There's a new ThunderCats coming in 2011!

Not one to be left out of the 80's revival bandwagon (though they did already release Transfomers: Animated), Cartoon Network has announced that they are working on a brand-new ThunderCats animated series!

The new series will be a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Animation and Studio 4°C, both of which previously worked together on shorts as part of The Animatrix, Batman: Gotham Knight, and the recently released Halo: Legends. However, despite the previous collaborative efforts, this will be Warner Bros. Animation's first full "anime" series. And I put anime in quotes because going by what I've seen of Studio 4°C's animation, it drifts away from typical anime style and really is just uniquely stylized animation, that just so happens to come from Japan.

Plus, according to the press release, the studios aim to stay true to the original series, which I loved as a kid, so hopefully the new show won't drift too far away from the source material... unlike Transformers: Animated, even though I did somewhat like that show. Hopefully we'll see more of this before 2011 comes around!

Read the full press release at ToonZone

After Thoughts: An Evening with John R. Dilworth

Here's a surprise, I went to an event without informing you nice readers before hand ... whoops! As with last year, ASIFA-East (Association Internationale du Film d'Animation's New York division) holds a few events, usually Q&A sessions (see NY Independent Animation and Superjail!), nearby and with the proper qualification (cough, tuition) I can attend such events.

But unlike the previous ASIFA-East run events, this wasn't a Q&A with John R. Dilworth, known by most people as the creator of Cartoon Network's once hit series, Courage the Cowardly Dog. Instead Mr. Dilworth, or Dilly as he likes to be called, presented those in attendance with a bunch of clips of his work (both new and old), and had a few guest speakers say some words regarding him and his various projects.

Guest speakers included Howard Beckerman (animator, now professor at the School of Visual Arts), Michael Sporn, Fred Seibert, Marty Grabstein (voice of Courage), and two of Dilworth's long-time sound designers. Bill Plympton was in the crowd, but apparently had nothing to say. Otherwise, all was interesting, especially Dilworth himself, who's much stranger in person than you could guess from watching his animation.

As for films shown, we got to see a clip of Dilly's thesis film from SVA, The Dirdy Birdy, The Mousochist, Noodles and Nedd, Life In Transition, and his new film Rinky Dink, which he made while in Spain (yes, if you're wondering where John Dilworth has been all this time, it was Spain). Unlike his previous work, Rinky Dink was animation in both stop-motion with clay/puppets, and Flash, so it offered a different, but still familiar style for his film repertoire. Also shown was a film Dilworth made under a pseudonym, Pierre Delarue, titled The Return of Sergeant Pecker, warning, NSFW. But, for those that didn't come, you can watch tiny versions of most of John's films (no Rinky Dink or Sergeant Pecker) at his site , StretchFilms.com

To end the night, John played the Oscar nominated, original Courage the Cowardly Dog short, The Chicken from Outer Space. After which, Marty Grabstein and a person in a giant Courage fur-suit came out, and Mr. Grabstein spoke about creating Courage's unique voice. So, lucky for you I got a some photographs and a video of Courage's classic scream, LIVE!


Overall, a very fun and enjoyable evening, but I really want to start playing Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks!!!

Cartoon Network: 1992 - 2009

I'm pretty sure that my stance on Cartoon Network airing live-action programming has been made clear here on numerous occasions. Animation blog Cartoon Brew shares a similar distaste for the network's current direction, and posted a video that really makes me lose all respect for my once favorite television channel.


Seriously, now they're just digging their own grave with this crap. Was it really necessary to produce a music video that basically say cartoons are garbage? And coming from CARTOON Network of all places this just makes me really upset. You're dead to me now Cartoon Network, thank goodness you haven't destroyed Boomerang yet, because it seems that's all I have left of the network I grew up with.

The Office comes to Adult Swim

I'm not sure where on Earth I was yesterday when this was announced, but I may as well say it late than never! Cartoon Network's late night block, and VFH favorite, Adult Swim, has acquired the US broadcast rights to the BBC's hit show, The Office, starring Rick Gervais.

Yes, that's the same Office that was the basis for the hit show currently running on NBC. Which, in a sense, makes this a huge acquisition for the block. Sure, it may just be 12 episodes and a Christmas special, but because of that NBC remake, the UK version has gained somewhat of a cult following, and finally having a way to see it on US television may bring in some big numbers for the network.

