When I was a kid, I used to think the Michelin Man was some kind of mummy that liked to hang around gas stations. However, if I saw him as how he originally appeared, I may have been frightened even more.
The Michelin Company, which originated in France, created the Michelin Man (originally named “Bibendum”) character in the 1890’s. Here’s the poster he first appeared in:
Good Lord, look at this guy. This is not the Michelin Man we know and love. He’s wearing glasses, smoking a cigar, and is about to drink a cup full of nails and broken glass to show how tough he is! Also, he doesn’t just have a mouth – he has a gaping maw to swallow children whole.
Here are a couple more of his early posters:
Watch out for Bibendum, he’ll nail you in the head with a tire if you’re not paying attention. Otherwise, he’ll be glad to give you a piece of his midsection if you need it – as long as get on your knees and beg.
Over the years, the Michelin Man has softened his appearance, put on a little weight, and stopped threatening children. He quit smoking cigars, got rid of the glasses, and put on some white gloves to cover his flesh-colored hands. Over 100 years later, he has evolved into the rubbery icon we all know and love, and we can all sleep better at night.
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