Does Toonami need a visual makeover?

**Vin** · 01-07-2002, 07:03 PM

Just curious, do you guys think Toonami needs a visual makeover, as in graphic-wise, etc.? I certainly think Toonami should get a brand new look, hopefully a whole new one air look. I LOVE those Toonami "bumpers" that are red that are sort of like red-blood cells, in addition to the white ones. I'm sure you guys now what I'm talking about.

Anyway, maybe it could get a brand new look, possibly one where we have a lead character's face on the screen. I.E., when "Batman Beyond" would be coming up, it would have a picture of Batman's face, with graphics around it with the "Batman Beyond" symbol. So, instead of looking on a computer screen on the Absolution, it would be just a screen, highlighting a show. Personally, I don't mind if they cut down on the Tom in-betweens since they haven't been doing much with him anyway. Maybe they could set it up so it has that futuristic look, like on Sci-Fi Network.

Another thing I'd like to see is if Toonami continuing aquiring shorter series (13-26 episodes), they should air it once a week in primetime, under the title, "Toonami Prime." Maybe it could air Mondays, 8 - 10 PM, and would be more adult-oriented than the regular Toonami block. It could show "Justice League" and "Samurai Jack" in their current timeslots.

One more thing, (I sound like Uncle from "Jackie Chan..."

) I definitely thing Toonami should show the original openings for shows. If the original openings are that bad, then they can go along and make a new opening, but there is no reason to cut up the "Batman Beyond" opening like they did. I liked their BB intro, however, it basically used the original BB opening, in addition to other clips.

Opinions? Suggestions?

**VinceA** · 01-07-2002, 07:09 PM

A new look couldn't hurt. I've always wondered why they HAVE to do new openings for shows. Some CNXers seem to be of the mind that the shows need to have Williams Street openings or else it will signal the Apocalypse (OK, maybe I exagerate). I don't see it that way. I think the block needs a custom open & close and some inter-show stuff along with the requisite number of commercials to show outside of the block (maybe even during "Kidami" on WB). I think their efforts & cash aren't needed to rework the openings. Spend it on new shows

**Coollead** · 01-07-2002, 07:10 PM

1. Pipes = GONE
2. Tom doing Moltar like stuff
3. Absolution crashing into the face of the sun.
4. Us laughing as Tom melts.
5. TOM3!!!

**bfmusashi** · 01-07-2002, 07:12 PM

Yep, Toonami definitely could use a makeover. First off, remove the pipes. They're boring, colorless, and lousy title cards. I loved the colorful Kanji-scrolling title cards they had last year... Much better.

Toonami should show the original openings for shows, in my opinion. I've always wanted to see them do this... Hey, it was done for Cowboy Bebop! Why not Toonami?

**Coollead** · 01-07-2002, 07:18 PM

well, There was no custom intro to Cowboy Bebop, thats why...

**ohmrbill** · 01-07-2002, 07:18 PM

YES, it needs a new look. Not that it doesn't look good now, but it's definitely time for a makeover.

Personally, I would like to see them get away from the whole space theme for a while. I remember in an interview way back they said the reason they didn't show more show like Kenshin or other fantasy related shows was because "it conflicts with the space theme." If they got away from the space theme then it would open the door for a more diverse line-up.

And yes, I also think they should show the original openings. If they can't fit it in at the beginning of the show, (I've suggested this before) then they should at least try to work some of them into their music video rotation since some of them are just too good not to be shown (Outlaw Star, both of Gundam Wing's). CN used to show the original Speed Racer opening during commercial breaks; so why not some of the Toonami shows?

But alas, Toonami seems to believe that showing the original openings will frighten people away.

**Jowy Blight** · 01-07-2002, 07:21 PM

I agree, Toonami could use a makeover. I'd really like for them to start showing the openings for their programs, and bring Moltar back. They should also give us our hour back, of course. Other then that, it's fine the way it is.

**Vin** · 01-07-2002, 07:25 PM

Originally posted by ohmrbill
YES, it needs a new look. Not that it doesn't look good now, but it's definitely time for a makeover.

Personally, I would like to see them get away from the whole space theme for a while. I remember in an interview way back they said the reason they didn't show more show like Kenshin or other fantasy related shows was because "it conflicts with the space theme." If they got away from the space theme then it would open the door for a more diverse line-up.

I, too, would like to see them get away from the space theme, however, I think we're in the minority.

