Where's Waldo, also known as Where's Wally in certain countries, is a children's book series that has become a worldwide phenomenon. The books feature intricate illustrations of various locations, with the reader tasked with finding the book's titular character, Waldo, amongst the crowds of people. The series has sold over 70 million copies worldwide, and has been translated into over 30 languages. But who is responsible for creating this beloved character and series?
The Creator: Martin Handford
The creator of Where's Waldo is a British illustrator named Martin Handford. Handford was born in London in 1956, and grew up in the seaside town of Hastings. He began his career as a freelance illustrator in the 1980s, and was working on various projects before he came up with the idea for Where's Waldo.
The Inspiration: Where's Wally?
The inspiration for Where's Waldo came from Handford's earlier work on a children's book titled Where's Wally? The book was published in the UK in 1987, and featured the same concept of finding a character named Wally amongst a busy scene. The book was a success, and it was later published in the US under the title Where's Waldo?
The Creation of Where's Waldo
After the success of Where's Wally?, Handford decided to create a new character for his next book. He wanted to create a character that was similar to Wally, but with a different look and personality. He came up with the idea of Waldo, a lanky, bespectacled character with a red and white striped shirt and hat.
Handford spent months creating the illustrations for the first Where's Waldo book. He used a variety of different mediums, including watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencils. The scenes in the book were inspired by various locations around the world, including Venice, Hollywood, and the Wild West.
The Success of Where's Waldo
The first Where's Waldo book was published in 1987, and was an instant success. The book was praised for its intricate illustrations and creative concept, and soon became a worldwide phenomenon. The book was followed by several sequels, each featuring new scenes and challenges for readers to find Waldo.
The success of Where's Waldo led to a variety of merchandise, including posters, t-shirts, and even a television show. The character has become a pop culture icon, and is recognized around the world.
The Legacy of Where's Waldo
The legacy of Where's Waldo continues to this day. The series has inspired countless imitators and parodies, and has become a staple of children's literature. The puzzles in the books have even been used by scientists to study visual perception and attention.
Despite the success of Where's Waldo, Martin Handford has remained relatively private. He continues to create artwork, but has not released any new Where's Waldo books in recent years. However, his creation has left a lasting impact on popular culture, and will continue to entertain and challenge readers for years to come.