The Xbox One has not had the greatest of times this generation but one of its shining lights has been Cuphead, the old animation styled rock hard run and gun game. Well, I’m beyond excited to see the game has been announced for release on the Nintendo Switch on 18th April 2019. I’m definitely buying it and can’t wait to play it! For fans of old Fleischer and Disney animation this is a must.
The Skeleton Dance- Spooky Kids TV Appreciation Month (Spooktober)
The Skeleton Dance is the first of Disney’s Silly Symphony shorts, an animated cartoon series where music is integral to the whole piece. In this classic animation, as the clock strikes midnight four skeletons rise from their graves and proceed to have merry fun.
Considering that this was released in 1929 the macabre matter is somewhat surprising, however the animation is top notch and incredibly fluid. Check it out!
Mickey Mouse in The Mad Doctor- Spooky Kids TV Appreciation Month (Spooktober)
Mickey Mouse is the face of the Disney corporation but compared to the likes of Donald Duck and pretty much any other Disney character Mickey seems to lack any ooomph, well at least in his most modern CGI iterations. However checking out the Mickey shorts from the early years (late 1920s and 30s) reveals a cool character with lots of personality and charisma. Don’t believe me? Check out the beautiful but spooky The Mad Doctor. Hotdog is it good!
Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame Trading Cards Set Opened 22 Years Later
In 1996 Disney released its 34th animated feature; The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The film is based on the 1831 French novel written by Victor Hugo which centers on The plot centres on Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame and his struggle to gain acceptance into society. I remember watching the film at the time and being quite surprised at how dark and gothic the film was, especially as it was a Disney production. The narrative explores such mature themes as lust, damnation and sin... heady for a cartoon from the 90s non?
Well, the Hunchback of Notre Dame Trading Cards set I got from a comic-con I went to was in immaculate unopened condition. Upon opening it I was pleased with the amount of cards and the quality. The cards all had that nice glossy sheen and the print quality was top notch. What really set this trading card set apart was that as well as the usual still images from the film there were other cards that you could turn into a mini standee, puzzle and coins to do tricks with. Disney you gits, you killed it with this set from 1996... I doff my cap 22 years later to this.
New DuckTales Theme
We are all waiting with bated-breath for the new DuckTales to land but until then the new intro credits have made their way onto the internet. I like the new animation style just fine but I found that the new vocals left me a bit meh... they lack the power and verve of the original but I'm sure it'll grow on me. Why not check out the credits below!
All-New DuckTales Cast Announced... Then Sing the Theme Tune!
Duck Tales was an amazing cartoon and one of my favourite of my childhood. I have the entire series, having currently just finished watching the entire Batman: The Animated Series, and am working my way through the 100 Duck Tales episodes. When I heard that it was going to be remade I was a bit concerned but after hearing the stellar voice-cast, which includes David Tennant as Scrooge McDuck,and hearing that the writer of Gravity Falls is involved I am super excited. I can't wait for the new series!
The Art of Glen Keane
Glen Keane is not a name known to many but he is an accomplished artist who worked on many Disney films including Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and much more besides. Having left Disney in 2012 Keane has pursued more personal animation projects and the results are stunning. Below are two wonderful examples of his work; Duet follows the life and love of a boy and girl from birth and Nephtali follows the journey of a ballerina who transcends the dance. Both are beautiful and show the power of traditional 2D animation. I must admit that Duet struck a chord with me, particularly the scene of the young girl growing up as having recently become a father to a girl I get more emotional about stuff like this. Anyways enjoy!