Along withFrancisco Gonzalez’s excellent weekly news recaps–This Week in Superhero NewsandThis Week in Movie Trailers–we’re happy to provide you withThis Week in Animation Newsto get you caught up on all things animated you might have missed over the past seven days. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!
It’s awards season, and even though live-action movies and TV shows tend to get the bulk of the spotlight, there’s plenty of attention paid to animated efforts if you know where to look. A great way to get caught up on the year in animation is to check out the2016 Annie Awardsnominations, which we’ve linked for you below. And although it’s not exactly an official ranking,Matt Goldbergtook it upon himself to rank Disney Animation’s Oscar-winning songs, just for fun.
Elsewhere in the news cycle, theTransformers'“Prime Wars Trilogy” will get two concluding chapters on Machinima, Hulu will getThe Powerpuff Girlsin the series/reboot’s entirety, and Mondo is teaming up with Nickelodeon for some epic, nostalgia-fueled posters. On the review front, however, the new Netflix animated seriesPacific Heatgot a cold shoulder from our reviewer,Chris Cabin; check out his thoughts at the link provided below.
For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Marvel Funko Pop! Toys Get Animated
Marvel Entertainment sneakily released “Spellbound”, the above-seen super-cute short that animates familiar superheroes and supervillains in their Funko Pop! toy form. If you liked this first installment, you may look forward to two more in the near future:
And keep an eye out for an upcoming interview with Marvel’s animation and family entertainment chief thanks to our ownChristina Radish!
‘Teen Titans: The Judas Contract’ Teaser Poster Appears
Earlier this summer, DC Comics announced plans for a feature-length, animated adaptation of writerMarv Wolfmanand artistGeorge Perez’s “New Teen Titans” comic book arc,Teen Titans: The Judas Contract. Aiming for a Spring 2017 release,Teen Titans: The Judas Contractwill “serve as something of a follow-up to last year’sJustice League vs. TeenTitans."“The Judas Contract” debuted in 1984, introduced Terra to the team, and was the storyline in which Dick Grayson first adopted the identity of Nightwing. Now, it looks like an early teaser poster has found its way online (viaCBR).
Fans can also look forward to seeing a third DC Universe Original Movie next year inBatman and Harley Quinn, “a brand new, wholly original story from DC animation legendBruce Timmwho’s keeping the storyline tightly under wraps for the time being.
Check out the supposed teaser poster forTeen Titans: The Judas Contractbelow:
‘Mickey and the Roadster Racers’ Trailer Reveals the Disney Junior Series
Disney Junior’s animatedMickey and the Roadster Racers, a madcap car-racing adventure series for preschoolers led by Disney’s No. 1 star, Mickey Mouse, and his pals Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Daisy and Donald, will make its television debut in a simulcast Sunday, January 15th(9:00 and 9:25 a.m. EST), on Disney Channel and Disney Junior. Two more episodes will premiere Monday, January 16th (9:00 and 9:25 a.m. EST), on Disney Channel. Episodes will also be available on the Disney Junior app and Disney Junior VOD beginning Sunday, January 15th, and on iTunes beginning Monday, January 16th.
The series, which will premiere internationally throughout 2017, takes Mickey and the gang, along with their unique transforming vehicles, on humorous high-spirited races around the globe, as well as hometown capers in Hot Dog Hills. Off the racetrack, Minnie and Daisy also run their own successful business as Happy Helpers, solving problems for anyone in need of a helping hand. Geared towards kids 2-7, the stories are designed to impart social and emotional lessons about friendship, teamwork, optimism and good sportsmanship.
NASCAR starsJimmie Johnson,Danica PatrickandJeff Gordonrecur as race car drivers Jiminy Johnson, Danni Sue and Gordon Gear, respectively. Additional guest stars include television personalityJay Lenoas announcer Billy Beagle;Tim Gunnas Robbie Roberts;Gordon Ramsayas Chef Oxley;Hoda Kotbas Mrs. Sweetums;Peter Serafinowiczas Dr. Crutchley;Jane Leevesas the Queen of England;Fred Willardas Mr. Doozy;Hector Elizondoas Grandpa Beagle;Tony Shalhoubas Luigi;Kate Micuccias Emmy Lou;Tia Carrereas Antie Olina; and comedianPatton Oswaltas Mr. McSnorter.
The Emmy-nominated creative talent behind Disney Junior’s hit series,Mickey Mouse ClubhouseandJake and the Never Land Pirates, comprise the production team:Rob LaDucais executive producer,Mark Seidenbergis co-executive producer and supervising story editor, andThomas Hartis story editor. The series is a production of Disney Television Animation.
Beginning Sunday, December 25th, on the Disney Junior App, kids can unlock daily content, such as short videos and mini-games, via a Hot Dog Hills interactive map counting down to the series premiere. A suite of games featuring a unique experience with each one of the Fabulous Five will be available on the app on Sunday, January 15th.
‘One Piece Film: Gold’ Trailer Showcases the Standalone Film
In addition to checking out the above trailer and marking your calendar for the film’s theatrical release January 10-17, 2017, there’s also this cool contest for fans:
Win a round trip and weekend passes to Otakon Vegas! To enter theOne Piece Film: GoldFly Away sweepstakes, complete theonline entry formand hit submit to receive one (1) entry in the random drawing.
Here’s the official synopsis:
The Straw Hat pirates are hitting the big screen once again in an all-new high-flying adventure! The popular series that has captivated fans all over the world unfolds a new saga in the highly anticipated movie,One Piece Film: Gold.
The glittering Gran Tesoro, a city of entertainment beyond the laws of the government, is a sanctuary for the world’s most infamous pirates, Marines, and filthy rich millionaires. Drawn by dreams of hitting the jackpot, Captain Luffy and his crew sail straight for the gold. But behind the gilded curtains lies a powerful king whose deep pockets and deeper ambitions spell disaster for the Straw Hats and the New World alike.
