MuleyVerse Exhibit: Muley Through the Ages (2018) Re-cap

In 2018, Muley the Mule and Friends hosted a show produced by Joel Chapman called "The Congo Cabaret: That's Entertainment!" to raise money for the Food Ministry of First Congo of Memphis.  As part of the show, there was a display of MuleyVerse stuff.  Here is a re-cap of that exhibit with the descriptions from the cards you see in front of the exhibited pieces in the photos.

MULEY: THROUGH THE AGES EXHIBIT

Please check out this display of somewhat rare Muley memorabilia.

Then, look around behind it to the Food Pantry, which your ticket helps support tonight!

Inspired by friends and church family, the live "Muley and Friends Show" from conventions in years' past made a debut on television.  "Millionaire Magazines" explained how to help properly, while "Easter Eggheads" explained why not to eat all your candy at once, and also about the resurrection.

After many years of appearing at the Superman Celebration in Metropolis, IL, a decision was made to create an alter-ego for Muley, that of SuperMule!  The "M" logo is based on the shape of Muley's ears, while the suit is the reverse colors of Superman.  To great audience glee, "SuperMule and the Cookie Caper" made it's debut in Metropolis!

Muley is seen flying high above the Food Pantry in his SuperMule uniform, which is based on his personality: blue briefs, blue towel cape, red pajamas, and blue canvas sneakers. The uniform of all great crime fighters.

Muley version 2.5, body constructed circa 2000, an upgrade around 2002.  This version of Muley went along on a Carnival Cruise, and participated in Guest Talent Night singing "Soul Mule."  Also shown is the award he won!

ORIGINAL MULEY CAST

To coincide with his original creation date, the first Muley puppet was constructed on January 1, 1990, followed soon by Missy Mule in the same year.

Buford the Dog was originally created for a church puppet team, but was purchased and added to the MuleyVerse.  Here, you see the original, and Buford version 2.0.

In late 1979, Kevin L. Williams created a character that, on January 1, 1980, would be named Muley the Mule.  This page is the earliest (third) drawing of Muley.  In front is a Sculpey Muley statue made in 1989.

Fan art happens to be one of our greatest treasures.

A Christmas Ball by Angela Williams.

A Pez Dispenser by Lin Workman.

And a Muley Sketch Card by Missy Mule's Assistant, Janet Wade, and her son, Anakin!

Muley's original life was in comics.  Here, you see the cover of 2007's collection of "Muley's Comix and Stories"  This full color comic book collected over 30 comic strips and 3 comic stories, including Muley's biography.

Muley's pet charity is The Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.  He has not only helped host many fund-raising events over the years, but was named the "Official Spokes-Mule."  His certificate and an award are on display here, along with a photo taken at a charity art show.

On display here are the front and back covers of a coloring book based on another highly acclaimed show, "Muley's Talent(less) Revue," which featured his friends and other characters from the MuleyVerse of puppets in their quest to win the talent revue.  Nobody won.  It was a draw.

Over the years, Muley has had the opportunity to meet some heroes.  In 2008, Muley was invited to speak at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA where he was able to meet Jeannie Schulz, wife of "Peanuts" creator, Charles Schulz.  (Oh, yeah, Kevin was there, too.)

Meeting other great heroes have been a huge joy for Muley.  In this photo, from September 2015, Muley is pictured with Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch performer, Carrol Spinney, and his wife Debra.  There was a brief conversation between Muley and the spirit-voice of Big Bird.  (Oh, yeah, Kevin was there, too.)

(Will post this photo when/if we find it...)

The Moanful Missy

By Mulinardo di Pinchy

Prismacolor on Black Construction Paper.

c. 1989

On Loan from the Loo Museum

Loo Loo, Skip to the Loo, My Darling.

The Art of the Process

This display exhibits the work that is done in the sequence prior to the creation of the final comic strip. The original note pad notes of the comic strip idea.  Pencils to work out the comic strip idea, and a sketch of Muley and Calvin Cow from behind. 

Below, the finished comic strip, ink on bristol.

Muley Reads: Harold and the Purple Crayon

Are you like me?  Hate to go to sleep until you finally fall asleep?  Sometimes, I read a book (duh!), and sometimes I lay there imagining what I could be doing instead of sleeping.  The first thought is:  I could be drawing!!

Well, that's just what Harold does!  He likes to draw with his purple crayon, and he allows his imagination to take him on a great adventure - instead of going to sleep, haha!

Grab your family and friends, grab a snack or three, and enjoy this edition of Muley Reads: Harold and the Purple Crayon!

Muley Reads is a volume of videos with Muley the Mule reading his favorite books. "Reading is Fundamental" and books bring the fun, Muley brings "da mental!" Let Muley share stories with you and your family to inspire conversation, thinking, and creativity!

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Ear, ye! Ear, ye! Muley and Missy Ears

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have ears like Muley the Mule or Missy Mule?

Now, you can find out!!

First, cut paper in long strips, about 1" wide.  Tape that together to create a head band that goes all the way around your head.

Next, print the attached pages (on 8.5" x 11" paper, landscape).  Color them for shadows, or color Missy's bows any color you want, and then cut the ears out.

