via Library of Congress

Humorous Phases of Funny Faces is a silent cartoon by J. Stuart Blackton released in 1906. It features a cartoonist drawing faces on a chalkboard, and the faces coming to life. It is generally regarded by film historians as the first animated film. It features movements as where a dog jumps through a hoop, a scene which actually uses cutout animation made to look like chalk outlines. The film moves at 20 frames per second.

And here’s a bit from Gertie on Tour, another of the earliest pieces of animation.

Among the final films of master cartoonist Winsor McCay are these pieces animated in collaboration with his son John and longtime assistant, John Fitzsimmons. They may have been released as part of the 1921 series Dreams of the Rarebit Fiend. Only these fragments seem to have survived.

See more of the beginning of animation!

Each Saturday Morning here at Adafruit is Saturday Morning Cartoons! Be sure to check our cartoon and animated posts both nostalgic and new that inspire makers of all ages! You’ll find how-tos for young makers, approaches to learning about science and engineering, and all sorts of comic strip and animated Saturday Morning fun! Be sure to check out our Adafruit products featuring comic book art while you’re at it!