"Fox ADHD" Hopes to Win Over Internet Crowd

Starting this July, Fox is launching a new late night animation block called Fox Animation Domination High-Def (ADHD).  Spearheaded by Nick Weidenfeld (formerly a developing executive at [adult swim] on Cartoon Network) the block will feature original programming that seems squarely aimed the young internet crowd.  The only confirmed series so far are an adaptation of 8-year old Malachai Nicolle's web comic Axe Cop, a series from  Dino Stamatopoulos (Moral Orel) called High School USA!, and an unnamed series based on twin comedians Kenny and Keith Lucas.  As part of a soft launch, ADHD has created a tumblr and a YouTube channel featuring some of the upcoming content as well as some original shorts to help drum up interest.  Go ahead and check them out, but be warned that most of it is pretty NSFW.  Also, if you are easily disturbed by bright colors and frantic movement, you should click with caution.

After pouring through everything, I have to say that I'm not a fan.  The animation itself looks like MAD and Robert Smigel's TV Funhouse had a baby that didn't get any of either parent's good genes.  More disconcerting however is that everything about the content smacks of shameless pandering to the internet-going audience.  The YouTube videos are full of 90's references, songs by (presumably) cute girls with ukuleles, and references to Reddit and Slender Man.  Anyone who does not spend at least half of their waking hours online is probably going to be baffled by much of what is being offered here.  Nick Weidenfeld even hosted an AMA ("Ask Me Anything") on Reddit to go right to the source of his audience.

Weidenfeld claims that Fox has given them a long-term deal to allow for growth, but I can't help but question how much faith the network actually has.  They don't exactly have a stellar track record for keeping programs on the air for very long.  Outside of the past-its-prime The Simpsons and the hit-and-miss animation empire of Seth MacFarlane, there aren't any options except for the surprisingly funny Bob's Burgers sandwiched in between.  Plus, with an airtime of  Saturday nights at 11 P.M. it isn't exactly prime TV viewing.  The only real competition ADHD will have is Saturday Night Live and the revived Toonami block on [adult swim] that just runs anime; not exactly ratings contenders.  Plus, unless they're too stoned to drive or operate a computer, is anyone in this demographic actually home on Saturday nights watching TV?

I'm glad to see a network trying to branch out in terms of animated programming, but the whole thing just feels half-baked to me.  ADHD is the MAD TV to [adult swim]'s SNL. It's cruder, employs less skill or wit, is geared towards an immature male audience, and will ultimately end up being compared to the reigning champion to its own detriment.

Comic Con 2012 Cartoon Roundup

Comic Con 2012 has come and gone, and once again I find myself wishing I had been able to go.  While I love comics and am quite the nerd in some circles, there is also a veritable treasure trove of animation goodies for the hungry cartoon fan.  Here are some of my favorite interesting bits picked off the grapevine:


There's no denying that Hollywood has pretty much co-opted Comic Con as a place to provide scintillating new details about upcoming movies and TV shows.  Disney was promoting its upcoming film Wreck-It Ralph and handed out Oswald the Lucky Rabbit ears for Epic Mickey 2 (due out this November).  The Ralph trailers look great, and as long as they improve the game mechanics for the first Epic Mickey, I can get excited about that too.


Nickelodeon announced that The Legend of Korra is being renewed for a second season, entitled "Spirit".  While not surprising, as the show's creators had always intended for it to be a two-season series, it was also announced that the show is now being planned for four "books" that will span 52 episodes in total.  This puts it at the same length as its predecessor, and while I don't doubt the talent behind the show, I hope they can keep the same magic in the subsequent books.


Fans of Fox's "Animation Domination" programming will be pleased that all shows were represented and hints were given about their upcoming seasons.  The Simpsons still aren't quitting any time soon, and with the success of The Longest Daycare playing before Ice Age: Continental Drift, I'm curious as to whether or not we'll see more Simpsons at the movies.  Seth MacFarlane also gave teasers about the upcoming seasons of Family Guy and American Dad!, so the reign of Emperor Seth I doesn't seem to be lightening up any time soon.


There was plenty more worth mentioning, but I could take up a whole shelf of books recounting everything that goes on at Comic Con.  Hopefully I'll actually be able to make my way one year, then I can bid on some of the rare cartoon collectibles they auction off every year.  Was there anything that got you really excited about Comic Con this year?  Let me know in the comments.