Bugs Bunny

"Bugs Bunny Tunes In!"

Bugs Bunny is a major character in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies franchises developed by Warner Bros., officially debuting in the short film "A Wild Hare" (although a similar rabbit first appeared in "Porky's Hare Hunt" two years prior).

He is also a playable character in Nexed.

Real-World History
In 1938's Looney Tunes short "Porky's Hare Hunt", an unnamed white rabbit designed by Cal Dalton was introduced as a pest who pestered Porky Pig, similarly to the plot of the previously-released "Porky's Duck Hunt" (which introduced Daffy Duck). This design, often referred to as a "prototype" of Bugs Bunny, would go on to appear in a few other shorts within the next two years. with the final short, "Elmer's Candid Camera", giving the rabbit a design closer to the final Bugs design.

The modern-day version of Bugs Bunny would debut in the 1940 Merrie Melodies short "A Wild Hare". This short would define many aspects of Bugs' character, such as his voice (provided by Mel Blanc starting with this short), his catchphrase "What's up, Doc?", and his hunter/tormentor relationship with Elmer Fudd, who also gained his modern characteristics and design from the short. Both characters were redesigned by Bob Givens.

While departures from the "modern" Bugs were made in the shorts "Patient Porky" and "Elmer's Pet Rabbit", he would become the norm afterwards, now being the star of Merrie Melodies. He would become especially popular during World War II for his carefree and easygoing attitude, being used for war films in which he went up against enemies of the United States such as Hitler.

Bugs' popularity would continue to grow after World War II, with his stardom flourishing to this day. Aside from short films, he has also appeared in theatrical releases such as Space Jam and Looney Tunes: Back in Action, animated series such as Tiny Toons Adventures, and several Looney Tunes video games. In addition, due to his role as a heavily influential character, he has appeared in several crossovers such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue.

Gameplay Information
"To understand Bugs Bunny, one must ask the age-old question; "What’s up, doc?" This wascally wabbit has decades worth of tricks up his sleeve, and you’re never quite sure what he’ll pull next. Seemingly prepared for any situation, catching Bugs is easier said than done!

All that said, Bugs doesn’t go looking for trouble most of the time; It’s usually those who intrude on him minding his own business that fall victim to his tricks. After taking a wrong turn at Albuquerque, though, he ended up in a strange universe holding some kind of fighting tournament. It was only for his own survival that Bugs entered the tournament - and maybe for that Winner’s Wish, too."

Bugs Bunny, true to his character, is a trickster character, having a variety of mix-up options at his disposal. Nearly every special in his aersenal either creates some sort of stage hazard which can be used to benefit Bugs or hinder his opponent, with his Neutral Special being suitable for either spacing or creating openings for Bugs to approach. His Down Special also allows him to essentially teleport around the stage, allowing for devious follow-ups.

However, Bugs does have weaknesses. Most of his attacks are lacking in power across the board, making combos a necessity for scoring KOs. In addition, he is a rather lightweight character, meaning that he can be easily launched by enemy attacks. Finally, Bugs' Up Special, the only one which doesn't have some sort of mix-up option, is fairly predictable and slow for a recovery. As such, the key to playing Bugs effectively is using a variety of moves and using his mix-up tools to keep opponents guessing.

Moveset

 * Crawling: Bugs can crawl.
 * Wall-Jumping: Bugs can jump off of walls.

Grounded Attacks

 * Jab: Bugs throws a quick one-two punch, being able to hit twice. This resembles his "Why I Oughta!" attack in Multiversus.
 * Dash Attack: Bugs performs a leaping dropkick.
 * Forward Light: Bugs throws a side kick.
 * Up Light: Bugs flicks his ears upwards.
 * Down Light: Bugs throws a sweeping kick.
 * Forward Strong: Bugs swings a mallet forwards from right to left. This resembles his "Whack-y, Ain't It?" attack in Multiversus.
 * Up Strong: Bugs throws a backflip kick.
 * Down Strong: Bugs throws a sliding kick.
 * Counter: Bugs slips behind the opponent, leaving them stunned for a second.

Aerial Attacks

 * Neutral Air: Bugs performs a spinning lariat, being able to deal multiple hits of damage. This resembles his "Helicopter Punch" attack in Multiversus.
 * Forward Air: Bugs swings a mallet from high to low, being able to spike opponents.
 * Back Air: Bugs throws a dropkick behind himself.
 * Up Air: Bugs throws a backflip kick.
 * Down Air: Bugs stomps downwards with both feet, being able to spike opponents.

Grabs / Throws

 * Grab: Bugs grabs the opponent with one hand.
 * Pummel: Bugs knees the opponent’s gut.
 * Forward Throw: Bugs launches the opponent with a side kick.
 * Back Throw: Bugs spins around before throwing the opponent behind him.
 * Up Throw: Bugs launches the opponent upwards with a backflip kick.
 * Down Throw: Bugs shoves a bomb into the opponent’s hands, which explodes to launch them forwards.

Stage Intro
Bugs burrows out of the earth, asking “Ehh, what’s up, doc?” before entering his battle stance.

Taunts

 * Bugs laughs to himself, saying “Ain’t I a stinker?”
 * Bugs chomps on a carrot.
 * Bugs jumps in place while making a taunting face. This resembles one of his taunts from Multiversus.
 * Bugs performs a dance in place.

Victory Animations
Bugs' victory theme is a recomposition of the Merrie Melodies end card music used in Bugs' first cartoon, "A Wild Hare".
 * Bugs lies down while chomping on a carrot, quipping “And that’s the end!” The pose resembles his appearance on some Looney Tunes title cards, while his quote references his appearance on some end cards.
 * Bugs dusts off his hands, says “Exit, stage left.” and walks off-screen.
 * Bugs shakes his hands over his head before posing with them outstretched while saying “That’s all, folks!”. The first part of the animation resembles one of his taunts from Multiversus.

Colors / Costumes


Trivia

 * Bugs Bunny was the first non-video game character to be added to Nexed.

Credits

 * @thepowerplumber: Inspiration for the Elmer Fudd, Marvin, and Yosemite Sam alts.