Attach the ears to your headband!  It works best if you attach Muley's ears more toward the front, or Missy's to the sides.  Then, cut out the mane and tape them on the front center.

Here, you can see where the ears are on their heads...

Muley Reads: Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

 MULEY READS: Sofia Valdez, Future Prez!

When the neighborhood becomes a bit less than best for her friends and family, Sofia begins working for changes to help them all!  Learn that YOU TOO can make good changes for everyone in your neighborhood!

Muley Reads is a volume of videos with Muley the Mule reading his favorite books. "Reading is Fundamental" and books bring the fun, Muley brings "da mental!" Let Muley share stories with you and your family to inspire conversation, thinking, and creativity!

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 1/18/2021

 In honor of a true, great American!

Muley on the Manta (Sea World Orlando)

We've been living vicariously through YouTube visiting theme parks and rides, and pretending to go on those rides.  Now, Muley has taken the rides to the next level and REALLY pretended to be there.

This coaster video of Sea World's Manta (Orlando) is courtesy CoasterForce.com and their channel has all sorts of great coasters to watch.  Thanks to Jerry for letting us use the video.

Obviously, everything escalates because:
MULEY!!

Muley Reads: Oh, The Places You'll Go!

 What do you wish to achieve?  Will you make it?

Whenever we have goals set, there are always obstacles to stop us.  But, don't give up! 

What can you do that will achieve greatness for you and everyone?

Muley Reads is a volume of works where Muley the Mule reads favorite books to kids and their families hoping to inspire a love of reading and encourage creativity!  "Reading is Fundamental!"  Books bring the "fun" and Muley brings "da mental!"

Grab a snack or two, cuddle up with the family, and enjoy this edition of Muley Reads!

###

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Happy New Year 2021

 We all wish you and yours a very Happy New Year full of health, wealth, success, love, and joy!

Oh, and: 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MULEY!!

Click play twice if video doesn't play.

We also want to share our New Year's/Muley's Bithday with you, followed by an inking session!

Inking that second, long panel and adding black to Missy's mane/hair-do. 

(Fun trick: The table cloth is actually a photo of a table under the art!!)

Muley's 2020 Christmas Card

Having missed a few years' worth of holiday cards, I felt it was time to get a new one out, and since the Nativity and the Drummer Boy scene is one of my favorite scenes to play with:

Below, you can see the back of the card shared with folks, but further down are some more images showing the initial sketches, and more.

Of course looking 2000-ish years ago, there were certain instruments people played.  Let's look at the instruments that were played by the people, and who plays what on this card and why.

The Nativity scene has normally been Muley the Mule, Buford the Dog, and Roy Duck participating with the Little Drummer Boy, whose role has been played by Roy Duck.  Missy Muley has made her debut on this card, performing a frame-drum (not unlike a tambourine). 

Buford the Dog has shown up performing the reed-pipe, a woodwind instrument.  Buford is normally found on saxophone, so this works for him.

Muley the Mule is seen holding a lute, a stringed instrument - the instrument of choice by this mule.

The quietest of our team, Roy Duck, is drawn to drums, and so takes on the role as the Little Drummer Duck.  Also, drums speak for themselves.

The background is a photograph of a Nativity set, and the far background is a photograph found online of Jerusalem.

Finally, special thanks to DaMarco Randle, assistant to Roy Duck, for the great joke which we used in the publication.  As you'll see, the original idea was much different.

The original sketch was doodled on a napkin.  As you can see, it was only going to include Buford and Muley with the Little Drummer Boy.  But, that was soon to change.

As you can see here, the design was to include all the humans, but suddenly, it needed to be Muley and his friends, so the Little Drummer Boy was removed, and replaced by Roy Duck.

The image seemed dismayed until DaMarco suggested an alternate joke, which put me again on a search for the date we used: 4 BC.  While there are no specific documents about the actual birth of Jesus Christ, a majority of sources said September, some said 6 BC or even 7 BC; but, the majority settled on 4 BC, so I stuck with that - and chose to not include a date since it's now December.

So, there you have it, a story behind the story of the card.

2020 Holiday Cheer from Muley the Mule and Friends!

 A quick message of holiday cheer for you and your family and friends!

(You may have to click play twice.)

Now, get ready for:

Muley Reads: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  You know, you don't have to be a stick in the mud around holidays.  Just pretend to be of good cheer so others can enjoy it and, who knows?  Maybe YOU'LL even learn to be joyful!

If you like this video, please donate to us by CLICKING HERE.

Music is Crazy Chicken by David Fesliyan.

Muley Reads is a series of videos starring Muley the Mule reading some of his favorite books - and we hope some of yours - wishing to inspire a love of reading, learning, imagining, and creation in children of all ages!  And, as always, we love the books that communicate about people, animals, environment, love, and friendship.  Some of Muley's special friends may even pop in to request a book.

"Reading is fundamental!"  Books add the fun, Muley adds "da mental!"

Grab your family together, grab a snack or two, and sit back to relax while Muley Reads!!

Don't forget to read more about our 2020 Holiday Card!!