Through Frames in Sketch and Story

From Rebellion to Mainstream Adult animation has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the late 80s and early 90s.  What started as a niche subgenre for rebellious and disillusioned youth has transformed into one of the most influential and diverse forms of television today. Shows like The Simpsons and Beavis and Butt-Head set the stage for the explosion of adult-oriented animation that we see in today’s TV landscape, with hits like Rick and Morty , BoJack Horseman , and Big Mouth pushing the boundaries of what animated series can explore. But what drove this evolution? How did adult animation go from being a niche subculture to a mainstream genre? And what are the forces shaping its future? Let's trace the evolution of adult animation, examining the cultural, technological, and fandom-driven factors that have helped it grow into the powerhouse genre it is today. The 90s: Adult Animation Comes of Age The 90s were a pivotal decade for adult animation.  Sho...

Image source:  https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/undergrads https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208616/mediaviewer/rm1198008577/ A Snapshot of 90s Adult Animation In the late 90s and early 2000s, MTV became a significant hub for animated shows targeting older teens and young adults, often exploring themes of rebellion, confusion, and the awkwardness of adulthood.  Two shows that epitomize this era are "Undergrads" (2001) and "Downtown" (1999). Though both series were short-lived, they remain beloved by fans for their unique takes on life’s messier, more complex moments. Both shows explore the intersection of youthful exuberance and the harsh reality of early adulthood, but in very different settings.  While Undergrads examines the chaos and camaraderie of college life, Downtown offers a more grounded, urban take on navigating post-college life and the challenges of making meaningful connections. Check out Downtown's pilot episode and first episode below, and i...

  The Unexpected Evolution of Animation Animation, once primarily reserved for children’s cartoons and whimsical tales, has undergone a radical transformation over the last few decades.  Today, animated shows tackle some of the most complex, mature, and often provocative themes, ranging from existential crises to social satire and dark humor.  But how did we get here? How did animation transition from simple entertainment to a tool for adult storytelling? Let us have a look at the origins of adult animation, examining its roots, the cultural shifts that made it possible, and the shows that blazed the trail for the genre. The Early Beginnings: Animation for Adults (Pre-1990s) While the mainstream view of animation may have been rooted in Disney classics like Snow White or Cinderella , adult animation wasn't a brand-new phenomenon in the 90s.  As early as the 1930s, cartoons were being made for adult audiences, though often in niche circles. "Mr. Magoo" (...

Animation is a powerful medium, often used to spark imaginations, tell universal stories, and even shape our culture. In a lot of ways, it has shaped characters we can identify with, stories that resemble our stages of life, and given us the reminder of what the world looks like at various times. With some popular animation properties reaching every corner of the world, and with others, trying to crack through the crevices of the industry, it can seem as though the language of animation is only seen through one lens.  However, with more progressive shifts in society and culture, over the years since animation grew in popularity as a media form for entertainment and much more, there has been need for more voice to be included. In recent years, there’s been a growing shift in how animation studios approach audience inclusivity .  Not just in terms of cultural representation but also in sensory and physical accessibility . For children and families with special needs, animation ...

  When you think of Pixar , you probably think of that signature Pixar style, which has, smooth, rounded characters, vibrant colors, and rich, cinematic animation.  When you think of Studio Ghibli , you picture delicate watercolor backdrops and soft, hand-drawn character designs. These studios have stuck to their visual identities over the years, and it’s a big part of what makes them so easily recognizable.  Then there’s Sony Pictures Animation , a studio known for constantly pushing the boundaries of what animation can look like. So, here’s the question, should animation studios develop a signature visual style that defines them across all projects, or should they let each project have its own unique aesthetic, depending on the story and creative direction?  Sony’s bold approach with movies like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , The Mitchells vs. The Machines , and Connected has opened up a larger conversation about whether flexibility and creative freedom are...