February 19th: Theoretical '08 Lineup
2007 was a very dry year for action animation, but 2008 is looking quite promising. Several series that were suppose to air in 2007 were pushed back to 2008 - which only makes the possibilities stronger. Here's a little rundown on some great series that could make Toonami even better.
#1 - Guardians of Luna
I don't know much about this particular series, but it is apparently about a group of werewolves who use an ancient power to transform themselves. There is an authority figure who seeks to use that power for his own means, and it's up to these unlikely heroes (who apparently do not get along very well - in classic action cartoon fashion I'm sure) to prevent him from fulfilling his goal. The original art style was not all that gritty, but I've heard that it did have a bit of a dark tone. (It does take place mostly at night.) However, the series has now undergone a design overhaul and it looks even edgier - a nice mix of traditional American action and Japanese style. I say that cautiously, because this one doesn't look like a generic run-of-the-mill, faux anime in the least). If you care to look into it further, here's a link to the series production blog.
According to some interviews with the creator, the series has some big marketing plans - including a manga tie-in and video games based on the show. With a heavy emphasis on combing Japanese and Western styles, and a marketing plan in place, I could see this series doing great on Toonami. It certainly would be a much-needed breath of fresh air.
#2 - Time Jam: Valerian and Laureline
Time Jam is a new Japanese/French collaboration (not unlike Oban Star Racers) based on a French graphic novel series called Valerian. In the animated series, the hot shot - a ladies' man named Valerian - embarks on his first voyage through time and space. He ends up in the medieval era, where he meets a gypsy named Laureline. After taking her back with him to the future, they discover that Earth is missing and somehow they are the only human beings left in the galaxy. After learning this, the two of them set out on an interplanetary voyage to find remnants of the planet they once called home.
From what I can tell, the series has a bit of a mature angle to it - though it won't be anywhere near as mature as the original French graphic novel series. The two leads compliment each other well, in the somewhat classic duo of the headstrong stud with a considerably more intelligent female companion. While I'd categorize it as an action series, it also seems to take the time to throw in a laugh. I've only seen the trailer and some still images, but I think this series has a lot of potential and I would love to see it join Toonami this (or any) year.
#3 - Class of the Titans
This series has been running on Teletoon in Canada for a couple of years, and I believe it has two seasons under its belt now. The series is about a group of teenagers who are the descendants of heroes from Greek mythology. They have to juggle everyday life and fighting the master of time: Cronos. Jeff Harris of The X Bridge brought this series up a few times over the past few years and his discussions about it piqued my interest. It looks like a fun show and would be yet another positive change of pace.
#4 - Wolverine and the X-Men
It has been too long since we've been able to enjoy a really good Marvel cartoon. Ah, who am I kidding? Most Marvel cartoons turn out terrible in the end, but this series looks like it could really break the mold. The animation is very similar to that of X-Men: Evolution, but it has a slightly darker feel overall. Some of the designs are questionable, but it definitely looks right. Toonami has always been known as a home for great super hero cartoons, and this one should be no exception. The trailer was pretty epic as well, so if you want to see the series in action I highly recommend tracking it down. Fantastic Four did poorly, so X-Men may not get a warm welcome from Cartoon Network. But to turn down this show would be a huge oversight.
I would also love to see The Spectacular Spider-Man join the block, but this article is focusing on series that do not already have a home. I won't say anything more than this: Spider-Man and X-Men on Toonami? It'd be a dream come true. Iron Man has a cartoon coming down the pipe as well and that would only add to the greatness. But first things first. We need Wolverine and the X-Men.
#5 - Blue Dragon
At this point I don't have high expectations for Blue Dragon. Microsoft, Viz Media and Bandai's huge marketing plan behind it seems all but sunk due to the Xbox 360 failing to meet expectations, but despite that I believe the show is potential Toonami material. The series chronicles the adventure of a boy who can summon a shadow in the shape of a dragon. It seems like a typical overhyped shonen, but if nothing else it has one thing going for it: the designs for the game and anime came from Akira Toriyama, who brought us the Dragonball franchise and made the designs for Chrono Trigger and Dragon Warrior. I'm expecting this series to join Toonami this year whether it should or not.
#6 - Hunter x Hunter
At long last, Hunter x Hunter is being pitched to the US market through Viz (who brought us Naruto, The Prince of Tennis, MAR and Zatch Bell.) Let me tell you, this series is fantastic. It is probably one of the best series to come from Weekly Shonen Jump. As with most shonen, it involves a young man trying to be "the best". In this case, the lead character Gon wants to become a great hunter in order to find his father. Along his journey he meets some very interesting characters and has many fierce battles. The series comes from the creator of Yu Yu Hakusho and it's more than a worthy follow-up.
I cannot tell you enough how much I want this series to join Naruto and One Piece on Toonami, but it won't be an easy sell. Hunter is from 1999, and these days Cartoon Network does not like touching shows older than about five years. Despite that, I think it has aged well enough to have a chance. At the very least it will probably come to Jetstream, but I would hate to see Hunter miss a chance at the main block. It's worth it, trust me, and it would be an excellent replacement for Dragonball Z later this year.
#7 - Star Wars: The Clone Wars
This one could not be more obvious. The Clone Wars mini-series had plenty of air time on Toonami (and later on Jetstream), so naturally the full-fledged series should join Toonami this fall. Even encore showings on Toonami would be welcome and give the block a much-needed ratings boost. I see it as the cornerstone for Toonami's best fall line-up ever, along with some of the other shows I've mentioned above. Comments from Lucas regarding the tone of the series makes it sound even more appropriate for Toonami. It's a perfect fit for the block and there is no reason not to allow it to air there.
Even if nothing else grabs the attention of the viewers this year, Clone Wars could put Toonami back on the map. The casual viewership may be growing tired of super heroes, Naruto and other shonen fluff but they could never ignore Star Wars. If Toonami does not get to air this chapter in the Star Wars franchise, then CN has failed.
So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed our little trip through the realm of possibility, and I also hope this article introduced you to some series you may have never heard of before. Action animation around the world is not in good shape, and it's up to the fans to keep the dreams of the creators alive by supporting the few gems that come our way. Please look into these shows further if they caught your interest. It should be pretty clear by now that there is a great deal of content out there that could make Toonami as great as it once was (or even better). All the network has to do is look outside of the box a bit more.
[Ed. - And guess what? Here's a little followup goodie - a fan-made vision of what Toonami could (and probably should) look like this March. Big thumbs-up to FanelianStrike for his effort.]
Discuss this topic in our forums.