And you can stop whining about more live action on Cartoon Network right now. First off, Adult Swim is considered a separate network, and there's no "cartoon" in its title, so it's fair game in my opinion. Second, at least the live action programming on Adult Swim is good. How can you deny the airing of such shows as Look Around You, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace, and The Mighty Boosh? (Not to mention Tim & Eric, if you can learn to accept its humor)

The Office will air on Adult Swim this Summer!

via IGN

Final Five Foster's Episodes This Sunday

Hey, Cartoon Network, thanks for the early notice... just saw an advertisement that the final five episodes of Craig McCraken's Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends will beat airing all at once in a marathon this Sunday at 1 PM EST on Cartoon Network.

Pretty sad to see this show ending, especially considering it hasn't been part of Cartoon Network's schedule for some time now. And not to be grim, but I can't see the show airing on CN in the future, what with a whole mess of shows coming, including the dreaded CN Real series, which are essentially further dumbed down reality shows with kids instead of sad adults.

Not to mention, when Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack ended, Cartoon Network aired its final four episodes in a mini marathon, and then the episodes were never seen again until a DVD release about four years later. Certainly not the fate I wish upon Foster's, but with the McCracken run Cartoonstitute, and Genndy Tartakovsky's upcoming Symbiotic Titan, it shows the network at least knows to hold on to the right people. Then again, they do air Total Drama Island and 6Teen ... and I won't even begin to write out my hate for the studio that produces those piles of... I think you know where this is going.

Cartoon Network Upfront 2009

As with every year, today's Upfront conference brought a whole lot of news for Cartoon Network's future programming. And while, sadly, a lot of this new programming involves live action, and more garbage from the people behind Total Drama Island, there was one surprise that has got me super excited...

Genndy Tartakovsky is back!

"Sym-Bionic Titan: From creator Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack) comes an exciting hybrid of high school drama and giant robot battles. Sym-Bionic Titan follows the adventures of three beings from the planet Galaluna who crash-land on Earth while attempting to escape their war-torn world. "
Full Press Release at Turner Newsroom

This is Genndy's first work for Cartoon Network since 2003's Star Wars: Clone Wars; he then went on to form The Orphanage's Animations Studios, which showed some neat stuff in the works if you have the fourth volume of Samurai Jack on DVD ... but it seems nothings come out from that studio yet.

Seriously, amongst all the other garbage, this just completely restored my faith in the network. Welcome back Genndy, I can't wait!

Powerpuff Girls DVD Box Set

Hey there, guess what I got today? Oh ... the title gave it away didn't it. While I take some time to watch most of the episodes, and dive deep into the 30 hours of content, I figured I'd add some pack shots to our Flickr for you to enjoy.


Wasn't too keen when I found out the 6 discs were in individual cases, as I lack the shelf space for something so bulky that could've easily been changed otherwise. But it's the only way I'm getting all the episodes so I'll deal with it. Anyways, from the extras I've watched, it made the set worthy enough of a buy, but there's still alot more for me to go through before I can review it all. Stay tuned!

The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!! review

Didn't think I was going to actually do this, but I figured I would for such a special occasion. After a three year absence from Cartoon Network, the channel decided to bring everyone's favorite super-powered little girls back for their 10th Anniversary. To celebrate, Cartoon Network aired a marathon of The Powerpuff Girls, which then led into a top ten of episodes hand-picked by series creator Craig McCracken. But it didn't end there; the anniversary culminated with this brand new Powerpuff episode titled, "The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!". This is the first new material of the original Powerpuff Girls in over three years!

Those with an eye for the medium will most likely notice that this episode looks unlike any previous PPG episode. The reason being is that it was entirely made in Flash, by the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends team. Yes, entirely, even the opening has been remade in Flash. Personally, I've found that studios use Flash as a means for cheap animation and lazy effects; however for the most part, I found this episode to look and feel like any other PPG, though some cheap movements were noticed.

As for story, what can you expect from a cartoon aimed at young viewers. Basically, the Key to the World has arrived in Townsville, but has been misplace by the clumsy Mayor, and now every villain the girls have ever faced are aiming to get their hands on it. A simple premise, but it certainly works for the series.

But, the special really shines at what the series does best, and that's references. There's a plethora of things for us more mature viewers to find that kids may not notice or get. For instance, Mojo Jojo's entrance is a spoof of the "Dramatic Chipmunk", there's a cameo of Foster's Frankie, a split second glimpse of Ms. Bellum's face (finally!), and a musical number with Mojo spoofing Tears For Fears' 1985 hit, "Everybody Wants To Rule the World", plus a few others. Put it this way, fans of McCracken's work and comedic style will surely be pleased, I know I was.

Overall, it's a decent way to carry out the series, and the thought of a new episode was a much appreciated gesture in itself. It's not the greatest episode ever, and the Flash design may not sit as well as the old traditional style, but the episode does a good job of staying true to the series, and for that it's good. And, with McCracken's Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends also coming to an end soon, I'd be curious to see what they do for it's anniversary.

