Which studio is primarily associated with the early development of popular animated characters such as Betty Boop?

Fleischer Studios is primarily associated with the early development of popular animated characters like Betty Boop. Founded by brothers Max and Dave Fleischer, the studio became known for its distinctive animation style and inventive use of music and sound in the 1920s and 1930s. Betty Boop, who made her first appearance in 1930, is one of the studio's most iconic characters and represents the flapper culture of the time, showcasing both charm and sass.

Fleischer Studios was also notable for pushing the boundaries of animation with techniques such as rotoscoping, where live-action footage was traced to create more fluid and lifelike movements in animation. This innovation contributed significantly to the popularity of their characters and the overall evolution of the animation industry.

Other studios, while influential in their own rights, focused on different styles or characters. Disney Studios, for instance, is well-known for characters like Mickey Mouse and for pioneering full-length animated features, but its focus and timeline differ from those of the Fleischer brothers. Hanna-Barbera is recognized for television animation in the latter half of the 20th century, and Studio Ghibli is best known for its unique narrative style and animation techniques that emerged much later in the history of animation