Monster Island News: Cartoon Network

Showing posts with label Cartoon Network. Show all posts

Zoinks! Mr. Lobo Makes A Guest Appearance On SCOOBY DOO?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Mr. Lobo / Dixie Dellamorto

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then someone over at Warner Bros Animation may very well be a huge fan of Cinema Insomnia and it's host Mr. Lobo.

Well, at least it appears that way.

In the very first episode of "Scooby-Doo! (Mystery Incorporated)",entitled "Beware The Beast from Below", which aired on Cartoon Network in early July, Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, Velma and Scooby crossed paths with a character named Professor Emmanuel Raffalo, which as you can see from the photo, bears an uncanny resemblance to the nationally syndicated horror host.

So here is the million-dollar-question, "Is Professor Emmanuel Raffalo actually Mr. Lobo in cartoon form?"

Unofficially the answer is yes, according to a source at Cartoon Network, who contacted Mr. Lobo's distributor to inform him of the homage.

Officially, well, Warner Bros hasn't fessed up to the origin of Raffalo's thick-rimed glasses, and signature facial hair as of yet. In fact, every time "Cinema Insomnia" fans try to add the information about the character's origin to Wikipedia, it gets removed.

So, for now at least, Mr. Lobo isn't going to be credited as the inspiration for this new "Scooby Doo" villain, but with continued pressure from his fans, hopefully, that may change.

This isn't the first time that a horror host has been the inspiration for a cartoon or comic book character you know. Bay Area horror host and local icon Bob Wilkins was used as the basis for a character in the "Batman" comic "Gotham After Midnight" , which was confirmed by artist Kelly Jones, but, alas, not by DC Comics.

Here is a synopsis of the episode "Beware The Beast from Below" from "Scooby-Doo! (Mystery Incorporated)":

"After being jailed for solving another mystery, the Mystery Inc. gang stumbles upon yet another mystery: A slime mutant that lives underneath the town is cocooning anyone who gets in its way. They follow the monster to the Crystal Cove caves where they find a magnifying glass-shaped locket and cocooned bodies of construction workers. Despite being warned not to continue investigating by their parents and authority figures, they steal one of the bodies and bring it to Professor Emmanuel Raffalo for studying. Meanwhile, Velma is trying to get Shaggy to be more intimate in their relationship while Shaggy is not yet ready to tell Scooby. Daphne keeps hinting her romantic feelings towards Fred who is oblivious to almost everything apart from solving mysteries and building traps. After the disappearance of Professor Raffalo, the gang discovers that cocooned material are made from the same material as Fruitmeir's Dessert, a new dessert bar that opened two months ago. Shaggy and Scooby infiltrate Fruitmeir's by posing as female servers, and Daphne stumbles across a hole that leads to the caves which go right under under the bank. Although not as planed, they catch the monster, and it is revealed to be Professor Raffalo, who discovered the caves while collecting mold spores and found out it led to the bank, so he posed as the Slime Mutant using Fruitmeir's Dessert and staged his own disappearance to lower any suspicion. When Daphne shows him the locket she found in the caves, Mayor Jones seems suspicious, but Raffalo claims to know nothing about the locket."

And here is a photo of Mr. Lobo (and his lunch):

Warner Bros And Cartoon Network Rebooting THUNDERCATS

Source: Warner Bros (Press Release)

THUNDERCATS, HO!
WARNER BROS. ANIMATION ANSWERS THE CALL WITH A NEW TAKE ON THE CLASSIC ANIMATED SERIES “THUNDERCATS,” TO AIR ON CARTOON NETWORK

Warner Bros. Animation (WBA) has begun production on “ThunderCats,” an all-new animated series for Cartoon Network, based upon the iconic 1980s action classic. “ThunderCats” is the newest series from WBA, joining “Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” which was recently renewed for a third season, and the following forthcoming programs: “The Looney Tunes Show,” “MAD,” “Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated” and “Young Justice.” The announcement was made today by Sam Register, Executive Vice President, Creative Affairs, Warner Bros. Animation.

“In addition to being Warner Bros. Animation’s first anime series, ‘ThunderCats’ marks our most ambitious foray yet into fantasy,” said Register. “The realism and dynamic visual style we’ve achieved are sure to thrill viewers, and the cool weapons, vehicles and technology should help the show appeal to a diverse audience.”

The 21st century reimagining of the series marks a creative collaboration between WBA and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan, with credits including “The Animatrix,” “Gotham Knights” and “Halo Legends.” WBA is working closely with Studio4°C, utilizing the latter’s expertise to give the “ThunderCats” characters a new cutting-edge look while remaining true to the compelling storylines and mythology of the original series.