Overall score: 8.6/10

The Power Flash Girls

Remember the other day when I posted about the Powerpuff Girls' 10th Anniversary? The one with the brand new episode? The one I was curious about as to whether it would be made like the old episodes or be Flash animated like Craig McCracken's current series, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends? Well I got my answer in this video from Cartoon Network:

Powerpuff Girls' 10th Anniversary Preview

Straight from McCracken's mouth he says that the new episode, "The Powerpuff Girls Rule!!!", is being animated by the Foster's Flash animation unit; thus ending my speculation. Can't say I'm overly pleased by this, despite McCracken's claim that, "It's gonna look really cool."

It's not that Flash animation is bad, but a lot of studios tend to use it as a cheap way of production instead of treating the program as digital paper. I'll have to be the judge come Monday night though, maybe you'll watch it too?

Powerpuff Girls' 10th Anniversary

Can you believe that? It's going to be 10 years since the Powerpuff Girls first premiered ... and about 5 years since Cartoon Network stopped airing the show just so that they could make a big deal about it later on. But enough of me ranting, onto the news!

In order to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show, Cartoon Network will be doing three things:

First off is an all day marathon of series' creator, Craig McCracken’s favorite episodes. This will take place on January 19th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, because nothing says "equal rights" like three super-powered little girls.

This marathon will then lead into the first new Powerpuff Girls episode since 2004 titled, "THE POWERPUFF GIRLS RULE!!!" Which is actually kind of exciting in my opinion, as I'm curious if it will get the Flash quality of McCracken's current series, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, or if it will retain the traditional animation style the show was created in.

And on the day after, Tuesday the 20th, Cartoon Network will release The Complete Powerpuff Girls Anniversary Collector’s Set, a 6 DVD set that includes all 78 episodes of the show, as well as the made for TV movie, T'was the Fight Before Christmas. It is not stated if it will include the new episode, but it will not include The Powerpuff Girls Movie. The set will retail at an MSRP of $59.97

via Turner Newsroom

The set seems like a great deal right? But what about us suckers that bought The Powepuff Girls - Complete First Season DVD boxset?! Yeah, thanks a lot Cartoon Network, thanks for not releasing the rest of the seasons so that I can feel like I wasted 20 dollars.

Foster's Rick Rolls New York City

What a way to go out. With the series' first of its last few episodes airing tonight as a made for TV movie, Destination Imagination, it seems the Foster's crew wanted to go out with a bang. Here's a video of their parade float.

Yeah, they got Rick Astley himself to Rick Roll the entire Macy's Thankgiving Day Parade! How epic is that?! It's sad to see Foster's go, but at least they had their moment, I just hope I can catch the movie tonight.

*If you're perplexed, let me explain. Earlier this year, during Comic-Con 08, we reported that Foster's would be ending with five final episodes. The five being, "Destination Imagination" which consists of three episodes, and then a two part series finale. I just didn't think it would happen so soon.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold preview

Cartoon Network is finally starting to get the public aware of Batman: The Brave and the Bold, a new Batman animation series that pairs the Caped Crusader with other heroes from DC Comics' collection. You may have remembered us posting the debut trailer from Comic-Con. Well now things are getting into full gear for the series premiere on November 14th.

From now until December 8th you can watch a short clip from an episode, "Rise of the Blue Beetle", on Cartoon Network Video. You'll definitely notice a sense of campiness but we'll have to see how it feels in full context.

Also, CN has launched a page for the series the includes character profiles, a game, and some downloads; all of which can be found at CartoonNetwork.com

Quick edit, this one download in particular raised my eyebrows a bit in that it hints at who we'll presumably see appearing in the show.

Nice to see that DC B-Lists like Dr. Fate and Metamorpho will be getting some screen time, no? Not to mention a push for un-mainstream characters like Red Tornado and Jaime Reyes' Blue Beetle; keep it coming DC!

Banned Dexter's Lab short online

This short from Dexter's Laboratory's sub-series, Dial M for Monkey, titled 'Barbequor' is allegedly banned in most places around the world because of its portrayal of gay stereotypes, it also incorperates allusions to alcohol abuse. Other than that it's a pretty amusing tribute to Marvel Comics' characters. The funny thing is though, despite being banned in most nations, including the US ... it's available on Cartoon Network Video, right now.

Cartoon Network Video - Barbequor

Sadly, I cannot embed CN Video, so you'lll have to make due with the above link. I happen to like the short, it's amusing to see a clever spoof of Marvel's Galactus, Devourer of Worlds; not to mention the Justice Friends, which are also Marvel spoofs. This short also marks the only time you see the Justice Friend, Snow Man.

