List of Rocko's Modern Life episodes

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Rocko's Modern Life consists of a television show series and a comic book series based on the original television show.

The following is an episode list for the Nickelodeon animated television series Rocko's Modern Life. The series began on September 18, 1993, and ended on November 24, 1996, with a total of 52 episodes. A typical half-hour episode of Rocko's Modern Life featured two eleven-minute stories with a commercial break between. Occasionally, episodes would be parts one and two to tell one story over the half-hour time slot.

The Rocko's Modern Life team produced all of the episodes except for one in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, United States.[1][2] Murray produced the pilot episode, "Trash-O-Madness," at his studio in Saratoga, California; Murray animated half of the episode, and the production occurred entirely in the United States, with animation in Saratoga and processing in San Francisco. [3]

Episodes

Season 1: 1993

# Title Airdate Prod. Code
1"No Pain, No Gain / Who Gives a Buck"September 18, 1993 (1993-09-18)008

No Pain, No Gain: Rocko and Heffer Wolfe join an exclusive exercise clinic.

Who Gives a Buck: When Rocko receives a new credit card, Hef urges Rocko to go on a shopping spree.
2"Leap Frogs / Bedfellows"September 19, 1993 (1993-09-19)002

Leap Frogs: When Bev Bighead feels unloved by her husband Ed, she attempts to seduce Rocko. Murray describes her seduction as in a "Mrs. Robinson sort of way." [4]

Bedfellows: After Hef's parents kick him out of the house, Hef moves into Rocko's house.

End of circulation for "Leap Frogs": Due to its premise, Nickelodeon removed "Leap Frogs" from circulation. [4]
However, when the series was rerun on Nicktoons TV, the episode began airing regularly again.

George Maestri, a writer for Rocko's Modern Life, describes the episode as containing the elements of "every roommate from hell I've ever had, though I never had a nudist for a roommate." [5] In a December 17, 2007 entry in his personal blog, Maestri discussed the Nicktoons special "The 100 Greatest Moments in Nicktoons History," held "a few weeks" prior to the post. The special featured "Bedfellows" as the 67th episode on the list.[6]
3"Jet Scream / Dirty Dog"September 26, 1993 (1993-09-26)010

Jet Scream: Heffer, who is afraid of flying, heads to the O-Town Airport with Rocko to board an aircraft flying to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Dirty Dog: Spunky needs to be bathed. The first appearance of Bloaty and Squirmy.

Murray described "Jet Scream" as one of his favorite episodes because he often traveled between Los Angeles, New York, South Korea, and other places during the production of the first season of Rocko's Modern Life. [7] In addition, Martin Olson, a writer for Rocko's Modern Life, described "Jet Scream" as one of his favorite episodes despite the fact that he did not write the episode. [8]

Olson, creator of Bloaty and Squirmy, described the work for "Dirty Dog" as one of the most memorable moments in the production of Rocko's Modern Life. Olson found Murray's drawn designs of Bloaty and Squirmy to be humorous. Olson said that he and the crew "had tons of fun recording and singing my nutty "Bloaty & Squirmy Theme Song"." [8]
4"Keeping Up With the Bigheads / Skid Marks"October 3, 1993 (1993-10-03)012

Keeping Up With the Bigheads: After Ed Bighead tries to get Rocko's house condemned, Rocko and Hef go on a remodeling spree.

Skid Marks: Rocko's car is impounded, so he goes to the Department of Motor Vehicles to straighten things out.
5"Power Trip / To Heck and Back"October 10, 1993 (1993-10-10)001

Power Trip: Mr. Smitty, Rocko's tyrannical boss, places Rocko in charge while Mr. Smitty leaves town.

To Heck and Back: Heffer has a near-death experience.
Olson described "To Heck and Back" as one of his favorite episodes. [8]
6"The Good, The Bad, and The Wallaby / Trash-O-Madness"October 17, 1993 (1993-10-17)005

The Good, The Bad, and The Wallaby: Heffer and Rocko spend some time on a farm, and while Rocko tries to fit in, Hef attempts to go native.

Trash-O-Madness: Rocko encounters difficulties on trash day. Murray produced the pilot episode at Joe Murray Studio in Saratoga, California, United States. [3]
7"Spitballs / Popcorn Pandemonium"October 31, 1993 (1993-10-31)011

Spitballs: After losing Rocko's prized baseball, Rocko and Hef go to a local baseball game in hopes of catching a new one.

