A Jungle Legend’s Origins
The name Tarzan immediately conjures images of a muscular figure swinging through lush jungle vines, a loincloth-clad hero roaring out a familiar call. But have you ever stopped to wonder about his hair? A sleek, windswept look often accompanies him, but did the cartoon versions of Tarzan ever embrace the hairstyle of dreadlocks? The answer, as you’ll discover, is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
This iconic character, a cultural staple for over a century, has undergone numerous visual and narrative transformations. From the pages of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ novels to the silver screen and, of course, the animated world, Tarzan’s image has been adapted and reimagined. Exploring the evolution of his appearance, especially his hairstyle, offers insights into the character’s enduring appeal, the creative choices behind his depictions, and the cultural considerations surrounding such a prominent figure.
A Primal Beginning
To understand the animated Tarzan, we must first journey back to the beginning. Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original novels, starting with *Tarzan of the Apes* published in 1912, established the fundamental elements of the Tarzan mythos. A British nobleman, orphaned in the African jungle and raised by great apes, Tarzan, the “ape-man,” embodies both primal instincts and noble heritage. He is a creature of the wild, fiercely independent and resourceful, possessing an innate understanding of his environment.
Burroughs’ descriptions of Tarzan’s appearance, though subject to evolving interpretations, frequently depicted long, unkempt hair. He was often portrayed with a somewhat wild, shaggy look, a testament to his unconventional upbringing. These early textual depictions, however, left room for artistic license in subsequent adaptations. Illustrators and early filmmakers began to shape Tarzan’s visual identity, solidifying his image in the popular consciousness.
The first visual interpretations of Tarzan, particularly in silent films, started to establish the character’s iconic look. Though specific details varied, the emphasis was often on his athleticism, muscular physique, and long, often unkempt, hair. The hair style of Tarzan was an indicator of his environment and his connection to the jungle. Early visual portrayals served as the foundation for the hero’s look throughout history.
Exploring the Animated Landscape: Notable Cartoon Adaptations
The animated realm has provided a rich playground for Tarzan’s adventures. These adaptations, often geared towards younger audiences, have interpreted Tarzan’s appearance in varied ways. To fully answer our question, let’s explore some of the more prominent animated interpretations.
The Disney Touch
The pinnacle of Tarzan’s animated journey, without a doubt, is Disney’s 1999 animated film, simply titled *Tarzan*. This version remains arguably the most recognizable and influential depiction of the character for many viewers today. The film boasts stunning animation, particularly in its depiction of jungle movement and Tarzan’s agile form.
The Disney Tarzan’s look is characterized by his flowing, often windswept hair. The animation team paid close attention to how his hair moved, adding to the character’s sense of dynamic fluidity. While some fan art depicts this version with dreadlocks, the actual film presents him with hair that’s long, wild, but not specifically dreadlocked. The artistic choices made by the Disney animators aimed to convey agility and the freedom of movement, which would be somewhat hindered by a hairstyle of dreadlocks. The hair also acts as a visual element, emphasizing the direction of movement in certain situations such as swinging from the vines.
Other Interpretations
However, the world of cartoon Tarzan goes beyond this iconic interpretation. “Tarzan, Lord of the Jungle” (1976), a Filmation series, and “The New Adventures of Tarzan” (1993), are other prominent examples. While each series had its unique style and visual interpretations of the character, his hairstyle remained consistent with his overall narrative. These versions often retained the long, wild look of Tarzan, emphasizing his primal and untamed nature.
Furthermore, animated series like *Tarzan and Jane* (2002) offer different versions of Tarzan’s hairstyle to match with the style of the show. The key element to note is how different animated series use their own unique characteristics to tell their story.
The Rationale Behind The Look
Considering the many cartoon adaptations, the absence of dreadlocks (or a similar hairstyle) on most animated Tarzan versions is significant. Understanding this choice requires examining several factors, beginning with artistic considerations.
Artistic and Aesthetic Considerations
Animations, especially those created for younger audiences, often simplify visual elements. The flowing, dynamic hair of the animated Tarzan, like that of the Disney version, would be particularly difficult to animate realistically with dreadlocks. The intricate detail required for the individual strands to move would be a costly animation undertaking and could potentially sacrifice the fluidity and speed that defines the character’s movements.
Furthermore, there is the aspect of character aesthetics. Animated designs are crafted with a specific look in mind, which can involve both the character’s form and the way they move. Dreadlocks would require a different approach to animation techniques. The animators also had to ensure that Tarzan’s hairstyle fit the story and the overall look of the movie.
Artistic and practical considerations played a significant role in shaping the aesthetic look of Tarzan.
Cultural and Historical Context
Beyond the aesthetics, the cultural and historical context also played a crucial role. Dreadlocks have historically been associated with specific cultures and communities. The character of Tarzan, while raised in Africa, is a European figure. Placing dreadlocks on Tarzan could invite accusations of cultural appropriation. Creators are constantly aware of the social and political ramifications of their characters, taking steps to be culturally sensitive.
The choice of hairstyles used for Tarzan also ties into the character’s overall identity and the story being told. The narrative has always revolved around the duality of Tarzan. Tarzan is a noble figure, but he is also wild. In the books, the character’s appearance is very much influenced by his environment.
In many ways, the “classic” Tarzan appearance – long, untamed hair – perfectly encapsulates the character’s unique position as a bridge between civilization and the wilderness. The hairstyle is an indicator of his life in the jungle. Adding dreadlocks may change his overall identity or alter the storyline, making him a completely different character than the original.
Alternative Interpretations and The Power of Fan Art
While the majority of cartoon Tarzan depictions don’t feature dreadlocks, it’s worth acknowledging the existence of alternative interpretations, specifically within the realm of fan art and creative expression. Digital artists and fans, free from the constraints of large-scale productions, often explore different visual possibilities.
Exploring Artistic License
Fan art offers an opportunity to see characters in new and interesting lights. These artistic explorations can lead to some very creative interpretations of Tarzan with dreadlocks.
The beauty of fan art is that it is not restrained. Fan art offers possibilities that large corporations may be hesitant to explore. These artistic interpretations allow viewers to imagine what a character might look like if they embrace different styles.
The Enduring Legacy
So, did cartoon Tarzan have dreads? Generally, no, not in the prominent, widely-viewed adaptations. The reasons are rooted in artistic choices, cultural sensitivity, and the need to stay true to the established image of a well-known character. The flowing, windswept hair of Disney’s Tarzan, for example, is instantly recognizable.
Yet, the enduring nature of the character, and the rich world surrounding him, allows for creative exploration. The power of fan art reminds us that the visual possibilities of Tarzan are truly limitless. While his appearance may evolve over time, the core essence of Tarzan – the wild man, the jungle hero, the bridge between two worlds – will likely remain unchanged.
What do you think? Would dreadlocks work for Tarzan, or do you prefer the style he’s most known for? Let us know your thoughts below!
