Tiny Toons Looniversity - A Re-Establishment To Be Cherished Soony?

Could comic dispensers crack up the modern censors? The audience might savour a new continuity [77]! And that continuity is no other than Tiny Toons Looniversity. It has been three months since we saw the po-toon-tail blooming from the teaser trailer [16] [88] [89]. Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con this year, the official introduction and theme song for the reboot have been revealed alongside a screening of two episodes [15] [18] [43] [75]. However, there shall be no spoilers from me as I am a cartoon admirer who lives in the United Kingdom! It is quite odd that Acme Looniversity will be a lot more like a college rather than a North American high school in the imminent reboot [88] [89], but at least we can forget about it becoming Chuck Norris Elementary School in Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain [74]. The reboot being delayed to Autumn 2023 back in late 2022 was a chance to further assure that its outcome might be put on the Dean’s list. Alongside the hype for Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake, Monster High 2 and the second season of Invincible after so much fun at San Diego Comic-Con 2023 [47] [50] [58] [93], let us delve right into the po-toon-tail of Tiny Toons Looniversity again and further discuss how it can be approved.

There is still hope for a forthcoming reboot to be one done right later this year after the disastrous backlash towards Velma [22] [25] [88] [89], yet its second season will be released at some point next year [62], but will that result in the same mistakes being made again [22] [25]? [64]

There seems to be something more to this forthcoming reboot than just a premise of the Tiny Toons as college students [88] [89]. The first season is set to be released this September [43] [75], which is fitting as students start a new year in that month. [15]

Previously, we have identified and discussed the differences Tiny Toons Looniversity will consist of [88] [89]. Although the Tiny Toons still look young, it has been confirmed that they will be slightly older in association with them living in the dormitories as roommates [43] [48], which makes sense to a degree and can still be considered a premise of them residing in a boarding school without the need for school uniforms to an extent [88] [89]. Although the choice to make Babs and Buster Bunny siblings would make sense to those who have never watched the original Tiny Toons series [38] [39] [43] [75], reminding my fellow 2000s kids and me of Yin Yang Yo [94], it contradicts one of the clever adult jokes in the original Animanaics [29]. I suspect that Lola Bunny’s portrayal as a tutor at Acme Looniversity will be a hybrid of the Lola from Space Jam and the Lola from The Looney Tunes Show [66] [81] [82], providing the best of both alongside the best of New Looney Tunes as she mentors Babs [66] [76]. Charlie Adler and Tress MacNeille may not have reprised their roles as the two Tiny Toons bunnies, but Eric Bauza and Ashleigh Crystal Hairstone’s performances sound rather fitting for them in the teaser and intro [43] [75]. Some more differences will be discussed later on.

Interestingly enough, this concept art features Buster wearing a jacket and a white shirt [43]. I think it is a good thing to switch back to his usual red jumper as that is an example of letting some characters stick to their classic designs [16]. More on the character designs will also be discussed later. [43]

It was confirmed that Elmyra Duff will also return in the reboot [43] [75]. And what do you know! She appeared in the newly revealed introduction [15] [18]. Theoretically, it must have been advised to reduce her excessive love for animals if she were to play a supporting role, compared to her portrayal in Pinky, Elmyra and the Brain when the scripts were being written [60]. I do not doubt that Montana Max will be an intimidating antagonist being the result of the prime conflict in some episodes, apart from Plucky’s portentousness and competitiveness causing it in some others [15] [18]. Other Tiny Toons making a return are: 

•       Furball [15] [16] [18]
•       Dizzy Devil [15] [16] [18]
•       Calamity Coyote [15] [16] [18]
•       Little Beeper [15] [16] [18]

Let us not forget about Gogo Dodo, the whacky little fella who was pretty much the original series’ stunt bird [77]. Lastly, there will be some new Tiny Toons who are the equivalents of Cool Cat and Merlin the Magic Mouse to make the series fresh in a new interpretation of a looniversity [12] [43]. As interesting as it would be to introduce new characters, even though there is a risk of them causing a series to jump the shark [49], carefully and caringly bringing the old crew into a new light is a sign of compassion to the ‘90s kids who adored Tiny Toons Adventures [30] [42] [55] [77].