Popcorn Pandemonium: Rocko and Heffer are off to the local movie theater complex.
8"A Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic / Canned"October 31, 1993 (1993-10-31)013

A Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic: After watching an infomercial, Rocko buys a vacuum cleaner that is more than he bargained for.

Canned: Rocko loses his job at the mega-comic store. After a variety of jobs, he finally decides to work at the local comic store.
The second story of the first issue of the Rocko's Modern Life comic, "This Is A Test!," includes a reference to this episode. When Rocko and Heffer tune into various channels, Slippy briefly appears, advertising the "Suck-O-Matic."
9"Carnival Knowledge / Sand in Your Navel"November 7, 1993 (1993-11-07)009

Carnival Knowledge: Heffer and Rocko attend a carnival full of hazardous rides and shady carnival games.

Sand in Your Navel: Rocko and Spunky try to spend a nice day at the beach.
10"Cabin Fever / Rinse & Spit"November 14, 1993 (1993-11-14)006

Cabin Fever: Rocko and Heffer share a camping cabin with the Bigheads.

Rinse & Spit: Filburt recruits Rocko to help Filburt pass his dentist exam.
11"Rocko's Happy Sack / Flu-In-U-Enza"November 21, 1993 (1993-11-21)004

Rocko's Happy Sack: Being broke and hungry, a 99% sale sounds like the cure for Rocko.

Flu-In-U-Enza: Rocko has tickets to the big wrestling match, but he suddenly falls ill.
12"Who's For Dinner / Love Spanked"November 28, 1993 (1993-11-28)003
Who's For Dinner: Rocko, who is unaware of Heffer's family life, is invited over to dinner at Heffer's house.
Love Spanked: Heffer plays the cupid, arranging a number of blind dates. One of Murray's favorite episodes is "Who's For Dinner" because Murray enjoyed the premise and the development of the concept of adoption. Murray said that partially based Heffer on an adopted friend and used his friend's emotions to sculpt Heffer's role and actions. [7] George Maestri described the story as "terrific" and the episode as "funny and poignant." Maestri said that the episode added "a whole new dimension to Heffer's character" that was used "in many subsequent episodes."[9]
13"Clean Lovin' / Unbalanced Load"December 5, 1993 (1993-12-05)007

Clean Lovin' : Spunky has an unnatural attraction to a mop.

Unbalanced Load: When his clothes start to spontaneously move of their own power, Rocko decides it's time to do laundry. Production of Clean Lovin' - Murray wrote the "Spunky falls in love with a mop" idea for his original series pitch; Murray said that the focus groups liked the idea. When Murray created the episode, he believed that the creation was "more challenging than I thought. It sounded funny though." [4]

Season 2: 1994-1995

# Title Airdate Prod. Code
14"I Have No Son"September 25, 1994 (1994-09-25)014

This 30 minute episode introduces Ed Bighead's Son, Ralph Bighead. Ralph is estranged from his family due to being a cartoonist, instead of being a corporate man like his father wanted.

Murray described "I Have No Son" as one of his favorite episodes because it addressed issues affecting Murray, the directors, and the writers. Murray also cites the presence of The Fatheads, created by Doug Lawrence. [7] Olson describes "I Have No Son" as one of his favorite episodes and the "opening" of the Fatheads cartoon within "I Have No Son" as one of his favorite individual scenes. Olson said that he and the team "howled laughing that we were putting over the airwaves such incredibly insane surrealism" after receiving and viewing the first batch of "The Fatheads" footage.[8]
15"Pipe Dreams / Tickled Pinky"October 2, 1994 (1994-10-02)015

Pipe Dreams: Rocko has a plumbing problem - an enormous goldfish that Rocko flushed down the toilet.

Tickled Pinky: Having a bout of appendicitis causes Rocko to experience hallucinations about his soon-to-be-departed appendix.
16"The Lounge Singer / She's the Toad"October 9, 1994 (1994-10-09)017

The Lounge Singer: Filburt realizes his dream of being a lounge singer and hits the big time.

She's the Toad: On the eve of a huge proposal at work, Ed Bighead is stricken ill, so Bev fills his position at Conglom-O.
17"Down the Hatch / Road Rash"October 23, 1994 (1994-10-23)016

Down the Hatch: When Spunky swallows a vitamin pill, Bloaty and Squirmy believe that they have discovered an ancient and mysterious object.

