RJ Writing Ink

Speculation on how the Avatar Having a Twin could Affect Seven Havens

With the announcement that Avatar would be getting another animated series, the fandom is freaking out. The beloved franchise from Nickelodeon has just reached its 20th anniversary, and it’s clear Nick and Paramount aim to make the most of it. Once people read the actual synopsis, though, they were left divided. According to the premise, the world has been rocked by a great cataclysm. Civilization seems to only survive in a handful of locations. And worst of all, the Avatar is now considered a destroyer rather than savior of humanity. However, there was another key detail mentioned that needs to be addressed: this time around, the Avatar is going to have a sibling. Not just any sibling, but their long-lost twin sister!

You can already tell how awkward this could end up being. However, you can also tell just how interesting this could make things.

An Avatar with a Sibling?

It should be noted that this is not the first time in history that an Avatar has been born with a sibling. As revealed in the book The Reckoning of Roku, Avatar Roku had a twin brother named Yasu. However, Yasu would tragically drown at the age of twelve, four years before Roku would learn he was the Avatar. While his death would deeply affect Roku and their friend, Sozin, it also means we’ll never know how he would have reacted to his twin brother being the Avatar.

For all intents and purposes, Seven Havens will be the first time we’ll see an Avatar know they’re the Avatar and have a sibling who also knows it. And that could lead to a very complex relationship between the two.

Consider how it would feel to know that your brother or sister is the next Avatar. On the one hand, you would likely feel proud to have them as a sibling. In most eras, the Avatar is the most respected figure in the world, trusted of humans and many of the spirits. They’re often one of, if not the most, powerful people alive. At the same time, though, one cannot help but think that having the Avatar as your sibling could be a problem. They would likely overshadow everything you do, forcing you to live in their shadow, and watch as everyone would consider you an afterthought. Anyone who has a super-successful sibling can understand how frustrating that can feel.

Seven Havens Looks to be a Post-Apocalyptic World

All of that is during a good time. As previously stated, Seven Havens takes place in a time when people hate the Avatar. Now imagine meeting a twin sister that you likely had no idea existed. That sister could have lived a life and experiences that are different from what you know. Now add in the possibility that you’re not a bender, much like how Sokka wasn’t while Katara was. Bending isn’t always genetic, after all. And, for the cherry on top, you learn this long-lost sibling is the reincarnation of the being people now hate.

When you consider all these factors, your relationship is going to be complex from the get go. These two siblings are likely going to have to put in a lot of work if they want to get on the same page.

How Will the New Avatar’s Sibling React to, well…you know?

While Seven Havens will mark the first time an Avatar will have a sibling who plays an active role in their lives, thankfully, it won’t be the first time Avatar has shown us complicated sibling dynamics. Arguably, the best example of how things can get comes from the relationship between Aang and Katara’s kids. While Aang obviously loved all of them dearly, it was inevitable that he would spend more time with Tenzin. He was the only other Airbender in the world, so Aang had to pass down everything about the Air Nomads to him. Bumi, in particular, seemed to take not being a bender at all pretty hard, making him feel like he had to prove he wasn’t a disappointment to his Dad. Thankfully, they worked things out in the end.

It’s hard being part of a family. It can get even harder when your sibling is misunderstood as a threat to others. Which is why I think giving the next Avatar a twin sister will make for an interesting story. Will these two long-lost siblings be able to find common ground. Will they be able to work together to help the world? Or will they wind up being at odds for one reason or another? The potential for this new series is both exciting and concerning, which is why I’m looking forward to seeing Seven Havens. Here’s hoping we learn more about it in the coming months!

A Fan’s Look back on Avatar: the Last Airbender on its 20th Anniversary

It was November, 2004, and ten-year-old me was going to the movies with my family. We were going to see The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie together, and I was beyond excited. SpongeBob was my all-time favorite cartoon and my hero, and I was getting to see his movie! We got our snacks, sat, and waited for the previews to finish so the film could start. That was when a preview for a show that wasn’t out yet flashed across our screens. It’s name was Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I didn’t think too much of it at the time. After all, I was too excited to see SpongeBob on the big screen. Little did I realize it, but that one preview of Avatar would be my introduction to what would be the best cartoon of my childhood.

Slowly Gaining an Interest in Avatar

Over the next three months, Nickelodeon would slowly ramp up its promotion for this new show called Avatar. Their entire channel became inundated with commercials explaining what Avatar would be about. How it took place in this fantastical world filled with strange animals and people who could wield the elements. That there was an entire nation bent on conquering everyone. And that the only person who could hope to stop them was a kid who spent the last hundred years frozen in ice.

Emphasis on the kid part, as several ads repeatedly mentioned his age.

One of the Best Nights of My Life

I don’t know when it started to pique my interest, but sometime during those three months, I had gone from shrugging my shoulders at this funny-looking show (how was I supposed to know it was based on anime? I didn’t even know what that was yet) to wanting to see what it was like. So, fast forward to Monday, February 21st, 2005, the premiere day. I just got out of school for the day (probably did my homework), turned on the TV, and went to Nickelodeon to watch their programming block U-Pick Live. My sister eventually joined me, and together, we waited as U-Pick Live counted down to the premiere of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I remain thankful that my curiosity compelled me to watch the premiere, because it became one of the best nights of my life.

