SDCC2008: BET Animation Brings "Black Panther" and "Hannibal"

At their panel this morning at the San Diego Comic Con, B.E.T. announced that they are making aggressive moves into TV animation. In attendance were Reginald Hudlin (president, B.E.T.), Denys Cowan (senior V.P., B.E.T. Animation), Cort Lane (Marvel Animation), and John Romita Jr. (Marvel Comics artist).

The Black Panther animated series will debut in early 2009, bringing the Marvel Comics superhero to television in his own series. The show was designed to bring John Romita Jr.’s style to life, and despite some slightly jerky animation, the violent teaser reel shown at the panel proved that the Black Panther team at Titmouse was successful in creating what promises to be an interesting mature animated program.

Hannibal, debuting alongside Black Panther, stars the vocal talents of Vin Diesel. Some gorgeous rough animation was shown, and the more finished footage looks to have fluid animation, great composition, and interesting use of color. There were beheadings during the clip, which fits in with the more adult flavor.

Lastly, audience members expressed pleasure with B.E.T.’s movement towards animation. When asked if they would air animated shows that feature multicultural casts, Reginald Hudlin replied “yes.”

(Return to Toon Zone's San Diego Comic-Con 2008 Complete Coverage)