Road Rash: Flem Rock is about to be bulldozed, so Rocko and Heffer go on a road trip to see it one last time.
Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, a storyboard writer, says that the "biker horse" who fixed the Wienermobile originally said "Retorqued your johnson rods." The censors forced the creators to alter the lines to "...retorqued your curtain rods..." due to the sexual innuendo in the original statement. Marsh and the other crew disagreed, believing that children would not comprehend the meaning of "johnson." Marsh describes the particular "biker horse" as a caricature of himself and the other motorcyclists as caricatures of Dan Povenmire, Marsh's wife, Doug Lawrence, and Robert Skull. [10] Another scene that was cut from "Road Rash" in all Nickelodeon reruns shows Rocko and Heffer going to a place called "The No-Tell Motel", where it's implied that the motel is used for prostitution.
18"Boob Tubed / Commuted Sentence"November 6, 1994 (1994-11-06)018

Boob Tubed: Sitting too close to the television causes the television to suck Heffer's brain out of his head and into the television. Rocko and Filburt travel to TV Central to rescue it.

Commuted Sentence: A traffic jam and Heffer unwillingly join forces to cause Rocko to lose his job.
Murray describes "Boob Tubed" as one of his favorite episodes.[11]
19"Rocko's Modern Christmas"December 1, 1994 (1994-12-01)033
In this Christmas special, Rocko invites everyone, including the Elves, over for Christmas, but Ed Bighead spreads rumors about the Elves, which ruins the party.
20"Hut Sut Raw / Kiss Me I'm Foreign"December 4, 1994 (1994-12-04)021

Hut Sut Raw: Rocko, Heffer and Filburt go camping.

Kiss Me I'm Foreign: With Rocko on the verge of being deported, Filburt poses as his spouse.
21"Cruisin'"January 1, 1995 (1995-01-01)034
Heffer and Rocko say Bon Voyage to Hef's Grandfather, who's going on a cruise vacation. When Hef and Rocko miss the call to debark, they learn a little more respect for the elderly.
22"Born to Spawn / Uniform Behavior"January 22, 1995 (1995-01-22)022

Born to Spawn: Filburt's 21st birthday approaches, and the ancient breeding ground of Kerplopitgoes Island calls.

Uniform Behavior: Heffer gets a little taste of authority when he is hired as a security guard.
23"Hair Licked / Gutter Balls"January 29, 1995 (1995-01-29)024

Hair Licked: On the day he is supposed to pose for a newspaper photograph, Rocko is having a very bad hair day.

Gutter Balls: Ed Bighead's obsession with winning a bowling trophy has him disqualified from a bowling tournament, so he organizes his own team to go up against Rocko's team.
24"Junk Junkies / Day of the Flecko"February 12, 1995 (1995-02-12)023

Junk Junkies: Rocko needs to pay off the pizza man, so he organizes a garage sale.

Day of the Flecko: After pulling overtime at his job, a housefly named Flecko disrupts Rocko's sleep.
25"Snowballs / Frog's Best Friend"February 26, 1995 (1995-02-26)026

Snowballs: On their way to deliver comic books, Rocko and Heffer are distracted by a ski resort.

Frog's Best Friend: Bev adopts the neighborhood's stray dog, a vicious cur named Earl.
Murray says that Stephen Hillenburg and Mark O'Hare contributed most of the material to "Snowballs." Murray describes "Snowballs" as one of his favorite episodes, as it was based on a "personal experience." When Murray was eight years old he experienced skiing for the first time. During a vacation to Lake Tahoe his father found skis at a garage sale (circa 1940s); Murray's father believed that the skis would be a proper cost-cutting measure and that the skis possessed the same quality as or better quality than rentals. Murray characterized his father's assumptions as "Wrong." Murray describes the scene in "Snowballs" involving Rocko springing off his skis and flying into the air as an event that occurred to Murray on the garage sale skis. [7]
26"Short Story / Eyes Capades"March 12, 1995 (1995-03-12)029

Short Story: Feeling inadequate due to short stature, Really Really Big Man gives Rocko a vertical boost.

Eyes Capades Rocko's new glasses break just before the big jackhammer competition.

Season 3: 1995-1996

# Title Airdate Prod. Code
27"Bye, Bye Birdie / Belch of Destiny"October 22, 1995 (1995-10-22)030

Bye, Bye Birdie: Heffer accidentally kills Filburt's pet Birdy.

