Betty Boop first appeared in a supporting role as the girl friend of an animated dog called Bimbo. For this first appearance, Betty was originally depicted as a dog, but was made over as a human being with earrings taking the place of her floppy ears. She went on to star in a popular series of animated cartoons, while poor Bimbo couldn't get arrested in Toontown. The comic strip came later in Betty's career. Here is a sample from 1934.