Yosemite Sam #40

Yosemite Sam number 40 was published in 1982 by Gold Key Comics, a prominent imprint during the mid-20th century known for its extensive licensing of animated characters. This issue arrived during the twilight years of Gold Key's output, a period characterized by a shift toward more specialized distribution as the direct market began to take hold. The comic features the classic Looney Tunes antagonist, who was originally created by animator Friz Freleng in 1945 to serve as a more volatile and physically imposing foil for Bugs Bunny.

The character design reflects the exaggerated, mustache-heavy caricature Freleng intended to contrast with Bugs's calm demeanor. By the time this issue was released, the artwork followed the established house style for Western Publishing, prioritizing accessibility for younger readers and faithfulness to the theatrical shorts. While individual issues from this run were rarely the subject of intense critical analysis, they remain significant today for maintaining the visibility of classic animation characters in the print medium long after their television heyday.