In This Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!

There's a lot of news to get through this week, so make sure to scroll all the way through to see what catches your eye. Of course, Barry & Joe: The Animated Series probably got your attention, and yes, it is about the time-traveling adventures of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. (And if you like contributing to crowd-funding campaigns for animation, you might also want to check out the ongoing Goblins effort!) Another animated series you may have heard of, by the name of Attack on Titan, leaves its mark on an upcoming Japan Crate, which includes unique collectible art for diehard fans out there. Oh and if it's holiday programming you're looking for, definitely check out Boomerang's updated December schedule!

your-name-remake
Image via Toho

On the movie side of things, you can get caught up on the filmmaking career of Your Name director Makoto Shinkai in a new profile video. Then, be sure to check out the new trailer and poster for the amazing film Birdboy: The Forgotten Children, arriving in U.S. theaters in just a couple of weeks. Speaking of theaters, Crunchyroll and Ellation are bringing Black Clover to the big screen for just a few days as part of their "Movie Night", so be sure to get your tickets ASAP!

For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

'Barry & Joe' Animated Series Sees Best Buds Barack Obama and Joe Biden Traveling Through Time

obama-biden-animated-series
Image via Adam Reid

Barry & Joe: The Animated Series is feeling the love from Conan O’Brien who has joined as Executive Producer via his Conaco banner. Currently in development by its creator Adam Reid, the animation production company Titmouse is also newly on board as executive producer for the animated series which is described as a "bromantic comedy" featuring Barack Obama and Joe Biden traveling through time in search of a brighter future. Barry & Joe: The Animated Series, has already received critical praise and backing from thousands of people who pledged more than $100,000 on Kickstarter to successfully fund the campaign in August.

“My nerdy heart is exploding. This has been a grassroots effort so to now be working with Conan and Titmouse is a creative dream come true,” said creator Adam Reid. “I’m hopeful we’ll find a home for the series together, and I look forward to taking all our backers and new fans on the journey with us."

The adult animated half hour tells the story of best friends Barack Obama and Joe Biden as they leap through the past to save the future. The team which includes Executive Producers Chris Prynoski and Ben Kalina from Titmouse (Big Mouth, The Venture Bros.), is developing the series pitch. Vice said about the project, “It’s basically Jonny Quest meets Quantum Leap if Jonny and Hadji were actually former Democratic leaders and the entire Hanna-Barbera writing staff was on mescaline during development.”

obama-biden-animated-series
Image via Adam Reid
obama-biden-animated-series
Image via Adam Reid
obama-biden-animated-series
Image via Adam Reid

'Your Name' Director Makoto Shinkai's Career Profiled in New Video

Makoto Shinkai is the new face of anime in the world at large. But how did he get his start - and how did he get where he is today? Let's find out.

 

Buy Your Name limited or regular edition blu ray: http://funi.to/2jIriyq

your-name-bluray-makoto-shinkai-movies
Image via Funimation
your-name-bluray-makoto-shinkai-movies
Image via Funimation

'Aladdin' 25th Anniversary Video Confirms the Genie Was Originally Green

In celebration of Aladdin’s 25th anniversary, Oh My Disney released a special episode of “Watch A Disney Movie With.. Jafar,” in which Jonathan Freeman, the voice actor who played Jafar, reveals that Robin Williams’ “Genie” was supposed to be green, that Gilbert Godfried’s parrot “Iago” had a much smaller part in the original iteration of the iconic duo, and other secrets from the sound booth.

Join the quick-witted Broadway star backstage in New York City, as he unwinds common misconceptions, drastic changes and character edits from the film that changed the landscape of motion picture animation forever, including:

  • Animation Changes — Sometimes occurring on-the-spot, Freeman discusses what it was like working with legendary directors Ron Clements and John Musker, including a change of Genie’s skin from green to blue.
  • Finding Jafar’s Voice — Jafar’s sinister laugh was inspired by the voice actor’s first-look drawings of the villain’s “cruel beauty.”
  • Voice Tricks — How animators encouraged Freeman to “physicalize” his character in the sound booth using a cane and rag.
  • A Broadway Success — The moment in Aladdin on Broadway that took Freeman’s breath away on opening night.

