Mort Walker is the most widely syndicated cartoonist in history with over nine comic strips to his credit with over 100 books published with over 10,000,000 copies sold. He has had his own TV special, a syndicated series, videos and a stage musical and even his own section at a theme park. Beetle Bailey costume characters and merchandise are featured in Toon Lagoon at Universal Studios Florida�s Islands of Adventure, billed as a 21st century theme park (opened 5/99) and host to special Beetle Bailey Anniversary Celebration events in 2000

50 successful years is a grand accomplishment, and Beetle Bailey has made his mark in American society, and around the world.

Even though Beetle Bailey is a military strip it appeals to civilians of all ages. Why? Simple, really. Because it�s about a bunch of funny people that can easily be related to. Everyone can understand the military setting. The pecking order doesn�t have to be explained. The role of the poor guy at the bottom of the ladder is universally understood. The role of the �lazy loafer�, Beetle Bailey�s defining characteristic over the last 50 years, is understood. In many ways the strip was a precursor to other forms of entertainment, such as M*A*S*H*, that used a combination of humor and a military setting.

In a recent (Nov 1999)Character Ranking Study, ranking properties/personalities targeted to Men 18-49, Beetle Bailey performs extremely well even against those with recent/current heavy media exposure.

Ranked by most familiar:
Beetle Bailey	89%
Jeff Gordon	78%
Dilbert	77%

Beetle Bailey Through the Decades

1950	1951	1951, in the army	1960
1970	1980	Beetle Today