An Incredible Three Years Ahead

Saying that the first two episodes of Avatar blew me away would be an understatement. I was utterly floored by what I saw! There was the whole premise of this fantasy world ravaged by a century of war. The way it balanced the profound moments with a goofy sense of humor. And above all, there were the characters, most of whom were only a few years older than me. The fact that Aang was only two years older than me, had this enormous responsibility he never asked for, but was also this goofy kid who just wanted to have fun really resonated with me. He was like the cool friend I always wanted, and I quickly became attached to him! Though, honestly, I grew attached to all of the characters.

I spent the next three years devotedly watching Avatar and saw almost every episode. In my wildest dreams, I never imagined a cartoon on Nickelodeon could tell such a compelling story. The best part is that as I grew older, I began to understand the complex themes behind the story. While it wasn’t unheard of for kids’ shows to focus on important themes and morals to impart them to viewers, Avatar was different. It was willing to dive into topics its peers rarely ever did. From the cost of war to the effects of discrimination and abusive parenting, this kid’s cartoon was pretty mature! And like a fine wine, it’s only seemed to get better with age!

Avatar is as Good as I Remember

To this day, the night the series finale came out is among the best nights of my life. That’s how significant an impact this show had on me! And while the creators could have decided to call it a day after that, they didn’t. Instead of being a one-hit wonder, Avatar would spawn a franchise consisting of novels, comics, a sequel series, and another sequel series coming in the near future! And thanks to the pandemic keeping everyone stuck at home for a year, Avatar experienced a renaissance in popularity at the start of the decade.

And now, it’s more than twenty years old. Man, how time flies! But no matter how old it may get, Avatar was, is, and always will be one of the greatest shows ever created. And I cannot imagine what my life would have been like without it during those pivotal years of my childhood.

A Fan’s Retrospective on The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 20 Years Later

New Year’s Eve, 2003. Nine-year-old me is celebrating by watching Nickelodeon count down the final hours of 2003 with their best moments throughout the year. Then, the host, Pick Boy, segues into a teaser showing off what’s to come for Nickelodeon in 2004. While I don’t remember the rest of what was included, one image shown brighter in my eyes than the sun itself:

The following day, I woke up, went on Nick.com, and found the teaser trailer for The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie. I then proceeded to watch it hundreds of times.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Meant Everything to Me

To say that I was a fan of SpongeBob as a kid was an understatement. Until Avatar: the Last Airbender showed up a year later, SpongeBob was my favorite cartoon of all time. Even long after I’ve stopped watching the newer episodes, SpongeBob holds a special place in my heart. That little sponge was the coolest, funniest, and friendliest guy kid-me knew, and I wanted to be just like him. Throughout 2004, I would follow news about the film with a growing obsession, all leading up to the day when it finally came out in theaters, and I got my family to take me to see it. Even though I already knew most of the plot, I was still over the moon watching the movie, thanks to playing the tie-in games ahead of time. SpongeBob, my hero, is on the big screen! It was one of those moments that stayed rent-free in my head.

Now, here we are, twenty years to the day when SpongeBob and Patrick went on their biggest adventure ever. Having rewatched the whole film for the first time in years, I felt compelled to ask myself, “Is this film still good? Does it hold up after two decades of additional SpongeBob content?”

My answer: not only does The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie still hold up, but it’s even better as an adult.

I Relate to SpongeBob’s Struggles With Maturity

Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you should know the film’s plot by this point. After Plankton steals the crown of King Neptune and frames Mr. Krabs, SpongeBob and Patrick have to go on a quest to get it back from the treacherous Shell City. However, the driving force behind the whole film is SpongeBob’s emotional conflict because of how others perceive him as an immature kid. They’re not wrong. SpongeBob is a kid at heart, but getting passed over for a promotion he had more than earned because of it really got to him. As a result, he, and to a lesser extent, Patrick, spend most of the film going through this character arc. First, they ignore what everyone says about them, then they try to act like how they think an adult should act. Eventually, though, SpongeBob makes peace with his childish nature. Instead of letting it get to him, he wears his childishness like a badge of pride, giving him the power he needs to save the day. And giving us one of the most epic guitar solos in animation history.

I already loved seeing SpongeBob prove his naysayers wrong as a kid. I had never seen a problem with the way SpongeBob acted before, after all. However, after going back and rewatching The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie as an adult (and listening to others review it for a whole day), I appreciate the themes even more as an adult. As we get older, our worldview starts to get more complicated as we see how stressful it can get. More often than not, it can become a trial to stay happy and have a positive attitude, especially when we’re going to inevitably fail. I’ve learned that all too well as I’ve become an adult and found myself working the same kinds of jobs that SpongeBob has. In addition, I’ve also been called out for my own perceived immaturity, something that bothers more than I would like to admit. Thus, I can relate to SpongeBob’s plight in this film.

