Classic Animation: Marc Antony and Pussyfoot

For those who enjoyed the "Coon Vs. Coon and Friends" episode from South Park as much as The Konformist staff did, there was one particular homage that is worthy of mention from the show. The relationship of the demon Cthulhu and Eric Cartman was clearly a tip of the hat to the classic Chuck Jones cartoon series of the bulldog Marc Antony and the cuddly kitten Pussyfoot. Sadly the Marc Antony - Pussyfoot cartoons have kept a lower profile than Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Roadrunner, among others, but they hold up in quality to the best of the Warner Brothers cannon...

Batman Upstages Bugs Bunny on Giant Mural

http://carpetbagger.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/08/batman-replaces-bugs-bunny-on-giant-mural-at-warner-brothers-burbank-studio-lot/

April 8, 2009
Batman Upstages Bugs Bunny on Giant Mural at Warner’s Burbank Studio Lot
By Brooks Barnes

Every studio has them: giant posters (usually of upcoming movies) prominently displayed next to the front gates that serve to stroke the egos of powerful producers, directors or stars. It’s a big deal to get one, particularly at a studio like Warner Brothers, which churns out dozens of films and television shows every year.

So Warner understandably stirred up discussion a couple months ago when it took down the giant vanity billboard dedicated to its animation department and DC Comics. The sign, a three-dimensional version of Mount Rushmore with Bugs Bunny and pals as the presidents, had been in place for 15 years on the north side of Stage 3. Workers began erecting a new one (behind a scrim) around the time that the studio laid off several hundred people, prompting some more talk: If Warner needs to cut costs by laying off the rank and file, why is it spending money re-doing a billboard?

The answer came last night. The studio unveiled a new billboard – officially a “mural” – that primarily showcases super heroes from DC Comics against the Hall of Justice from the series “Super Friends.” Batman (go figure) looms largest, with Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern (both getting feature films in coming years) also appearing. Making cameos: Scooby Doo, Tweety Bird, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck. At night, black lights reveal villains like Catwoman and Two-Face in the background.

The mural – Warner’s not saying how much it cost – was planned back when the studio was still hot on making a tentpole movie featuring multiple heroes called “Justice League.” A Warner statement said it was time for an update after 15 years, particularly as the studio’s animation strategy has shifted (repeatedly) over that time.

Over 500 people attended the unveiling. Warner served mini-cupcakes and popcorn, handed out free DVDs and rolled out the Mystery Machine and Batmobile for attendees to admire. Some fans came dressed as characters, and Peter Roth, president of Warner Brothers Television, gave a short speech. Bizarrely, Mario Lopez hosted the “festival,” which featured a performance by an all-girl dance team from the 2009 edition of the MTV show “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew.”

'The Last Supper' parody turning heads in Old Town

Thanks to CartoonBrew.com for forwarding the following...

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/apr/02/1m2bell23844-last-supper-parody-turning-heads-old-/?zIndex=76261

'The Last Supper' parody turning heads in Old Town
By Diane Bell
Union-Tribune Columnist
April 2, 2009

Dallas artist Glen Tarnowski substituted Bugs Bunny for Jesus and other cartoon characters for disciples in his parody of "The Last Supper," which he called "The Gathering."

Never has a painting in the Chuck Jones Gallery window attracted so much attention.

It has stopped Old Town pedestrians midstep, eliciting smiles and thoughtful looks from some; frowns, angry telephone calls and unfriendly notes demanding its removal from others.

Two weeks ago, the gallery put on display an oil painting parody of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper.” Named “The Gathering,” it substitutes Looney Tunes and other cartoon characters for disciples and Bugs Bunny for Jesus.

“We never intended to offend anyone,” said Mike Dicken, national sales director for the gallery at 2501 San Diego Ave. “Most people think it's fun and amusing, but 5 percent are pulling their hair out.”

The anonymous complaints came in – 10 to 12 a day by phone – and a few notes, unsigned or signed “A concerned citizen.” So the gallery added a biography of Dallas artist Glen Tarnowski, explaining his intent and his background as a devout Christian and an alumnus of California Lutheran University.

Craig Kausen, the Irvine-based gallery chain's CEO and grandson of late Warner Bros. cartoonist and artist Chuck Jones, said he even consulted a local priest who, while he hadn't seen the artwork, was not upset by the concept.

“There is nothing irreverent about it whatsoever,” Kausen said.

Tarnowski defends portraying Wile E. Coyote, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky Pig, Pepe Le Pew, the Road Runner and other characters as disciples, saying God loves people so much that even if we all were cartoon characters, he would have come to us, perhaps in the form of Bugs Bunny.

“Chuck Jones was the absolute master in using cartoon characters to communicate the issues we deal with in life,” Tarnowski said. “We all resonate with these characters.”

Two customers expressed interest in buying the artwork but, at $20,000, it's not in the average budget, Dicken said. So, for now, it is still in the window, and employees are happy to let Dicken answer the phone.