Has remained an enduring cornerstone of popular culture and animation for three and a half decades. Despite criticism from some followers regarding a decline in high-quality content over the years, the show remains an integral part of popular culture due to its uncanny ability to mirror life, clever topical humor, and innovative forays into various art forms, including distinct sofa gags (such as Jorge Gutierrez’s and anime-inspired variations) and special episodes like the annual “Treehouse of Horror” segment paying homage to classic horror films.
Innovative exploits have also persisted beyond their television debut, and indeed well beyond their designated conclusion. In 2013,
As YouTube video essayist Tremendous Eyepatch Wolf observes in his thought-provoking video “_______”, the texts at hand exhibit unexpected parallels, defying initial impressions of superficial dissimilarity. Future cultural milestones are typically introduced in the United States. Each week apart in December 1989, Akira’s influence has continued to redefine both anime and American animation, with its impact still evident all these years later. The sentiment expressed by Tremendous Eyepatch Wolf struck a chord with creator Ryan Humphrey and collaborators James Harvey and Kaitlin Sullivan.
What stood out was the collective effort involved in making it happen, with individuals having a personal connection to each topic. As enormous as anime is to many Westerners experiencing Japanese pop culture, it’s only natural that a fusion between these two behemoths would emerge – two colossal forces combining their might. “I wished to emulate the essence of ‘_____’ because they’re my all-time favorite episodes, particularly ‘The _____’, which served as the driving force behind this entire endeavor.”
“Humphrey’s earlier efforts at mashups, such as Bart/Bart, were mere warm-ups for the true creative spark that ignited in his drawings,” Harvey told io9. While it’s mathematically evident that combining two highly discussed elements can result in immense popularity, there’s something about the combination of Kaneda and Bart that exceeded everyone’s predictions.
“They’re seminal works that sank their claws into our psyche at a young age, portraying a woeful reality where children are forced to navigate the devastating consequences of adult failures.”
As a relic from the early days of the two-year-old project, the meme has only recently resurfaced through an out-of-context clip featuring Ned Flanders being peppered with bullets on social media platforms like X/Twitter. We delved into the realm of web history with Sullivan, the visionary behind the innovative animated trailer, and inquired about the fascinating process that brought together America and Japan’s cultural icons.
The interview, having been condensed for concision.
I had caught glimpses of snippets and fragments on Tumblr. Innovative cross-pollinations have been taking place, and I had already wrapped up my own project, inspired by Invoice Plympton’s endeavour, where he brought together individuals to meticulously recreate frame-by-frame a shot from one of his cartoons. As I pondered, “What if I really should dive into something like a graphic novel?” My instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, I leapt at the opportunity. I was once surprisingly lucky.
I endeavored to perform the task with utmost dedication and meticulousness. It’s actually, actually onerous. However I’m actually proud. When I was responsible for capturing moments on film, I would often adjust the camera’s angle to capture a unique vantage point – say, when Otto burst through the entrance, his voice echoing loudly as he shouted directives from the threshold. I recall discussing the artistic approach with a comic book illustrator, who candidly explained, “We don’t typically render characters from that perspective.” Despite this, they were impressed by my completed work.
I positively knew first. Growing up with this habit required me to sneakily adapt as I rose in age. While it may not have been perilous in the classical sense, it still posed some level of risk; I would recommend studying a textbook instead. For many, they’ve served as an entry point to classic films, with which I concur, especially considering the era’s unique set of challenges.
Although I’ve always been familiar with Japanese pop culture, my true passion has lain in exploring the fantastical worlds presented within the Toonami block, which featured a medley of titles including Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and Cardcaptor Sakura, all crafted by the renowned studio Clamp. Without access to a VHS player, I’d recall that the only options were watching three standalone episodes of or the occasional bootlegged copy. However, as a type of anime that’s often overlooked, there exists this series called “However”, which is often described as a series that says “Okay, I’ll find time for it”.
I remember watching that film in high school; it was truly awesome back then. Although I have personal preferences for certain films, it’s essential to acknowledge that many iconic movies paved the way for the cinematic experiences we enjoy today? Fakes are a constant presence in our daily lives. Revisiting and overcoming initial challenges is indeed a testament to one’s perseverance.
When “Moon Animate Make-Up!” was finally finished, I recall the occasion with clarity. A few months later, I found myself still seeking a way to recharge my batteries, but it wasn’t happening yet? Despite being unprepared, I thought doing a trailer for the next episode could still be an enjoyable experience.
I contacted my colleagues and asked, “Have you seen the comic strips I created for Issue One?” Are you considering an opportunity to collaborate on an animated trailer project? Would you like to explore the possibility of taking it on? The team has been particularly sweet and encouraging, which suggests a positive working relationship. As I was negotiating with the title credits playing cards, resembling those of a certain government producer, mimicking the tone of a trailer, I felt compelled to dispute their stance on including my name, despite their reluctance to acknowledge my contribution. You’re in this with me now. They’ve been consistently outstanding since day one.
