What the Hell Was Bartmania?

Image from Vulture

• In 1988, The Simpsons' Bart Simpson became a cultural phenomenon, with merchandise sales reaching a staggering $1 billion - an unheard-of feat for an animated TV character at the time.
• Groening, the show's creator, embraced the 'Bartmania' craze, saying it proved that 'people love a bad boy' and that he's 'still proud of it, man' - a testament to the enduring appeal of the cheeky, rebellious character he created.