Can you imagine if there would be new Tiny Toons based on Claude Cat and Charlie Dog [55]? Jinkies… [43]

How similar and dissimilar will the personalities of the Tiny Toons be in Tiny Toons Looniversity? As surprising as Sweetie Bird’s personality change is to me [15] [18], it is, however, rather concerning to a degree, quite like how Bugs Bunny becomes ridiculously out-of-character over the loss of his gloves in an episode of The Looney Tunes Show [83]. At least Sweetie’s toughness will make her beyond the “pretty little privilege” trope Tweety has been criticised for [12]. Heck, he turned out to be the true villain of Taz: Wanted [35]! On the other hand, Hampton’s trait of being anxious still vaguely reminds me of Piglet from the Winnie the Pooh franchise [54]. Moreover, I believe he ought to remain in the role of a straight man and his anxiousness could make him a hard worker [40]. Shirley McLoon is seen at the girls’ dormitories meditating [15] [18], but it would be best to not make her updated personality rely on that activity too often, which is what happened to Yasmin in the Bratz stop motion webseries [11]. I know that it would be advisable to no longer make Fifi La Fume a romantic who is a little too hopeless and too provocative [14] [88] [89], but it is possible that not all personality changes will be beneficial. 

It is okay to make a new personality fit a redesign, but please do NOT make the same mistake a certain episode of My Little Pony: Pony Life made with Fluttershy’s obsession with a celebrity dolphin [90] [91]! Some personality changes can be beneficial to an extent as Crush from Finding Nemo was originally going to have a rather stereotypical hippie personality and Gil was originally going to be quite a fibber during the film’s development [34]. [15]

At least the personalities of Babs, Buster, Plucky, Hampton and so on will remain the same, despite how they are slightly aged up, yet it would be quite strange to let Furball speak instead of just meowing as some new character exploration for him [14]. Babs was amazing with her impressions of Charlie Brown, Marge Simpson and so on in that one episode of Tiny Toons Adventures [30], which might as well be demonstrated again in an episode of Tiny Toons Looniversity, despite how she will be more interested in being a director [38]. Buster ought to idolise Bugs and study hard, just like in Tiny Toons Adventures [39]. It is likely that Plucky Duck will have the aspirations for fame and fortune he had in his own spin-off show from 1992 aside from his role as a frenemy to Buster in Tiny Toons Looniversity [41]. As important as it would be to keep the classic icon’s personalities top-notch, in spite of ageing them up for an understandable reason, there would also need to be some new forms of exploration for them in a new setting, which is what was achieved in the outcome of Monsters University [51], yet not as effective with some unfortunate contractions in the third and fourth seasons of Dexter’s Laboratory [67].

I am quite curious to see which student could end up studying and working too hard, quite like how Mike from Monsters University, Dexter from Dexter’s Laboratory and Will from The Inbetweeners ended up being workaholics [32] [51] [61]. I suppose that character exploration would apply to Hampton as his anxious personality is briefly described in the new intro [15] [18]. I also believe the roles of the Looney Tunes as the Tiny Toons’ tutors will be respectable and not the butts of anti-teacher jokes [37] [45] [74]. [15]

The animation is colourful and energetic, enlightening the use of cartoony gags and moments of the Tiny Toons showing the school what they can do [15] [16] [18]. The expressiveness put into the moments of zaniness makes them excel, which is what can also be noticed in an episode of Helluva Boss [48]. As previously stated, the backgrounds consist of vibrance and details with some exceptional effects [87] [88], yet the characters’ colour palettes that have no over-saturation make them tamely stand out from them [15] [16] [18]. A room in the dormitory where Babs shreds dollars with a fan looks quite like a room in Barbie Land [80]. As previously mentioned, the new designs for Sweetie and Shirley match their updated personalities and they are rather trendy [15] [16] [18] [88] [89]. As passably animated all the adorable pets were in what appeared to be advanced paper motion animation plastered into a quirky world of stop motion starring dolls in the Bratz web series from 2015 [8] [9] [10] [11], the quality of the 2D animation in the teaser trailer and introduction of Tiny Toons Looniversity is about as exceptional as the 2D animation in Looney Tunes Cartoons for a promising revival in late 2023 [15] [16] [18] [84] [85] [88] [89]. But like I have preached before, some high level of writing ought to help the series excel alongside excellent animation [88] [89].