Despite being 100% remote, I remain a strong proponent of this approach. Prior to the pandemic. James and Ryan are largely rooted in the UK, with their primary bases of operation situated within this region. Previously based in Seattle, I operated the business from the comfort of my condo, a setup that suited me well. During my tenure as a storyboard color artist at Blue Sky Studios, one notable aspect I noticed was the emphasis on in-house production due to safety concerns, which is a hallmark of a comprehensive manufacturing process.
I found that any animation project could potentially be finished from a remote location. Given the evolution of technology and collaboration tools, we no longer need to be physically located together like traditional studios in Los Angeles, as remote work enables us to continue creating and innovating through digital means. However we may. Significant amounts of data can be transmitted electronically, eliminating the need for physical transportation between buildings. I’m thrilled with the progress we’ve made on this project! The fact that we were able to complete everything remotely really streamlined the process and allowed me to stay focused on delivering top-notch results. That’s how we will handle issues.
That is so poetic. One of the most challenging aspects of this project was animating my own shot with precision and nuance. As a teenager, I attended the prestigious College of Visual Arts for a year alongside renowned animator Rebecca Sugar, before developing a painful case of tendinitis that initially affected my thumb but eventually spread to my shoulder. Many of our peers earned their degrees in that manner. Although I’d experienced tendinitis, I found that drawing brought me joy – a discovery that was both empowering and humbling, as I confronted the limits of my skills. It’s essential to be genuine when discussing matters of honesty and authenticity.
One of the most challenging aspects where I struggled was my ambivalent relationship with After Results. Generally it’s nice. On various occasions, I had been pleading with her to take up employment. I longed for a retro VHS aesthetic in my movie trailer but was stumped as to where to find it. When the UK-based collective, Actual Good Liars, extended an olive branch, we explored potential collaborations to address a pressing concern: the far-reaching influence of VHS tapes. A significant factor in ‘s success was that social media simply worked out well for them. As soon as creative work is shared publicly, the notion of having something unique or exclusive quickly dissipates.
had 31 animators.
It appears to have been around nine months. I was incredibly lucky; things worked out wonderfully for me. I was once adept at sustaining the energy and motivating others to participate, occasionally nudging a few close friends, such as: “Hey, would you be willing to take another shot?” “We’re eager to boost the impact of our initiative.” Formerly, each submission featured YouTube annotations displaying the artist’s name and a direct link to their online portfolio, enabling recruiters to swiftly review their work and explore potential hires if interested.
I’m thrilled to see such widespread positivity surrounding this development. Minimal conflict, few unwelcome recommendations. I’m nonetheless utterly surprised. People are uniformly enthusiastic about it. I’m genuinely thankful to them for that, as it has resulted in a truly turbulent period online. When it first debuted, I am confident that an article about this project appeared in Le Monde. Were they discussing you in hushed tones on the other side of the language barrier? The curiosity is palpable: Why do they know me? It was a truly captivating experience. I’m thrilled to witness such widespread positivity in people’s reactions.
I’m no longer active on Twitter due to its inherent flaws causing everything to fall apart. While reading about an animated project online, I stumbled upon a tweet that caught my attention and triggered a nostalgic response from my past self, which prompted me to quickly jump into the conversation by saying hello; simultaneously, I wanted to ensure the animator received proper recognition for their work. Knowing that every single piece of work we produce is genuinely appreciated and cherished means the world to us.
Doesn’t owe me anything. It’s truly remarkable that they’re still persevering. I’m pleased with the guest animators at The Simpsons’ studio, as their innovative ideas bring fresh energy to the iconic sofa gags. It’s been reported that Invoice Plympton completed an animated feature recently, while Jorge Gutierrez finished a project of his own not long before that. He’s genuinely a close friend of mine. As I recall, his extraordinary kindness left me feeling elated, like I was dancing on air. His unique sense of style is truly captivating, making me thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight his contributions and showcase his remarkable work.
For years, Matt Groening has harbored the desire to collaborate on a project that blends his creative vision with my passion for classical music. As a result, being involved in his reimagining of traditional compositions is the ultimate endeavor I long to pursue. Since David Silverman directed the entire chili pepper journey episode, I believe him to be an excellent choice for this project due to his expertise in handling similar content. May I request just one factor? Although the truth that they haven’t pulled anything from YouTube is all I wish to learn.
I started creating animated projects following a challenging final year at art school. As my tendonitis flared up, it became increasingly challenging to finish a drawing. I wasn’t proud of the final movie I was working on. I’d faced numerous health concerns, personal struggles, and yet managed to graduate with a fragile sense of accomplishment, feeling as though I’d barely scraped through, uncertain if I had actually showcased my true potential. Among the many reasons I started creating these was to reclaim my personal life.
Discovering the high level of stress among students at art college is a reality few are prepared for, where the pressure to produce exceptional work and stand out in a competitive environment can be overwhelming. To succeed as an animator, one must take on the role of both form and illustrator. It’s essential to prioritize activities that bring joy and happiness to your life. We’re all here to have a good time and make something enjoyable. When frustration creeps in over your creative pursuits, identify the elements that bring you joy and redirect your focus towards those things. They won’t take away your paper and pencils.
Need extra io9 information?
Discovering the latest updates on upcoming and releases, understanding what’s next for , and learning everything you need to know about the future of this rapidly evolving field.