“We at Studio4°C are excited to be in this creative partnership with Warner Bros. Animation to bring ‘ThunderCats’ to life,” said Eiko Tanaka, President and CEO, Studio4°C. “This collaboration combines the strengths of our two companies – high production values and great storytelling – toward reintroducing this classic fan-favorite to a new audience.”

Roaring to life through WBA and Studio4°C’s use of the Japanese animated artistry of anime, “ThunderCats” characters Lion-O, Mumm-Ra, Panthro, Cheetara and others will spring off the screen with realistic cat-like characteristics inconceivable in previous incarnations.

The new “ThunderCats” will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.

“ThunderCats” is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers.

The Triumphant Return Of The Banana Splits

Source: Cartoon Network

The Banana Splits, fondly remembered by Baby Boomers for their unique combination of kid-style comedy and contemporary music -- including one of the catchiest theme songs in television history -- are back. Starting Tuesday, September 2, The Banana Splits can be viewed in all-new comedy shorts and music videos on Cartoon Network and Boomerang as step one of a multi-platform effort that includes a new website, DVDs, live entertainment and music CDs.

"Everything that made The Banana Splits hugely popular in the '60s is back, including the group's terrific humor and hit music," said Jordan Sollitto, Executive Vice President of New Business Initiatives and International Licensing, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "We take great pride in having carefully updated the look and feel of the original show for today's kids while retaining all of the elements that made the original Banana Splits such a hit."

The Banana Splits are a costumed rock band made up of Fleegle (a dog),Drooper (a lion), Bingo (a gorilla) and Snorky (an elephant) who hang out in their Banana Pad while tinkering with their music and telling eye-rolling jokes. They came onto the scene in 1968 as hosts of "The Banana Splits Adventure Hour," a show created by Hanna-Barbera airing on NBC that featured comedy and music videos. The popular show generated loyal fans, a multitude of consumer products, numerous albums and a theme song -- The Tra La La Song -- that became one of the most covered songs by other popular bands in the history of contemporary music.

" ... the Banana Splits are here!" -- New Comedy Shorts

With interest in The Banana Splits on the upswing, a key element of the group's return will be as many as 130, 1 1/2-to-2 1/2-minute comedy shorts appearing on Cartoon Network, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and2:00 p.m. The new shorts, filled with unique, kid-focused comedy, share the same "groovy" look of the original television series. The Banana Splits will also appear on Boomerang, beginning September 2.

"The Banana Splits is a classic that has been entertaining kids for years," said Stuart Snyder, President and COO, Turner Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media. "We're thrilled to have this new version on Cartoon Network for our kids to enjoy today."

"Go Bananas your way" -- New Music from The Banana Splits

Additionally, Universal Records will debut a CD and DVD featuring 13new Banana Splits pop and rock songs and music videos. Intended to appeal to kids and parents, the music and music videos will be offered online and incorporated in the Cartoon Network comedy shorts.

"The songs made famous by the original Banana Splits hold a special place in music history and were ahead of their time for young audiences,"said Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group. "Universal is excited to debut the new Banana Splits kids' album and help introduce them to a whole new generation of music fans."

Universal Records will make The Banana Splits music and music videos available on http://www.bananasplits.com, iTunes and amazon.com.

"Bananas every night, Bananas every day" -- The Banana Splits Website

In addition to comedy shorts and music, Warner Bros. Consumer Products will launch the all-new The Banana Splits website, http://www.bananasplits.com,where boys and girls ages 4-7 can access Banana Splits entertainment. The site will enable kids to view the comedy shorts and hear the new Banana Splits songs prior to the release of the album. Visitors will also be able to decode secret messages, join The Banana Splits Club, attend virtual meetings, hear Banana Splits jokes and play exclusive games.

"Ready to Rock?" -- Banana Splitsville at Hard Rock Park

"Go Bananas" took on a new dimension with the June announcement from Hard Rock Park, which teamed up with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to produce a live show and play-land -- Banana Splitsville -- featuring the beloved characters, Bingo, Drooper, Fleegle and Snorky. Located in the Bornin the USA environ, Banana Splitsville features rides designed for children, including the popular "Sole Train" and "Dune Boogie," as well as Mount Splitsville, a sand sculpture play area.

The fast-paced kids' concert, "The Banana Splits Live," is performed multiple times per day filled with rockin' music, silly gags and nutty jokes.

The Banana Splits are available to pose with guests for photos and sign autographs after each show. Hard Rock Park is based in Myrtle Beach,South Carolina. The Banana Splits will also be seen in concert tours, other live appearances, and a wide range of exclusive merchandise including toys,games, books and apparel.