Boondocks Anticipation Thread

[Spongebrain2.0]

Saw the promo pic on the main page of TZ and why is Boondocks anime looking, This show must have a hefty budget, I was thinking it'd be done in cheap flash, looking rather 2-D similar to the comic strip, but wow...weird....it looks like FLCL....Kinda creepy....I wonder if they can pull off this Anime look without freaking the frat boy viewers out who tune in to watch ATHF or FG stoned

[Beat]

McGruder has always used elements from manga in his comic strips. This is just going one step forward.

[SirLemming]

It's only natural. The comic strip looks pretty manga-influenced as it is.

[Shnay]

McGruder confirmed that his art was very much influenced by anime and manga in the past. For reference, here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0740706098/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-3905658-9925666#readerpage) is the cover of the first Boondocks book.

[Spongebrain2.0]

McGruder confirmed that his art was very much influenced by anime and manga in the past. For reference, here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0740706098/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-3905658-9925666#readerpage) is the cover of the first Boondocks book.
Yeah I know it was manga influenced, but geez. It looks sooo much like Anime, it'll be interesting to see if viewers tune in or toss it aside with other AS anime offerings (Which typically get lower ratings than the comedies)

[Shnay]

The picture you mention looks like it's keeping with the style of the comic to me. As long as they don't do giant sweat drops and face faults I don't think anyone familiar with the strip would be surprised by the look of the show.

This would be the first show that "looks like anime" but has a completely American style of humor. I can't be sure, but I don't think people would dismiss this show becuase they think the eyes look a little too big. I guess some people hate that particular art style in all its forms, but I really have no idea how many of those people are AS viewers.

The other thing to remember about potential ratings is that the Boondocks has always done a good job of stirring up media attention. My guess is that there will be quite a few articles written about the show before it airs that could drum up interest that wouldn't be there otherwise.

[Superperson]

Y'know I was hoping it'd look sorta like the comic, but I don't really have any quams. It was anime looking to beginwith; I would of preferred the comic look but whatever, and I would also agree that this must have quite some budget, hopefully the stories hold up to the animation quality.

[livingfruitvirus]

Saw the promo pic on the main page of TZ and why is Boondocks anime looking, This show must have a hefty budget, I was thinking it'd be done in cheap flash, looking rather 2-D similar to the comic strip, but wow...weird....it looks like FLCL....Kinda creepy....I wonder if they can pull off this Anime look without freaking the frat boy viewers out who tune in to watch ATHF or FG stoned
It's fully animated, and probably Adult Swim's most expensive show to date. Mostly the kids and younger characters look anime, but the older characters can vary from slightly anime to almost WB.

[SirLemming]

I still don't think it looks much different than the comic. We're just going by that one picture, right? It's the kind of shot that wouldn't normally be done in the comic anyway... It's not like they changed the style, they just changed the medium.

And believe it or not, I don't think a whole lot of people get turned off by the VISUAL style of anime. Some probably do, but you have to admit that anime, beneath the surface, usually is just a lot different than American animation. It's foreign to the core. The Japanese tend to just write and direct things differently. Slower pacing and stuff.

[Spongebrain2.0]

I saw a promo pic of all the kid characters on www.tv.com (http://www.tv.com), & the animation looks very varied. Some kids look straight out of the comic strip, while some look like they were plucked from FLCL or something.

[Pizzaguy24]

The pic they're using is old(1999), way before show was probably conceive.

Huey doesn't look like that now

[SirLemming]

Well try this on for size: How many animes have anywhere near 50% black characters?

[Pizzaguy24]

I don't want to know the truth.:sad:

Edit: BoondocksTV (http://www.boondockstv.com/)-Jazmine:confused: and why does Riley have dreads ...

Boondocks Artwork (http://www.boondockstv.com/sneak/)

[Gokou Ruri]

They're making a Boondocks cartoon? :eek:

[LordByronius]

They're making a Boondocks cartoon? :eek:
:sad::sweat::ack::eek::confused::shrug::yawn::cool::o:mad:

[Space Cadet]

It's fully animated, and probably Adult Swim's most expensive show to date. Mostly the kids and younger characters look anime, but the older characters can vary from slightly anime to almost WB.
But isn't it produced at Sony Pictures Television? Or is it a co-production with CN?

[Spongebrain2.0]

But isn't it produced at Sony Pictures Television? Or is it a co-production with CN?
I believe it is sort of both, I think Sony may own the rights to the pilot & the series, but it is produced through Adult Swim:confused:

[Wanted]

What? That confuddlethrowplexwilders me.

[Vagrant]

And believe it or not, I don't think a whole lot of people get turned off by the VISUAL style of anime. Some probably do, but you have to admit that anime, beneath the surface, usually is just a lot different than American animation. It's foreign to the core. The Japanese tend to just write and direct things differently. Slower pacing and stuff.I can't help but agree there. It's not the character designs but the writing and direction that will bring in the audience.

