The hottest Animation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Wrapping Up Half a Year

Animation Obsessive • 8880 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The animation industry is facing tough times, with many artists struggling due to job shortages and business challenges.
  2. The newsletter has been highlighting valuable stories from the animation world, sharing insights and celebrating the work of dedicated artists.
  3. Despite challenges, the newsletter has gained popularity this year, showcasing diverse topics and engaging content that resonates with its growing audience.

Into the Golden Era of Chinese Animation

Animation Obsessive • 1704 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The exhibition 'Animating China' highlighted the rich history of Chinese animation, particularly from the Shanghai Animation Film Studio. It showed how these animations have impacted viewers across generations.
  2. Visitors at the exhibition enjoyed a mix of nostalgia and appreciation for older animations, like 'Nezha Conquers the Dragon King', which many felt had more 'soul' than modern styles.
  3. The event served as a reminder of animation's role in shaping cultural identity and personal memories, making connections between past and present for families who attended.

Totoro Before Totoro

Animation Obsessive • 16952 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. In the late 1970s, Hayao Miyazaki began his career by working on the film 'Panda! Go, Panda!' which greatly influenced his future works.
  2. The film focused on everyday life, showing a young girl and her magical encounters, aiming to highlight the charm in simple moments.
  3. Many key staff members from 'Panda!' went on to shape Studio Ghibli, showing its lasting impact on animation and storytelling.

An Almost Subversive Freedom

Animation Obsessive • 1704 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Czechoslovak animation is diverse, using many materials and styles, which makes it unique and rich. There are popular shows like Pat and Mat that many might enjoy.
  2. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 was a peaceful change for Czechoslovakia, leading to a flourishing of its arts, including animation, during a time of transformation.
  3. An exhibition called 'Krátký Film: The Art of Czechoslovak Animation' helped introduce this art form to America, showing how charming and special these animations can be.

Making the Video That Made Gorillaz

Animation Obsessive • 15517 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Pete Candeland, the director behind the iconic Gorillaz video for 'Clint Eastwood,' used innovative animation techniques to blend 2D and CGI, creating a unique look that set the standard for animated music videos at the time.
  2. Candeland's animation style evolved from a limited budget, leading him to focus on the most important movements and actions, resulting in a distinctive, under-animated approach that became a signature for Gorillaz.
  3. The editing process was crucial for Candeland, allowing him to manipulate timing and create a dynamic flow with the music, making animation a more live and engaging experience.
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The Spirit of 'Horus'

Animation Obsessive • 1435 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Isao Takahata started his career at Toei Doga and eventually got to direct his own projects, helping change Japanese animation with his film, Horus: Prince of the Sun.
  2. The project Taro the Dragon Boy was initially shelved because it didn't have the epic scale they wanted, leading Takahata and his team to create something different.
  3. Later, Taro was revived in the late '70s as Toei Doga's hope for a grand return, viewed by some as the studio's last great film.

A Canadian Tradition

Animation Obsessive • 1255 implied HN points • 28 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The National Film Board of Canada has created many beloved animated films since the 1940s. They have a great collection of these films available online, with many free to watch.
  2. One standout film is 'At Home with Mrs. Hen,' made by animator Tali Prevost, which offers a joyful experience based on her life as a mother.
  3. The Film Board's website is a treasure trove for animation lovers, featuring Oscar winners and unique cartoons, making it easy to spend hours exploring.

The Look of 'Over the Garden Wall'

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Over the Garden Wall is a special show that stands out for its unique visual style and storytelling. It mixes comedy, drama, and horror in a way that makes it feel like a timeless classic.
  2. The art team, led by Nick Cross, worked hard to create stunning backgrounds and designs using inspiration from old cartoons and paintings. This attention to detail made the show feel like an independent film on TV.
  3. Despite the challenges of making a short series, the team enjoyed a lot of creative freedom. This allowed them to take risks and try new ideas, which is something that’s rare in the animation industry today.

The Animation Trove That Keeps Growing

Animation Obsessive • 10494 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The Zagreb School of Animation has restored many classic cartoons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, making them available in high quality on YouTube. These cartoons are unique for their adult themes and artistic styles, breaking away from traditional children's animation.
  2. The success of the animated film _Nezha 2_ has set new box office records in China, surpassing $1 billion in just ten days. Its unprecedented popularity showcases a growing trend in animated films capturing massive audiences and financial success.
  3. Animation production in places like Yugoslavia and China reflects a strong spirit of creativity and boundary-pushing, with artists working together and exploring unconventional ideas, even in challenging circumstances.

Composing 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Animation Obsessive • 13095 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The music of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' by Vince Guaraldi became a key part of what makes the special so beloved. Many people love this Christmas classic mainly because of its wonderful soundtrack.
  2. Guaraldi wasn't widely known when he composed the score, and he thought it was just another gig. Yet, this music changed his career and became defining for the 'Peanuts' series.
  3. The show faced tight deadlines and a small budget, which made the team worried it would flop. Surprisingly, it became a big success and has remained a holiday favorite for years.