**Sir Gatts** · 01-07-2002, 07:39 PM

They need more animation of the Clydes. Something with more lighting effects would be nice.

**OutlawStar** · 01-07-2002, 08:07 PM

Well what I always liked about Toonami was when they had a special like The Intruder they had drastic changes, like TOM getting eaten

I heard they cut Toonami's budget or something and so they cant afford things like NEW MUSIC & NEW ANIMATION. But I might be wrong. But whatever the case, they should ditch the junky WB Toonami and focus on CN Toonami.

**Albright** · 01-07-2002, 08:18 PM

Content over presentation. Getting rid of pipes and whatnot would be good, but bringing back MSG, getting back the third hour, putting DB/Z back in its place... all these things and more are far more important.

**DScythe** · 01-07-2002, 08:23 PM

Toonami could use a makeover. But it won't happen anytime soon. We'll probably have to wait until next year. The pipes are kind of old now. I do like the red cell things(not sure what to call them). The different screens showing all the shows could go. Also keeping the original openings would be good.

**Dark Spider** · 01-07-2002, 09:45 PM

Here is what I want Toonami to change or add:

1. Remove the pipes...they are getting quite old and they weren't visually attractive in the first place. Replace with title cards like the one from the Batman Beyond Promo.

2.Have TOM do more stuff. Basically he just comes in, sits down at the console, and that's it. He doesn't even talk as much as he used to. He should be involved in sketches during commercial breaks. The only chance we get to see TOM in action is during specials (Intruder, Lockdown, etc.)

3.Change the intro format. Basically an intro starts with a shot of outer space, then a pan or scroll over of the outside of the Absolution. Then it goes to TOM either going to the console or already sitting down at it. And finally it goes to random shots from the show. This pattern has been going on for years, even with Moltar, and it could use an update.

4. New intros for the different blocks of Toonami. The Afternoon run, the Midnight Run, and Super Saturdays all have the same intro with split second variations (SS doen't even have that). At least they should have different themes (MR at least tries to incorprorate a nighttime theme, but only a little)

**Vin** · 01-07-2002, 10:38 PM

Originally posted by Albright
Content over presentation. Getting rid of pipes and whatnot would be good, but bringing back MSG, getting back the third hour, putting DB/Z back in its place... all these things and more are far more important.

I do agree with your comments Albright. If I had a choice between nice graphics and getting new shows, I'd choose getting new shows. I'd like to see the graphics in addition or just simplifying them altogether by eliminating the TOM/Absolution segments and replace them with new graphics instead.

**Coollead** · 01-07-2002, 11:15 PM

Those random images are what makes the Toonami intro's so great!

**Sheamon** · 01-07-2002, 11:19 PM

I think Toonami's fine just as it is now in that department

No need to remove/improve Tom, the absolution, the pipes, the title cards or whatever.

I do however agree with those who want them to ax the Toonami openings and air the real ones. Its certainly possible with FOX Kids collapsing that Escaflowne could someday be sold to them and it would be such a shame if the opening that is regarded as one of the best in all anime is removed in favor of something else

**Calhoun07** · 01-08-2002, 12:23 AM

The major revision I want to see is the original openings for the episodes. I don't mind Toonami's showing clips of the shows with their own music and such, but it should be a supplement to the show, not a replacement for the opening. And I also would like to see Moltar back. And more Toonami marathons during the weekends!

**Weatherman** · 01-08-2002, 01:17 AM

Yeah, we'd all love to see Toonami get the resources it needs for a complete overhaul of the layout. Personally, I like The Absolution and think it should stay, along with TOM2 and Sara. But the gloss that Toonami had, especially with MSG, is gone, and a new look would go a long way towards gaining that back.

**William C. Maune** · 01-08-2002, 01:34 AM

[indent]I like the Toonami intros and I think they should be kept. Some shows would have great openings without them like Tenchi, Batman Beyond (and someday Escaflowne), but others would be quite bad like Big O, DBZ, etc. The Toonami intros guarantee that every show has a quality intro. They may not be as good as the best original intro, but they are all dang fine pieces of work. You would be hard pressed to find an intro that the majority of the people thought was poorly made. Also, the intros establish each show as a definite part of Toonami. To me at least Batman Beyond didn't truly feel like part of the block until it had an intro. Finally, the intros greatly help Toonami deliver the other part of its mission, phat beats!
[indent]That being said I do really like the idea of using the original intros as Music videos (the good ones at least). That way we would get the best of everything. As for the rest of it I pretty much agree with Albright.