And you know what? After seeing this movie again, it reminds me why I want to remain a kid at heart forever. Yeah, SpongeBob can be an immature goofball, something that’s gotten exaggerated in later seasons. But looking back on this film and seeing how happy he is with his life, a lot of people could stand to learn from it. Everyone should keep that inner child alive and well and maintain that youthful sense of optimism all their lives.

The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie is Still Amazing

In short, I loved The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie as a kid, and I love just as much as an adult. I love it more when you consider the waxing and waning of quality in the post-movie era. If anything, having the show continue up to the present day has only allowed its popularity to endure to the point that it’s more than just a show. SpongeBob is a legend on par with Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny. And The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie played a large part in making that happen.

Also, this movie introduced me to the likes of David Hasselhoff and Scarlett Johansson. I didn’t even know Scarlett voiced Mindy until after she hit it big as the Black Widow!!

My Reactions to the Teaser for Netflix’s Avatar: the Last Airbender Series

I was ten years old when I first heard about Avatar: the Last Airbender. It was from a trailer attached to the movie release of The Spongebob Squarepants Film, promoting its premiere on Nickelodeon less than a few months away. I thought little of it at the time, but little did I know that it would become my favorite show of all time. Now, almost twenty years later, Netflix is adapting Avatar into a live-action TV show, scheduled to premiere February 2024. And while the new teaser blew me away with its visuals and music, I remain cautiously optimistic.

To find out why, keep reading.

In the Beginning

Created by Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and debuting on Nickelodeon in February 2005, Avatar: the Last Airbender proved to be unlike any cartoon airing at the time. Despite being a western cartoon, it was heavily inspired by non-western influences. The animation and tone were inspired by Japanese anime, particularly the works and themes of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. The cultures and philosophies of the world were heavily influenced by those found in the Far East. The fighting styles used by the characters were based off of real-world martial arts, to the point where the show hired a martial artist to serve as a consultant.

All told, Avatar: the Last Airbender was a western cartoon, but at the same time, it wasn’t. It blended things from all over the world, and it did almost flawlessly. Needless to say, when I watched the premiere the night it came out, I was blown away.

During its three year run on Nickelodeon, Avatar was a TV goldmine. Critically acclaimed and beloved by fans worldwide, it was a phenomenon. To this day, I consider the night of the series finale among the best nights of my life! Fast forward twenty years later, and Avatar continues to thrive. It’s got a sequel series that’s great in its own right, several graphic novels and comics, an ongoing series of novels, and future animated projects in the works. Needless to say, Avatar is more popular than ever. Thus, when Netflix announced that it was going to make a live-action adaptation, it was a big deal. And now, after what seems like an eternity of teasing, fans have finally gotten their first look at the upcoming series. 

My Reaction

The teaser released at Netflix Geeked revealed a show with a great amount of promise behind it. The setting, appearance, and fighting styles all seem to seamlessly translate the show from animation to live action. If you watched my reaction to it on YouTube, then you know that I expressed very positive feelings about it. At the same time, though, I remain cautiously optimistic for a number of reasons.

Shyamalan Almost Ruined Everything

Firstly, this isn’t the first time someone tried to adapt Avatar into a live-action format. M. Night Shyamalan attempted to do so in his 2011 film The Last Airbender. What he wound up giving the world, though, was an unmitigated disaster. Fans and critics hated it, they hated the tone, and they hated how Shyamalan didn’t seem to really know what he was doing. The franchise own creator’s weren’t even allowed to help out, and have essentially disowned it altogether. I never saw it in theaters, and I’m glad I didn’t. To this day, The Last Airbender film is considered one of the worst movies ever. 

The film was intended to be part of a trilogy of films adapting all three seasons of the show, but needless to say, it never happened. As a result of this massive flop, many fans grew sour at the idea of adapting Avatar into live-action, a stigma that continues to this day. So when word came out that Netflix was going to do just that, fans didn’t know how to react, even after the news that the creators were returning as executive producers.

Which brings us to the next point. 

DiMartino and Konietzko’s Departure From the Adaptation

In August 2020, DiMartino and Konietzko announced in separate posts on social media that they were leaving the Netflix project. Both of them explained how they had been excited to be brought on by Netflix for the series in 2018, with Konietzko saying that many talented people were still working on it. However, they began to run into conflict with various issues that, they claimed, created a negative and unsupporting environment. Furthermore, while they did say they were more than happy to try new ideas so long as they felt it was in the spirit of their creation, they felt that wasn’t happening. Thus, they decided to leave the Netflix project.

Many fans took the creator’s departure to be a bad sign and expressed concern for the projects future online. Some went so far as to say that the reimagining would fail without the creator’s guiding it, and they might have had a point. Shyamalan didn’t listen to them, and the film he created was almost unwatchable. In addition, Netflix was infamous for trying to adapt anime into live-action and failing at it. So, it looked like Avatar would be another victim of that trend.

Then, this past summer, Netflix seemed to break that trend with One Piece.

Could Avatar Repeat the Success of Netflix’s One Piece?

Earlier this year, Netflix managed to take the entertainment world by storm with their live-action adaptation of the legendary manga/anime, One Piece. Despite many fans fearing that the best-selling manga would be another victim of Netflix, something incredible happened: the live-action One Piece…was good. Whereas their versions of Cowboy Bebop and Death Note got the short end of the stick, One Piece didn’t. It was faithful to the series and adapted it in a manner that most fans seemed to love. Not to mention, there was the fact that Netflix made sure mangaka Eichiro Oda actively worked alongside everyone to make sure it was done right. 

