Smokey Bear

Smokey Bear was created in 1944 by the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention Campaign, a joint effort between the U.S. Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the War Advertising Council. The character was designed to address the urgent need for forest fire prevention during World War II, as many experienced firefighters were serving overseas. The initial illustration was produced by Albert Staehle, who depicted the bear pouring a bucket of water on a campfire, establishing the persona that would eventually become an iconic symbol of American public service announcements.

The Funko Pop! Ad Icons series, featuring Smokey Bear as number 76, serves as a tribute to the character's enduring legacy in American pop culture. Funko designs these figures by distilling the essential characteristics of the mascot—in this case, Smokey’s signature campaign hat, ranger uniform, and stern but caring expression—into the company’s standardized vinyl aesthetic. This specific release was received by collectors as a nostalgic nod to the character's long history as the face of the longest-running public service campaign in United States history.