Japanese Legends and Their Favorite Animation

Animation Obsessive • 15158 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Japanese animation, or anime, has heavily influenced global animation styles, including character design and storytelling. Many famous animators around the world draw inspiration from this unique art form.
  2. Japanese animators have a wide range of favorite works that include not just Disney movies but also lesser-known international films. Their choices reveal a deep appreciation for diverse animation styles and storytelling.
  3. The impact of specific films, like 'The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep,' shaped the perspectives of Japanese animators. Such films were pivotal in inspiring them and pushing the boundaries of their own work.

The New ‘Animal Farm’ Movie Is Less Equal Than the Book

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 737 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The new animated Animal Farm softens Orwell’s pointed critique of Stalinism and changes key elements of the original allegory.
  2. Andy Serkis directed a big, star-studded 21st-century remake; Woody Harrelson voices Boxer and Kieran Culkin voices Squealer, and it opens in U.S. theaters on May 1.
  3. Orwell’s novella was a clear anti-Soviet allegory — so influential that the CIA backed a 1954 adaptation — but the new film downplays that specific political critique.

The Year's End

Animation Obsessive • 10135 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Animation has had a year of ups and downs. Big hits and mass job losses coexisted in America, while Japan's animation scene is growing despite some challenges.
  2. There are plenty of inspiring stories in the animation world, like independent creators making feature films or successful documentaries about past works. Art continues to find a way to shine through difficulties.
  3. The newsletter aims to celebrate good work and share intriguing stories, showing that even in tough times, passion and creativity can lead to great achievements.

One of 2024's Best Films Was Made in Pakistan

Animation Obsessive • 9956 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The Glassworker is a unique animated film from Pakistan that explores themes of art and war. It highlights the importance of creativity even in difficult times.
  2. The creators of The Glassworker spent ten years making the film, overcoming challenges to set up their animation studio in Karachi. They aimed to prove that high-quality animation could be produced in Pakistan.
  3. The film combines local culture with a universal fantasy feel, using the story of glassblowing to reflect the journey of its creators. It's set against the backdrop of their experiences growing up during conflict.

Painting with Grains of Sand

Animation Obsessive • 2152 implied HN points • 08 Aug 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Caroline Leaf changed animation with her unique style, focusing on painting with sand instead of traditional cartoon methods. Her creativity has inspired many other animators since the 1970s.
  2. Her work, especially 'The Metamorphosis of Mr. Samsa,' was highly praised and showcased her poetic storytelling through visual art. It's considered a significant piece in the animation field.
  3. Many famous animators, including Kihachiro Kawamoto, regard Leaf's work as influential and beautiful, showing her lasting impact on animation culture.

A Weekend of New Animation

Animation Obsessive • 8252 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The London International Animation Festival (LIAF) showcased many interesting animation films from around the world, featuring unique styles and stories.
  2. Some standout films included 'Adios', which explores a father-son relationship in a beautifully crafted stop-motion style, and 'The Girl with the Occupied Eyes', which creatively addresses modern issues using vibrant animation.
  3. There is a notable trend of children's films at festivals tackling serious themes, suggesting that animations for kids can also tell meaningful and thoughtful stories.

Who Killed 'Fraidy Cat'?

Animation Obsessive • 9328 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The story of 'Fraidy Cat' was about a cat named Oscar who was wrongly accused of swallowing a bird. The film went through many changes during its development and was influenced by Hitchcock's style.
  2. Piet Kroon, the director, faced a lot of studio politics and creative conflicts while trying to bring his vision for 'Fraidy Cat' to life, which included several writers being brought in to make changes.
  3. Despite the project receiving praise and momentum at Disney, it was ultimately shelved when the studio decided to close its Florida branch, which contributed to 'Fraidy Cat' never being completed.

A Burning City

Animation Obsessive • 8521 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Katsuhiro Otomo's short film 'Combustible' showcases his unique storytelling style, featuring a deep emotional core and a focus on the Edo period in Japan. It's a departure from his earlier work like 'Akira', emphasizing a personal and experimental approach.
  2. The animation in 'Combustible' combines traditional art styles with modern technology, allowing for intricate designs and details that highlight the beauty of the Edo era. Otomo aimed for a blend of history and contemporary techniques.
  3. Despite its compelling qualities, 'Combustible' remains relatively obscure compared to Otomo's more famous works. Nonetheless, it proves that he is a versatile director with a wide range of creative capabilities beyond just 'Akira'.