The end result to all of this: One Piece became more popular than ever.

So, with One Piece proving that Netflix can make a good adaptation of a popular animated series, can they repeat that success? After seeing the teaser trailer, I’d say its possible. Granted, the fact that the creator’s left the series is concerning, but it seems to have captured the show’s sense of wonder and action. Plus, not everything good that comes out of a popular franchise needs to be held to its creator and them alone, right?

Fingers Crossed Netflix Doesn’t Mess this Up

In a nutshell, I’m cautiously optimistic about how the live-action Avatar will end up doing. I was genuinely impressed by the teaser; it’s already leagues above what the movie gave us! If Netflix can still capture the spirit of the franchise, then it’s a win-win for everyone involved. Plus, even if it’s not as good as the original series was, then that’s not the end of the world. Nothing that Netflix does can take away the fact that Avatar is the GOAT.

So, yes. I’m looking forward to seeing how this series goes. Furthermore, even if it does do bad, we shouldn’t blame it on the actors or the people who worked on it. Keep an open mind and go with the flow like Aang would.

My Reaction to the Departure of Avatar’s Creators Cutting Ties With Netflix

When I heard that Netflix was making a live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, I was weary of the news. After all, M. Night Shyamalan butchered the beloved show with his crime against cinema. But then we heard that the series creators were going to be executive producers, and my hopes went up. This was what fans have been wanting for years. But then, earlier this week, we got this announcement:

You heard them, folks. Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino, co-creators of Avatar, are quitting on the Netflix adaptation. As a result, fans around the world have gone into near-mourning about it. As an Avatar fan myself, I don’t blame them: this made me want to give up on the adaptation as well! However, it was Michael and Bryan’s words that kept me (hesitantly) on board. They have a lot of respect for some of the people working on this remake, and I’d hate to see talented people get blacklisted because of the fans hatred. So, I decided to at least give Netflix a chance.

Then, this article from Fandomwire started making the rounds on Twitter.

This Won’t Stop Avatar

even if this article’s true, and the creator’s departure just killed any chance of a live-action series, I don’t think Avatar is doomed. It’s been going through a renassiance all summer, and with new stories and graphic novels poised to come out in the coming months, I see no signs of it losing momentum. In other words, yeah I’m upset about the news, but this won’t destroy Avatar. It may make fans wait years for a proper adaptation, but if the Netflix series bombs, then we can show people how awesome the original was.

Also, I respect Michael and Bryan for their decision to stick to their integrity.

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

Here’s to my all-time favorite cartoon, Avatar: The Last Airbender! I could go on for hours and hours about how amazing this show is. From the fighting based on real-world martial arts to the inspiration from real-world cultures, to its incorporation of anime art-styles. Avatar: The Last Airbender was, is, and hopefully always will be, the gold standard by which I judge cartoons. And I’m glad it’s up on Netflix in America.

Click here to see my other animation stuff. 

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s me, Jay, from RJ-Writing Ink ringing in the new year. I know I’ve been quiet for the past few days, but I wanted to take some downtime after the holidays. That, and I wanted to make my New Year’s resolutions.

Speaking of which, I decided one of my top resolutions growing this blog. I came a long way in 2019, and I want to keep that trend going in 2020. So, in the spirit of the New Year, I decided to share some of the plans I have in store for RJ-Writing Ink in 2020.

More Star Wars

Even with Star Wars on vacation from movie-making, I feel like’s there plenty I can do with it. After all, some of the best stories and characters in the franchise aren’t in the films. Thus, I want to spend this year talking more about Star Wars and reminding people that it’s amazing. And I’ve got a few ideas in mind.

First, I have this idea called Star Wars Stories Abridged. I take some of the best stories and characters from the Expanded Universe and summarize them. This way, I can get more people interested in what Disney shunted aside and explain why they should add them back. Or if they’re already back, why Disney should add their EU content back.

Next, I plan on doing more with Star Wars: The Clone Wars. That show’s one of the best things in the franchise, and the final season comes out next month. So, in the spirit of nostalgia, I’ll be revisiting some of my favorite arcs, characters, and moments from that show.

Other than that, I’ll be trying to do more misc — articles about cool characters, stories, and events from the franchise. I’ve got a whole galaxy to go through, so I’ll have plenty of material. May the Force be with me!

Other than that, I’ll be trying to do more misc — articles about cool characters, stories, and events from the franchise. I’ve got a whole galaxy to go through, so I’ll have plenty of material. May the Force be with me!

FanFic Corner

At one point, I had little interest in the concept of fan fiction. However, as you may recall, I started reading it after one of my favorite cartoons came to an end. After that, I kept getting more and more into it. Then I started writing about what I read. At this point, I’ve pretty much fallen down the rabbit hole with no hope of getting out anytime soon.