Outstanding animation for the Tiny Toons’ new start! Away from home, they’re not alone in this new work of art [77]! [43]

The show’s premise and primary elements of writing are self-exploratory in the new introduction [15] [18]. Cartoony gags include Babs and Buster riding a rocket like how Cuphead and Mugman did in the introduction of The Cuphead Show [53], Wile E. Coyote getting blown up into ashes (which is not new to him) and Babs and Buster hitting a bell with mallets during a star-studded performance [15] [18]. The new theme song’s lyrics are quite a self-parody of the original theme song from Tiny Toons Adventures involving college life [15] [18] [77]. How the theme song is a direct self-parody is another huge sign of determination to stay true to what made Tiny Toons Adventures iconic while featuring some new elements for today’s youth who would most likely be unfamiliar with the original series [42]. You guys know how much I love spoofing songs [5] [6] [86] [92]! Aside from zany cartoony slapstick and a few college life clichés, I hope that there will be some occasional deep moments of morality, especially when it comes to making a character’s likeability shine within some progression [88] [89]. Although it is important to let writers flourish and further improve their skills in storytelling [17], even for a reimagining of a beloved ‘90s cartoon [33] [42] [88] [89], I hope that something effectively positive will occur in the aftermath of the writers’ strike in Hollywood that began in May [21] [79] [87].

One element that makes the reboot seem enriched in faithfulness is the use of cartoony gags during the Tiny Toons’ class sessions at Acme Looniversity [15] [16] [18] I strongly believe that the series can excel in about the same way the reboot of Animaniacs did [33]. [15]

Oh, goody goody gumdrops. Some reminders of how expensive attending a college or university is [1]. [15]

Some new elements in the upcoming re-imagining ought to at least provide some benefit. It is such a relief that the introduction has not consisted of any flashing effects, making it accessible for those with epilepsy [15] [18] [77]. Do you know why there will also not be any depictions of tobacco use in the forthcoming reboot? CIGARETTES ARE GROSS [55]!!! Oh, and our fellow animal crossers must have been scared into either quitting smoking or never smoking a cigarette [62]. I suppose there could be a few uses of smartphones and parodies of social media platforms [84] [85], even though the spoofs could be quite corny and it would make more sense for an intellectual property firstly written and animated in the smartphone era, such as Helluva Boss [23] [48]. As realistic as the Toons’ goal to graduate from Looniversity is [15] [16] [18] [88] [89], it would be quite compelling and open-minded to teach a young audience that you do NOT have to graduate from college or university to become successful, which is what the ending of Monsters University showed [44] [51]. Surely, there must be something much more meaningful and open-minded than the phrase “Go woke, go broke!” when it comes to notable changes in new adaptions of media [70] [71] [72]. Besides, Barbie has managed to gross more than Oppenheimer at the box office a few days after their theatrical releases [19] [69], despite it apparently being “woke” [68].
 

Looks like Twitter has been rebranded as “X” and apparently, it will soon be under the works of artificial intelligence [52] [56] [63] [58]. That still does not make me forget about its constant toxicity, which is why I retired from the platform after what was the final straw earlier this month [3] [24]. Due to how scripts and voice acting is done before animation, I would not be surprised if a social media platform in Tiny Toons Looniversity would still be based on Twitter but writing that is not based on trends would be very much preferred. Please! Any spoof of any social media platform, but a tacky spoof of TikTok [73]! [52]

Asde from using spoofs of social media and modern technology wisely [84] [85], each episode of the two seasons ought to maintain a newly bloomed cartoony charm to appeal to both fans of Tiny Toons Adventures and a younger new audience [42] [88] [89]. [43]

So, could the fans get all the laughs from pre-1993 [77]? The Tiny Toons might not need a toon degree to become loveable ‘90s icons, but their determinations in a new interpretation of Acme Loonversity appear to be dynamic and quite exploratory [15] [16] [18] [88] [89]. It is okay to point out flaws in a re-imagining, but even if Tiny Toons Looniversity turns out to be a disappointment, please do not use the term “true fan” to justify bias and rudeness towards those who enjoy a modern adaption of a classic [96]. I absolutely loathe that term. Even though some intellectual properties are probably better off laid to rest in peace after some grim exposures and partial regretfulness [2] [78], despite loyalty from their followings being maintained to this day [13] [46], others either have a chance to flourish even further during their runs or make an infatuating comeback after so long [4] [88] [89]. As I reflect on how far I have come since I survived the high school I attended becoming a carbon copy of Waterloo Roadagainst my will [7], I shall root for the Tiny Toons’ reaching their goals at Acme Looniversity as we seek nostalgic rehashes to forget our troubles [26] [88] [89]. 
 