Yuri Norstein's Top 20

Animation Obsessive • 2063 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Yuri Norstein is a well-known animator from the USSR, famous for films like 'Hedgehog in the Fog'.
  2. He shared his top 20 favorite animated films, which include notable works from different decades and countries.
  3. Norstein highlighted groundbreaking animations, like 'Night on Bald Mountain', that changed the medium of animation.

Animating Out of Spite

Animation Obsessive • 8700 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Fyodor Khitruk created a 50-second animated film called Othello-67 as a response to a contest requirement that frustrated him. It humorously condenses Shakespeare's play into a fast-paced experience.
  2. The film critiques the idea of simplifying complex art into quick bites, showing that lots of meaning can still fit into a short time frame.
  3. Despite being a small part of Khitruk's body of work, Othello-67 stands out for its creativity and humor, proving that even short animations can leave a lasting impact.

Gift Ideas for the Animation Inclined

Animation Obsessive • 7086 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. There's a new gift guide for animation fans that features a mix of DVDs, Blu-rays, and books. It includes something for everyone, so you can find unique gifts this holiday season.
  2. Two short films worth checking out are 'Sierra' and 'Luki & the Lights'. Both tackle important themes and have received praise at film festivals, with 'Sierra' being available for free online.
  3. Recent animation news includes awards for films like 'Flow' and updates on various international projects. It's a great time to discover exciting new animated works from around the world.

Two Motorcycles, Just Before the End

Animation Obsessive • 2511 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. There are two films about motorcyclists from different times and places, showing how the same theme can be expressed in unique ways.
  2. Both films end in crashes, but before that, they have beautiful sequences of motorcycling that highlight the excitement of riding.
  3. Even though one film likely influenced the other, each has its own style and storytelling, showing how creativity can take different paths.

Animating in Present Tense

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Sasha Svirsky is a self-taught animator who values improvisation over traditional rules. He creates unique animations by following his feelings, resulting in lively and often chaotic films.
  2. His work touches on important themes like oppression and the impact of war, often reflecting real-world events. Svirsky's art resonates deeply with viewers and highlights pressing issues.
  3. In animation news, the European co-production system continues to produce noteworthy films, such as 'Kensuke’s Kingdom,' which is a nostalgic adventure tale with a memorable score that emphasizes emotional storytelling.

Hope, Small but Strong

Animation Obsessive • 7355 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Michael Sporn created unique animated films that told important stories, even if they were often overlooked. His work was heartfelt and showcased real human experiences.
  2. The film 'Champagne' tells the story of a girl living in a shelter, highlighting her struggles and hope for the future. It's well-made and received awards despite being lesser-known today.
  3. Sporn's animation style was creative and personal, using improvised techniques that added warmth and charm to his films, showing that art can thrive even under tight budgets.

What Happens in a Second?

Animation Obsessive • 2870 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The length of the film 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' varies between different editions. Some versions are 65 minutes long while others are longer due to differences in playback speed.
  2. There's a debate about how long the film originally was, with some believing it could be as long as 90 minutes. This confusion stems from how silent films are understood and played today.
  3. The discussion around the film highlights a broader issue about silent films in general and how one second can mean different things in different contexts. It's a fun puzzle that has had people talking for many years!

Hearing What You See

Animation Obsessive • 2421 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Mickey Mousing is when music matches the exact movements in animation. This technique started in early cartoons and was popularized by Mickey Mouse.
  2. Some famous artists and directors criticized Mickey Mousing as being too mechanical and limiting. They believed it took away from the original creativity of the film.
  3. Despite the criticism, syncing music closely with animation can still be powerful and effective when done well. Some animations have shown that this technique can enhance the experience.

Dreaming and Fighting

Animation Obsessive • 5112 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Art isn't just a way to escape problems; it can inspire change and make a difference in the world. It can connect people and provoke thoughts about important issues.
  2. Artists throughout history have fought through tough times to create meaningful work. Their stories remind us that creativity can thrive even in challenging circumstances.
  3. The process of making art can be just as valuable as the final product. Different ways of telling stories and sharing ideas can open new paths for inspiration and understanding.

After Three Years, What's Left?

Animation Obsessive • 10943 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The Animation Obsessive newsletter, even after three years, remains a small team passionate about sharing accessible stories on animation.
  2. Reader support has allowed the newsletter to grow into a full-fledged career, without ads or sponsorships with companies.
  3. The team highlights the continuous thrill of learning and discovering new aspects of animation, striving to keep delivering interesting content to their audience.

A Portal to the Past

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The 1980s were a special time for Shanghai Animation Film Studio, making it a leader in Chinese animation.
  2. A rare brochure was digitized to preserve and share the studio's history and artworks from 1957 to 1987.
  3. The article expresses gratitude to readers for their support and mentions excitement about an upcoming trip to a festival.

'I Love Lilith'

Daily Dreher • 1297 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. A new adult cartoon series called 'Hazbin Hotel' has debuted on Amazon.
  2. The show features Lilith, Queen of the Demons.
  3. Viewers are encouraged to watch the first few minutes to experience the unique visuals and sound.