Belch of Destiny: Heffer has a unique talent which embarrasses Hef's father.

Maestri described "Bye, Bye Birdie" as "a real story." At age 12, Maestri babysat a bird belonging to a family neighboring his. The bird died two days after the neighbors left. [5] Stiles Fitchley sung "Hang Ten," a song in "Bye, Bye Birdie."[12]

Murray described "Belch of Destiny" as one of his favorite episodes because the episode supported his theory to "let kids be kids." In addition Murray recalled the memories of himself, Hillenburg, and O'Hare laughing after listening to the "belch talking" track of David Pritchard, a former Warner Brothers producer. Olson imagined Heffer "belch-talking," an activity he describes as "popular with kids" and something "parents would hate." Murray approved the story and Olson wrote the story. Olson, Hillenburg, and O'Hare arrived at Pritchard's studio and recorded a test recording. Olson believes that Hillenburg created the idea involving Heffer belch the "You talkin' to me?!" lines of Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver. Murray and his crew arranged an official recording with Pritchard. Murray recalls that, during that period, Pritchard could not belch talk, even after Murray bought him beer and spaghetti. Olson recalls Murray giving Pritchard an "extra spicy" burrito to help the belch talking. The belch talking tape used by Murray arrived several days afterwards. Olson recalls that most of the belch talking used in the episode originates from the test recording instead of the official recording.[7][8] Olson described the "Belch of Destiny" scene involving Heffer belch-talking in front of a mirror as one of his favorite individual scenes.[8]
28"The Emperor's New Joe / Schnit-heads"October 29, 1995 (1995-10-29)035

The Emperor's New Joe: The story of the Chameleon Brothers and their coffee scandal in the old country of Balzack.

Schnit-heads: Heffer falls into a sausage-worshiping cult.
29"Sugar Frosted Frights / Ed is Dead"October 31, 1995 (1995-10-31)028

Sugar Frosted Frights: Filburt fights his fear of Halloween.

Ed is Dead: Rocko suspects Bev of murdering Ed.
Olson described the opening and closing of "Sugar Frosted Frights" as two of his favorite individual scenes.[8]
30"Fish-N-Chumps / Camera Shy"November 12, 1995 (1995-11-12)027

Fish-N-Chumps: Rocko, Heffer and Filburt go on a fishing trip, unsuspecting that they are the prey.

Camera Shy: Heffer and Filburt secretly video tape Rocko, and the movie turns into an underground hit, even winning an award at a film festival.
31"Nothing to Sneeze At / Old Fogey Froggy"November 19, 1995 (1995-11-19)031

Nothing to Sneeze At: A mistake at the hospital endows Bev with a nose, but the stench of her husband Ed is making her sick.

Old Fogey Froggy: When Ed feels his youth slipping away, he tries to become friends with Rocko, Heffer and Filburt.
32"Manic Mechanic / Rocko's Happy Vermin"December 3, 1995 (1995-12-03)032

Manic Mechanic: Rocko's car breaks down, but Filburt can bring it back to life.

Rocko's Happy Vermin: When Rocko helps the bugs escape from Ed's prison, they become unwelcome guests.
33"I See London, I See France / Fatlands"December 10, 1995 (1995-12-10)019

I See London, I See France: On a trip to France, Rocko falls in love.

Fatlands: Bloaty and Squirmy return, this time living on an obese Spunky, as Rocko tries to get Spunky to lose weight.
34"Fortune Cookie / Dear John"December 17, 1995 (1995-12-17)020

Fortune Cookie: Every fortune cookie which Filburt opens predicts dire consequences for Filburt.

Dear John: Rocko hires TV host Bob "Bucky" Taylor to repair his destroyed kitchen, but finds out that Bucky can only build bathrooms.
35"Speaking Terms / Tooth and Nail"December 31, 1995 (1995-12-31)036

Speaking Terms: Heffer and Rocko appear on television after getting into an argument.

Tooth and Nail: Rocko tries to overcome his nail-biting addiction.
Olson described the "Tooth and Nail" scene involving Rocko chewing on a mannequin's foot while in a dumpster as one of his favorite individual scenes.[8]
36"Wacky Delly"January 21, 1996 (1996-01-21)037

Ralph Bighead wants to leave the world of television animation, so he gives Rocko, Filburt and Heffer free rein in creating a new television show, hoping that their ineptitude will get Ralph's contract canceled.

