''Sitting Ducks'' is a

lithograph Lithography () is a planographic method of printing originally based on the immiscibility of oil and water. The printing is from a stone (lithographic limestone) or a metal plate with a smooth surface. It was invented in 1796 by the German a ...

created by the poster artist Michael Bedard in 1977. It depicts a literal interpretation of the

idiom An idiom is a phrase or expression that typically presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase; but some phrases become figurative idioms while retaining the literal meaning of the phrase. Categorized as formulaic language, ...

"sitting duck". Three ducks are relaxing in the sun on white chairs by the poolside, one looks up and notices two

bullet A bullet is a kinetic projectile, a component of firearm ammunition that is shot from a gun barrel. Bullets are made of a variety of materials, such as copper, lead, steel, polymer, rubber and even wax. Bullets are made in various shapes and co ...

holes in the wall. Bedard then went on to create an entire series of "Sitting Ducks" related lithographs, which culminated in a children's book, a cartoon series and a video game.

Book

Bedard's 1998 book ''Sitting Ducks'' () has the plot that alligators hatch ducks in a "duck factory", then send them to Ducktown, where the ducks live an idyllic life, encouraged by billboards to fatten up. The alligators presumably eat the ducks once they are fat. One duck is befriended by an alligator, who lets him know that if only the Ducktown residents would not get fat, they could fly away and avoid being eaten.

Cartoon

In 2001 ''Sitting Ducks'' was produced by

Creative Capers Entertainment Creative Capers Entertainment is an American animation studio founded by Terry and Sue Shakespeare with David Molina in 1989. Based in Altadena, California. It specializes in flash and hand-drawn animation in various feature films, television ser ...

and Kristlin/Elliott Digital in Association with Universal Pictures Visual Programming. It ran for two seasons and during that time spawned merchandise such as toys, clothing, books, as well as a video game. The show takes place in a town called Ducktown and focuses on a

duck Duck is the common name for numerous species of waterfowl in the family Anatidae. Ducks are generally smaller and shorter-necked than swans and geese, which are members of the same family. Divided among several subfamilies, they are a form t ...

named Bill, and his best friend Aldo, a huge

alligator An alligator is a large reptile in the Crocodilia order in the genus ''Alligator'' of the family Alligatoridae. The two extant species are the American alligator (''A. mississippiensis'') and the Chinese alligator (''A. sinensis''). Additiona ...

from the neighboring town of Swampwood. Seeing as how ducks are favorite snacks of the alligators there, Bill and Aldo's friendship is rather unusual. The pair usually end up in various situations and adventures. The show lasted 2 seasons, airing 26 episodes. Reruns aired on Qubo.

External links

Bedard's Personal Studio Website
Fictional ducks {{Printmaking-stub