I wish the Tiny Toons the best of luck throughout the semester! Happy 90th Anniversary to Acme Loo [16] [77]! And Happy 100th Anniversary to Walt Disney Studios as well [28]! This Autumn, let us join the fun…as soon as class has begun! [15]

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Can My Little Pony: Pony Life Make Friendship Magic Again?

Bronies and pegasisters, Hasbro finally presents a brand new trailer for “Pony Life”, a forthcoming animated series that is based on the newest line of toys within the My Little Pony franchise [1] [15] [20]. Before its stated released date, it was unlisted on the company’s official YouTube channel, along with its official introduction possibly to further prevent spoilers for when it airs on Discovery Family [1] [5] [14] [16]. There was a previous trailer for what appears to be “Generation 4.5” that was unfortunately removed from publicity on Hasbro’s YouTube channel possibly due to quite an unsuitable choice of music [6] [22]. I am aware that the redesigns and animation that was rather exaggerated at times received quite a lot of negative reception at first [3] [6]. Nonetheless, I can tell that it simply a spin-off of the 2010s masterpiece, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic due to the return of its iconic and loveable main characters, including Spike the Dragon and a certain pack of talented voice actresses reprising their roles [13] [14]. Unable to get the new catchy and energetic theme song for the upcoming spin-off out of my head, I shall proceed to analyse the trailer and state my thoughts on what it has to offer in Summer 2020 [1] [16].

Feeling good as heck [22]! Well…until the first trailer was privatised [6]. [16]

“Sit back and watch, everypony! We have a new trailer!” [15]

As I look at the new art style of the ponies, it screams “chibi” right at me and looks like a rehash of Generation 3.5 [18] [28]. I like how their hooves are more detailed with thick strands of fur surrounding the top of them, which has also been featured on the toys in the Pony Life toy line [1] [20] [22]. To be honest, I think Rainbow Dash’s new hairstyle is a bit too wild. I can tell that the Pony Life series will take place between the third and last seasons of Friendship Is Magic because of how Twilight Sparkle has the wings that made her an alicorn in the third season [12]. One unfortunate downgrade is how each of their cutie marks have been reduced to only one essence on display, but they at least still suit their names and personalities [14] [15]. What makes the art style of the ponies more refreshing is how emotions are displayed, quite similar to how quirky expressions were introduced in the reboot of the Powerpuff Girls that began in 2016 [21] [25] [26], such as diamond-shaped sparkles in Applejack’s eyes when she is driving a fire engine and spirals in Rarity’s eyes when she makes a scene on a chaise lounge.

Allow a shattered Twilight Sparkle to sum up the reactions to the previous trailer of some disapproving bronies and pegasisters [3] [6]. [15]

As for me, I think the new character designs are alright, even when Applejack is wearing a beret. [15]

The art style of the backgrounds reminds me of Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends to a degree [2] [14] [15]. I can say that the colours are quite vibrant and enhance the premise of ponies living happily in a civilized society. On the other hoof, some objects are only outlines, which is quite an odd aspect and may negatively affect the overall quality for some viewers [14] [15] [16]. Some proportions in the backgrounds are too surreal and wonky, including the shape of counters. As shown in some of the promotional images that were shown some months ago, I do not really like how the floor behind the counter at Sugarcube Corner is not displayed completely horizontally and how some of the outlines for the staircase at Rarity’s sanctuary are not completely surrounding the colour [3] [16]. The reduced effort put into the backgrounds also remind me of the backgrounds of Garfield Originals and the third and fourth seasons of Dexter’s Laboratory [9] [23]. This is not such a big deal to me as reduced quality in art design would usually be a decision to cut costs. I would be more concerned about the portrayal of the characters in each episode in front of disproportionate backgrounds.

