The first of the "Cartoon Cartoons" for Cartoon Network it initially debuted on February 26, 1995, as a seven-minute El programa What a Cartoon (1995) pilot.
The Justice Friends are based on superheroes from Marvel Comics and DC Comics comic books, which Genndy Tartakovsky read avidly after moving to the United States. The Infraggable Krunk is a parody of the Incredible Hulk, but reversing the Hulk's purple shirt and green skin color scheme. Major Glory is a parody of Captain America and Superman. Valhallan is a parody of Thor. Valhallen's name references both Valhalla, the land where vikings go when they die, and Van Halen, a legendary classic rock band. White Tiger is a parody of Black Panther. Sam-R-I is a parody of Silver Samurai. The living Bullet is parody of Iron Man, Quicksilver and The Flash. Phan Tone is a parody of Vision. Rat Man is a parody of Batman and has a similar origin to him too. Tiki Torch is a parody of the Human Torch. Miss Spell is parody of Scarlet Witch and wears a red outfit just like her. Capital G is a parody of Luke Cage, Black Goliath, Mister Terrific, and Giant Man. Snowman is a parody of Iceman.
The Dexter family's last name is never revealed.
Dexter's accent originated from Genndy Tartakovsky's California Institute of the Arts roommate, Rob Renzetti, who left voicemails for Tartakovsky in a comedic French accent. Traces of Russian and German accents were added as well.