Fan Expo is coming so hard! (I also take a look at Spongebob)

Posted: August 20, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Current Cartoons | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First and Foremost!

Fan Expo is coming to Toronto. The annual event will hit the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this Thursday through Sunday, and yours truly hopes to be there on the Sunday. Not as an exhibitor mind you, but as an attendee. Just look for the tall bald guy in a Hawaiian shirt (that isn’t John Lasseter.) You know who else will be there? My best friend/designer-in-chief Peter N. Trinh and his brother Lucky. They will be unveiling the first bit of Perfume & Primer Caps. Everyone in Toronto should check it out. I also hope to make some videos to post for you to check out.
Now on to business…
He lives in a pineapple under the sea. He’s friends with a squirell and possibly the laziest starfish in the ocean. He’s also captured the imaginations of millions of people worldwide. I’m of course talking about the one and only Spongebob Squarepants.

Seen here fleeing in terror from a dropped bass.

The has been gripped in his yellow fever (wait…) and he wont relinquish his grip on us. We’re drawn to him like a krabby patty. Why do we like him so? What makes the show so likeable for adults as well as children? It all comes down to absurdity.

We are not familiar with that term.

Everyone I know that doesn’t dig Spongebob, says that it’s way too stupid or silly. I always come back with, “Of course it is. It’s absurd humour.”

You’re trying to find meaning in this, but there is none. So just relax and laugh. Wacky antics can be funny. Celebrity cameos even funnier. Random cuts to Nosferatu. Yeah. That happened. everything on this show is way too silly. I didn’t even like it at first. But after watching it a few more times, it grew on me like algae.

So who’s behind Spongebob Squarepants? Nickelodeon. I would wager this is Nick’s most popular cartoon ever. I liked it way more than the even more absurd Ren & Stimpy.

So who’s the man giving us that glorious high-pitched squeal of the eponymous éponge? This man right here:

Looking suspiciously nonabsorbent, nonyellow and nonporous.

Tom Kenny. I talked about him briefly (very briefly) in my Mission Hill post. He’s a very talented man.

So all in all, why do I like Spongebob? Easy. The absurd comedy gets to me, and they throw in just enough pop culture references to keep me coming back. That and Sandy Cheeks. There’s something about her Aquanaut suit that makes me laugh so much.

How can you not Laugh at this?

Confessions of a Brony

Posted: October 14, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Current Cartoons | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s time to admit to you all that, yes, I am a Brony. The friendship cannon hit me with full force and I’ve been hooked on the colourful equines since earlier in the summer.

Right in the goddamn face!

For those of you unfamiliar with the term “Brony,” allow me to elaborate: I’m sure most of you remember the show/line of dolls “My Little Pony”. Well, As with most classic cartoons from the 80s, they’ve decided to reboot it. The new show, while meant to appeal to a young audience, also appeals to a broader audience. The fans outside of the demographic, most notably older males, are known as “Bronies”. A Portmanteau of Bro and Pony. So a guy that likes ponies.

Whenever I tell somebody about this fact, they look at me as if I told them I like to make my own toilet paper*, they think I’m a little weird but mostly harmless. Why would I be watching a cartoon meant for little girls? Well close-minded people, you’re in for a shock, I’m not the only Brony out there.

The numbers aren’t exact, but I would guess that it numbers in the hundreds of thousands. With many dedicated sites the fandom is garnering more fans daily.

The show itself looks beautiful though it’s only flash animation (I believe) and the voice actors they’ve chosen for the do a very good job. The dialogue is quick and witty, and definitely full of jokes for an older crowd.

For me, this is a cartoon that is definitely  worth a look. I understand some of you may feel a little weirded out by the prospect of watching a show about ponies. Or, for those of you old enough to remember the original cartoon/line of toys, feel that it will be as bad as the original. This is not the case. I’ve already watched the first season at least twice over (more for favorite episodes) and with the second season just starting, now would be a great time to catch up on your ponies.

Until next time, may the elements of harmony be with you.

p.s. My favorite? Officially it’s Rainbow Dash.

*Apologies to those who make their own toilet paper.

No problems.