I like how the colours are not too saturated and easy on the eyes, but there are wonky proportions everywhere. I can at least the surreal proportions can suit the more energetic tone the Pony Life series is going for and help the characters stand out more with their fairly thick outlines, but they can still be seen as a sign of decrease in art quality. [15]

I can also say that the background of this image is at least really pretty. [15]

So, what is the premise of Pony Life? Well, the trailer shows that the spin-off of Friendship Is Magic will focus on the civilized lives of the Mane Six involving some moments of humour and less focus on any fantasy elements [4] [13] [14]. Apart from that, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are both seen drinking a bottle of potion, which is a sign of a bottle of potion being the prime source of solving conflict [15]. At some point in the series, it would be interesting to see the development of Potion Nova, a brand new character who seems to be possibly the only Pony Life exclusive character [17]. One thing that concerns me is the possibility of the value of friendship being overshadowed by the flaws of Teen Titans GO [24] [27], including reduced likeability of the main characters and too much whacky humour overshadowing character development. As long as the morality of benefiting friendships will still be present to a degree and there are no signs of the show being a bad influence for young children with poor morals [13] [27], Pony Life can potentially honour the magic of friendship from its masterpiece of a predecessor.

Wait a minute! How can the ponies be able to securely hold an item, such as a bottle with their hooves?! Questioning cartoon logic sure is fun. [15]

What is more important is that Pony Life should at least provide some moral teachings for a young audience, just like how Friendship Is Magic did [13]. [15]

What is more important than a character’s style is a character’s portrayal. According to some more promotional images, the Mane Six might have somewhat different explorations within their developments [16]. Oddly enough, Rainbow Dash is seen putting on weight as she watches television, possibly leading to an episode focusing on her competitive nature being put to a strange new test [4]. Twilight Sparkle is seen exercising, which I think would suit Rainbow Dash better, but it could expand on the brainy alicorn’s determination in a different area. Fluttershy is seen with leaves and sticks in her mane and tail, which might be a sign of an episode focusing on her helping some animals. Rarity’s two images make an assuming joke, but they could lead to an episode about how physical imperfection is okay. Pinkie Pie is seen meditating, which could lead to her trying to be less hyperactive. Applejack’s image is the most in-character as she is eating an apple. Reflecting on my concern about Pony Life ending up as a downgrade like Teen Titans GO [24] [27], I sincerely hope the characters will not be suddenly reduced to laughing stocks and their promotional images will not be misleading [4] [16].

Making Rainbow Dash competitive enough to try and be the “worst pony” is really taking her competitiveness to the extreme [4], which is quite concerning. [16]

As for the lovely Princess Celestia who is also returning in Pony Life, she seems to be interested in television, which is yet another sign of the forthcoming series focusing more on aspects of modern life rather than any fantasy elements. But can she still be the elegant voice of reason we loved from Friendship Is Magic? [15]

While plenty of Pokémon trainers who have fond memories of playing Pokémon Snap on the Nintendo 64 are looking forward to checking out its enriched remake for the Nintendo Switch that is simply titled “New Pokémon Snap” [8] [19], some bronies and pegasisters seem at least willing to give the Pony Life series a chance. While I understand the art style of the characters and backgrounds is not really all that appealing to some of us [3], I still believe the series can still consist of clever writing that includes refreshing, but familiar and faithful portrayals of memorable characters as shown in the new intro and good humour, including a fourth-wall break from Applejack we saw in the trailer [14] [15]. As long as the new series that will air in Summer 2020 will consist of similar teachings about friendship, it can be something for children to cherish in the same way our bronies and pegasisters have cherished Friendship Is Magic [7] [13]. As for the current era of animation aimed at adults, there is a show that Angel Dust, the four-armed frenemy from the pilot of Hazbin Hotel is yet to put on for many Hazbeans out there [10] [11].

I just cannot get over how gorgeous the pink spider web background is in a preview of Angel Dust’s new schemes that will be out soon. [10]

As for Pony Life, will it do some filler between the end of Generation 4 and the beginning of Generation 5 justice or not? We shall find out really soon. [16]

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