Posted on

Astro Boy, Meet Kirobo

 

When I saw the story about Kirobo, the new robot astronaut from Japan (see the bottom clip below), it instantly called to mind Astro Boy (鉄腕アトム), the Japanese manga series that debuted in 1952 and was adapted into the first popular animated Japanese television series in the late 50s and early 60s which I saw as a kid on TV two decades later in Mexico. Astro Boy was one of the early creations of legendary Japanese animator and cartoonist Osamu Tezuka, the so-called “father of anime.” Surely the folks at Toyota were inspired by Astro Boy, the super-powered, space-age Pinocchio who lived in a world where robots coexisted with humans.

We don’t need a super-hero robot, but we’d love to coexist with a one or two who could help out with some household chores!

Posted on

Love Turns Sour for Cartoon Sweethearts

Rooty Toot Toot is a 1951 UPA animated short film directed by John Hubley. UPA (creators of Mr. Magoo) was among the most highly acclaimed animation companies of the 1950s, with graphic design driving the animation. This cartoon is one of many renditions of the much-sung Frankie and Johnny saga, featuring highly stylized, simplified illustrations and textured backgrounds that bring the characters to life.

Posted on

Band and dancers

Band and DancersOne in a series of original illustrations inspired by Mid-Century Modern music and entertainment, this particular scene was loosely inspired by a clip from the 1961 B-movie “Twist All Night” starring Louis Prima. A twisting Prima sings his song “Continental Twist,” which is one of several twist-related songs he recorded on the album “Doin’ the Twist.” While these songs come across as more gimmicky (and underutilize his songwriting and performing talents better showcased in his swing and jazz tunes), he was enthusiastic about the dance craze that swept the world in the early 1960s.

Here’s the scene from the movie:

Posted on

Desert Gang in Acapulco

Desert Gang in Acapulco
Even though it’s still not officially summer, here in the desert it’s HOT! What better way to escape the heat than with a trip to the beach? This month my newest Desert Gang original illustration has Cass K. Bell, Gil A. Monster, and Otis Kennicott traveling south of the border. Come along for some sun, surf, and sand in Acapulco, the ultra-cool vacation destination of Hollywood stars and jet-setters in the 1950s and ’60s. Find a shady spot, pour yourself a cocktail, and let the tropical ocean breeze whoosh your cares away.

Posted on

Phoenix Comicon 2013

Phoenix Comicon 2013Phoenix Comicon 2013 02

From May 23 to 26 the 2013 comic convention is going on at the Phoenix Convention Center in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. The event showcases comic books, science fiction/fantasy, film/television, and a range of pop culture elements, such as horror, anime, manga, animation, toys, collectible card games, video games, web comics, and graphic novels. But perhaps the best thing about Comicon is checking out the costumed conventioneers. Geeks unite!