Craig Crumpton
02-12-2002, 03:12 AM
Cartoon Network fans living in the US have cause to rejoice.
No longer will American citizens be denied the opportunity to purchase <a href="http://cartoonnetwork.com/magazine/">CARTOON NETWORK MAGAZINE</a>. For nearly 2 years, this official CN mag has been available only at newstands in the "UK, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Eastern Europe, Norway, and Spain," according to a August 2001 news item at <a href="http://www.digitalmediafx.com/Newsletter/animation10.html#4">Digital Media FX</a>. And as any US resident can tell you, Sweden is just too far to walk.
The magazine has been very successful in the UK, averaging sales of 85,000 copies monthly. And in Poland, the premiere edition sold over 500,000 copies. <a href="http://www.awn.com/mag/issue4.11/4.11pages/4.11licensing.php3">Animation World Magazine</a> reported in April 2000 that "in just three days, the magazine sold out and publishers [in Poland] ordered an immediate reprint."
<img src="http://www.bigballoon.nl/cartoonnetwork/beeld/cncover.jpg">
<i>Cover of a previous issue published in the Netherlands<br>(from www.bigballoon.nl)</i>
Primarily geared toward younger readers, the "Winter 2002" premiere US edition of <b>Cartoon Network Magazine</b> offers a unique and amusing POV in that it's all from the perspective of cartoon characters featured on CN, with such features as:
<li> Celebrity sightings
<li> Gossip columns
<li> Editorials and letter columns
<li> Puzzles, games and quizzes
<li> Classifieds
Features of note: Space Ghost interviewing Green Lantern and Samurai Jack; a zany original comic story where the Scooby Gang meets the Powerpuff Girls; cartoon trivia; posters; Toonami and Anime; "Who Would Win?; "Ask Mojo Jojo"; and an exclusive CToon Orbit Code.
Additionally, cartoonnetwork.com is offering online an interactive companion to the print magazine, which you can browse at the link below:
http://cartoonnetwork.com/magazine/
The US version [click --> <a href="http://www.toonzone.net/news/images/021402/cnmag-600-th.jpg">HERE</a> <-- for a look at the front cover], published by <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/">Scholastic</a>, is available for $2.95 and can be found at such book retail outlets as <b>Barnes & Noble</b> and <b>Borders</b>.
Subscription details are not yet available. A tear-out postcard in the magazine has the headline "SUBSCRIBE!" but is actually a mail-in request "to receive more information ... as it becomes available."
<b>== UPDATE: 2.13.02 ==</b>
The news of this magazine has brought up a number of questions from fans which Cartoon Network's Jim Babcock was kind enough to answer for us:
<i>Q: Is the premiere issue of the US version is just a test
run to see how well it sells?</i>
<b>A: The current issue is a pilot. Whether we continue will depend on a number of things, including how it sells and if we can find a solid subscriber base. But here are other factors as well.</b>
<i>Q: What age group/demographic are you targeting with this mag?</i>
<b>A: The target was 7-13, which is a bit of a broad range. We're targeting both boys and girls. However, we understand we have many fans outside that age group as well.</b>
<i>Q: It's amusing to see the magazine's content derived totally from
the characters' POV, but is there a chance that future issues will
include behind the scenes interviews and info for "real people" -
i.e., those involved in the production of CN shows, such as the
writers, creators, artists and voice talents?</i>
<b>A: Our first magazine did have "real people," like the interview with Craig McCracken. There is a possibility we'll go in that direction in the future. But again, no determination has been made.</b>
<i>Q: Will there be any way to order issues or subscribe online?</i>
<b>A: Right now, there is not a way to order/buy online. But I'm checking with our online store on Cartoon Network.com to see if it is in the plans.</b>
<i>Q: Will the magazine page on CN online continue to serve as an interactive companion to the magazine, updated as new issues become available?</i>
<b>A: Since we're not sure there will be another issue, I can't answer about additional updates. Sorry.</b>
<b> === UPDATE: 2.21.2002 === </b>
<i>Q: Will distribution always be through newsstands at Borders and Barnes & Noble, or will it include other retail outlets like Wal-Mart, Waldenbooks or Media Play?</i>
<b>A: Most copies will be distributed through Scholastic's book fairs. The newsstand distribution was never intended to be the primary method of distributing this product. The complex realities of the distribution business dicated that.</b>
<i><b>And here are answers to additional questions Toon Zone Staff has received:</b></i>
<i>Q: Where can I buy a copy of this magazine in the US?</i>
<B>A: You should be able to find one at BARNES & NOBLE or BORDERS BOOKS & MUSIC.</B>
<I>Q: Is this magazine by "DC Comics" called "Cartoon Cartoon" or is it an actual magazine?</I>
<B>A: It is an actual, official magazine from Cartoon Network. It is not related to any DC Comics titles (such as <i>Cartoon Network Presents</i>, <i>Cartoon Network Starring</i> or <i><A href="http://www.toonzone.net/comics/cc/">Cartoon Cartoons</a></i>), nor is DC Comics publishing it. The publisher is Scholastic - their joint press release with Cartoon Network is included below:</B>
