Rat Fink

Rat Fink is one of the several hot-rod characters created by artist Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, and arguably his most famous. Often depicted as an anti-hero counterpart to Mickey Mouse, Rat Fink is characterized as a green or grey, depraved-looking rat with bulging, bloodshot eyes, a large, toothy grin exposing sharp, pointed teeth, and wearing tattered clothing.

The character was initially conceived in the early 1960s as a means of challenging what Roth saw as the blandness and corporate feel of popular cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse. Rat Fink became a symbol of the Kustom Kulture movement, representing rebellion, individuality, and an embrace of the unconventional.

Rat Fink was popularized through Roth's airbrushed t-shirts, which became highly sought after by hot-rod enthusiasts and youth culture in general. The character also featured prominently in Roth's artwork, cartoons, and magazine publications, solidifying its place within the burgeoning counterculture scene.

Over time, Rat Fink has evolved beyond a mere cartoon character, becoming an iconic symbol of the hot-rod and Kustom Kulture lifestyle. The image continues to be used on merchandise, in art, and as a symbol of nonconformity and alternative expression. While Ed Roth passed away in 2001, Rat Fink remains a recognizable and enduring figure in popular culture.