Blu (Portuguese: Bidu) is the first character created by Maurício de Sousa and the long‑time mascot of Mauricio de Sousa Produções. Debuting in 1959 with his inventive owner Franklin (Franjinha), the Schnauzer headlines two distinct formats: light “pet Blu” gags (he hates baths, loves bones, and pals around with neighborhood dogs) and a meta “director‑actor” persona that breaks the fourth wall—most famously in wry conversations with Mrs. Stone (Dona Pedra). After an eight‑issue solo magazine in 1960, Blu evolved into a Monica’s Gang mainstay, inspired the studio’s original name (Bidulândia), and fronted acclaimed Graphic MSP albums (Bidu – Caminhos, Bidu – Juntos). His expressive pantomime, gentle mischief, and brand‑icon status make him a gateway character for new and international readers.
At‑a‑Glance (Infobox): Blu (Monica and Friends)
| Name | Blu (Portuguese: Bidu) |
| Series | Monica’s Gang (Portuguese: Turma da Mônica) |
| First appearance | July 18, 1959, newspaper comic strip Bidu e Franjinha in Folha da Manhã |
| Creators | Maurício de Sousa (based on his childhood dog Cuíca) |
| Species / Breed | Dog — Schnauzer |
| Gender | Male |
| Owner | Franklin (Portuguese: Franjinha) |
| Voiced by | Odair Batista, Maurício de Sousa (select productions) |
| Aliases / Notes | Bidu (BR); Blu (EN localizations); MSP mascot and logo character |
| Debut magazine | Bidu (1960) — 8 issues, Continental/Editora Outubro |
| Studio | Mauricio de Sousa Produções (founded 1963; original working name Bidulândia Serviços de Empresa) |
| Key supporting cast | Franklin/Franjinha, Duke/Duque, Glu/Bugu, Manfred/Manfredo, Mrs. Stone/Dona Pedra, Fog/Zé Esquecido |
| Signature gags | Hates baths, will do anything for a bone, fourth‑wall humor, meta “director‑actor” strips, philosophical chats with Mrs. Stone |
| Graphic MSP | Bidu – Caminhos (2014); Bidu – Juntos (2016) — by Eduardo Damasceno & Luis Felipe Garrocho |
| Anthologies | Almanaque Bidu & Mingau (Panini: 2008–2014; revived 2020) |
Overview
Blu (Bidu) is the earliest character created by Maurício de Sousa and the mascot of Mauricio de Sousa Produções (MSP). Introduced in 1959 alongside his boy inventor owner Franklin (Franjinha), Blu bridges two storytelling modes:
- Slice‑of‑life pet humor — a “regular dog” who lives with Franklin, fears baths, schemes for bones, and plays with the neighborhood dogs.
- Meta show‑biz satire — a persona where Blu is both director and star of his own comic strips: he walks upright behind the set, “acts” on all fours when the camera is “rolling,” and constantly breaks the fourth wall, often conversing with inanimate objects—most famously Mrs. Stone (Dona Pedra).
Blu’s appeal rests on gentle mischief, deadpan wit, and visually expressive pantomime, making him a durable favorite in Brazil and a friendly gateway into the wider Monica’s Gang universe for international readers.
Creation & Concept
- Autobiographical spark: Maurício modeled Blu and Franklin on himself and his childhood dog Cuíca, translating personal memories into a comedic boy‑and‑dog dynamic.
- Newspaper origins (1959): Debuted in Folha da Manhã’s strip Bidu e Franjinha, with Franklin as an early co‑lead among neighborhood kids Bucky, Jeremiah, Manezinho, and Hummer.
- First solo magazine (1960): Through Editora Outubro/Continental, Bidu received an eponymous magazine. It ran eight issues (1960) before cancellation.
- Shift to ensemble (1961): Blu and Franklin transitioned to supporting roles when Jimmy Five (Cebolinha) became a lead protagonist, though Bidu/Franjinha stories continued steadily for years.
- Studio foundation (1963): Maurício established his own studio, initially titled Bidulândia Serviços de Empresa—a tribute to Bidu—which later became Mauricio de Sousa Produções (MSP).
Publication History & Key Milestones
- 1960s–1980s: Regular appearances in Monica’s Gang titles; Blu stories persisted (solo and with Franklin) even as the wider cast expanded.
- Mascot status: Bidu/Blu became the logo character of MSP, symbolizing the brand across decades.
- Anniversary special: Bidu – Especial 40 Anos (commemorative collection) celebrated Blu’s longevity and classic strips.
