Meaning: The quote "My first character was Mr. Toad" is attributed to Bill Griffith, a renowned cartoonist. Bill Griffith is best known for creating the comic strip "Zippy the Pinhead," which first appeared in 1976. However, before Zippy, Griffith created the character Mr. Toad, who was the protagonist of his earlier comic strip titled "Young Lust."

Mr. Toad made his debut in 1970 in a publication called "Real Pulp" and later appeared in "The East Village Other." The character was a whimsical and irreverent take on the classic literary character Mr. Toad from Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows." Griffith's Mr. Toad was a countercultural figure who embodied the spirit of rebellion and nonconformity prevalent in the 1960s and 1970s.

In "Young Lust," Mr. Toad was featured in a series of underground comix that explored themes of love, sex, and relationships, often with a satirical and humorous twist. The character became a symbol of Griffith's early work and his exploration of unconventional storytelling and visual artistry.

Bill Griffith's creation of Mr. Toad reflects his ability to infuse classic literary characters with contemporary relevance, using them as a means to comment on the social and cultural climate of his time. By reimagining Mr. Toad in a modern context, Griffith engaged with the tradition of satire and parody while also establishing his unique voice as a cartoonist.

The quote itself, "My first character was Mr. Toad," likely holds significance for Griffith as it represents the beginning of his career as a cartoonist and the genesis of his creative journey. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of Mr. Toad as a formative figure in Griffith's artistic development.

Griffith's subsequent creation of Zippy the Pinhead brought him widespread acclaim and established him as a prominent figure in the alternative comics scene. Zippy, with his nonsensical and philosophical musings, became an iconic symbol of countercultural commentary and social critique. Despite Zippy's success, Mr. Toad remains an important part of Griffith's legacy, representing the experimental and boundary-pushing spirit of his early work.

In conclusion, the quote "My first character was Mr. Toad" encapsulates the significance of Bill Griffith's early creation and its enduring impact on his career as a cartoonist. Through Mr. Toad, Griffith demonstrated his ability to subvert traditional narratives and create characters that resonate with audiences in a meaningful and thought-provoking manner. This quote serves as a reminder of the rich and diverse contributions Griffith has made to the world of comics and the lasting influence of his imaginative storytelling.

Overall, Bill Griffith's quote and the character of Mr. Toad stand as a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring legacy of characters that capture the zeitgeist of their time.