Surrealism was introduced into the U.S. through a series of exhibitions in the early to mid 1930's at the height of the Great Depression. For the most part Surrealism existed in the popular consciousness as a sideshow act, a cartoonish form of entertainment. Discuss some of the works shown at these early Surrealist exhibitions and compare them to American cartoons of the time. Do they actually mirror elements of the Surrealist aesthetic? What is it that is potentially surreal about cartoons in the first place? Paintings by Dali can be compared to Walt Disney, etc.
Cartoons like South Park and The Boondocks are known for their provocative humour. However, its hard to imagine the same jokes and subject matter in a live-action format being tolerated in mainstream culture. Consider whether the worlds of cartoons, due to their overt incongruence with real life on the superficial level, make this kind of humour more palatable. Also, discuss the significance of cartoons for public conversation and free speech. Do cartoons and the universes they create allow us to indulge in taboo conversations in a way that is more difficult with more realistic material?
Definitely. I mean having these topics brought up in an 'unreal' world surely makes these things easier to say, and therefore, easier for viewers to stomach? Same kind of logic that applies to depersonalisation through online communication I suppose.
– TomWadsworth8 years ago
It's essentially impossible to deny now that Pearl and Rose's relationship in Steven Universe wasn't romantic in at least some fashion. One of Steven Universe's best qualities is arguably it's queer representation. However, Pearl's relationship with Rose as we understand it is infinitely complex and intersects with their standing first as a Rose and a Pearl, as a leader and as a subordinate, and as near equals. I'm interested in the nature of their relationship (i.e. whether it was healthy or not or the extent of it) and it's lasting implications for Pearl's character. I'm also interested in how it compares to Pearl's relationship with characters like Amethyst and Steven especially. Basically, I think it would be interesting to explore how Pearl's relationship with Rose and it's healthy or unhealthy nature frames her current relationships in the show.
As I understand it, from the very few episodes that I've watched, they were not "near equals" and were in fact the opposite in that Pearls are almost, or are, the lowest gems. This topic is interesting, and I'd really like to see someone explore the deep seated obsession Pearl has with the deceased Rose; it's one of the more dangerous obsessions in television that I've seen. – Steven Gonzales8 years ago
Although only 2 seasons in, Rick and Morty has already established itself as one of the best TV animation shows in this generation. But why is it so popular? The nostalgia it gives as it resembles "Back to the Future"? The colorful animations? The writing style? Analyze why Rick and Morty is becoming more and more popular.
There's really no going wrong with a Rick and Morty topic. The show is teeming with all kinds of topics to be discussed and dismantled. Literally anything from the ending scenes from the Season Two finale to the opening credit scene from Episode 1 can be dismantled and discussed. A heavy focus on the reality and writing of the show could really make for a wonderful article. – MatthewP938 years ago
The writing has a lot to do with it. I can't recall the source, but I remember an article referring to Rick and Morty as one of the smartest shows on television. The sci-fi mixed with suburban drudgery may reflect upon the cult shows such as Family Guy, Futurama, and even the really weird adult swim series such as Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Robot Chicken--which may be one factor contributing to its popularity. Also, creator Justin Roiland has risen to popularity since his Mr. Sprinkles web series, voicing Lemongrab in Adventure Time and other characters on various networks. Nostalgia--yes. The writing style--undoubtedly! And the growing fans are all eagerly awaiting the upcoming season! – DrownSoda8 years ago
It would be super neat to break down the references inside Rick and Morty since there are so many! But on a more analytical note, I agree with DrownSoda that it's worth looking at Rick and Morty in contrast to other adult cartoons. Rick and Morty breaks away from those shows by having a slightly more linear plot line in each season and plays with the tropes that other sci-fi shows use in an arguably more complex and intelligent way. Either way, a Rick and Morty topic would be great in any capacity. – LondonFog8 years ago
Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series recently announced that a third season of Young Justice, an abruptly cancelled animated television show that aired on Cartoon Network from 2010-2013 is currently in production. Fans have continued to show much support since its cancellation, fighting to revive the show, and Register acknowledged the fans "rallying cry for more episodes" in the press release. Recount the events of the first and second seasons of the show and explore why it had such a loyal fan following and garnered critical acclaim. Also, look into how fans reacted to the controversial cancellation and the events that led up to its unexpected return.