[Fone Bone]

Where's Ceaser? I know a lot of people equate him with the strip jumping the shark but I always really liked him. Maybe he'll show up later in the show's run.

Excellent news on Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911!) voicing Tom Dubios. That's the kind of voice I always pictured him with. John Witherspoon as Granddad will take some adjusting to. I always pictured a softer voice for him.

I'm really looking forward to this show.

[Spongebrain2.0]

Where's Ceaser? I know a lot of people equate him with the strip jumping the shark but I always really liked him. Maybe he'll show up later in the show's run.

Excellent news on Cedric Yarbrough (Reno 911!) voicing Tom Dubios. That's the kind of voice I always pictured him with. John Witherspoon as Granddad will take some adjusting to. I always pictured a softer voice for him.

I'm really looking forward to this show.

It could be great, I've liked the strip best when it doesn't focus on politics. If McGruder knows that this show isn't some animated soapbox, then it'll be fine. We need a show like this to skewer the current "gangsta-hip hop" phase.

[Artimus Gigan]

Everybody in this series looks...so angry.

I mean that old guy seems to be one step from tearing off your face with his dentures...

[Vagrant]

It could be great, I've liked the strip best when it doesn't focus on politics. If McGruder knows that this show isn't some animated soapbox, then it'll be fine. We need a show like this to skewer the current "gangsta-hip hop" phase. I hear this sentiment all the time, but I didn't start reading the strip until last year. I think it's pretty funny as it is true.

[Fone Bone]

It could be great, I've liked the strip best when it doesn't focus on politics. If McGruder knows that this show isn't some animated soapbox, then it'll be fine. We need a show like this to skewer the current "gangsta-hip hop" phase.Me too. Although I usually agree with his politics I find the constant political stuff to be tiring. It's funny when it reveals something about the characters though.

Ceaser: I know it's wrong to take joy in the suffering of others but I have to say I'm really glad that Rush Limbaugh turned out to be a drug fiend.

Huey: Who told you that?

Ceaser: You didn't hear? It's been all over the newspapers for weeks!

Huey: No, who told you it was wrong to take joy in the suffering of others?:D

See? Reveals that despite Huey being the central mouthpiece of the strip he isn't in fact, a very nice person. I've always liked the character stuff best in the strip.

Fortunately, seeing as this is animated any political humor they could possibly think of doing will be out of date with the nine month production time a cartoon usually takes so we probably won't get too much of it.(I agree that it HAS been a detriment to the strip).

[BrendaBat]

I went to the Boondocks panel at comic con and I got to preview the commercial that’s going to air on Adult Swim. The commercial was called “Citizens against The Boondocks” and it encouraged viewers to protest the show by visiting www.citizensagainsttheboondocks.com (http://www.citizensagainsttheboondocks.com)
And it looks like the n-word isn’t taboo on AS because the commercial used it about 30 times.:eek:

The panel consisted of Mike Lazzo, Aaron McGruder, Cedric Yarbrough, Jill Talley (voice of Sarah and 90% of the white people on the show), and Gary Anthony Williams (voice of Uncle Ruckus). Everyone on the panel was really excited about the show and its obvious they have a lot of fun working together.

It was also revealed that the first episode will be called The Trial of R. Kelly (the commercial showed some clips from the episode and they were funny as hell).
The animation looked very pretty and opted for the anime “puppet mouth” effect instead of lip-synching. The puppet-mouth thing bugged me a bit at first; but I guess it fits in with the look the show is going for. Still don’t like Riley’s dreadlocks, though.


Where's Ceaser? I know a lot of people equate him with the strip jumping the shark but I always really liked him. Maybe he'll show up later in the show's run.I like Ceasar, too. And it wasn’t Ceasar’s fault the strip jumped. It jumped when the jokes stopped being character based and started re-hashing the same “Bush is an evil moron” and “white people have it easy” jokes over and over.
And Ceasar appears in season 2 :)

[SirLemming]

Yeah, I mean, oddly enough, I'm really looking forward to this show too. I've grown to more or less despise the comic strip, and I absolutely disagree with McGruder's political beliefs, but I just get a good feeling about the show. Plus, I actually do agree with most of his critiques about the BET culture and stuff like that.

[MJC]

This is officially my most anticipated show.

[Spongebrain2.0]

Yeah, I mean, oddly enough, I'm really looking forward to this show too. I've grown to more or less despise the comic strip, and I absolutely disagree with McGruder's political beliefs, but I just get a good feeling about the show. Plus, I actually do agree with most of his critiques about the BET culture and stuff like that.

Sounds exactaly like me.