For release: February 5, 2002
<b>Cartoon Network and Scholastic Unveil Debut Issue of Cartoon Network Magazine</b>
<i>Cartoon Network’s Best-Loved Characters Including Dexter, The Powerpuff Girls,
Scooby-Doo and Bugs Bunny Featured in New Fun-Filled Magazine</i>
http://www.toonzone.net/news/images/021402/cnmag-th.jpg (http://www.toonzone.net/news/images/021402/cnmag-600-th.jpg)
Cartoon Network, the worldwide cable television service dedicated to the best in animated entertainment, and Scholastic, the global children’s publishing and media company, debuts the pilot issue of Cartoon Network Magazine this winter, bringing the highly popular Cartoon Network characters including Scooby Doo and The Powerpuff Girls to a fun new magazine for kids. Cartoon Network Magazine, targeted to kids 7 – 13 years old, will be available starting this month through Scholastic Book Clubs and Scholastic Book Fairs, and at select Barnes & Noble stores. The publication is priced at $2.95.
Cartoon Network Magazine continues Scholastic's efforts to assure that children have age-appropriate, fun material available to them that they want to read. Cartoon Network and Scholastic have previously collaborated to publish successful trade books featuring Cartoon Network’s signature characters.
Landing on the cover are five of Cartoon Network's most famous faces - Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup from the fantastically popular series The Powerpuff Girls, and Scooby-Doo and Shaggy from the crime-solving Mystery, Inc. crew. The magazine includes games, trivia, puzzles, quizzes, contests, posters and celebrity interviews in an irreverent, witty style and connects kids with the hottest stars in animation television. The highlight of Cartoon Network Magazine is a brand new comic featuring an exclusive teaming of The Powerpuff Girls and the gang from Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!.
“Scholastic’s mission is to help kids value reading for all kinds of reasons, from knowledge, information and insights to just plain fun. Cartoon Network Magazine is a great way to help kids experience the joy of reading by reaching them through their favorite animated characters,” said Hugh Roome, Scholastic Executive Vice President. “Scholastic Book Clubs and Fairs, which together serve millions of kids, parents and teachers every year, are a unique channel for distributing Cartoon Network Magazine. Families and educators look to the Clubs and Fairs as a valuable resource for the best in a variety of reading materials for children.”
"Kids are always interested in getting to know more about their favorite Cartoon Network stars like Johnny Bravo, Scooby-Doo and The Powerpuff Girls, and a magazine is a great vehicle to accomplish this," said Jamie Porges, Vice President of Off Channel Commerce for Cartoon Network. "With Scholastic, we've created a great pilot magazine that captures the unique personality of Cartoon Network."
Other features in Cartoon Network Magazine include:
<li> "Party Poopers," where celebrities rub shoulders with Cartoon Network stars. Johnny Bravo caddies for Tiger Woods, Rosie O'Donnell tries out to be the fourth Powerpuff Girl, and J. Lo and I.R. Baboon compare "buns of steel."
<li> Celebrity interviews by Cartoon Network's cranky talk show host in "Space Ghost's Plug-O-Rama."
<li> "Ask Mojo Jojo," where Townsville's supervillain gives lectures in larceny and tips on troublemaking.
<li> "Who Would Win?," a feature that breaks down fictional face-offs with Cartoon Network stars. Among the match-ups are The Powerpuff Girls versus Serena and Venus Williams, the Wondertwins battling the Olsen Twins, and Alvin and the Chipmunks against 'N Sync.
Scholastic (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. A global children's publishing and media company serving the needs of parents, teachers, and children, Scholastic provides proprietary book and software distribution through school book clubs, school book fairs and to classrooms, as well as through the retail trade. Since 1920, Scholastic has created quality educational materials for schools and has expanded its reach to include the distribution of books, software, toys, online learning services and television programming directly to the home. Scholastic's Grolier division is the leading print and online publisher of children's reference materials and the leader in children's direct to home book clubs. Internationally, Scholastic operates wholly owned companies in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Scholastic web site http://www.scholastic.com is a leading provider of educational services online for parents, teachers and children.
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 79.6 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also showcases unique original ventures such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
To discuss this story, click here (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=159301#post159301) .