In the spirit of fandom, I’ve decided to embrace this newfound interest. Thus, I’m dedicating an entire page of my blog to fan fiction. This FanFic Corner will be an outlet for me to talk about the things I’m reading, as well as give shoutouts to the authors. Several of whom I’ve actually befriended online. 

And no, this won’t just be Star vs. There are others that I’ve read.

More Anime and Manga

Last year, there were a lot of anime I wanted to write about, but never had the chance. The Rising of the Shield Hero remains a big regret, even if I did that one episode that felt so cathartic. In addition, I never got to do Dr. Stone, and that was one of the best anime of the year; not to mention, it had one of the best waifus of the year. I even wanted to celebrate 2019 with a list of best waifus, only to realize I didn’t see enough anime to justify it. In other words, I want to do more with anime.

As a result of my regrets, I’ve decided to try and incorporate more anime into my work. I will be continuing with ongoing series like My Hero Academia, SAO: Alicization when it starts up again, and the manga I cover. However, I’ll try and keep up with other anime that I want to write about. If you guys have any suggestions, let me know.

Cartoons Are A Must

I’m not ashamed to say that I’m an adult who loves cartoons. Thus, cartoons have been a big part of what I write about. There are going to be a lot of cartoons I want to write about this year. There’s shows that I already cover like South Park, Rick and Morty, Steven Universe Future, and more. In addition, there are new shows that I plan to take a crack at, such The Owl House, Adventure Time: Distant Lands, Close Enough, and the Animaniacs reboot on Hulu. In other words, expect a lot of new cartoons to be covered.

That’s All Folks

Well, that’s everything I can think of off the top of my head. I hope you all had a happy New Year! I would also like to give a shout-out to the people who have started following my blog in the past year. Thanks for all your support. As for those who haven’t shown up in a while, I look forward to seeing you guys again.

My Picks for the Top Ten Animated Shows of the 2010s

By the time 2010 rolled around, almost all the cartoons I loved watching had ended their runs. As a result, I thought I grew out of them and started getting into documentary channels. Thankfully, the 2010s saw an animation renaissance that dragged me back into cartoons. I have no regrets whatsoever.

As we close out the 2010s, I thought it would be appropriate to look back on the decade’s animation renaissance. Thus, I’m giving you my picks for my top ten favorite cartoons of the 2010s. But first, some ground rules:

1. The shows have to have started after January 1st, 2010. Shows that started before then don’t count.
2. Each of these picks are shows that I watched. I know this means I’ll miss great shows like Bojack Horseman, but that’s how it is. Sorry in advance
3. I’m not counting anime. A show can be anime-esque or based on it, but anime itself is off the table.

With that out of the way, let’s get started!

Adventure Time (2010-2018)

What time is it? ADVENTURE TIME! In 2010, this gem created by Pendleton Ward premiered on Cartoon Network. Telling the story of Jake the shapeshifting dog and Finn the human boy, Adventure Time follows their adventures in the magical, post-apocalyptic land of Ooo. However, as time passed, the show began to build itself into something more than a cartoon.

Thanks to a combination of a strong supporting cast, deep mythology, overarching stories and willingness to tackle mature themes, Adventure Time became a massive hit for Cartoon Network. In fact, I largely credit it for kickstarting this animation renaissance, with Cartoon Network benefiting the most. In addition, many of the show’s staff went on to create equally popular shows like Steven Universe, O.K. K.O.! Let’s be Heroes, Over the Garden Wall, and more. This show was amazing, and it’s legacy will no doubt be felt for decades to come.

Avatar: The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)

I consider Avatar: The Last Airbender to be one of the greatest cartoons of all time. Thus, imagine my joy when I learned Nickelodeon was making a sequel called The Legend of Korra? Taking place 70 years after the end of A:TLA, Legend of Korra, the show follows the titular character as she fulfills her role as the new Avatar. However, Korra has to face enemies that make her question if the Avatar has a place in the world anymore.

Aside from continuing the story of my favorite cartoon, I loved Korra for multiple reasons. Firstly, it knows that the returning fan base were now teens and young adults. As such, it wasn’t afraid to touch on darker issues that reflect real world history like inequality, oppressive governments, and fanaticism. Secondly, it expanded upon the already rich world of its predecessor, adding more backstory. It even goes so far as to show us the Avatar’s origins, which is really cool. Thirdly, there’s plenty of callbacks to the original show.

Sadly, the show suffered from a scheduling problem during its run. By Season Three, they started dropping the episodes in huge chunks; then midway through it, they move it exclusively to streaming. As a result, the show ended sooner than necessary. It’s still a good show, but this move by Nick makes it less impactful in the end.

DuckTales! (2017- Present)

Of all the reboots I’ve seen to classic shows, the 2017 reboot of DuckTales! may be one of the best. This reboot reimagines the cast and premise of the classic 80s cartoon for a new generation of fans. The end result is a cartoon that captures the spirit of its predecessor while being able to stand as its own thing.

I’ve made my love of DuckTales! known in the past, so I’m going to bullet point what I like most about it.

• The callbacks and references to the original show and the Disney Afternoon cartoons of the 80s and 90s
• The art style’s reminiscent of 1950s comics
• The voice cast is incredible. They gave the Triplets different voice actors and personalities
• Della Duck becomes a prominent character
• That theme song!