Exclusive 'Attack on Titan' Collectibles Available from Japan Crate

attack-on-titan-japan-crate-cover
Image via Japan Crate, Kodansha Comics

Today Japan Crate and Attack on Titan publisher, Kodansha Comics announce an exciting partnership providing Japan Crate subscribers and Attack on Titan fans with Japanese snacks and sweets to enjoy while uncovering the mysteries behind the ravenous Titans.

The partnership is Japan Crate’s second custom collaborative crate, following the Tony Hawk Crate, and brings Attack on Titan x Japan Crate subscribers exclusive Attack on Titan artwork by Hajime Isayama, an illustrated booklet and a collectible card featuring a special download code for a free digital edition of the Attack on Titan Anthology.

attack-on-titan-japan-crate-art
Image via Japan Crate, Kodansha Comics

“Many of our subscribers wanted a popular Japanese anime or manga to be our next partnership after Tony Hawk,” said Anthony Sconzo, VP of Marketing and Co-Founder of Japan Crate. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with the largest publisher in Japan to bring exclusive Attack on Titan goods to our community. The exclusive art and wide range of snacks are sure to be a treat for any manga fan.”

The limited edition collectibles will come alongside delicious Japanese candies and snacks in January’s Premium Japan Crate. Crates are now available at japancrate.com/attackontitan through December 31st, 2017 while supplies last. Japan Crate follows a subscription model with Premium crates priced at $30 per month.

About Japan Crate

Japan Crate is the leading Japanese culture subscription box that shares the experience of Japan through monthly crates of candy, snacks, kawaii items, noodles and beauty products. Japan Crate’s products include Japan Crate, Doki Doki Crate, Umai Crate and Kira Kira Crate.

 

Japan Crate has offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The privately held company was founded in 2014 and has grown to offer four crate types to an international audience. Learn more at www.japancrate.com

About Kodansha

Founded in 1909, Kodansha Ltd. is Japan’s leading publishing house, based in Tokyo, Japan. Under the leadership of Yoshinobu Noma, company president since 2011, Kodansha continues to play a dominant role in the media world, producing books and magazines in a wide variety of genres including literature, fiction, nonfiction, children’s, business, lifestyle, art, manga, fashion, and journalism. Recently, the company has focused on creating and developing a wide range of digital businesses.

 

Kodansha Comics is the manga-publishing imprint of Kodansha USA Publishing (KUP), established in New York in 2008. Kodansha Comics’ first works were Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira and Shirow Masamune’s The Ghost in the Shell. Kodansha Advanced Media is a digital-content distributor and producer established in San Francisco in 2015.

attack-on-titan-japan-crate-collectible-card
Image via Japan Crate, Kodansha Comics
attack-on-titan-japan-crate
Image via Japan Crate, Kodansha Comics

'Big Hero 6' Movie 'Baymax Returns' a Ratings Hit for Disney

big-hero-6-baymax-returns-review
Image via Disney XD

The premiere of the television movie Baymax Returns ranked as the #1 TV telecast of the day among Girls 6-11 (290,000/2.5 rating), Kids 9-14 (472,000/2.0 rating), Boys 9-14 (237,000/1.9 rating) and Boys 6-14 (384,000/2.1 rating) in Live + 3 Day ratings. Baymax Returns was also the #1 TV program in its time period among Boys 2-11 (427,000/2.2 rating), Boys 6-11 (301,000/2.5 rating), Boys 9-14 and Boys 6-14.