No longer will American citizens be denied the opportunity to purchase <a href="http://cartoonnetwork.com/magazine/">CARTOON NETWORK MAGAZINE</a>. For nearly 2 years, this official CN mag has been available only at newstands in the "UK, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Eastern Europe, Norway, and Spain," according to a August 2001 news item at <a href="http://www.digitalmediafx.com/Newsletter/animation10.html#4">Digital Media FX</a>. And as any US resident can tell you, Sweden is just too far to walk.
The magazine has been very successful in the UK, averaging sales of 85,000 copies monthly. And in Poland, the premiere edition sold over 500,000 copies. <a href="http://www.awn.com/mag/issue4.11/4.11pages/4.11licensing.php3">Animation World Magazine</a> reported in April 2000 that "in just three days, the magazine sold out and publishers [in Poland] ordered an immediate reprint."
<img src="http://www.bigballoon.nl/cartoonnetwork/beeld/cncover.jpg">
<i>Cover of a previous issue published in the Netherlands<br>(from www.bigballoon.nl)</i>
Primarily geared toward younger readers, the "Winter 2002" premiere US edition of <b>Cartoon Network Magazine</b> offers a unique and amusing POV in that it's all from the perspective of cartoon characters featured on CN, with such features as:
<li> Celebrity sightings
<li> Gossip columns
<li> Editorials and letter columns
<li> Puzzles, games and quizzes
<li> Classifieds
Features of note: Space Ghost interviewing Green Lantern and Samurai Jack; a zany original comic story where the Scooby Gang meets the Powerpuff Girls; cartoon trivia; posters; Toonami and Anime; "Who Would Win?; "Ask Mojo Jojo"; and an exclusive CToon Orbit Code.
Additionally, cartoonnetwork.com is offering online an interactive companion to the print magazine, which you can browse at the link below:
http://cartoonnetwork.com/magazine/
The US version [click --> <a href="http://www.toonzone.net/news/images/021402/cnmag-600-th.jpg">HERE</a> <-- for a look at the front cover], published by <a href="http://www.scholastic.com/">Scholastic</a>, is available for $2.95 and can be found at such book retail outlets as <b>Barnes & Noble</b> and <b>Borders</b>.
Subscription details are not yet available. A tear-out postcard in the magazine has the headline "SUBSCRIBE!" but is actually a mail-in request "to receive more information ... as it becomes available."
<b>== UPDATE: 2.13.02 ==</b>
The news of this magazine has brought up a number of questions from fans which Cartoon Network's Jim Babcock was kind enough to answer for us:
<i>Q: Is the premiere issue of the US version is just a test
run to see how well it sells?</i>
<b>A: The current issue is a pilot. Whether we continue will depend on a number of things, including how it sells and if we can find a solid subscriber base. But here are other factors as well.</b>
<i>Q: What age group/demographic are you targeting with this mag?</i>
<b>A: The target was 7-13, which is a bit of a broad range. We're targeting both boys and girls. However, we understand we have many fans outside that age group as well.</b>
<i>Q: It's amusing to see the magazine's content derived totally from
the characters' POV, but is there a chance that future issues will
include behind the scenes interviews and info for "real people" -
i.e., those involved in the production of CN shows, such as the
writers, creators, artists and voice talents?</i>
<b>A: Our first magazine did have "real people," like the interview with Craig McCracken. There is a possibility we'll go in that direction in the future. But again, no determination has been made.</b>
<i>Q: Will there be any way to order issues or subscribe online?</i>
<b>A: Right now, there is not a way to order/buy online. But I'm checking with our online store on Cartoon Network.com to see if it is in the plans.</b>
<i>Q: Will the magazine page on CN online continue to serve as an interactive companion to the magazine, updated as new issues become available?</i>
<b>A: Since we're not sure there will be another issue, I can't answer about additional updates. Sorry.</b>
<b> === UPDATE: 2.21.2002 === </b>
<i>Q: Will distribution always be through newsstands at Borders and Barnes & Noble, or will it include other retail outlets like Wal-Mart, Waldenbooks or Media Play?</i>
<b>A: Most copies will be distributed through Scholastic's book fairs. The newsstand distribution was never intended to be the primary method of distributing this product. The complex realities of the distribution business dicated that.</b>
<i><b>And here are answers to additional questions Toon Zone Staff has received:</b></i>
<i>Q: Where can I buy a copy of this magazine in the US?</i>
<B>A: You should be able to find one at BARNES & NOBLE or BORDERS BOOKS & MUSIC.</B>
<I>Q: Is this magazine by "DC Comics" called "Cartoon Cartoon" or is it an actual magazine?</I>
<B>A: It is an actual, official magazine from Cartoon Network. It is not related to any DC Comics titles (such as <i>Cartoon Network Presents</i>, <i>Cartoon Network Starring</i> or <i><A href="http://www.toonzone.net/comics/cc/">Cartoon Cartoons</a></i>), nor is DC Comics publishing it. The publisher is Scholastic - their joint press release with Cartoon Network is included below:</B>
For release: February 5, 2002
<b>Cartoon Network and Scholastic Unveil Debut Issue of Cartoon Network Magazine</b>
<i>Cartoon Network’s Best-Loved Characters Including Dexter, The Powerpuff Girls,
Scooby-Doo and Bugs Bunny Featured in New Fun-Filled Magazine</i>
http://www.toonzone.net/news/images/021402/cnmag-th.jpg (http://www.toonzone.net/news/images/021402/cnmag-600-th.jpg)
Cartoon Network, the worldwide cable television service dedicated to the best in animated entertainment, and Scholastic, the global children’s publishing and media company, debuts the pilot issue of Cartoon Network Magazine this winter, bringing the highly popular Cartoon Network characters including Scooby Doo and The Powerpuff Girls to a fun new magazine for kids. Cartoon Network Magazine, targeted to kids 7 – 13 years old, will be available starting this month through Scholastic Book Clubs and Scholastic Book Fairs, and at select Barnes & Noble stores. The publication is priced at $2.95.