I would also add to the research of this topic how former superhero shows like Justice League, and Justice League: Unlimited, along with Teen Titans and its cancellation in late 2006 helped pave the path for Young Justice and its fan base. – Steven Gonzales8 years ago
From a gendered standpoint, there was a lot of controversy from the network following cancellation due to poor toy sales and too many female viewers. Perhaps this is an angle an author would like to take when viewing this topic, particularly how female fans may have contributed to the return of the series. – SarahKnauf8 years ago
Recently Cartoon Network has begun the downward slope towards the employment of playing back to back 11 minute episodes of their shows; along with this, they have also lost a great number of quality shows that started with the discontinuation of Teen Titans in 2006 and Young Justice in 2013. With the loss of shows like Teen Titans, Ben 10, Young Justice, and Star Wars: Clone Wars from Cartoon Network, have we seen the last of well animated television from the network? Exploring this topic would also need to include the success or failures of such shows as Adventure Time, Regular Show, Steven Universe, and so on. It should also include an introspective comparison between the differences of audience, plot, and animation style.
I think with any decade there's hit and misses and its important to not let nostalgia lead to an obvious bias. Growing up in the 90s I had mostly exposure from cartoons from the 80s and the 90s. There were certainly great ones but also stinkers looking back. All the shows you listed as the classic era are all from 2000s, which I think would be the weaker era if any. Shows like Adventure Time and Steven Universe actually felt like a Renaissance to me with how they handle continuity, character development, and mature relationships and themes. – ivanly8 years ago
A great video on this topic:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUwiYrOmAuM – m-cubed8 years ago
Some people are hailing the character Pidge from Voltron: Legendary Defender(2016) as a win for transgender visibility. While the character certainly challenges gender stereotypes, Pidge probably isn't best described as transgender(at least in her current iteration). Not only does she "come out" as a girl half way through the series and start using female pronouns, the show treats her choice to embrace her assigned gender identity as a mature, positive decision: “Owning who you are is going to make you a better Paladin"- Shiro. Is having a cross-dressing character serve as a plot device a necessary baby-step on the road to trans visibility in media(especially children's media)? Or, is adhering to the "Sweet Polly Oliver" trope in this day and age really doing a disservice to trans men and cis women alike?
This is very interesting! As a fan of Voltron, I'd like to read more about this. You seem very interested and knowledgeable about this subject, so I think you would be able to provide a lot of insight for those who want to know more about this - like me! Pidge is an incredible character; and diving deep into her story throughout the episodes is a great way of going about answering your question. Please continue! – gabby9188 years ago
This is totally weird...in a good way. I think you should find more examples from other sci-fi movies, TV shows, etc. – alecflor118 years ago
I think remembering why Pidge became a Galaxy Garrison brings a new perception. – taviromakizuto8 years ago
Within the show itself, I don't think one could necessarily make the argument that Pidge is explicit trans* representation given her gender declaration as you mentioned. However, I do think an interesting point of analysis would be how the fandom has attached to Pidge as potential representation in the respect that she's often written as nonbinary within a significant proportion of fics. I think it could tie into the representation argument regarding fanfiction: when queer youth fail to see representation of their identity on popular television, they craft it themselves. – phaasch8 years ago
In many mainstream American animated films, the main characters are often portrayed with exaggerated beauty standards of the day. Discuss the evolution of beauty standards and how mainstream American animated films have either perpetuated or gone against these standards.
Nice topic. In addition to discussing the evolution, it would be nice to talk about why animators/producers feel it necessary to portray characters in this way. – IsidoreIsou8 years ago
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the holder is the largest group in the office. For instance, if your animation and art teams consist of 80% white men from the southern part of the united States, the Hero/Heroine will probably be blonde and white. If the team consists of all Japanese men, the Hero/Heroine will be overly busty/muscled, light-skinned, with wild hair. I don't believe there has been any evolution in "beauty standards", especially in Hollywood. Just because some anime females are not busty with a skirt, doesn't mean they accepted new ideals of beauty. The movie industry, like all media outlets, are biased in their opinions, so the only way to evolve the industry, is to evolve the people working in it. – MikeySheff8 years ago
Examples? Also, have beauty standards changed or has animation changed? – T. Palomino2 years ago
