Bugs Bunny was continuously featured in comic books for more than 40 years, from 1941 to 1983, and has appeared sporadically since then. Bugs first appeared in comic books in 1941, in "Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies Comics" #1, published by Dell Comics. Bugs was a recurring star in that book all through its 153-issue run, which lasted until July 1954. Western Publishing (and its Dell imprint) published 245 issues of a Bugs Bunny comic book from Dec. 1952/Jan. 1953 to 1983. The company also published 81 issues of the joint title "Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny" from December 1970 to 1983. During the 1950s Dell also published a number of Bugs Bunny spinoff titles.