Iwao Takamoto (1925?2007) spent a lifetime in the animation industry and was influential in the creation of some of the most beloved characters in the medium?s history, including Scooby-Doo, Atom Ant, The Jetsons? Astro, The Flintstones? Great Gazoo, and The Wacky Races? Penelope Pittstop and Muttley, all of whom he designed. Iwao Takamoto: My Life with a Thousand Characters is the story of this legendary American artist, told in his own words. Takamoto records his experiences growing up in the heart of Los Angeles as a self-described ?street kid? and his wartime ordeal of being sent to a gove