Otto Rocket, Sideshow Bob, Nils Nielsen, Susie Carmichael, and Nadine from Hey Arnold are just a few of the cartoon characters sporting dreadlocks that have become a cornerstone in the animation realm for years.
Often, these characters symbolize cultural and spiritual identities, serving as pivotal mirrors for children to see their reflections on the screen.
In this blog post, we’re looking at some of the most legendary dreadlocked cartoon characters. We’ll unpack the importance of their hairstyles within the context of their stories and what these signify about the characters themselves.
Animated Characters With Dreads
Cartoon characters often express their cultural and spiritual identity through popular hairstyles like dreadlocks and braids. These hairstyles infuse depth and complexity into the characters and offer a vital medium for children to see their representations on screen.
The meanings behind dreadlocks, braids, and locks vary, depending on the story’s context and the character involved.
For instance, these hairstyles could portray a character’s tie to their cultural or ancestral roots or signify their spiritual convictions. Characters may also display such hairstyles to demonstrate strength, power, or individuality. Now, let’s delve into a few of the most iconic cartoon characters who rock locs.
13Susie Carmichael – Rugrats
Susie Carmichael, a celebrated character from the animated TV series “Rugrats,” boasts her distinctive long, thick dreadlocks. Dreadlocks, or locs, are hairstyles formed by braiding or matting hair. While they typically associate with the Rastafarian movement, individuals from varied cultures or backgrounds can also sport this style.
Susie’s dreadlocks are a beacon of her individuality and a robust sense of self. As a confident and independent character, she takes pride in her appearance and cultural heritage.
12Nils Nielsen- Gundam Build Fighters
Nils Nielsen, a character from the anime series “Gundam Build Fighters,” commands attention with his adept Gunpla fighting skills and distinct long, bushy dreadlocks. This hairstyle, typically associated with the Rastafarian movement, is also sported by individuals from various cultures or backgrounds.
In the series, Nils’s dreadlocks serve as an emblem of his unique persona. His portrayal often showcases a relaxed, carefree, and confident character, brimming with passion for building and battling Gunpla models.
11Maurice (Numbuh 9) – Kids Next Door
Maurice, affectionately referred to as Numbuh 9, hails from the animated TV series “Codename: Kids Next Door.” He’s a vital part of the Kids Next Door, a formidable team of children rising against adult tyranny. Maurice’s unique locs hairstyle is a signature feature that sets him apart.
His dreadlocks in the series act as a symbol of his robust sense of self and unique personality. As a character, Maurice exudes confidence, independence, and strong will, taking immense pride in his appearance and cultural heritage.
10Hermes Conrad – Futurama
In the animated TV series “Futurama,” the character Hermes Conrad stands out as a bureaucrat from Earth, employed by the intergalactic delivery company, Planet Express. Originating from Jamaica, Hermes exhibits a strong sense of cultural pride. His distinctive dreadlocks hairstyle further emphasizes his uniqueness.
9Mira Naigus – Soul Eater
In the anime and manga series “Soul Eater,” Mira Naigus features as a meister affiliated with the Death Weapon Meister Academy. This institution cultivates students into weapon meisters to vanquish evil souls. Notably, Mira distinguishes herself with her long, thick locs (dreadlocks), a defining element of her appearance.
8Prince Zula – Conan the Adventurer
The animated TV series “Conan the Adventurer” features Prince Zula, a supporting character who aids Conan in his adventures. His standout attribute is his distinctive, heavy, and thick locs that set him apart in the series.
7Chode McBlob -Tripping the Rift
In the animated TV series “Tripping the Rift,” Chode McBlob stars as the unconventional captain of the spaceship “Jupiter 42,” recognized for his long, wavy locs.
As he navigates through space, undertaking assorted missions and engaging with diverse alien species and cultures, Chode’s defining traits surface. He is notoriously seen as a bumbling, self-centered individual, often prioritizing his own indulgence over the welfare of his ship and crew.
6Otto Rocket – Rocket Power
Airing on Nickelodeon from 1999 to 2004, the animated television series “Rocket Power” centers around the lead character, Otto Rocket. A skilled skateboarder and inline skater, Otto distinguishes himself with his trademark dreadlocks, a recurring trait among characters in the show.
His adventures are often shared with his close friends – Reggie Rocket, Twister Rodriguez, and Sam Dullard – fellow extreme sports enthusiasts.
5Pickles – The Metalocalypse
Featured in the Adult Swim animated series “Metalocalypse,” Pickles is a character synonymous with his role as the drummer for the death metal band Dethklok. His carefree and laid-back demeanor, often a source of comic relief in the series, is well mirrored by his wild, curly hair – a visual symbol of his easygoing personality.
4Sideshow Bob -The Simpsons
On the enduring animated TV series “The Simpsons,” Sideshow Bob emerges as a recurring antagonist. Previously the sidekick to Krusty the Clown, his persona is underscored by his cultured, deep voice, and big red fluffy dreadlocks that serve as his signature style.
Although highly intelligent with refined tastes, such as opera, Sideshow Bob also harbors a dark side as a murderous maniac, ceaselessly plotting against Bart Simpson, the main protagonist. His distinctive hairstyle amplifies his eccentricity and frequently adds a comedic dimension to the show.
3Skeeter and Baby Scooter – The Muppet Babies Cartoon
In the animated TV series “Muppet Babies,” Skeeter and Scooter are youthful renditions of Jim Henson’s renowned Muppet characters. The series revolves around their imaginative adventures. Both characters are distinctive with their wild loc-style hairstyles, adding character to their playful adventures.
2Nadine – Hey Arnold
Featured in the animated TV show “Hey Arnold!” Nadine captivates the audience with her distinctive long, thick dreadlocks. Voiced by actress Tisha Campbell-Martin, she embodies intelligence, confidence, and independence.
Besides, she shares a close bond with Arnold, the show’s protagonist, frequently accompanying him and his friends. Despite not being a central character, Nadine’s distinct traits and popularity make her a noteworthy character in the series.
1Edd “Double D” – Ed, Edd n Eddy
Featured in the animated TV show “Ed, Edd n Eddy,” Edd “Double D” is recognized for his unique appearance, with his round head, thick glasses, and a hairstyle split in the middle resembling two “D”s.
Often termed a “skull boy” or “double D” haircut, this distinctive hairstyle amplifies his character’s fun and unique vibe and accentuates his standout presence. As the group’s mastermind who devises the ideas and plans, his peculiar hairstyle complements his intellectual persona, adding an extra layer to his quirky personality.