- Almanac line: Almanaque Bidu & Mingau (Panini, 2008–2014; revived 2020) pairs Blu stories with Mingau (English: Vanilla), Maggy’s pet cat, spotlighting pet‑centric humor.
- Graphic MSP: Eisner‑style, creator‑driven hardcovers:
- Bidu – Caminhos (2014)
- Bidu – Juntos (2016) By Eduardo Damasceno & Luis Felipe Garrocho, these reinterpret Blu with cinematic storytelling and strong emotional arcs.
Characterization & Running Gags
- Personality: Playful, crafty, and charmingly self‑absorbed; loyal to Franklin but opportunistic when bones are involved.
- Bath phobia: A core gag—Blu will evade baths at all costs until Franklin inevitably wins.
- Two narrative modes:
- “Pet Blu” — canine antics, neighborhood friendships, and owner‑pet hijinks.
- “Director Blu” — showrunner persona in a meta film set, producing his own “strips,” rehearsing scenes, calling cues, and “acting” doglike only when “on camera.”
- Fourth‑wall & props: Blu chats with everyday items and stage furniture; object humor escalates into witty philosophical banter with Mrs. Stone.
Main & Recurring Cast
- Franklin (Franjinha): Blu’s owner; a tinkerer and budding scientist with a home lab. Builds time machines, teleporters, robots, and more—often with unpredictable results. Canonically smitten with Marina (an artist friend), who does not reciprocate.
- Duke (Duque): Blu’s best canine pal in the “regular dog” mode; accomplice in backyard and neighborhood capers.
- Glu (Bugu): A persistent scene‑stealer who tries to shoehorn himself into Blu’s strips. Signature entrance/exit: “Alô, mamãe!” / “Tchau, mamãe!”. Sometimes appears as “Mister B”, a magician mistaken for Blu. (Created by Maurício’s brother Márcio de Sousa.)
- Manfred (Manfredo): Blu’s tireless assistant/producer in the meta strips—clipboard in hand, juggling logistics and schedules.
- Mrs. Stone (Dona Pedra): An immobile rock who holds wry, reflective conversations with Blu—equal parts confidante and straight‑woman.
- Fog (Zé Esquecido): A forgetful character (amnesiac tendencies) introduced in 2003, fueling situational comedy.
Themes & Humor Style
- Everyday absurdism: Simple household realities (e.g., bath time) escalate into elaborate schemes.
- Meta‑media play: The “director‑actor” mode parodies production culture—auditions, bloopers, rewrites, and on‑set egos.
- Object dialogue: Philosophical quips bloom from mundane items; Mrs. Stone offers a minimalist counterpoint to Blu’s ego.
- Visual comedy: Strong pantomime, expressive gesturing, and concise, gag‑driven layouts keep stories accessible to early readers and non‑Portuguese audiences.
Media & Appearances
- Comics and magazines: Newspaper strips, monthly anthologies, character almanacs (Bidu & Mingau), and Graphic MSP hardcovers.
- Animation & shorts: Blu appears across Monica’s Gang animated content, often cameoing as a brand marker and comic relief.
- Brand identity: As the MSP mascot, Blu’s silhouette and face appear in logos, licensing, and promotional materials.
Note: Specific screen credits and cameo lists vary by localization and production year; Blu is a recurring presence wherever Monica’s Gang media is produced.
Reception & Legacy
- Cultural icon (Brazil): As Maurício’s first character, Blu anchors the studio’s mythology and public image.
- Gateway character: Blu’s gentle humor and visual clarity make him ideal for young readers and international editions.
- Creator‑owned lineage: The Graphic MSP albums—Bidu – Caminhos and Bidu – Juntos—expanded Blu’s emotional range and introduced him to a new generation of fans and critics.
FAQs about Blu (Monica and Friends)
Why is Blu called “Bidu” in Brazil?
“Bidu” is the original Portuguese name; “Blu” is a common English localization used in translations and international branding.
What breed is Blu?
A Schnauzer, usually depicted in a simplified, cartoon design.
Does Blu really hate baths?
Yes—evading bath time is a core running gag; Franklin usually prevails.
Who is Mrs. Stone?
A small gray rock. Blu’s dialogues with her are famous for deadpan philosophy and fourth‑wall humor.
What makes Blu different from other Monica’s Gang pets?
Blu stars in two modes: regular pet antics and a meta “director‑actor” persona who runs his own strips.
Are there modern books about Blu?
Yes. Graphic MSP titles: Bidu – Caminhos (2014) and Bidu – Juntos (2016) by Damasceno & Garrocho.
Read also
- Monica’s Gang (Franchise Overview)
