The cartoon blog of Andertoons cartoonist Mark Anderson. He discusses his cartoons, cartooning, comics and, oddly enough, LEGO.
OK, the whole “priceless” thing for Mastercard has been tired for years, but I did enjoy seeing the spokestoons (is that a word?) all together for dinner.
And it was good to see Underdog again!
Other faves includes the Tabasco bikini ad (I’m a huge Tabasco fan, and hey, who doesn’t like bikinis?), the Emerald nuts spot, and the Fed-Ex Burt Reynolds/bear dancing one.
(Hated the Ford Mustang ad, but kudos for the Fargo vibe.)
Cartoon Network execs have opted to keep the “Toonami” title on a block of cartoons despite the recent tsunami disaster.
According to Broadcasting & Cable, Cartoon Network General Manager Jim Samples calls it “obviously an unfortunate rhyme” but defends the choice saying “it’s a brand we’ve had out there for a long time.”
The channel pulled an upcoming episode of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi that included characters surfing a tsunami and is readying a campaign to inspire viewers to help those in need.
Yesterday morning CBS Sunday Morning ran a nice little feature entitled “Drawn to Success” about The New Yorker and its cartoonists. (Thanks to my father-in-law for calling to remind me it was on!)
It was a nice enough little thing and it was fun to see where my cartoons go to be rejected. They presented a nice selection of cartoons including fellow Chicagoan Pat Byrnes’ “…half a sandwich.”
Mankoff cleans up nice, but I thought the “The New Yorker is to cartoons what God is to religion” comment was perhaps a tad much and prompts this brief rant:
The New Yorker is a great magazine and presents its cartoons and cartoonists extremely well. I’d say they’re certainly the gag cartoonist’s dream gig, and I hope to see one of mine in the “yes” basket someday. But it’s not the only place for great cartoons.
Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, Harvard Business Review, Barron’s, Forbes… All quality publications publishing quality cartoons.
Anyway, it’s nice to see cartoons and cartoonists getting some decent press for once.
Based on the popular children’s book by Vivian Walsh and J. Otto Seibold, this brilliant Groening-ization is one of my favorite Christmas specials, ranking right up there with The Grinch and Peanuts.
Drew Barrymore, Dan Castellaneta, Joe Pantoliano, Jay Mohr, Ed Asner and even R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe voice the witty, wacky and whimsical writing that will keep you laughing for the entire 45 minutes.
Problems arise when Blitzen gets hurt and Santa remarks that they’ll see if they can’t get by with “all of the other reindeer.”
Olive (Barrymore), a sweet pooch who’s not interested in normal doggie stuff, misunderstands and believes that Santa is asking for “Olive, the other reindeer” and answers the call while trying to stay a step ahead of an evil mailman (Castellaneta) who’s threatened to “hand cancel” her.
The 2D/3D animation is really something to see. While the backgrounds are animated in beautiful computer 3D, the characters stay flat and the end result is simply fascinating to watch.
The songs are a joy as well. My Favorite Day, The Postman Song, We’re Not So Bad (the best as far as I’m concerned) and Merry Christmas After All all keep you singing them for at least a day or so afterwards.
Of course there’s plenty of hidden humor throughout that rewards you for paying close attention (keep an eye out for Quadruped Gap) and some just plain odd moments with an angry bunny.
What impresses me most though is how the movie perfectly balances subversive Simpsons style silliness with a sweetness that often catches you off guard. When Olive first attempts flying with the reindeer you really do find yourself hoping beyond hope that this little dog can actually fly.
Please give Olive, the Other Reindeer a look this holiday season. I think you’ll discover, as I did, a new Christmas classic.