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Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft
Jun 30, 2026 3:35 AM

  

Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft1

  Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft Written by Michele Metych Michele Metych is the lead editor for Today in History at Encyclopædia Britannica. Michele Metych Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated May 11, 2026 •History Walt Disney’s most famous creation debuted as, well, kind of a menace. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on May 15, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every morning. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, two of the most recognizable figures in animation history and the darlings of Disney, made their first appearance...

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Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft2

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Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft3

  

Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft4

  

Today in History—May 15: Mickey Mouse’s weird first draft5

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