Murray described "Wacky Delly" as one of his favorite episodes because it addressed issues affecting Murray, the directors, and the writers. [7] Murray described the episode as requiring "some very strange story elements" and that Olson helped Murray "keep the wacked out edge" of the episode.[13]

Murray and Richard Leroy filmed the live-action meatloaf scene on Murray's patio with a wind-up camera to capture the colors of early 1960s films. Murray cooked the meatloaf and Carol Wyatt, the color supervisor, placed press-on nails on her hand and used her hands in the scene. At first the camera did not work. When Murray decided to end the shoot, the camera functioned, allowing for the shoot to continue. During the filming, two flies landed on the meatloaf. Leroy believed that the flies spoiled the shoot, while Murray believed that the flies enhanced the shoot. Murray used the plates involved in the production of the scene until he accidentally broke the plates; Murray discarded the plates. [14]
37"The Big Question / The Big Answer"January 28, 1996 (1996-01-28)039

The Big Question: The first part of a two-part episode has Filburt finally asking Doctor Hutchison to marry him.

The Big Answer: A huge fight breaks out at the wedding, threatening Filburt and Hutch's marriage.
Murray described the episode as one of his favorite episodes. Doug Lawrence directed the two episodes. [4]
38"An Elk for Heffer / Scrubbin' Down Under"February 11, 1996 (1996-02-11)038

An Elk for Heffer: In order to be considered an adult, the Wolves tell Heffer to bring elk home for dinner, but when he meets a female elk, he ends up falling in love with her.

Scrubbin' Down Under: Rocko becomes a celebrity thanks to a little bit of spinach stuck in his teeth.
39"Zanzibar / Fatal Contraption"April 21, 1996 (1996-04-21)025

Zanzibar: This musical-style episode for Earth Day has the Rocko pitting the town citizens against Conglom-O and its pollution.

Fatal Contraption: Rocko becomes the owner of a possessed food-processor. With the exception of the television announcer, this episode has no spoken dialogue from any character.
Jean Prescott of The Sun Herald wrote an April 19, 1996 article, "ROCKO AND THE GANG TAKE ON POLLUTION," about the episode.[15]

Season 4: 1996

# Title Airdate Prod. Code
40"With Friends Like These / Sailing the 7 Zzz's"July 8, 1996 (1996-07-08)040

With Friends Like These: Rocko must choose between Filburt and Heffer to invite to a wrestling match.

Sailing the 7 Zzz's: Mr. Bighead, while sleepwalking, believes that he is a pirate and tries repeatedly to obtain a treasure map from Rocko.
41"Pranksters / From Here to Maternity"July 9, 1996 (1996-07-09)041

Pranksters: April Fool's Day arrives in O-Town. Filburt has the ultimate prank.

From Here to Maternity: Filburt and Hutch are expecting children.
42"Ed Good, Rocko Bad / Teed Off"July 10, 1996 (1996-07-10)042

Ed Good, Rocko Bad: Ed Bighead and Rocko campaign against each other for city dog catcher.

Teed Off: Ed's boss invites Ed to a game of golf. Ed is told to let Mr. Dupette win, but Heffer tries to help Ed win.
43"Wimp on the Barbie / Yarn Benders"July 11, 1996 (1996-07-11)043

Wimp on the Barbie: When Rocko's old grade-school bully plans to stop by for a visit, Filburt and Heffer teach Rocko how to fight.

Yarn Benders: Filburt is ill, so Rocko and Heffer spin up some wild fairy tales to help him feel better. Rocko begins telling a story about himself, as a knight, aiming to rescue a princess. Heffer says that he is the princess and hijacks the storyline; when Rocko tries to regain control of the story Heffer tells Rocko that they should marry and go on a honeymoon. Jeffrey P. Dennis of the Journal of Popular Film & Television wrote the "Signifying Same-Sex Desire in Television Cartoons" article; in it he says that Rocko feels embarrassed by the course of the story because he has no romantic interest in Heffer, not because he feels antagonism towards homosexuality.[16]
44"Mama's Boy / Feisty Geist"July 12, 1996 (1996-07-12)045

Mama's Boy: Heffer moves out and gets a job, but he soon learns that his roommate's wild lifestyle is having a negative influence.

