Cartoon Network art styles have always been derivative

[TheMisterManGuy]

Some people complain that Cartoon Network's newer original series all derive from the same CalArts look and feel. It all started with Adventure Time, and since then, most of the channel's in-house shows have a similar feel and aesthetic in one way or another. However, it should be noted that this is nothing new for Cartoon Network. In fact, most Cartoon Network shows have always had a cohesive aesthetic to them. It's just the aesthetics used today are different. But back in the channel's peak through the 90s and early 00s, most of their original shows are derived heavily from the classic Hanna-Barbera style. Go back and watch Dexter's Lab, Powerpuff Girls, Johnny Bravo, Cow & Chicken, I AM Weasel, Samurai Jack, even later shows like Billy and Mandy and Foster's. They all have the look and feel of the old Hanna-Barbera cartoons, hell several of them were produced by Hanna-Barbera during their last few years of existence. The only exceptions to this rule, are series produced by external studios like Courage, Ed Edd n' Eddy, and Codename: Kids Next Door.

 

[SaneMan]

It is pretty stupid to throw Adventure Time into the pile, seeing how there is no show on the network to even look like Adventure Time

 

[Robin44]

It is pretty stupid to throw Adventure Time into the pile, seeing how there is no show on the network to even look like Adventure Time

Actually there is, every CN show uses the same style as AT (noodle arms and U shaped teeth) mostly the latter

 

[90'sKid]

Actually there is, every CN show uses the same style as AT (noodle arms and U shaped teeth) mostly the latter

Isn’t U-teeth sorta a general animation trend, as Rick and Morty uses it as well?

I wouldn’t really say most modern CN shows look like AT, which has a more distinct style (Noodle Limbs and pinpoint eyes) than the current crop of CN shows, which have softer lines, more curvy/bulbous shapes, and large eyes. I would say most follow a more Steven Universe style, than an AT one.

But one must remember that CN tends to prefer a certain style during any one time in its history, the 90’s crop of CN shows leaned towards a very angular and thick-lined animation style, EG Dexters Lab, PPG, Johnny Bravo, Grim Adventures, etc.


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[Anonymoususer2004]

I think the 2000s had the most variety in art styles.
Megas XLR looks nothing like Ben 10 which looks nothing like Camp Lazlo which looks nothing like Samurai Jack. And those are the ones off of the top of my head.

 

[Dr.Pepper]

The bears from We Bare Bears look like AT characters. That’s pretty much all I can think of.

 

[SaneMan]

Actually there is, every CN show uses the same style as AT (noodle arms and U shaped teeth) mostly the latter

yeah, cause these two are totally identical

 

[Dudley]

All cartoon art styles have been derivative. It’s because when one show becomes a hit, network executives want other shows pitched to them to look similar (and at times, be similar in tone). If it looks like the most popular show, kids will more drawn to it.

This has been going on since animation began. Just a few years ago, we had the thick outline Butch Hartman style be a thing, and people seem to have forgotten when everything tried to look like an anime.

People need to seriously get over themselves and accept that art evolves over time. And they should stop blaming artists when it’s the network / studio executives fault.


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[Zanneck]

All cartoon art styles have been derivative. It’s because when one show becomes a hit, network executives want other shows pitched to them to look similar (and at times, be similar in tone). If it looks like the most popular show, kids will more drawn to it.

This has been going on since animation began. Just a few years ago, we had the thick outline Butch Hartman style be a thing, and people seem to have forgotten when everything tried to look like an anime.

People need to seriously get over themselves and accept that art evolves over time. And they should stop blaming artists when it’s the network / studio executives fault.


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Thank you.

yeah, cause these two are totally identical

You, too - thank you.

Seriously, don't blame the artists; blame the networks for not taking enough risks on differing artstyles.

 

[Robin44]

Thank you.



You, too - thank you.

Seriously, don't blame the artists; blame the networks for not taking enough risks on differing artstyles.

Hey I forgot alright?