After MGM closed its cartoon studio, animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera founded their own animation studio on July 7, 1957. The first logo showed the initials of the company HB enclosed in two squares. It was only used in The Ruff and Reddy Show.
1958–1960
The logo was refreshed in 1958, modifying the design of the initials and changing the colors of the squares from Maroon/Blue to Purple/Orange. You can also notice that a small shadow was added in between the boxes.
1960–1961
BETTER LOGO NEEDED
In 1959, Hanna-Barbera opted for just using the full the name of the company on-screen.
1961
BETTER LOGO NEEDED
1961–1966
1966–1967
1967–1973
1973–1977
1977
1977–1979
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
Bauhus Heavy
Launched:
Unknown
1979–1988
Designer:
Art Scott
Typography:
None
Launched:
Unknown
This logo known as "Swirling Star" was designed by Art Scott and it was introduced in 1979. An updated CG version debuted in 1986 and it was used until 2001, last appearing in The Powerpuff Girls until its 4th season (despite having already been absorbed into Cartoon Network Studios at the time).
1988–2001
Designer:
Unknown
Typography:
N/A
Launched:
Unknown
This was their well-known wordmark. During this logo’s period Hanna-Barbera was purchased by Turner Broadcasting System in 1991. (Turner was later acquired by Time Warner in 1996.) This logo is used from 1988 until 2001.
2001–present
After Time Warner was being purchased by America Online following the death of William Hanna in 2001, Hanna-Barbera was absorbed into Cartoon Network Studios and Warner Bros. Animation. A new script logo, based on the 1961 logo (see above), is currently being used to promote H-B shows and characters and it would also be used on merchandise.