Feisty Geist: After a visit to a spirit reader, Heffer is plagued by a spirit.
45"S.W.A.K. / Magic Meatball"July 15, 1996 (1996-07-15)044

S.W.A.K.: Rocko sends a love letter to his mail carrier, but when he thinks she has a boyfriend, he tries to get it back.

Magic Meatball: Ed Bighead, under pressure at the job, turns to using a Magic 8-Ball to make executive decisions.
46"Closet Clown / Seat to Stardom"July 16, 1996 (1996-07-16)046

Closet Clown: Ed Bighead tries to hide his secret identity, Ed the Clown.

Seat to Stardom: Rocko becomes a famous underwear model, "Wedgie Boy." The lack of free time strains his friendship with Heffer.
47"The High Five of Doom / Fly Burgers"July 17, 1996 (1996-07-17)047

The High Five of Doom: Filburt is suspected of being an alien.

Fly Burgers: Fleko the fly sues Rocko. When Fleko wins the case, Rocko is punished by being transformed into a fly, seeing how hard life truly is for a fly. Filburt and Heffer, in the meantime, throw a party at Rocko's house.
48"Heff in a Handbasket / Wallaby on Wheels"July 18, 1996 (1996-07-18)048

Heff in a Handbasket: Heffer once again meets up with the inept devil, Peaches, after Heffer sells his soul to be on a game show.

Wallaby on Wheels: Falling in love with a roller-skater, Rocko tries to impress her by running a dangerous obstacle course.
49"Dumbells / Rug Birds"July 19, 1996 (1996-07-19)049

Dumbells: Rocko gets arrested after a game of Ding Dong Ditch gets out of hand.

Rug Birds: Filburt takes Rocko on a bird wig-snatching hunt.
50"Hypno-Puppy Luv / Driving Mrs. Wolfe"October 8, 1996 (1996-10-08)050

Hypno-Puppy Luv: Heffer hyptonizes Rocko.

Driving Mrs. Wolfe: Virginia Wolfe, Heffer's mother, asks Rocko to teach her to drive.
51"Put to Pasture / Future Schlock"October 10, 1996 (1996-10-10)051

Put to Pasture: With Heffer seriously ill, Rocko flashes back to their youth.

Future Schlock: Seventeen years into the future, Filburt's children ask Filbert the meaning of a banana which they found in a refrigerator.
52"Turkey Time / Floundering Fathers"November 24, 1996 (1996-11-24)052

Turkey Time: Thanksgiving in O-Town, and Rocko tries to save the turkeys.

Floundering Fathers: The group spin tales about who really founded O-Town.

Comic book issues

One volume, containing seven issues, has been released. Chief Editor: Tom DeFalco. Editor: Mike Lackey.

Issue 1

  • Issue 1: TV's Whacked Out Wallaby Goes Berserk in his own Marvel Mag! (June 1994)
    • Story A: Dental Hyjinks - Rocko visits Doctor Demento in an attempt to have a rotten tooth pulled.
      • Writer: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Pencils: Darren Auck
      • Inks: Gary Fields
      • Letterer: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • "Whipper Snapper": Mike Lackey
      • "Whip Cracker": Tom DeFalco
      • A letter to the editor printed in Issue 3 written by Joey Marchese of Union Township, New Jersey described Demento as "spoofed" by Mike Lackey and Rick Parker from the dentist in the first issue of Marvel Comics's Beavis and Butthead. Mike Lackey responded, describing the similarities as "the strangest of coincidences, perhaps completely the work of planetary alignment or the magnetic resonance of the earth, or maybe the eclipse... Yeah! The eclipse!" He then continued, "ROCKO editor World Famous Mike Lackey looked directly into the sun while shuffling scripts, and...! Yeah, yeah, we don't buy it either!" [17]
    • Story B: This Is A Test! - Spunky, after being zapped by a television, becomes an unwitting television receiver, hijacking all of the world's television channels and "filming" from his body.
      • "Screenplay": John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • "Photographers": Ed Lazellari and Gary Fields
      • "Titles": Dave Scharpe
      • "Colorization": Bob Sharen
      • "Director": Mike Lackey
      • "Producer": Tom DeFalco
      • Special thanks: Jennifer O'Donnell
      • Joe O'Brien, a Marvel Comics employee from Tenafly, New Jersey, provided the Japanese text in "This Is A Test!." [17] In Issue 7 Dave Scharpe, the letter, stated that he re-lettered the Japanese characters multiple times until he "got it right." [17]