Social engagement was strong leading up to the premiere with Big Hero 6: The Series content generating over 1.2 million video views and 10.8 million impressions across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

big-hero-6-baymax-returns-review

The movie ushers in the 2018 premiere of Big Hero 6: The Series and depicts 14-year-old Hiro as the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology, as he sets out to rebuild his compassionate, cutting-edge robot Baymax.

Big Hero 6: The Series continues the adventures and friendship of Hiro and Baymax, along with their friends – Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go and Fred – who together form the legendary superhero team Big Hero 6. The series will debut in 2018 on Disney Channels and Disney XD channels worldwide.

Reprising their roles from the feature film are Maya Rudolph as Aunt Cass, Ryan Potter as Hiro, Scott Adsit as Baymax, Jamie Chung as Go Go, Alan Tudyk as Alistair Krei, Genesis Rodriguez as Honey Lemon, David Shaughnessy as Heathcliff and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee as Fred's dad. Also joining the main voice cast are Khary Payton as Wasabi and Brooks Wheelan as Fred. Recurring guest voice cast includes Jenifer Lewis as Professor Granville, Haley Tju as Karmi, Andrew Scott as Obake and Andy Richter as Globby.

Boomerang's December Content Features Old and New Holiday Classics

Boomerang has announced its’ December programming and it's chock full of Christmas cartoons and holiday classics! Tom & Jerry fans can enjoy two original holiday specials, "A Nutcracker Tale" and "Santa's Little Helpers", in addition to some all-new premieres. And on December 21st, 75 never-before-seen episodes of 6 original series--Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!BunniculaDorothy and the Wizard of OzNew Looney TunesTom and Jerry ShowWacky Races--will make their way onto the network.

Here's a look at what's available now and what's coming soon:

be-cool-scooby-doo-scroogey-street
Image via Boomerang

Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!

Scroogey Doo

The Scooby Gang enter Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” as they try to get to the bottom of the mysterious ghost tormenting Scrooge in 1843 England.

dorothy-cast
Image via Boomerang

Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz

Snow Place Like Home

When Queen Ozma shakes her magic snow globe, a snow cloud descends on Oz and for the first time it snows. The Ozians love the snow until it gets colder and shows no sign of letting up. Dorothy and friends must find a way to end the winter.

new-looney-tunes-winter-blunderland
Image via Boomerang

New Looney Tunes 

Tis the Seasoning/Winter Blunderland

Bugs and Yosemite Sam fight over the last hot toy of the holiday season. When Squeaks mistakes the Barbarian for Santa Claus, Bugs has to intervene in order to retrieve his Holiday Wish List.

tom-jerry-christmas
Image via Boomerang

The Tom and Jerry Show  

Dragon Down the Holidays

Hildie sends Tom and Jerry into the woods to find a baby dragon who they befriend on the way home. When Hildie tells them she plans on making a special baby dragon dinner, Tom and Jerry work together to save him.

wacky-races-life-tree
Image via Boomerang

Wacky Races

It's a Wacky Life

During a Wacky Races Christmas party, Dastardly triggers his latest tricks and finds himself in Heaven reviewing his past misdeeds with a familiar angel named Melvin.

wacky-races
Image via Boomerang

Wacky Races

Dashing Thru the Snow

During a race to the North Pole, the racers accidentally run over Santa Claus and now must take his place to save Christmas.

scooby-snacks
Image via Boomerang
smurfs-christmas
Image via Boomerang
flintstones-christmas
Image via Boomerang
tom-jerry-santas-little-helpers
Image via Boomerang
tom-jerry-nutcracker-tale
Image via Boomerang

Incredible Trailer for 'Birdboy: The Forgotten Children' Debuts

Be sure to head over to GKIDStv's YouTube channel for more from Birdboy and their other upcoming films.

GKIDS presents BIRDBOY: THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN, opening in New York and Los Angeles on December 15, 2017, and expanding to select cinemas nationwide in January! There is light and beauty, even in the darkest of worlds. Stranded on an island in a post-apocalyptic world, teenager Dinky and her friends hatch a dangerous plan to escape in the hope of finding a better life. Meanwhile, her old friend Birdboy has shut himself off from the world, pursued by the police and haunted by demon tormentors. But unbeknownst to anyone, he contains a secret inside him that could change the world forever.

