The Thing — Animation Character Design Drawing

This original character design drawing by Russ Heath depicts The Thing as adapted for the 1979 Hanna-Barbera television production Fred and Barney Meet the Thing. The drawing was created as part of the character development process, serving to define proportions, gesture, and visual clarity prior to animation. Character design drawings of this kind functioned as working production references, establishing a repeatable visual model for use across studio production.

Presented within an hour-long package format, the Thing segments functioned as a distinct series, separate from the Flintstones material referenced in the title. The character itself was a loose adaptation rather than a direct transfer from the Marvel comic version.

Heath’s move into California animation work in the late 1970s places this drawing within a broader period in which his draftsmanship was applied directly to television production.

Graphite on three-peg animation paper, measuring 10.5 × 12.5 inches (26.67 × 31.75 cm). The drawing originates from animation production materials and remains in production-used condition.