ToonTalk

What’s up, Doc? How about some spooky Looney Tunes cartoons to set a Halloween mood? In this episode, we dig into 9 shorts that lean into both sinister yet silly plots as only Looney Tunes can. Take a listen and see how many of these classics you remember!

An inanimate cube with no backstory or narrative arc that speaks with a grating voice and inconsistent powers…sounds like animation gold! Or not. Join the guys as they ponder the existence of the cash grab that was Rubik the Amazing Cube and discuss if it is better for a cartoon to be bad or boring. 

Get a peek at your future (or, in some cases, present) as we journey to Orbit City in this discussion of The Jetsons original series. From a tough time slot to a Saturday morning staple, the futuristic toon challenged our perception of what makes a classic cartoon. Is there an unspoken timeline connection to the Flintstones?  Then, there is the problem with Jane…

It’s time for another Christmas special: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! The annual must-see watch has definite high point and many questions. We examine them all, especially the possible sinister backstory of Santa…

Happy Birthday! It’s another holiday episode as the guys go beyond Saturday morning to watch Rankin & Bass’ Frosty the Snowman and ponder questions like “Why won’t Frosty talk to animals?” “Who really owned the magic hat?” and “Why don’t these kids wear pants in the winter?” 

Nothing gives the warm Christmas feels like a celebration of Jesus set 8,500 years before he was born. Join the guys for a Christmas special featuring Hanna-Barbera’s biggest characters full of heart, snow, and a severe lack of footwear. And John’s theory of Bedrock set on a prison planet may just be accurate…

Yabba-Dabba-Doo! Join the guys as they venture back in time (or maybe the future?) to watch the Stone Age hijinks of The Flintstones. How does Hanna-Barbera's groundbreaking cartoon hold up after 63 years? Is the Great Gazoo as obnoxious as you remember? And does the confusing timeline ultimately break John's brain?

It's great to learn, 'cuz knowledge is power! ABC leaned into the educational aspect of Saturday mornings in the 1970s with the introduction of Schoolhouse Rock! Combining catchy music and simple animation with learning, the series left an indelible mark on a generation of kids. So unpack your adjectives and find some elbow room, because, ready or not, here comes a new episode.

Who you gonna call? Well, we called in our own reinforcements as Tim from The Nerd Room joined us to talk about The Real Ghostbusters. From a complicated history of just the name to drama in voice acting, we dig into all aspects of the cartoon that capitalized on the surprise success of the 1984 feature film. Plus, we talk about toys, collecting and the important role it plays in endearing kids to a brand. Be sure to catch the Nerd Room podcast on your favorite platform!

At one time the most popular comic book superhero in the nation, Shazam finally got the animated treatment in 1981. The essence of the golden age comics served as the inspiration for the 12-episode run, including an alien worm, a suit-wearing talking tiger, and crocodile men. Give a listen to see how the Marvel Family has stood the test of time. All are welcome! Except for Uncle Dudley - forget that obnoxious huckster.