Bottom line, this show’s worth watching.

Gravity Falls (2012-2016)

Disney’s first, and likely biggest, success from this decade’s animation renaissance, Gravity Falls is to the Mouse what Adventure Time is to Cartoon Network. The show follows the twins Dipper and Mabel Pines as they spend their summer vacation in the titular Oregon Town. However, they soon find out that the place is a magnet for weirdness and supernatural phenomena. With their new friends and con-artist Grunkle Stan, the two (mostly Dipper) work to uncover the mysteries behind the town and the danger threatening it.

Speaking of which, Gravity Falls revolves around mysteries. Creator Alex Hirsch loved throwing in mysteries and clues for fans to solve, from ciphers in every episode to a real-life scavenger hunt following the series finale. As a result, Gravity Falls attracted a large adult fan base that still supports the show years after it ended. In addition, like Adventure Time, several people who worked on Gravity Falls have gone on to create their own successful shows. Given the influence it’s had on Disney, it’s safe to say that Gravity Falls remains one of the most important cartoons of the 2010s.

Regular Show (2010-2017)

Don’t let the title fool you; it’s anything but. Regular Show follows the lives of Mordecai and Rigby, two slacker best friends working together in a second-rate Park. At least, they’re supposed to; in reality, they try to find ways to get out of work. This usually leads them to get into surreal misadventures that they have to get out of.

As a millennial and a young adult, J.G. Quintel’s creation really spoke to me. On the surface level, Regular Show was laden with pop culture references that many millennials would understand. However, underneath the surreal nature and references, it was a show about two guys going through the trials of young adulthood. It was goofy, heartfelt, and exciting, and an all-around good time. Heck, they even made going into space for the final season entertaining. Most shows would have jumped the shark by doing that!

Rick and Morty (2015- Present)

Few shows have ever been as amazing as Rick and Morty. Then again, I don’t think we’ve ever had a show like Rick and Morty. Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon’s sci-fi comedy follows the adventures of the titular duo. Rick’s the cynical genius who does whatever he wants because he knows nothing matters, and Morty’s his well-meaning but naive grandson. Now name a sci-fi story or scenario, add them in, and you’ve got Rick and Morty.

As I’ve made clear in the past, I’m a huge fan of Rick and Morty. It’s the show that’s not afraid to ask deep, philosophical questions while doing the absolute dumbest things. It’s funny and low-brow, yet also intelligent and philosophical. Also, it’s the show that single-handedly forces McDonald’s to bring back their Szechuan dipping sauce. I can’t think of another show that can do that! Rick and Morty is awesome!

RWBY (2013- Present)

The only web-based show on this list, Roosterteeth’s mega-hit RWBY has been called the first Western anime. In a world filled with dark creatures called Grimm, people called huntsman and huntresses battle to protect the people. The series itself follows the members of the titular team RWBY, Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, as they become huntresses and protect the world from evil.

Created by the now deceased Monty Oum, RWBY’s become one of the most popular anime in the world. I can’t even count how many people I see cosplaying the characters at conventions. I think part of the appeal comes from how it crosses various genres of anime. It’s got all the action and epic music of Shonen, the premise’s reminiscent of the magical girl genre, and the first three seasons are like a high-school/slice of life.

My favorite thing about RWBY, though, is how its existence shows how prevalent the influence of anime has become. Instead of merely importing it from Japan, now we’re exporting it to Japan! If you haven’t seen RWBY yet, I recommend you watch it. It’s a great gem of the ongoing animation renaissance.

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2010-2019)

Who knew that a show about traditionally girl toys would turn into a cultural phenomenon? My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic was created by Lauren Faust and served as the fourth iteration of the My Little Pony line. It follows the adventures of six friends as they learn about the importance of friendship and being nice to each other. That may sound lame on paper, but in reality, it’s really good.

Despite being aimed at kids and being about a toy line meant for girls, MLP: FIM broke the mold. The show was filled with a lot of action, the characters had three-dimensional depth to them, and was genuinely fun to watch. It made it cool for boys and adults to like things traditionally meant for girls. That alone makes it good enough to put on this list. In addition, it had some all-star talent working on it, like Tara Strong as the lead role.

Steven Universe (2013-Present)

Whereas shows like Legend of Korra and MLP opened the door on gender norms, Steven Universe knocked down the door, and the wall for good measure. The show follows the titular character, a half-human, half-alien boy, as he grows up and learns about himself and his place in the world.

It would be an insult to say that Steven Universe is nothing short of revolutionary. It goes out of its way to deal with topics few cartoons dared to tackle. From the aforementioned challenging of gender roles to encouraging the acceptance of the LGBT community, Steven Universe has helped change our culture for the better. I’m willing to bet that this show will go down as one of the most important cartoons in history. It’s a shining example of the best this animation renaissance has to offer people.

