USA (Rough Draft)
Created by Sam Keith
N/A,13 Episodes
Watch Full Series: MTV
Back in the early-to-mid 90s, a little cable channel known as MTV was making waves in original programming. Long before [Adult Swim] and The Family Guy there was Liquid Television; an eclectic mix of animated shorts which gave birth to a few of MTVs most notable shows (i.e: Beavis & Butthead and Aeon Flux). Unfortunately, after only 3 seasons, Liquid Television was canceled, but MTV picked up the slack with another show known as MTV's Oddities. Enter The Maxx. Created by Sam Keith for Image Comics, MTV picked up the comic book for an animated adaptation in 1994. Known for it's off-the-page animation style, MTV's The Maxx had a full run of 13 episodes which, unfortunately, didn't receive much attention until it reached cult status many year later.
The story of The Maxx isn't an easy one to tell. In short, the series (both comic and animated) deals with the collective unconscious, the terrible things that happen in life and the way we cope with it. The initial story arc focuses on Julie Winters, a freelance social worker, and one of her clients known only as The Maxx, who is prob the best dressed homeless person ever. Maxx unwilling shifts between 2 worlds; today's world where crime runs rampant in the street and Pangaea; an abstract outback where he protects his Jungle Queen, an alternate version of Julie. Yeah I know, weird right? A bit, but very few "superhero" type programs ever reach the depth of The Maxx, tackling topics such as Suicide, Censorship & Sexism, just to name a few.
Although The Maxx touched base on many modern topics, no hero book would be complete without an evil antagonist and Mr. Gone is one for the record books. Throughout the span of the show we learn about his history, connection to Julie and even a bit about his bloodline, which of course reaches closer to home then any hero would like. Throw in some Spirit Animals, a few thousand Black (& White) Isz & a decorative lamp shade and you have one hell of an original story worth telling in multiple mediums.
Memorable Scene: Overdosing on Pez and Saturday morning cartoons, the Maxx enters a cartoon dream state facing all his fears and eventually escaping into Julies unconscious memory of self. Needless to say, he shouldn't be there.
Memorable Quote: "It's so classic, Maxx. You see yourself as some jungle avenger because in your in real life you're powerless. And I can't blame you. We all need some place to go away to; some place we can be who we should have been instead of who we are; some safe place where we can escape reality. Hide. I know there are things to hide from."
8. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2008)
I've always had a place in my heart for anime. It's true some of it is beyond strange, but if you've ever seen even one anime film, show or OVA you liked, you know Japan is full of some seriously talented artist and storytellers. Gainax (the studio that brought us Evangelion & FLCL) brings this latest epic tale to the small screen. Known in Japan as Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann or simply Gurren Lagann in the US, Hiroyuki Imaishi directs this tale of a boy who has yet to realize his true potential. Simon isn't very good with people. The girls make fun of him and his co-workers hate him for making them look bad. The only person who seems to care for him is his "blood brother" Kamina, who carries delusions of one day fleeing this underground village. All hell breaks loose when an enormous creature from the surface come crashing down and Simon & Kamina (with the help of a certain scantily clad stranger) attempt to take this beast down and find themselves above ground and beneath what they learn to be called the stars & the moon.
I've always had a place in my heart for anime. It's true some of it is beyond strange, but if you've ever seen even one anime film, show or OVA you liked, you know Japan is full of some seriously talented artist and storytellers. Gainax (the studio that brought us Evangelion & FLCL) brings this latest epic tale to the small screen. Known in Japan as Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann or simply Gurren Lagann in the US, Hiroyuki Imaishi directs this tale of a boy who has yet to realize his true potential. Simon isn't very good with people. The girls make fun of him and his co-workers hate him for making them look bad. The only person who seems to care for him is his "blood brother" Kamina, who carries delusions of one day fleeing this underground village. All hell breaks loose when an enormous creature from the surface come crashing down and Simon & Kamina (with the help of a certain scantily clad stranger) attempt to take this beast down and find themselves above ground and beneath what they learn to be called the stars & the moon.
I read somewhere that Gainax considered FLCL to be a test. Basically, they wanted to see what techniques they could get away with when not worried about the pressure of putting out another widely-acclaimed series like Evangelion. If this is true then Gurren Lagann is the fruition of all these experiments. Using a mix of humor, sexuality (esp in the first half) and action, Gainax utilizes their signature style artwork to convey a story that does more then just entertain. Creating characters that people can relate too helps drive the humanistic nature of the show, which proves to be more powerful then any other mech anime. Exploring everything from alternate reality to the power of fighting spirit, this is an epic tale of realizing ones true potential.
