Draft:Frank Endres

Francis X. "Frank" Endres was an American animator known for his work in the East Coast animation scene of the 20th century. Some characters he animated include Betty Boop, Popeye the Sailor, Superman, and Felix the Cat.

Biography
Endres started at Fleischer in 1930, where he worked as an opaquer (the person who adds color to the inked celluloid sheets.) He sat next to Jack Mercer (Popeye’s voice actor) while in this position. Endres worked uncredited on the Betty Boop cartoons in the 1930s under the direction of Myron Waldman. His first credit as an animator was in 1940’s Stealin’ Ain’t Honest (de-facto directed by Tom Johnson.) Steve Muffati chose Endres to draw on Superman’s introductory film appearance, but soon after he enlisted in the Navy. When he returned to the animation business in 1947, he essentially became Tom Johnson’s right-hand man since he animated exclusively his cartoons until the theatrical Popeyes ceased production.

Style
Endres' animation, in the words of animator and director Bob Jaques, was the last "hold out of the Fleischer style" after the studio closed down in 1942. When attempting to identify his scenes, animation professionals have noted the rubbery nature of his characters. Trademarks of Endres' style include puffed cheeks, eye slivers, and very circular constructions.