Just picture that it’s in the mid 80’s, and a group of 7-year-olds is gathered, each one sporting their best neon windbreakers. The house is filled with the buzz of kids on a sugar high, excitedly anticipating the arrival of Mickey Mouse himself. When the much-awaited knock finally came at the door, the children rushed to greet their favorite mouse. But what greeted them was… something else entirely.
This Mickey looked like he’d seen way better days. The costume was worn out, the head was lopsided, and the eyes were these soulless black holes that seemed to stare right through everyone. “Happy birthday, kiddo,” he growled in a deep, raspy croak, more reminiscent of a chain-smoking grandpa than the cheerful mouse they adored. Instantly, half the kids at the party started crying.
If this scenario sounds familiar, it’s likely because it’s a shared experience among many who were kids in the 80s. During that time, terrifying mascots were practically a rite of passage. From creepy clowns at the local fair to horrifying knock-offs of beloved cartoon characters, 80s kids saw it all.
Chris, co-owner of WorldWideInterweb, is a true aficionado of all things internet and meme-y. When he’s not curating the best of the web, you’ll likely find him on the golf courses of Florida.
Chris Wahl
