yes! I’m talking about those cute and cuddly Gummi Bears.
The Gummi Bears a very popular cartoon series that aired from 1985-2001 where loosely based on the sweet chewy candy. Disney CEO Michael Eisner was inspired to create the show when his son asked for the popular candies one day. It was the first cartoon series produced by Walt Disney Animation Television. It first aired September 14th, 1985 and continued to run for four seasons. Most of us may still remember the infectious theme song.
“Gummi Bears bouncing here and there and everywhere…”
For those of you that don’t know anything about the Gummi Bears I’m going to do a quick run down. The Gummi Bears are an ancient race of bears with a rich history. It is said that the Gummi Bears and humans lived together in harmony, until the humans decided they wanted to keep Gummi’s Magic and Technology for themselves. Due to that mistrust of the humans the bears were forced to sail the seas to find a new home leaving a few chosen groups of bears to watch over the Gummi cities.
Gummi Glen is a hollow tree that serves as the base for a vast amount of underground tunnels and rooms. The Gummi Bears live here harvesting the Gummi berries that grow naturally in the forest around them. They use the berries to produce a powerful juice known as Gummiberry Juice. Once the bears drink the juice it gives them special abilities to bounce away from their enemies.
I loved all of the Gummi Bears, as they each possessed something I liked…
Gruffi Gummi - was the old fashioned tough guy who liked to do things “the Gummi way”, but he wasn’t just tough he was smart and brave which is why he was the leader. I liked him because he was brave and always making stuff to get the group out of jams.
Zummi Gummi - was the elder bear he is the “Keeper of Gummi Wisdom” he also possessed the Gummi-Medallion a very powerful object used to read the great Gummi magic book, which he used to be the groups magician. He wasn’t a very good magician though his spells often backfired. He reminded me of my friend’s grandpa always trying to fix stuff but never was the same after he fixed it lol!
Grammi Gummi - acted the mother of the group she cooked, cleaned, and was in charge of making the Gummi Berry Juice. She was the only bear who knew the secret recipe, which she wants to pass it down to Sunni Gummi when she is of age. Grammi and Gruffi constantly bicker over things that need to be done. She reminded me a lot of my grandmother sour, but sweet like my favorite candy Sour Patch Kids.
Sunni Gummi - is the female teenage Gummi, who has dreams of becoming a princess like her human friend Princess Calla. She is curious about the human culture more than living the Gummi way. She was just a cute bear to me who liked to dream reminded me a bit of my sister.
Tummi Gummi - is the fat boy of the group he would rather eat the Gummiberries than pick them. He is the oldest of the kid bears with a relaxed and easygoing attitude. He and Cubbi Gummi often get into trouble together. Though he is pretty lazy he shows exceptional bravery in dangerous situations. I liked Tummi a lot as he reminded me of myself at times. Now that I’m an adult I’m convinced he was the pot smoking bear too lol!
Cubbi Gummi - is the youngest of the kid bears and the most adventurist, he wants to become a knight. He is quite curious where there is something mysterious and exciting he is sure to be around somewhere. He sometimes wears a mask and becomes a vigilante known as the “Crimson Avenger” of all the bears Cubbi and Tummi were my favorites.
Last but not least there is…
Augustus “Gusto” Gummi - the artist of the group. He was stranded on a deserted island for twelve years with his best friend Artie Deco, a wise cracking toucan. Cubbi and Tummi found him when they shipwrecked on Gusto’s Island. After quite an adventure involving an erupting volcano Cubbi and Tummi decided to bring Gusto home back to Gummi Glen. Gusto and Gruffi tend to argue a lot because of Gusto’s out-the-box way of thinking.
A few other bears popped up later in the series known as the Barbics. The new group of bears included the old Knight bear Sir Thornberry, the group leader and female of the group Ursa, Gritty Ursa’s lieutenant, and Buddy the flute playing teenage bear of the group.
The Gummi Bears had some really cool plush toys back in the day I use to have a Sunni, Tummi, and Cubbi bear. I would love to see the Gummi Bears in Pop! Vinyl Form all of the Gummi Bears and a few of the humans like Princess Calla and Cubbi’s best friend Cavin, the best villains like the Duke Sigmund Igtorn the power crazed ruler of Castle Drekmore, and the Ogres Zook, & Gad Igthorns bodyguards, Toadwart aka Toadie and his cousin Tadpole the young ogres, and Lady Bane the evil witch.
What other Gummi bear characters would you like to see become Funko toys? Sound of in the comments section below. If you want to catch all the episodes of the series you can buy it on DVD from our lovely affiliates over at Amazon right now it is only $19.99.
Well I’m going to pig out on Gummi Bears, the candy that is and enjoy this wonderful holiday weekend. Join me tomorrow for Sunday Bloody Funday as I review one of my favorite Christmas presents this year the NECA 30th Anniversary Ultimate Freddy Krueger. Until then Go Hard! Go Figure!