Masterpieces on the Cheap

Animation Obsessive • 7175 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Animation masterpieces can be created on limited budgets, showcasing that money doesn't guarantee a great film.
  2. Artistry, vision, and talent are key to creating successful animated projects, sometimes taking risks can lead to unique and impactful films.
  3. Japanese anime industry often achieves expressive movement with small budgets, emphasizing creativity over financial resources.

When Japanese Animation Cracked the Oscars

Animation Obsessive • 6099 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Japanese animation made a significant impact at the Oscars when 'Spirited Away' won in 2003, marking the full acceptance of Japanese animation into Hollywood's mainstream.
  2. Koji Yamamura's film 'Mt. Head' brought Japanese independent animation into the spotlight, showcasing a unique style and storytelling approach that influenced a new generation of animators globally.
  3. The animation world mourned the passing of Akira Toriyama, a legendary manga artist known for 'Dragon Ball,' whose work has had a lasting impact on global animation and storytelling.

Now More Than Ever

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The newsletter started four years ago and marked its journey with a special post. It's been a significant milestone for the creators.
  2. Initially, there was uncertainty about the audience for longer stories on animation, but they were excited to take the chance.
  3. The newsletter has grown along with its followers, showing that there's a demand for deep discussions about animation.

How to Adapt an Unadaptable Story

Animation Obsessive • 1973 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Kenji Miyazawa is not very well known outside Japan, but he has greatly influenced Japanese literature and animation. His stories have been cherished by generations of Japanese readers.
  2. The film 'Night on the Galactic Railroad' is a unique adaptation that captures the emotional depth of Miyazawa's work. Director Gisaburo Sugii aimed to express the feelings in Miyazawa's stories through animation.
  3. The film is different from typical animated features, focusing on abstract ideas and emotions instead of concrete realities. This approach makes it a deeply mysterious and emotional experience.

The Nominee You Didn't See

Animation Obsessive • 6189 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. The film 'Funny Birds' is a remarkable César nominee with rich realism and attention to detail.
  2. The creation of 'Funny Birds' involved deep research, natural sound recordings, and a documentary-like approach.
  3. The animation process of 'Funny Birds' focused on capturing spontaneous energy and specific performances from real-life sounds.

On TWBA, Yuki's Revenge and One-Film Supercuts of Two-Part Movies

Textual Variations • 66 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Kill Bill works better as a single, unified film and the whole cut strengthens the final twist. However, poor theatrical projection and some redundant sequences (like duplicate driving scenes) hurt the viewing experience.
  2. Yuki’s Revenge is a Fortnite-style animated short adapted almost verbatim from an early unused chapter, showing how Yuki and Gogo were merged during rewrites. It’s entertaining but non-canonical and repeats material already present in the main film.
  3. One-film supercuts of two-part movies are surprisingly rare even though directors and audiences show interest. Practical barriers like cost, logistics, and studio choices seem to limit more combined editions despite their creative potential.

The Origin of a Master Painter

Animation Obsessive • 5471 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Background painter Nizo Yamamoto rose to prominence in Japanese animation industry and played a key role in iconic films.
  2. Yamamoto's journey into animation industry was filled with twists and turns, from attending vocational high school to becoming an art director.
  3. Animating for documentaries involves speed, character design, and efficient teamwork, as seen in the making of 'May the Lord Watch'.

Making Tiny Classics for Public TV

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation
  1. Tissa David and the Hubleys played a vital role in producing animated content for children's educational shows like Sesame Street. Their work helped make learning fun for kids using creative animation.
  2. Sesame Street and similar shows brought innovative teaching methods to children by using entertaining formats similar to TV commercials. This approach helped sell educational concepts to young audiences.
  3. Creating limited animation can still result in high-quality work. Tissa David highlighted that limited animation is a different style and can be done effectively to convey engaging stories.

Toys vs. Nazis

Animation Obsessive • 1614 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. The film 'The Revolt of the Toys' was made in 1947 by Hermína Týrlová and became popular quickly after its release. It was a big deal for Týrlová, who had faced difficult times earlier under Nazi occupation.
  2. The story features toys that come to life and resist a Nazi officer who destroys their workshop. This theme was very relevant as it represented hope and resistance against fascism.
  3. Overall, the film was a celebration of overcoming great evil, with toys symbolizing courage and the spirit of children against oppressive forces.

Then and Now: Stop Motion

Animation Obsessive • 2152 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation
  1. Stop motion animation has been around for over a hundred years. It involves taking photos of objects in small movements to create the illusion of motion.
  2. The '50s and '60s were a golden age for stop motion, and we're seeing another rise in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s.
  3. People appreciate the handcrafted look of stop motion compared to digital animation. It has unique qualities like texture and imperfections that make it special.