Cartoon Network Magazine continues Scholastic's efforts to assure that children have age-appropriate, fun material available to them that they want to read. Cartoon Network and Scholastic have previously collaborated to publish successful trade books featuring Cartoon Network’s signature characters.
Landing on the cover are five of Cartoon Network's most famous faces - Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup from the fantastically popular series The Powerpuff Girls, and Scooby-Doo and Shaggy from the crime-solving Mystery, Inc. crew. The magazine includes games, trivia, puzzles, quizzes, contests, posters and celebrity interviews in an irreverent, witty style and connects kids with the hottest stars in animation television. The highlight of Cartoon Network Magazine is a brand new comic featuring an exclusive teaming of The Powerpuff Girls and the gang from Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!.
“Scholastic’s mission is to help kids value reading for all kinds of reasons, from knowledge, information and insights to just plain fun. Cartoon Network Magazine is a great way to help kids experience the joy of reading by reaching them through their favorite animated characters,” said Hugh Roome, Scholastic Executive Vice President. “Scholastic Book Clubs and Fairs, which together serve millions of kids, parents and teachers every year, are a unique channel for distributing Cartoon Network Magazine. Families and educators look to the Clubs and Fairs as a valuable resource for the best in a variety of reading materials for children.”
"Kids are always interested in getting to know more about their favorite Cartoon Network stars like Johnny Bravo, Scooby-Doo and The Powerpuff Girls, and a magazine is a great vehicle to accomplish this," said Jamie Porges, Vice President of Off Channel Commerce for Cartoon Network. "With Scholastic, we've created a great pilot magazine that captures the unique personality of Cartoon Network."
Other features in Cartoon Network Magazine include:
<li> "Party Poopers," where celebrities rub shoulders with Cartoon Network stars. Johnny Bravo caddies for Tiger Woods, Rosie O'Donnell tries out to be the fourth Powerpuff Girl, and J. Lo and I.R. Baboon compare "buns of steel."
<li> Celebrity interviews by Cartoon Network's cranky talk show host in "Space Ghost's Plug-O-Rama."
<li> "Ask Mojo Jojo," where Townsville's supervillain gives lectures in larceny and tips on troublemaking.
<li> "Who Would Win?," a feature that breaks down fictional face-offs with Cartoon Network stars. Among the match-ups are The Powerpuff Girls versus Serena and Venus Williams, the Wondertwins battling the Olsen Twins, and Alvin and the Chipmunks against 'N Sync.
Scholastic (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books. A global children's publishing and media company serving the needs of parents, teachers, and children, Scholastic provides proprietary book and software distribution through school book clubs, school book fairs and to classrooms, as well as through the retail trade. Since 1920, Scholastic has created quality educational materials for schools and has expanded its reach to include the distribution of books, software, toys, online learning services and television programming directly to the home. Scholastic's Grolier division is the leading print and online publisher of children's reference materials and the leader in children's direct to home book clubs. Internationally, Scholastic operates wholly owned companies in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Kingdom. The U.S. Scholastic web site http://www.scholastic.com is a leading provider of educational services online for parents, teachers and children.
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 79.6 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also showcases unique original ventures such as The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., an AOL Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
To discuss this story, click here (http://forums.toonzone.net/showthread.php?s=&postid=159301#post159301) .