Thanks to a live-action hand and an animated white line, this cantankerous silhouette first appeared in Italy in 1970, becoming an internationally-known cult classic. La Linea is a 90 episode series by Italian cartoonist Osvaldo Cavandoli. Watch as the character complains and expresses delight with the off-stage cartoonist, speaking a mostly-invented gibberish language as he encounters animals, surprising pathways, and dangerous obstacles.
Some episodes can have slightly off-color moments, made for audiences of an earlier generation, but the definition of objects with line and space makes for some brilliant and inventive storytelling. Bonus: Jazzy background music.
Above, episode #113, plus a few more below: #107, #126, #215, and #221.
Related reading: Harold and the Purple Crayon. Related videos: The Dot & the Line: A Romance in Lower Mathematics, Ceruza és radír (Pencil and Eraser), the legendary Luxo Jr. Pencil Test, and The Red Thread.
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