Star vs the Forces of Evil (2015-2019)

Considering how much it’s been brought up on this blog, it should be no surprise that this wound up being here. Instead of explaining it again, here’s a video that does the job for me:

I’m well aware that the fourth and final season wasn’t as great as it could have been. Furthermore, as much as I love how the finale lets Star and Marco remain together, I know some fans didn’t like it. That said, let’s not forget that at its peak, Disney was pushing Star vs as it’s flagship cartoon on Disney XD. When the 2-hour TV movie “The Battle for Mewni” premiered, it was trending on Twitter. In short, yes the show could have stuck the landing better. However, I don’t think it detracts from the fact that it was a good show. The fact that so many people want more of Star vs serves as a testament to how good it can be. If Disney does more with it, I’ll be thrilled. Until then, I still think it’s one of the best cartoons of the decade.

Also, there’s some really good fan fiction of it out there.

The 2010s Animation Renaissance

So, do you agree with my picks? For that matter, do you agree that this decade saw an animation renaissance take place? If I didn’t mention a cartoon you like, then leave a comment telling me about it down below. I know I missed a lot! Happy New Year!

Click here to see more stuff recapping past years.

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Top 5 Favorite Thanksgiving Day Specials

I don’t understand why, but I’ve never been that big a fan of Thanksgiving. Maybe it’s because of the fact that I don’t like the food; it’s true. I don’t like stuffing, gravy, or mashed potatoes. However, I still appreciate what Thanksgiving means. It’s about being able to spend time with family and think about what we’re blessed to have. Still, I’ve spent 2019 doing something for several big holidays, and I won’t stop with Thanksgiving. So without further ado, here are my top 5 favorite Thanksgiving Day Specials!

#5- Talking Turkey, CatDog

Few people in Nearburg love Thanksgiving as much as CatDog, though they each love it for different reasons. Dog’s simply thankful for everything he has in life, while Cat only wants turkey. However, when the only turkey in Nearburg comes seeking refuge from the holiday, the two have to work together to help him escape to freedom.

I only saw this special a few times on TV, and I didn’t find it until years later with streaming. As far as what it brings to the table, I think this special’s pretty average. While it’s subtle, though, there is a message about the importance of family. It’s just hidden underneath the slapstick of Tom Kenny and Jim Cummings.

#4- Garfield’s Thanksgiving, Garfield

Given how much Garfield loves Thanksgiving, one would think Thanksgiving’s his favorite holiday. However, this holiday special sees Garfield put on a diet on the day before Thanksgiving. As a result, Garfield has to find a way to dodge his diet, or else make sure no one enjoys the holiday.

I was a big fan of Garfield growing up, and I especially enjoyed the old show, Garfield and Friends. So I naturally had to include the fat cat’s Thanksgiving day special on my list. The only reason it’s not higher on the list is due to my in credulousness at the fact that Garfield’s vet, Liz, put him on a diet right before a holiday involving eating. I get that she has to watch out for his health, but the woman had the worst possible timing! Good thing Garfield got out of the diet in the end.

#3- Helen Keller, The Musical!, South Park

In this Season Four episode of South Park, the kids are putting on their annual Thanksgiving Day play on Helen Keller. In an effort to one-up the kindergartners play, Cartman adapts the play into a Broadway musical, complete with a pet turkey jumping through a ring of fire. However, when lead Timmy chooses a disabled turkey named Gobbles, Cartman’s forced to take drastic measures to save the show. Oh, and Kenny dies.

South Park has had its fair share of Thanksgiving Day specials over the years, but I think that this one is my personal favorite. I honestly thought that the bond between Timmy and Gobbles the turkey was heartwarming to watch. Moreover, despite Cartman’s objections, I think using a disabled turkey was appropriate given it’s about Helen Keller. My favorite part, though, is the ending, where it’s revealed the kindergartners play was a lame, one minute act. Never trust Butters as a source of information.

#2- A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Peanuts

Taking the number two spot on my list is a special that needs no introductions, because almost everyone in America knows the name Charlie Brown. Right when Charlie Brown and Sally are going to their Grandmother’s Thanksgiving day dinner, Peppermint Patty invites herself, Sally, and Franklin over. As a result, Charlie Brown has to cook an impromptu dinner, with the help of Snoopy and Woodstock.

Like almost every other Peanuts special, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is a holiday classic. It follows much of the same formula as many of the other Charlie Brown specials. Charlie Brown faces a problem, his wishy-washy nature exacerbates the problem, then he solves the problem. We’ve seen it a thousand times, yet it never gets old. It helps that we had the dynamic duo of Snoopy and Woodstock to provide their brand of silent comedy.

As good as “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is, though, it’s not my favorite Thanksgiving special. That honor goes to another

#1- The Thanksgiving Episode, Regular Show

Taking the top spot is one of my all time favorite cartoons, Regular Show with their Thanksgiving Day special. After accidentally destroying all the food for their Thanksgiving dinner, Mordecai and Rigby scramble to make things right and get that precious turkey. While everyone else is trying to pick up their families or get more food, the duo enter a singing contest with the prize being a naturally born Turducken. However, they find themselves competing against the likes of billionaire Rich Buckner for the prize

There are a few reasons why this takes my top pick for my favorite Thanksgiving day episode. Firstly, I enjoyed the fact that Richard Buckner was a humorous parody of Donald Trump, complete with his hair. Secondly is the song that Mordecai and Rigby sing in the contest, “What are You Thankful For?” Not only is the song super catchy, but provides a genuinely heartfelt message about the meaning of the holiday: spending time with loved ones. For that reason, I name it my all-time favorite Thanksgiving Day Special.

