Around the 90’s there was a slew of hybrid films that mixed both live-action and animated cartoons together which hit screens across the globe. Some were major hits such as Roger Rabbit while others like Cool World were a financial failure. Regardless of whether a profit was reached in these films, audiences had a great interest in the concept of cartoons having a stardom world that mimicked Hollywood and it’s problems. Though, while the films were entertaining, none of them would go further in depth about the animated world. Some of the reasons the world could never be explored were due to lack of a budget, time constraints, and rights to certain characters. Despite this, the audience is still interested. Where does this leave us?
Wacky_Toonz on Instagram has assembled a team to create a series based on the world we never got to see in other films. There’s a mix of 40’s animated toons, 90’s toons, modern toons, living all together in a town. Today, Wacky_Toonz has agreed to an interview with us to talk about their animated series!
Hello! Can you tell us a little about yourself?
“I’ve been born and raised in Florida for as long as I can remember! My whole life I’ve always been the shy and anxious kid in the background with a few close friends. I never participated in sports or anything huge. But my love for art (especially animation) has never left me. Cartoons are my most favorite form of storytelling. I would draw on schoolwork, on my hands, my folders, anything I could get my grubby hands on. Over the years I’ve mainly been learning on my own. Reading books and watching videos on how to do proper storytelling.”
So, what is the Weird Side of Town?
“The Weird Side of Town stars 2 buddies named Violet and Boxer! Who are next door neighbors, and the most unlikeliest of duos. Both explore the town of Wacksville. A loony and wacky place full of expressive and colorful toons. Each with their own desires and struggles. All the while they uncover the mystery of a hidden part of town filled with strange and mysterious characters. One being Mr.Shadow. A villainous man made of ink, whose plan is to take over Wacksville, and soon the world.
The first concept of the show I believe was made when I was around elementary school. Going by a completely different name, ‘The Rap and the Pop’, with a completely different storyline. Where some girl named Scarlet wanted to be a pop singer but would have to battle against various characters through song. Befriending Violet and Boxer in the process. Of course, that was soon scrapped (via me chucking all the artwork down the trash). Ever since I’ve discovered you could make cartoons for a living, that’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Art has always been my biggest passion, and this show has been stuck at my hip for a while now.”
You have a large ensemble of characters from many different decades. How do you work with a world that has so many different styles to it?
“I wanted to give the feeling of seeing all your favorite types of characters, from all different eras coming together to put on a show. I adore all eras of animation in their own unique way, and it does play into the story a lot. For example, Wolfie is very much based on rubber hose animation of the 1920s. As well as the area he’s from. A character’s design can determine how old they are, what they’re like, or what their values are. Toons who are bright, colorful and expressive, may be more open minded and free. Whilst toons who’s style leans towards a much older era may be more narrow minded and reserved.”
What’s it been like to have a team of people working on your series with you?
“I have never been one to lead a large group of people, so it has been a lot of trial and error! But it has made me much more confident in being a leader, and communicating with different people. The team I’m with is small but they are for sure the most wonderful people I’ve met! Amazing talented artists and voice actors, Many much more experienced than I am. I’m truly grateful to be friends with all of them, and to be able to work with them to make this show a reality soon.”
You’ve called your characters Toons. Do they exist in a Roger-Rabbit style world where they were created by humans? Or is it something different?
“The characters calling themselves toons were inspired by Who Framed Roger Rabbit! Which was a big inspiration of mine when creating the show and characters. In this universe though, humans live in the same space as toons do, though they don’t look ‘human’ per se. More like the background drawings of large crowds with little to no detail on them. Just a silhouette!”
It sounds like this project has a rich history, how’s it grown with you over the years?
“This project has truly shaped who I am as a person over the years. It helped me become more confident in myself and believe in the term “trust the process”. I’ve always been very self-critical of myself and my work. But as time went by, seeing how much the show has changed, and me as a person is incredible.
When handling this world, do you have any rules you set in place when combining the eras? Any do’s or don’ts?
“There are some ground rules when it comes to certain characters. For example, characters in Wacksville are typically very colorful, with a unique mixture of faces, clothing and shapes. Characters who are in the rubber hose style are very limited in comparison to their vibrant counterparts. Usually with white gloves, dotted/Pac-Man eyes, and clothing to fit the era. Characters based off of 60s animation are usually very sharp and geometrical. Just one big mixing pot of all these colorful critters!”
I know this is going to be a hard question, but favorite character and why?
“If I had to choose… It would have to be Wolfie. Which is funny because he isn’t one of the main cast! But he serves such a big role in Violet’s journey, and the contrast between him and the world he’s been forced to never see is interesting. He’s a delight to write and draw, and I’m glad many friends and fans enjoy him as much as I do.”
Anything you’d like to tell people who are interested in your series?
“If you are a fan of animation history, slapstick comedy, adult humor, and deep yet comforting storylines, I hope you enjoy the show! You can follow me on Instagram or TikTok under Wacky_Toonz to see more content! I can’t wait to talk to all of you!”
Connect Today!
We can’t wait to see how the series progresses! There’s animated shorts currently on Wacky_Toonz Instagram and TikTok that you can watch today featuring the series. The latest journey into a toon world was back in 2022 with Rescue Rangers and no doubt our next big journey into a toon world will be The Weird Side of Town. Thank you all!
Leave a Reply