Wallace and Gromit are 20!

When I watched the 20th anniversary interview with Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit, and learned how Hergé and his creation, Tintin (in the adventure "Destination Moon"), had inspired "A Grand Day Out," I was immensely pleased about the connection between two of my favorite story-tellers. Both draw up marvelous adventures of two fellows and their dogs, and during some important moments, it's the dog who saves the day (this happens way more often in "Wallace and Gromit" though). Gromit is often miles ahead of Wallace. And though both are terrific characters, it's Gromit who gets my favorite character vote. He's sensitive, an avid reader, a deep thinker, loves Bach, drinks tea, and though he's quiet, he has the most expressive face. And he knits!

So the pair are 20 now, but I sure hope this doesn't mean Nick Park will be slowing down. I'd love to see more of Wallace and Gromit! Their cheeky humor, the whimsical sets, the abiding friendship between them, Wallace's vests and nutty inventions, Gromit's rising and falling and twitching brow, the silly situations they get themselves into. 20 already! I think I'll celebrate by watching "The Wrong Trousers."