Seymour S. Sassafras

Seymour S. Sassafras, from the Rankin/Bass classic, Here Comes Peter Cottontail, voiced by and modeled on Danny Kaye. This amazing action figure was produced about five years ago, one of a series of four that included Peter Cottontail (Casey Casem) with Francois the Caterpillar, Dolly with Bonny the Bonnet, and Irontail (Vincent Price). The company was Diamond Select, and there was a second series planned but never produced. The figure from hat to heel stands a whopping nine inches tall; articulated only at neck and shoulders. The hat is removable, a cane and a very colorful Easter egg are included, but not shown in this picture.

Have you ever seen such a manically cheerful action figure?

Ol' Seymour here reminds me of a certain type of character that was fairly pervasive at the time I was growing up. Archetypically, this kind of guy was a combination of The Wise Old Man and The Trickster; sartorially he was reminiscent of the travelling medicine man. He always wore a hat, usually a top hat, but a derby, straw, or Panama was not unknown. He always wore a suit, with a topcoat and a vest. In that vest pocket was invariably a pocket watch. He carried a cane or an umbrella, and at his side might be a mysterious carpetbag or valise. Inside could be a large and impressive book, or the accoutrements of his fabulous trade. He might wear glasses: a pince-nez was favotite, but a monocle or thick round spectacles were acceptable. Helpful, clever, and creative, with an impish sense of humor, he would often help and test the main character at the same time.

I love characters like that. Is there any modern equivalent?