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Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







Short Stories for Teachers

Who Is Your Favorite Animation Character
By:Morgan Hamilton

Do you love cartoons and animated films? Well, I do and they are my favorite means of entertainment. When I was young, I would always rush home from school to see my favorite animation character on TV. In this modern day and age, animation is much more sophisticated. The painstakingly hand drawings of the last decade has been replaced by computer aided images. Nevertheless, I still like everything whether is the lush colors of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves or the latest state of the art Pixar creation. The creative invention of the animation character is the important thing for me. I like characters that are presented well with good characterization and story.

Top Cat, Yogi Bear, Popeye and other shows gripped my imagination when I was young. The animation character of Top Cat, or TC, as he was known to his friends, is one of my favorites. He ruled over his alleyway, was the king of his gang and ran rings round the local cops. Top Cat introduced me to the concept of anarchy. However, my mother was disappointed when my devotion to Popeye did not lead to a love of spinach.

Tom and Jerry still plays today and is probably the most enduring of the old cartoons. The slapstick that characterizes this show translates into any language. Adults seem to like this sort of animation character as much as the kids do. I also loved the Pink Panther series because he was such a cool dude, and I liked the jazz score that played on his show.

The type of animation character that went against authority, the rebel or anti-hero was my favorite. They were a contrast to the goody two shoes that usually filled a Disney film. However, Disney had great villains too, such as the wonderful Cruella da Ville from 101 Dalmatians. She has got to be the greatest baddie cartoon character of all time. Small children today are still probably afraid of her character.

There are also some great TV animated series around in the present day and age. For example, the Simpsons is an amazing success story. It is remarkable that it has maintained its high standard over many years. Its cultural and political references are entertaining and I think adults get more out of it than kids.

There are animation character shows that are openly aimed at an adult audience. The Family Guy and King of the Hill are good examples. These adult oriented shows have a lot to say about American society. Animators can do a lot of satire with an animation character. They can also make them say things that real people wouldn't dare to say.

Morgan Hamilton
http://www.onlineartsinfo.com/all-about-the-arts/arts/who-is-your-favorite-animation-character.html






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