Batman: Gotham Knight on CN

The direct-to-DVD anime collection, Batman: Gotham Knight, will be premiering on Cartoon Network tomorrow night at 9:00 PM EST. This should be good news for any of you unwilling to actually purchase the collected six shorts. No idea how edited this televised version will be, but there was some grotesque violence in a couple shorts, so I'm sure something has to be edited.

If you need some catching up on Gotham Knight, you can check out my review at VFH Classic.

Toonami ends tonight

As reported by gaijinside, and via Toon Zone; Toonami will have it's last airing on Cartoon Network tonight. After 11 years of being a network staple, airing at one point, daily, and then starting in 2004 it became a Saturday night event. After tonight, however, it will be gone, exact reasons are unknown at this point. My guess is the programming, ever since, I'm guessing 2005 when Dual Masters started I personally lost interest in the block. And then Naurto came along, and that really boosted the Saturday ratings, but I never really got attached to it.

I'm going to have to say that the biggest blow to the block was it's most recent make over, in which Toonami's host, TOM, looked more like a Thomas the Tank Engine, robot hybrid. I think when that happened, the main demographic for the block was lost entirely, gone was Gundam, Rurouni Kenshin, even Dragonball. Instead viewers were given Naruto, Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Bakugan, Pokemon, and Yu-Gi-Oh. Despite the programming block leaving, it seems the online version, Toonami Jetstream will still be available.

In addition to this, I think I should point out Cartoon Network's recent direction. For one, there's been an utter lack of original content, with shows like My Gym Partner's A Monkey, Camp Lazlo, Class of 3000, Squirrel Boy, and as of next year, Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends, all ending or being canceled too early in their time and without notice to the viewers. As I've stated before, now all the network shows is outsourced Flash animation from Canada's Teletoon. The only original shows now are Chowder, Flapjack, Ben 10: Alien Force, and Transformers Animated, all of which have finished their seasons, with no premieres set for a few months.

New shows will becoming for a newly action-oriented Friday block, which hopefully cancels the dreadful Fried Dynamite. This new block will consist of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a continuation of the unnecessary theatrical release, and The Secret Saturdays, a family based action show that follows a similar style to Johnny Quest. Also set for the block is the latest Batman series, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, which you can see the trailer for at VFHvideo. And lastly, new episodes of Ben 10: Alien Force will also be part of this new found block.

I really hope Cartoon Network knows what they're doing, because I've had so much faith in the channel since I was little, in fact, without it, I probably wouldn't be a cartoonist pursuing a career in animation.

Anyways, enough ranting, make sure you watch Toonami tonight, because it will be the last chance you ever get! It's from 9 to 11 p.m. EST. Which is actually a surprise to me because back when the Saturday Toonami first launched, it was from 7 to 11, and there was variety. Now it's an hour of Naruto, yuck, a re-run of Ben 10 ... again. The only special aspect is that they air one episode of Samurai Jack; tonight's episode is "XXVI - Jack's Sandals", so at least Toonami leaves on a good note.

UPDATE: Right after Samurai Jack ended there was a somewhat, heartfelt message from TOM say that it was the final broadcast and thanked the fans. From there, they other bots shut down the system and TOM flew off ... Goodbye to you too old friend...

SDCC - Batman: The Brave and the Bold

First footage of the Cartoon Network Studios' Batman cartoon, Batman: Brave and the Bold. The series takes a slightly campier Batman than seen in recent media, and has him fighting along side heroes like Blue Beetle, Green Arrow, and Plastic Man. The shows looks a bit better than I expected it to be, but this is just a trailer; we'll have to wait till the November 14th premiere to make a real judgment.


Check out the high-res version at VFHvideo.

SDCC - Goodbye Foster's

Some pretty bumming news from the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends panel at the San Diego Comic-Con. ToonZone reports that the series will be ending next year, in it's sixth and final season. There will be a 3 part movie called "Destination Imagination" and 5 final episodes ending it "Goodbye to Bloo".

I'll say I'm pretty sad to see the show ending so soon, but even my favorite, Camp Lazlo ended just a couple months ago; and both premiered around the same time. But I think Cartoon Network themselves is to blame, lately they've been showing almost no original programming. Instead they've been outsourcing from Canada's Teletoon to give us awful shows like Johny Test, Skunk Fu!, George of the Jungle, and Total Drama Island; all of which clog the schedule, leaving no room for original programming. In fact the only original shows airing currently are Chowder, The Misadventure's of Flapjack, Ben 10: Alien Force, and Transformers Animated, all of which only have a handful of episodes to constantly re-air.

via ToonZone