 

 

Based on a graphic novel and short film by co-director Alberto Vázquez and winner of the Goya Award for Best Animated Feature (where Vázquez won Best Animated Short Film in the same year), BIRDBOY: THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN is a darkly comic, beautiful and haunting tale of coming of age in a world gone to ruin.

birdboy-the-forgotten-children-clip-images-poster
Image via GKIDS

Acclaimed Studio Toei Animation Teams with Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions

Announced earlier this month and reported on by Variety, Japan's Toei Animation has entered into a production deal with Saudi Arabia's Manga Productions for animation titles/films to be released in both countries. First up is The Woodcutter's Treasure. Based on Saudi Arabian folklore, the 20-minute animation is complete and you can check out a teaser below. A 90-minute film and 13 episodes based on Saudi folklore are also in the works:

As a part of a series of upcoming animation projects, and video games targeting youth, in Sci-Fi and adventure manga productions is pleased to present you, with an exciting anime clip dedicated to family, and children. Produced by a Saudi company in partnership with TOEI Animation titled "The woodcutter's Treasure ".

Bukhari Isam, CEO of Manga Productions says the company "will do pre-production or prepare designing content to be produced in Japan" with an aim for an international audience.Toei Animation's managing director Shinji Shimizu said "the company was proud to be working with Manga Productions and that the partnership would create quality titles that respect both countries’ cultures."

'Black Clover' Heads to Theaters with Ellation for Crunchyroll's Movie Night

Ellation's third theatrical event, Crunchyroll Movie Night, in partnership with Screenvision Media and KAOS Connect, will be bringing Black Clover to the big screen across the U.S. and Canada for three nights: December 6th, 9th, and 10th.

The next great saga of hope, courage and determination! In a world where magic is everything, Asta and Yuno are both found abandoned at a church on the same day. While Yuno is gifted with exceptional magical powers, Asta is the only one in this world without any. At the age of fifteen, both receive grimoires, magic books that amplify their holder’s magic. Asta’s is a rare Grimoire of Anti-Magic that negates and repels his opponent’s spells. Being opposite but good rivals, Yuno and Asta are ready for the hardest of challenges to achieve their common dream: to be the Wizard King. Giving up is never an option!

Tickets are now on sale at http://www.crunchyrollmovienight.com/.

black-clover-movie-night-poster
Image via Crunchyroll, Ellation

Iconic Voice Actors Assemble for 'Goblins' Animated Series

[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/YuriLowenthal/status/936132944850124800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/EMBED_TWITTER]

Tarol Hunt, Matt King, Danielle Stephens and Phil LaMarr are bringing you GOBLINS ANIMATED!!!

 

GOBLINS ANIMATED is the story of a Tabletop Role Playing Game world told from the point of view of the little guys, the "monsters" instead of the heroes. It's a heroic tale of a group normally considered evil and weak.

 

What's Goblins Animated? It's the cartoon version of the Goblins Comic, a journey into the realm of tabletop RPGs from the point of view of the monsters. Week to week, Tarol has taken us through an incredible world, all seen through the eyes of the Complains of Names, Thaco, Minmax, Big Ears, Forgath and many more. These fantastic characters do the best they can in circumstances always a little out of their control. Their emotional roller coaster has made fans laugh, gasp and cry for a decade, making Goblins one of the most popular webcomics on the net!

 

Tara Strong, Billy West, Maurice LaMarche, Jim Cummings, Matthew Mercer, Jennifer Hale, Steve Blum, and more amazing Mystery Cast Members have agreed to come onboard, grab a +1 sword of sharpness and help bring these characters to life!

Check out the IndieGoGo campaign here!