Even as The CW is proceeding in
its production of “Powerpuff,” a live-action distant sequel to Cartoon Network animated
series “The Powerpuff Girls,” CN itself, or rather the animation studio that primarily
produces the network’s original shows, is taking a dip in the well that the
aforementioned series originated from. Conceptualized by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons
then-president Fred Seibert, the “What a Cartoon!” anthology on Cartoon Network
showcased animated shorts from which several characters were given standalone
series by CN, including Craig McCracken’s “The Powerpuff Girls.” Now, Cartoon
Network is reviving the concept again using one of its later names: “Cartoon
Cartoons.”
As Comic Book Resources puts it, Cartoon Network Studios (CNS) has
revived their short animation anthology from the 1990s, now called “Cartoon
Cartoons” and described as “A Cartoon Network Studios Shorts Program.” This was
announced by CNS and Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register, who
remarked on how their studio has a legacy of animated shorts (Warner Bros. and
Hanna-Harbera). "We are building on that legacy today with a program that
will champion new and diverse voices, energize creativity and provide resources
for artists to share their stories with the world,” says Register, hinting at
the future direction the new Cartoon Cartoons anthology will chart.
Many viewers who grew up with
Cartoon Network will remember how “What a Cartoon!” and “Cartoon Cartoons” introduced
some of the most memorable mascot characters for the network (and others). The
Powerpuffs were accompanied by “Dexter’s Laboratory,” “Cow and Chicken,” “Johnny
Bravo” and more. Their respective creators like Genndy Tartakovsky and Rebecca
Sugar would also rise to prominence in the animation industry afterwards, like
Seth McFarlane who retooled his “Larry & Steve” short into “Family Guy” for
Fox. The new Cartoon Cartoons anthology however will be doing some things differently.
Where the original batch were all
in classic animated short format (no longer than 15 minutes runtime), the new
upcoming Cartoon Cartoons will have varying lengths and subject matter. The
originals were primarily kid-friendly (with occasional parental bonuses), but
the new ones will have varying subject matters and presentation, from episodic
to plot-driven. And in addition to CN itself, the shorts could also find their
way to streaming on HBO Max. One constant however is that Cartoon Cartoons is
open to all aspiring animation talents, regardless of experience or whether
they are part of CNS or not. They will also be mentored by the studio’s
Creative Council for their productions.
There is no word yet on when the
new Cartoon Cartoons program will begin releasing its animated shorts. It is
known however that diversity will be one of the driving points for the
anthology and its production. Time will tell just how that will translate.
Image: Animation Magazine
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