Officially called Old Joe by its makers, the cartoon mascot Joe Camel first advertised Camel cigarettes in the 1974 in France. British artist Billy Coulton was responsible for shaping his appearance. Joe was then rediscovered in the US for a campaign for Camel's 75th anniversary in 1988. Then, in 1991, the campaign was criticized by the Journal of the American Medical Association. They published a study showing that among young children, Joe Camel was recognized more than the Flintstones, or Mickey Mouse, alleging that the campaign was targeted at kids. The campaign makers refused to give in at first and denied the allegations, but finally cancelled Joe Camel in 1997. Indeed, a 1974 presentation by the marketing team behind the campaign -- R.J. Reynolds -- stated that the "young adult market ... represent[s] tomorrow's cigarette business". (more...)

Camel (1988)

Joe Camel Cigarette Car Race Track (1989)

Pool Table Cue Stick Joe Camel Cigarette (1989)