Speedy Alka Seltzer is one of my favorite advertising icons NOT created by Leo Burnett.
(The others that immediately pop into my mind are Reddy Kilowatt and Mr. Peanut.)
Although the product had been marketed since the 1930s, it wasn't until the advent of television that Miles Laboratories thought they had a need for an animated character to help promote their product in the new medium.
Created at Wade Advertising in Chicago, the spunky little guy with his effervescent wand was originally named "Sparky."
Apparently an insightful Sales Manager at Miles Laboratories suggested the name "Speedy" to coincide that year’s promotional theme, “Speedy Relief.”
Speedy was featured in hundreds of television and print ads an I fondly remember enjoying his animated exploits as a kid.
I always liked that he was called "Prontito Alka Seltzer" in Latin America. I love the way it rolls off of the tongue when said aloud!
Here is an ad clearly from the '50s.
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