Issue 2

  • Issue 2: Intestinal Turmoil (July 1994)
    • Story A: Intestinal Turmoil - Rocko and Heffer seek a cure for Spunky's sudden and painful intestinal ailment.
      • Writer: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Pencils: Darren Auck
      • Inks: Gary Fields
      • "Advil + Nodoze": Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • Editor: Mike Lackey
      • "Chief of Police": Tom DeFalco
    • Story B: Who Invited You? - Ed Bighead feels disgust when Rocko and Heffer join his corporate party while uninvited. Meanwhile, Bev Bighead flirts with Donald Frump, Ed Bighead's boss.
      • "Food for Thought": John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • "A Feast For The Eyes": Ed Lazellari and Gary Fields
      • "Signs": Dave Scharpe
      • "Color Coordinator": Lia Pelosi
      • "Catering Supervisor": Mike Lackey
      • "Chief Supervisor": Tom DeFalco

Issue 3

  • Issue 3: Love Sick! (August 1994)
    • Story A: Eat This! It's Good For You! - Heffer falls head over heels for a female cow who reveals herself to be a health food nut, while Rocko continues his attempts to meet his crush, Melba Toast.
      • By John "Lewie" Lewandowski, Darren Auck, Gary Fields, Dave Sharpe, Bob Sharen, Mike Lackey, and Tom DeFalco
    • Pass the Puffy! (A maze game)
      • Concept and Pencils: Darren Auck
      • Inks and Letters: Matt Maley

Issue 4

File:RockoVol4Issue1.PNG
Volume 1, Issue 4 of Rocko's Modern Life comic
  • Issue 4: Rocko Gets Night Clubbed! (September 1994)
    • Story A: Remote Controlled - Rocko and Heffer discover a remote control in an electronics store which bears the power to manipulate time.
      • Writer: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Pencils: Darren Auck
      • Inks: Matt Maley
      • Letters: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • Editor: Mike Lackey
      • Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco
    • Story B: Beaten by a Club - Rocko and Heffer fall headfirst into a turbulent experience upon attending a concert starring Lollapalosers, their favorite band.
      • Writer: Joey Cavalieri
      • Pencils: Darren Auck
      • Inks: Gary Fields
      • Letters: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • Editor: Mike Lackey
      • Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Issue 5

  • Issue 5: Spunky's Kinda Funky! (October 1994)
    • Story A: Earl & Water Don't Mix - Ed Bighead "trains" Earl to assault Rocko while the wallaby sets up an inflatable pool in his backyard.
      • Writer: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Penciler: Darren Auck
      • Inker: Matt Maley
      • Letterer: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • Editor: Mike Lackey
      • Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco
    • Special: The Ultimate Trading Card
    • Story B: Spunky's Kinda Funky - Spunky's pungent odor forces Rocko to seek a cure.
      • "Rotten Writer": John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • "Pungent Penciler": Darren Auck
      • "Aromatic Inker": Gary Fields
      • "Limburger-like Lettering": Dave Scharpe
      • "His Usual Smelly Colors": Bob Sharen
      • "Odorous Editor": Mike Lackey
      • "The Biggest Stinker of All": Tom DeFalco

Issue 6

  • Issue 6: Special Disgusting Parasite Issue! (November 1994)
    • Story A: Bug Out! - Bloaty and Squirmy travel from dog to dog while trying to find a perfect animal to leech.
      • Writer: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Penciler: Ed Lazallari
      • Inker: Gary Fields
      • Letterer: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • Editor: Mike Lackey
      • Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco
    • Story B: Lice on the Loose - Bloaty and Squirmy again find Spunky; after Rocko takes Spunky to a pet store, Bloaty and Squirmy interact with other local parasites.
      • Writer: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Penciler: Darren Auck
      • Inker: Gary Fields
      • Letterer: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • Editor: Mike Lackey
      • Editor-in-Chief: Tom DeFalco

