Mickey Mouse has come a long way since his early days in 1928, and the years have often been good to the timeless Disney icon. But like so many of his animated peers, he eventually had to make the jump into the 21st century. Thanks to Disney artist, Paul Rudish, Mickey has recently been given a modern makeover to appeal to modern audiences.

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But just because the Mouse has a new coat of paint doesn't mean he isn't the same classic character. On the contrary, the new Mickey Mouse cartoons take a lot of classic inspiration along with some contemporary twists.

Traditional: The Titles

Mickey Mouse Modern Title

If it wasn't for the original title names themselves, one might think they are watching a traditional Mickey cartoon from the '40s or '50s. The stylistic choice was done completely and entirely on purpose to evoke a visual representation of the original Walt Disney productions.

From the colors of the screen to the font choice that reads Mickey's name, it's almost a painstaking re-creation of an original Mickey Mouse short.

Original: The Settings

Three Caballeros Mariachi

Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and the rest have always been subject to experimentation. But while the traditional Mickey cartoons saw themselves in recognizable settings like a beach in Hawaii, a camping trip, or a concert hall, the new cartoons take the characters around the globe and beyond.

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Mickey himself has been everything from a mountain climber to an astronaut, proving that the settings for these cartoons are not strictly bound by location, vocation, or even time period.

Traditional: The Length

Goofy hanging out with Mickey and Donald

Speaking of time, one notable aspect of the new short films is that they are, in fact, short. Where most other cartoons go well beyond the 30-minute mark, these cartoons have returned to an original form.

Aside from a few special episodes, like for Halloween or Christmas, the longest-running short is roughly eight minutes long. While some might argue this is a time-saving device for the animation studio, others will argue that it's also a way to give viewers more episodes per season.

Original: The Humor

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit Cameo

For the most part, Mickey has a sense of humor that translates across languages, periods, and generations. However, with this new coat of paint comes a new brand of humor more familiar to modern audiences.

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It's not as if Mickey throws out pop culture references left and right, he's not the Genie, but he does use certain settings, set pieces, and other props at times that are more familiar to the 21st century than they are anywhere else.

Traditional: The 2D animation

If there's one thing Disney fans will definitely appreciate about this series, It's the return to traditional 2D animation. Granted, there are certain frames that require some CGI work but for the most part, Disney has opted for a more traditional Sketchbook style, courtesy of artist Paul Rudish.

Although it's a newer set of skills, the familiarity of classic Mickey is still there and Disney fans old and new can appreciate the choice.

Original: The Blend of Styles

MICKEY MOUSE - "The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular" - Mickey is challenged by his nephews to tell a scary story on Halloween night. This episode of "Mickey Mouse" airs Sunday, October 8 (8:00 - 8:30 P.M. EDT) on Disney Channel. (Disney Channel)

Jumping off from the previous statement, the series presents a blend of styles not really seen too often in some of Mickey's earlier work. True, there is Rudish's revamped Disney style, but there's also a very modern comic book look about the series.

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Colors are more vibrant and saturated, but the linework and models feel more traditional. It's a perfect marriage of traditional and new.

Traditional: The Design of the Characters

Mickey Mouse Shaking Hands With Shadow

This little detail might only be detected by Disney historians, but a closer inspection of characters like Mickey, Donald, Goofy, etc. will reveal a definite vintage throwback in their designs.

Although they still maintain the series modern art style, their costumes and designs hearken back to the black-and-white era for the characters. Mickey sports the black, pie-eyed look, Minnie has her little pillbox hat, and Goofy has his Dippy-Dawg hat and vest combo. It's all a super retro design choice.

Original: The Special Guests

Scrooge cameo

If there's one feature in these modern cartoons that was definitely lacking from the traditional ones, it's the appearance of special guest voice actors.

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While some are definitely Disney Mainstays like Corey Burton and Jim Cummings, there have been quite a few celebrity stars in the cast list. How many can say they would have pictured the likes of Danny Trejo, Betty White, and John Waters in a Mickey Mouse cartoon?

Traditional: Mickey Himself

Mickey Mouse holding a rose in his mouth and talking to Minnie Mouse

Of course, the series itself would be nothing without the leader of the club that's made for you and me. Mickey Mouse is about as timeless as one can possibly get, and this series is a testament to his versatility, his charm, and his beaming personality.

Although he might sport a few different looks and adventures over the course of this thoroughly modern series, there's no mistaking him as Disney's true original.

Original: The References and In-Jokes

Beauty and the Beast Cameo

The biggest thing that separates these cartoons from Mickey's past Adventures is the sheer amount of fourth wall breaks and meta moments that litter the series.

They might be little details like a brief reference or visual to a Disney attraction, but then again they might also be character cameos from Modern movies. Does this hinder the series? Absolutely not. If anything, it just shows the love the creators had for animating this wonderful series of shorts.

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