What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Let me know in the comments below! And be sure to check back this Saturday, as I have news about my plans for December!

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

Click here to see my other animation stuff.

A Look at Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney’s Streaming Services

This past week saw a lot of big news regarding the ongoing streaming wars. First, Disney entered the fight with their new streaming service, Disney+. Hot on the heels of that, Nickelodeon announced their own long-term deal with Netflix. With Cartoon Network slated to join HBO Max’s lineup at launch next year, the message is clear. The Big Three have joined the streaming wars.

For an entire generation of kids, the Big Three of Animation were the ones who made the best cartoons on TV. As a result, the news of the trio joining the streaming wars was big news on social media. As a fan of shows made by all three of these entities, I couldn’t resist giving my two cents. So, I’ll be giving my thoughts and opinions on each company, their streaming service, and how I think they’ll do.

Nickelodeon and Netflix

When I was a kid, Nickelodeon seemed like the best place to watch cartoons; or rather, Nicktoons. They had so many great shows, like Spongebob, Fairly Oddparents, Rugrats, and of course, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Nickelodeon looked like a cartoon giant, but then they started focusing more on their sitcoms. After that, I lost interest. However, this deal with Netflix could breathe new life into the Nicktoons.

Unlike the other Big Three of Cartoons, Nickelodeon’s not using an in-house streaming service. Instead, they’re formally teaming up with Netflix, which is the best possible move they can make. Firstly, Netflix’s still the top dog in the streaming business, and with Disney+ up and HBO Max to come next year, they want to stay that way. By relying on the lineup of Nicktoons beloved by millions as kids, they’ll be able to compete with Warner and Disney’s bigger library of cartoons. Both Nick and Netflix will win.

Cartoon Network and HBO Max

I didn’t start watching Cartoon Network until later in my childhood. However, once I started, I couldn’t stop watching. They’ve been churning out good cartoons for the last twenty plus years. As a result, I kept coming back to Cartoon Network long after I left Nickelodeon. In fact, I credit shows like Adventure Time and Regular Show for keeping me interested in cartoons. It feels natural that Warner would put them on their roster for HBO Max.

Next to Disney, Cartoon Network has access to the biggest library of cartoons, and one that’s not limited to their original shows. As part of Warner, CN can use the works of Hanna Barbera and Looney Tunes. Technically, Adult Swim also falls under Cartoon Network. While its currently unknown if they’ll bring any shows, Rick and Morty’s confirmed to join HBO Max. In other words, Cartoon Network’s got a lot to bring to streaming. However, given how much the subscription for HBO Max is said to be, this may cause them suffer.

Disney and Disney+

The last of the Big Three that I got into, I didn’t start watching Disney cartoons in earnest until Phineas and Ferb. My timing couldn’t have been better. The 2010’s saw Disney create its fair share of great cartoons; several of which I’ve written about. From the looks of things, they plan on heading into 2020 with even more great cartoons.

Disney’s library of cartoon shows is as impressive as their films, and that extends to the new Disney+. I haven’t seen much of it yet, but it seems they got most of the classic Disney Afternoon block on there, so that’s a big win. I actually went on Twitter and found Darkwing Duck to be trending! In addition to their original content, Disney+ has shows from properties that Disney owns, like Marvel, Fox, and Star Wars. All of these hit shows, in addition to how a subscritption only $6.99 a month, make for a tough combination to beat.

Which of the Big Three Will Come Out on Top?

Given everything that we know, I think it’s too soon to tell which of the Big Three will win the streaming wars. They each have really good cartoons that they bring to their respective streaming service. It may not seem like much, but since the millenials are now adults with money to spend, the cartoons they watched as kids could be a big factor in their companies’ success. As much as I love all three, I think the one that may come out on top will be Cartoon Network.

While HBO Max will be far more expensive than Netflix or Disney+, it partially justifies this given how much content they have planned. Regarding Cartoon Network, though, I think they’ve done the best job at consistently making good cartoons. Their famous line of “Cartoon Cartoons” lasted from 1996 to 2009 with the finale to Ed Edd n’ Eddy. In fact, Ed Edd n’ Eddy lasted for more than ten years. That’s superhuman by cartoon standards. In addition, the channel’s unbelievably successful cartoons this past decade. Regular Show became their first property to have an official movie since the end of Ed Edd n’ Eddy; Adventure Time spawned a generation-spanning fanbase; and need I say more about Steven Universe?

Given everything I’ve seen, and despite the high price of HBO Max, I think that Cartoon Network may come out on top in the Streaming Wars. However, I personally don’t mind who wins, as its the fans who win in the end. The Big Three are giving us a chance to see the shows we loved as a kid again, and maybe give us hope for reboots. That’s enough to make me happy, and I hope it’s enough for others out there. Besides, I’ve learned to stay out of this stuff.

Do you agree with my choice? Which of the Big Three did you enjoy the most growing up? Who do you think will win the streaming wars? Let me know in the comments down below.

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