The 1940 Academy Award-nominated cartoon "A Wild Hare" (directed by Avery) marked Bugs Bunny's official debut, as well as his first pairing with Elmer Fudd (Created by Chuck Jones that year). Bugs quickly replaced Daffy as the studio's top star. By 1942, Bugs had become the most popular cartoon character. Because of the success of Bugs, Daffy and Porky, the Schlesinger studio now had risen to new heights, and Bugs quickly became the star of the color "Merrie Melodies" cartoons, which had previously been used for one-shot character appearances. By 1942 Warners' shorts had now surpassed Disney's in sales and popularity.