So Gainax does it again, but this time with an enormous story arc. Halfway through we jump ahead 7 years into the future which initially gives a different vibe to the series, but by the end you realize it's all the same Gurren Lagann. Any fan of what this studio has done will fall in love with the characters and basically be glad there is something more out there like FLCL. With 27 episodes, 2 feature length films and multiple manga & art books available, Gurren Lagann creates a world which will continue to expand with it's viewers imagination.
Random Trivia: The titular Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann mecha is, as of mid-2008, the largest robot in anime history, standing ten million light-years tall. Our galaxy is one hundred thousand light-years across and the biggest known galaxies are estimated to have diameters of roughly six million light-years.
Memorable Scene: Way too many to choose one.
Memorable Quote: "Who the hell do you think I am?!"
Random Trivia: The titular Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann mecha is, as of mid-2008, the largest robot in anime history, standing ten million light-years tall. Our galaxy is one hundred thousand light-years across and the biggest known galaxies are estimated to have diameters of roughly six million light-years.
Memorable Scene: Way too many to choose one.
Memorable Quote: "Who the hell do you think I am?!"
7. WALL•E (2008)
USA (Pixar)
Directed by Andrew Stanton
PG, 98 min
Back in 1995, a small studio from the west coast released the first completely CG movie titled Toy Story. Those of you who are old enough remember know how strange this new technique seemed then. Fast forward through 15 years or rubbish CG movies that rely on star power and hit songs (I'm rolling my eyes at you DreamWorks) and Pixar Studios is still on top of their game. Arguably the best film in their catalog, WALL•E tells the story of a lonely robot on an abandoned planet earth. After 700 years of wandering the surface, making a collection of treasured items and watching the same film on VHS, Earth gets a visit from a brand new robot model who's directive takes all precedence. Immediately struck by her sleek appearance, WALL•E travels to infinity & beyond (sorry... couldn't help it) to do anything it takes to win over the lovely EVE, even if it means changing the course of human life forever.
USA (Pixar)
Directed by Andrew Stanton
PG, 98 min
Back in 1995, a small studio from the west coast released the first completely CG movie titled Toy Story. Those of you who are old enough remember know how strange this new technique seemed then. Fast forward through 15 years or rubbish CG movies that rely on star power and hit songs (I'm rolling my eyes at you DreamWorks) and Pixar Studios is still on top of their game. Arguably the best film in their catalog, WALL•E tells the story of a lonely robot on an abandoned planet earth. After 700 years of wandering the surface, making a collection of treasured items and watching the same film on VHS, Earth gets a visit from a brand new robot model who's directive takes all precedence. Immediately struck by her sleek appearance, WALL•E travels to infinity & beyond (sorry... couldn't help it) to do anything it takes to win over the lovely EVE, even if it means changing the course of human life forever.
Written and directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo), WALL•E explores themes rarely seen in animated movies these days. Set many years in the future on a post-apocalyptic planet earth, this stark landscape gives birth to a bleak opening. Also, while most CG films rely on famous voices and sexual innuendo, WALL•E gives the viewer an experience in silent cinema. Sparse on dialog through the first act of the film, WALL•E also touches base on topics such as global pollution, big business and the convenience lifestyle we all seem to welcome with every system upgrade.
WALL•E was the first for Pixar in many ways. Aside from being the first Pixar film to include the new Disney bump, it was also the first to include live action footage, including scenes from both existing movies and footage recorded specifically for the film. Also, WALL•E was the first Pixar movie to be nominated for 6 Academy Awards and the 2nd animated film of all time ever to be nominated for Picture of the Year. Aside from an amazing story, gorgeous imagery and pitch perfect sound design, WALL•E also pays homage to live action film utilizing camera shake and focusing tricks never before seen in a CG film.
Random Trivia: The logo on Eve's chest that appears after she obtains the plant is the same logo used by Disney Epcot's The Land pavilion up until 2005.
Memorable Scene: WALL•E and EVE take a break from saving humanity to share a cosmic dance.
Memorable Quote: "Directive? Classified."
Random Trivia: The logo on Eve's chest that appears after she obtains the plant is the same logo used by Disney Epcot's The Land pavilion up until 2005.
Memorable Scene: WALL•E and EVE take a break from saving humanity to share a cosmic dance.
Memorable Quote: "Directive? Classified."
In the End: Aside from the obvious connection of all being animated features, all 3 of these DVDs provide endless inspiration for story-telling. Original, thought-provoking and even sometime a bit sad, all 3 films give us an idea of what is possible if we go with our instincts and thrive solely on what drives us deep down. Also, animated features have always been known for showing us amazing feats live action films couldn't really do at the time. Now in the age of green-screen and CG, it's great to see that some of the most amazing films rely on story more then action and explosions.
All images belong to other people who are way richer then me.
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