[Vagrant]

Yeah, I mean, oddly enough, I'm really looking forward to this show too. I've grown to more or less despise the comic strip, and I absolutely disagree with McGruder's political beliefs, but I just get a good feeling about the show. Plus, I actually do agree with most of his critiques about the BET culture and stuff like that.So lemme get this straight. When getting on a soap box about ignt black culture, Boondocks strip is fun to read, but when getting on a soap box about ignt white culture, the strip is boring and irritating.

Reverse that and you have how I feel about South Park and later FG. ;)

[Spongebrain2.0]

So lemme get this straight. When getting on a soap box about ignt black culture, Boondocks strip is fun to read, but when getting on a soap box about ignt white culture, the strip is boring and irritating.

Reverse that and you have how I feel about South Park and later FG. ;)

I think he's saying, it's fun to hear McGruder's side on the "Gangsta Gangsta" stereotypes of blacks.

[SirLemming]

So lemme get this straight. When getting on a soap box about ignt black culture, Boondocks strip is fun to read, but when getting on a soap box about ignt white culture, the strip is boring and irritating. What? Who said anything about white culture? Politics is just as much a part of black culture as it is a part of white culture. It's, y'know, American culture.

But I find that his critiques about black culture specifically are less soapbox-y because the characters are, well, black. It's more natural for them to discuss those matters. That's what the comic and characters were based on, when it started.

Of course, just because I disagree with McGruder's political views and agree with some of his social views doesn't inherently mean I like when he puts either into his comic strip. And when the comic gets too wrapped up in current events, either of a political nature or of a "black" nature, it's bad. Regardless of the viewpoints. But it sounds like this show might sidestep that problem. ...although having R. Kelly in the title of the first episode does concern me.

[Vagrant]

I'm not begrudging you; I'm offering a different perspective.

What? Who said anything about white culture? Politics is just as much a part of black culture as it is a part of white culture. It's, y'know, American culture.I'm sorry, I can't agree with you.

There's a subcategory of politics called identity politics. Black culture, for example, has its own political priorities that are largely, but not completely, distinct from white culture.
But I find that his critiques about black culture specifically are less soapbox-y because the characters are, well, black. It's natural for them to discuss those matters.Maybe, or it can sound preachy; I suppose it depends on your perspective. Most of McGruder's sentiments are nothing new to me or the black community.


Of course, just because I disagree with McGruder's political views and agree with some of his social views doesn't inherently mean I like when he puts either into his comic strip. And when the comic gets too wrapped up in current events, either of a political nature or of a "black" nature, it's bad. Regardless of the viewpoints.'Bad' is a pretty subjective judgement, but I'll concede that you have the majority opinion. :D I find the current Boondocks funny, but then again, I still find current Sluggy Freelance funny, but well that's my taste. :sweat:

What is going to be interesting is how far McGruder can get the audiene, push the taste and comfort barrier; all the while blancing two things that are very important to him, politics and social commentary.
But it sounds like this show might sidestep that problem. ...although having R. Kelly in the title of the first episode does concern me.Just hearing that he's in the title made me chuckle. Good times. :)

[BrendaBat]

So lemme get this straight. When getting on a soap box about ignt black culture, Boondocks strip is fun to read, but when getting on a soap box about ignt white culture, the strip is boring and irritating. I enjoy McGruder's rants about BET and gangsta rappers because, aside from being funny, its unique. I haven't seen many other people satarize BET. However, EVERY black comedian has done "white people have it easy" jokes and the "Bush is a war-mongering idiot" schtik is getting old. And the political stuff has pushed the supporting characters into the background (I can't remember the last time I saw Sarah and Tom in the strip!)


...although having R. Kelly in the title of the first episode does concern me.Here's the episode description (read it...if you dare!) :p
One of the girls R. Kelly is accused of giving a golden shower to lives in Huey's town. The trial is taking place there and the whole town is in a frenzy about it. Tom is the girl's lawyer and Adam West plays R. Kelly's lawer

[Spongebrain2.0]

Anything involving Adam West is gold

[Underdunkt]

Thanks for all the info, Brendabat. Can you tell us anything about the specific content of the clips (other then the language)? Like, what happened, what were some of the funny lines, etc.

Really looking forward to this show, and it looks great. I'm not the hugest fan of the anime style but it does look good (surprisingly good...no show actually produced by AS looks that beautiful) and what others said about the difference in pacing, direction, etc is probably true as well.

[SirLemming]

I'm sorry, I can't agree with you.

There's a subcategory of politics called identity politics. Black culture, for example, has its own political priorities that are largely, but not completely, distinct from white culture. You're not wrong, but it doesn't really have to do with what I said. I don't see how Bush-bashing is a "white" issue. He's the president of the USA. That's everyone. And that's what most of McGruder's political commentaries are: Bush-bashing. I don't see what's so "white" about that.

