It's amazing. I spend most of my day lately watching cartoons, both new and old, on DVD, Video, and regular old cable. And you know what? My days go by faster, and I am generally happier while watching them. Cartoons seem to make my work day go faster.
Sure, I still like non-cartoon shows. My favorites are still CSI, Attack of the Show, and House. Not to mention the judge shows.
But nothing quite gets to my emotions more (for some reason) than a good cartoon, whether it be an "adult" (no, not sexual you perverts) cartoon, or a childs cartoon. They evoke more laughter, and more tears than regular shows. Not quite sure why. Maybe it is my sense of living in a false reality.
At any rate, here is a list of my favorite cartoons, split into "Old" (basically, from my youth), "New" (since my daughter was born), and "Anime".
Favorite "Old" Cartoons (no particular order):
1 - Voltron - I got the entire 58 episode "Lion Force" series plus the movies on DVD. I watched them the other day while I was ill, adn I gotta tell ya... There is something that just makes me smile, watching five space explorers fight for justice.
2 - Transformers - The original ones. Not the new "cgi" animated ones. Man, while there was some major crap in there, the stories were more adult then I realized at the time. Whether intentional or not, there is a big political statement in the whole "search for energon" that applies today. or I am thinking to deep about it.
3 - Ren and Stimpy - Pure, joyous, disgusting fun. Not to mention the "happy happy joy joy" song! Defintiely, a great thing. Of course, I did not like the new series as much... I only remember that the new one came right out front with the gay jokes... "Stimpy, remember I am the pitcher and you are the catcher!"
4 - South Park - Need I say more?
5 - Angry Beavers - Again, one I watch religiously every morning. A well made show that has enough humour to even make me giggle now. The story of Norbert and Daggit, they live on their own as beavers who don't truly want to live in the wild - they have all the modern conveniences in their home made dam. Maybe because of the brotherly love that is portrayed, maybe because of the shows constant questioning of who is actually the smart one, but I can watch it every morning. . And I quote Dag "The bloating, the pain, he's a mongoose, I'm a beaver, it all makes sense! I'm a mommy!"
6 - Futurama - I hope this makes a comeback. Word on the street is that there are 4 straight to DVD movies coming for this show!
Favorite "New" Cartoons:
1 - Fairly Odd Parents - Even my dad laughs at this one. There is a lot of adult humour in here if you are willing to look. it's sad, really, that the writing is wasted on Nickolodean (or however you spell it).
2 - Spongebob Squarepants - I admit it. I watch it. And I love it. 'Nuff said
3 - Family Guy - Not sure if this was on before bug was born, but I know we started watching it religiously about 2 years ago on Adult Swim. A great show, good humour, yeah there are a lot of fart jokes, but hey, we love it.
4 - Drawn Together - A show that a lot of people hate, we think is hilarious. So crude, so mean, and so wrong, but you gotta admit it is very funny.
5 - American Dad - We didn't like this at first... but after a while it grew on us. Not as good as the others, but still a darn good show.
6 - Boondocks - Hilarious. If you haven't seen it, watch it. A great social commentary.
Favorite "Anime" - New or Old:
1 - Full Metal Alchemist - Without a doubt. I have talked about it before. There are times in this show where both me and my wife tear up. Very dramatic, and very well done. No wonder it is such a big hit.
2 - Ghost in the Shell - Stand Alone Complex (1st and 2nd Gig) - A more philosphical show, bringing us to a future where hardly anyone is still truly human, most people are cyborgs or "rebuilt" with new parts. What is a soul?
3 - Evangelion - I could go on for hours about this one, but I won't. A good anime, one of the standards.
4 - Cowboy Bepop - Another one I dragged my wife into liking, Spike is a great character. It has an old-west feel mixed in with the space drama.
Discuss, berate, and opiniate!
