Betty Boop first appeared in early 1931 as a cartoon character. She starred in several short cartoons shown in the movie theaters. Along with news reels, cartoons were shown before the feature film. A couple years later she appeared in comic strips.
Over the years her appearance changed. In the beginning she was part poodle and part human. In the early 1930's she was a flapper girl in very revealing costumes. Decency laws forced her into more conservative apparel and by the time the cartoons were last made in 1939 she wore a long skirt and a blouse with a higher neckline.
Almost immediately after she appeared on screen Betty
Boop toys, figures and posters became popular. These items remain
popular with old and young alike.