ThunderCats Roar illustrates larger problem with adult cartoon fans
Recently, Cartoon Network released a still of their new reboot, ThunderCats Roar. All the backlash proved a larger issue with adult cartoon fans as a whole.
Cartoon Network made waves when they posted art from an upcoming reboot. A reboot of ThunderCats, ThunderCats Roar will release in 2019. Even though the premiere date is a year away, fans are already upset about it. Most notably, it’s because of the style of art the cartoon is drawn in.
Before moving too far, let’s talk about this particular art style. Known as the “Cal Arts Style,” this style of animation was made popular by CalArts students. It’s known for featuring more rounded lines and a more cartoonish style. It’s been dominating TV screens since the early 2010’s.
Some popular shows that feature the CalArts Style are Gravity Falls, Star Vs The Force of Evil, Steven Universe and We Bare Bears. The new ThunderCats reboot seemed to be the last straw for people. Fans have already begun bashing the show, the artists, the network and even calling death threats into the school.
Those are some pretty dramatic reactions to a few art pieces being shared. It raises a lot of question about animation, its fans and their reactions. The main question is how and why the CalArts Style became so popular? Simply put, a lot of people graduated from the school and went on to be successful.
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A relatively simple answer, but it’s true. Additionally, a lot of other creators didn’t go to Cal Arts but share a similar style. The bottom line is it’s a popular style and a lot of shows have it. For fans to threaten death over that is not only sick but unnecessary.
The other question the Cal Art Style controversy brings up is fans. As an adult who loves cartoons, I can say there are a lot of adult cartoons I enjoy and a lot of kids cartoons I enjoy. However, there’s a line certain fans have crossed and there need to be boundaries.
Thunder Cats Roar is marketed towards children, not adults. No doubt almost all of the people making comments are adults. Bear in mind, the show isn’t even marketed towards adults. The show is being played on Cartoon Network for children.
Honestly, why should adults even care? Almost every single show is being rebooted or repackaged for kids today. Having a reaction to an art style, a concept or anything is fine. Broadcasting it and blasting people because of it is not fine.
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Frankly, it opens an even bigger conversation about the adult cartoon community. At what point are fans going too far? There have been multiple incidents where adult fans have harassed creators, actors, writers and other people who work on shows because they didn’t like something.
If anything, adult fans should move on. You don’t like the show? Cool, find another one. If you do, great. Watch it! It blurs the line between being a fan and harassing people because of it.
Hopefully, ThunderCats Roar will be successful. Maybe it won’t be. Either way, it’s time for cartoon fandom culture to change.