[Artimus Gigan]

Anything involving Adam West is goldhttp://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006D3HFG/ref=pm_dp_ln_d_7/002-0117785-2651250?v=glance&s=dvd&vi=contents


research before you speak

[Vagrant]

You're not wrong, but it doesn't really have to do with what I said. I don't see how Bush-bashing is a "white" issue. He's the president of the USA. That's everyone. And that's what most of McGruder's political commentaries are: Bush-bashing. I don't see what's so "white" about that.Well, I could disagree, but I'll think I'll leave this topic alone. I did say I didn't want a politics board. :sweat:

I still want to see how McGruder is going to pull this off without it sucking.

[All-Star 1.5]

I was able to find some more artwork on the new series.
http://www.boondockstv.com/sneak/

I was able to find the main site too.
http://www.boondockstv.com/

[EightOh]

I went to the Boondocks panel at comic con and I got to preview the commercial that’s going to air on Adult Swim. The commercial was called “Citizens against The Boondocks” and it encouraged viewers to protest the show by visiting www.citizensagainsttheboondocks.com (http://www.citizensagainsttheboondocks.com)
And it looks like the n-word isn’t taboo on AS because the commercial used it about 30 times.:eek: Holy wow.

For me, the Boondocks is sort of in that "good but I haven't really 'latched onto it'" realm, sort of like, say, Goats or something. I don't go seeking it out, but when I see it, I generally appreciate it. I think the character designs are neat and I like the approach, even when I get a little bored by the constant political nature of it.

I'm starting to really look forward to the show, though. Especially after looking at those last links. I definitely see the art comparisons to FLCL. Very pretty.

[Spongebrain2.0]

Holy wow.

For me, the Boondocks is sort of in that "good but I haven't really 'latched onto it'" realm, sort of like, say, Goats or something. I don't go seeking it out, but when I see it, I generally appreciate it. I think the character designs are neat and I like the approach, even when I get a little bored by the constant political nature of it.

I'm starting to really look forward to the show, though. Especially after looking at those last links. I definitely see the art comparisons to FLCL. Very pretty.

Holy crap, this show must be expensive as hell! That artwork is really really well done & looks like this could cost AS a many million dollars

[Beat]

All things considered, the Boondocks budget is probably why 12. Oz. Mouse looked so bad.:p

[BrendaBat]

When Mike Lazzo asked Aaron McGruder why he chose that particular look for the Boondocks cartoon McGruder replied, “The content for the show gets so vulgar and offensive that I figured it would be a good idea to distract the audience with very pretty visuals”.


Originally posted by Underdunkt
Thanks for all the info, Brendabat. Can you tell us anything about the specific content of the clips (other then the language)? Like, what happened, what were some of the funny lines, etc.Unfortunately, there were technical problems with the sound system at the panel. Couple that with the roaring laughter of the audience and it was VERY hard to hear the dialogue in the clip. So my summary might be a bit off.
Anyway, the commercial starts with a shot of the American flag. A narrator says (with the national anthem playing in the background) something about a horrible new show threatening American family values.

Cut to Uncle Ruckus saying something about kids and rap music (then a cutaway shows two kids shooting at each other until their guns run out of bullets).

Then the narrator says more stuff about how vulgar the Boondocks is.

Cut to a shot of Riley saying “If its OK for me to pee in a toilet, why isn’t it OK for me to pee on a person?”
Then a clip of Uncle Ruckus commenting on how much kids today like saying the n-word.

The narrator says “There is something you can do to stop this. Visit www.citizensagainsttheboondocks.com (http://www.citizensagainsttheboondocks.com/) to find out how!”.

The commercial ends with a close up of Uncle Ruckus screaming “What up nigga?!!”

We were supposed to see two clips (the AS commercial and a clip from the R. Kelly episode) but there was no sound on the latter, so they just didn’t show it (though I wouldn’t have minded watching a soundless clip since its better than no clip at all).

[Superperson]

Sounds like a jolly good time.

[Pizzaguy24]

No more previews :confused:

Darn, and I was really gonna them for my banner in another forum:(

[Spongebrain2.0]

This show could be AS's Chappelle. I don't know, it may attract the kids who watch shows like Chappelle.

[Artimus Gigan]

This show could be AS's Chappelle. I don't know, it may attract the kids who watch shows like Chappelle.Boondocks is nothing like Chappelle

[MJC]

Here's a link (http://www.buzzscope.com/features.php?id=1067) to the trailer.

[livingfruitvirus]

Here's a link (http://www.buzzscope.com/features.php?id=1067) to the trailer.Great idea! Videotape an exclusive convention screening and put it online! I so hope these jizzbags are told to remove that trailer.

[Pizzaguy24]

This show doesn't seem to look/sound as I thought it would...:sad:

Edit: Don't watch, I repeat, don't watch the trailer

[Superperson]

Let's just hope it isn't...ya' know...not good.

[PositronShooter]

Again, let's hope the TV show is better than the comic strip.