animation

‘Ringing Bell’, Unico, and Sanrio’s Dark Beginnings

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

Everyone loves Hello Kitty, but Sanrio’s earliest films reveal something more ominous about the company.…

June 3, 2024

Animation vs Cartoons: A Love Letter To An Unjustifiably Underappreciated Artform

Santiago Rivera, Washington University in St. Louis

Here's why we should appreciate the diversity and magic of animated storytelling medium more than we currently do.…

March 15, 2024

A woman with black hair and blue eyes stares intently at a tree of pink cherry blossoms, as her body -- dressed in a navy robe -- is positioned in what appears to be a dueling stance. The scene occurs on a mountain range, beneath a green sky beneath in thick grey clouds, rendered in a lithograph-like texture.

How Blue Eye Samurai Creates a Phenomenal Female-Presenting Heroine

Cerasela Hanseter, University of California, Berkeley

How "Blue Eye Samurai" crafts an underrated but legitimately impactful and beautiful showcase in character-development.…

March 12, 2024

Worthikids, Louie Zong and the YouTube Renaissance Man

Amelie Allen, University of Arizona

The internet age has given rise to a new type of multi-hyphenate independent artist, like Worthikids and Louie Zong.…

March 11, 2024

“AstroBoy” Review: The Blastoff of Anime in the United States

Ava Coates, Emory University

The latest Netflix animated series has a groundbreaking transcontinental history.…

August 11, 2023

In an article about 'Arcane,' two figures stand with their fists raised in a fighting pose.

‘Arcane’: A Cyberpunk-Charged Masterpiece

Anoushka Panganamamula, The Ohio State University

This cyberpunk series uses visual storytelling to subvert common narrative tropes.…

May 31, 2023

In the film 'Shrek,' the green ogre Shrek stands in a field of sunflowers and talks to his friend Donkey.

The Lost Version of ‘Shrek’

Paul Hoskin, Weber State University

What started out as a punishment project for bad animators quickly turned into one of the most beloved fairytales of the 21st century.…

February 23, 2023

"Bluey" may be a kids' show, but it is absolutely worth a watch for any age!

‘Bluey’ Is For Adults, Too

Kirsten Kalebich, Arizona State University

Disney+ has a new kids show that is stealing the hearts and attention of parents and children alike, one cute dog at a time.…

January 2, 2023

In an article about adult animation, a screencap from 'Bojack Horseman'

Adult Animation is Trying to be Taken More Seriously

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

Animation is often regarded as for kids, so what makes adult animation different? And how is it evolving as a medium?…

November 15, 2022

In an article about 2D animation, a screencap from 'Steamboat Willie'

Which Is Better: 2D or 3D?

Kirsten Kalebich, Arizona State University

Animation is one of the cornerstones of the film industry, but even with all its leaps forward, one unanswered question remains.…

November 9, 2022

In an article about 'Hazbin Hotel,' four demons grin against a red backkground

‘Hazbin Hotel’ Is Worth the Wait

Kirsten Kalebich, Arizona State University

Though 3 years have passed since the pilot episode dropped, fans continue to anticipate the release of the series — and for good reason.…

November 7, 2022

Jack Stauber posing with his album Pop Food

Jack Stauber: The Man Whose Art Went Viral

Elannah Swarnes Matos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez

The artist's music has enjoyed a recent spurt of TikTok fame, but exactly what kind of music does he make? And why should we be interested?…

November 1, 2022

A drawing of Bee and PuppyCat shows two characters staring with fear

‘Bee and PuppyCat’ Returns for Another Round of Adventures

Cassandra Jenkins, Temple University

Nine years after its premiere on YouTube, Netflix has released a reboot of Natasha Allegri’s beloved animated series. After its release on Sep. 6, the show quickly gained new fans and much-deserved attention.…

September 30, 2022

Why Zuko Is Still Television’s Greatest Redemption Story

Christian Simon, Kutztown University

One of Nickelodeon’s most beloved characters is also a storytelling triumph.…

September 9, 2022

HBO Max points animated characters out the door

HBO Max Alienates Fans and Creators by Axing Animated Shows

Braden Beck, California State Channel Islands

In an effort to save money, the streaming platform has pulled the plug on numerous animated shows and movies. How does this affect the people who spent countless hours making and watching them?…

September 8, 2022

In an article about animated hip hop videos, an illustration of a brightly colored animated music video in a browser tab.

8 of the Best Animated Hip-Hop Music Videos of All Time

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

These innovative, visually stunning videos are a treat for rap enthusiasts and animation lovers alike.…

July 22, 2022

Marcel the Shell stares off into the distance on top of a washing machine

‘Marcel the Shell’: From YouTube Sensation to Big Screen Star

Vanessa Rivera, James Madison University

Although he had humble beginnings, the small creature has become the stop motion hit of this summer.…

July 12, 2022

An illustration of a Studio Ghibli film "Spirited Away."

Cinema, Collectibles and Cottagecore: Fans Keep Up the Studio Ghibli Spark

Joy Young, Chapman University

With its out-of-the-park animation style, Studio Ghibli has proved itself to stand amongst the greats.…

March 21, 2022

Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie from "Toy Story" for an article featuring Lightyear

Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ Trailer Is Here, so Let’s Look Back on Why ‘Toy Story’ Is so Amazing

Tiffany Singh, University of Central Florida

News about an upcoming movie featuring everyone's favorite space cadet just came out, so let's remember why people loved the original film so much.…

November 11, 2021

In an article about animation, a statue of Woody leans agnaist the sign of Toy Story's toyland.

Has Traditional Animation Reached the End of the Line?

Beth Nipper, University of Iowa

Western cartoons were once entirely hand-drawn, frame by frame. With the rise of computer-based CGI and the success of movies like 'Frozen,' however, the medium has been seeing some drastic changes.…

August 11, 2021

An illustration demonstrating video game to TV adaptations for Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness.

‘Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ Remains True to the Franchise’s Roots

Ian Linn, Oberlin College

Though casual viewers may not follow the long-running plot of the franchise, the action/horror TV series is a delightful watch for everyone.…

August 2, 2021

illustration of lilypichu, depicted as a girl with pink hair in a pink hoodie

LilyPichu Marries Gaming, Art and Music in Her Content

Sophie N. Munoz, University of Texas at San Antonio

The multitalented streamer and creator appeals to a wide audience with diverse content that ranges from lo-fi tracks to art lessons, all of which influence each other.…

April 20, 2021

Illustration of Raya in 'Raya and the Last Dragon'

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Signals an Important Shift for Disney

Alexandra Cortez, Trinity University

While Disney’s newest film isn't perfect, it marks a change in how the studio operates creatively and prompts questions about how the studio will approach future releases.…

March 26, 2021