Issue 7

  • Issue 7: Comic Book Convention Day is a Very Dangerous Day! (December 1994)
    • Story A: Conned Again - Filbert loses his glasses and wallet while going to a comic book convention; upon taking the guise of "Benito," a comic book hero, Filbert finds fans.
      • "Fan Boy": John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • "Hayseed": Darren Auck
      • "Breeder": Gary Fields
      • "Gardener": Dave Scharpe
      • "Angry Football": Bob Sharen
      • "Vacant": Mike Lackey
      • "Overseer": Tom DeFalco
    • Story B: Bev's Beauty Tips - Bev Bighead explains to the reader her tips for keeping beauty.
      • "Frustrated Writer": John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • "Pencils without Peer": Darren Auck
      • "Indescribable Inks + Lopsided Lettering": Matt Maley
      • "Hilarious Hues": Bob Sharen
      • 'Thats "Mr."': Mike Lackey
      • "Big Guy in the Corner Office": Tom DeFalco
    • Story C: I'll Never Go Camping Again - After a power outage, Rocko tells the story of his last camping trip to Heffer.
      • Script: John "Lewie" Lewandowski
      • Penciler: Darren Auck
      • Inker: Gary Fields
      • Letterer: Dave Scharpe
      • Colors: Bob Sharen
      • "Camp Councilor": Mike Lackey
      • "Jr. Woodchuck": Tom DeFalco

VHS collections

United States

  • "With Friends Like These" (released July 8, 1997[18])
    • "Bedfellows"
    • "No Pain, No Gain"
    • "The Good, the Bad and the Wallaby"
    • "Wimp on the Barby"
    • "With Friends Like These"
  • "Machine Madness" (released July 8, 1997[19])
    • "Trash-O-Madness"
    • "A Sucker for the Suck-O-Matic"
    • "Unbalanced Load"
    • "Boob Tubed"
    • "Fatal Contraption"
  • "Rocko's Modern Christmas" (released October 13, 1997[20])
    • Included a bonus cartoon[21]
  • "Modern Love" (released January 13, 1998)[22])
    • "An Elk for Heffer"
    • "I See London, I See France"
    • "SWAK"
    • "Wallaby in Wheels"
    • "Love Spanked"

Australia

  • "Taking Care of Business"[23]
    • "Canned"
    • "Magic Meatball"
    • "She's the Toad"
    • "Teed Off"
    • "Zanzibar"

References

  1. ^ "ANIMATORS FEEL FREE WITH `ROCKO'." The Palm Beach Post
  2. ^ "Where Rocko the series was produced," Joe Murray Studio
  3. ^ a b "How the Pilot was produced," Joe Murray Studio
  4. ^ a b c d "Character Museum," Joe Murray Studio
  5. ^ a b "Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews George Maestri, story writer for Rocko's Modern Life," The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ
  6. ^ "Rubber Blog," Rubber Bug
  7. ^ a b c d e f "Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews Joe Murray, creator of Rocko's Modern Life," The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h "Lisa (Kiczuk) Trainor interviews Martin Olson, writer for Rocko's Modern Life," The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ
  9. ^ Maestri, George. Digital Character Animation 3. 248.
  10. ^ "Dan Abrams' interview with Jeff "Swampy" Marsh," The Rocko's Modern Life FAQ
  11. ^ "Rocko's Modern Life Archives," Joe Murray Studio
  12. ^ The Rocklopedia Fakebandica. "70.
  13. ^ "August 15, 2008 Excerpt from my new book “Crafting A Cartoon”; From a chapter on “Story”.." Joe Murray Studio. Accessed August 18, 2008.
  14. ^ "The Wacky Deli Meatloaf," Joe Murray Studio
  15. ^ Prescott, Jean. "ROCKO AND THE GANG TAKE ON POLLUTION." The Sun Herald. Page M28. April 19, 1996.
  16. ^ Dennis, Jeffrey P. "Signifying Same-Sex Desire in Television Cartoons." Journal of Popular Film & Television. Fall 2003. Volume 31, Issue 3. 132-140. 9p, 3bw.
  17. ^ a b c "That's Life" (Letters to the Editor), Rocko's Modern Life. Marvel Comics. Volume 1, Issue 3.
  18. ^ "Rocko's Modern Life: With Friends Like These (1993)," Amazon.com
  19. ^ "Rocko's Modern Life: Machine Madness (1993)," Amazon.com
  20. ^ "Rocko's Modern Christmas (1993)," Amazon.com
  21. ^ "Rocko's Modern Christmas." The New York Times. Accessed August 21, 2008.
  22. ^ ""Rocko's Modern Life: Modern Love (1993)," Amazon.com. Accessed June 20, 2008.
  23. ^ "ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE - ZANZIBAR/MAGIC MEATBALL/CANNED/TEE'D OFF/SHE'S THE TOAD (stb TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS)." Government of Australia. Accessed September 14, 2008.