Lighthammer
Bringer of the Light
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
- Messages
- 6,226
So there's a ton of exciting things coming up on the animation circuits this year and into 2011.
I'm curious what everyone thinks will end up coming out on top in the next year.
Adult Swim
Adult Swim seems to be drying up some with the biggest attractions still remaining as Family Guy, King of the Hill and now American Dad. Action animation, at current has all but dried up with Bleach, Kekkaishi and Fullmetal Alchemist are the only main stay action series currently in premier. Will they make an effort to strengthen their venue over the next year?
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network still has their strong affiliation with DC Comics and have some dang good series coming down the pipe. One of their main stays, Star Wars: Clone Wars still seems to be going strong with previous hints that the universe may get extended. The new Thundercats series that was announced in 2006 seems that it will finally make it's debut sometime in 2011. Beyond that, they have built up a great deal of in house programs such as Ben 10, Sym-Bionic Titan and Generator Rex also have been very popular. Will Cartoon Network be able to streamline all their assets into a well oiled, competitive venue in the next year?
Disney XD
Disney's recent acquisition of Marvel has allowed them to build the network around new series coming down the pipe. This makes the potential of Disney very attractive. Avenger's buildup to their premier suggests Disney is doing justice by the properties. We also already know that a new X-Men and Spiderman series coming down the pipe along with several other candidates. Disney has also been making some outstanding moves in lining up world class anime series. Further, it sounds like Disney is suring up their relationship with Viz which could make for even more interesting programming options. Disney seems to be making all the right decisions. Can Disney bring all their assets together to make a truly kick ass 2011 channel?
Funimation Channel
The Funimation Channel has struggled since it's launch in 2005 to find a home in most households. I personally lived in 5 cities over the last 2 years from coast to coast and have yet to see it as part of a regular channel lineup. The library Funimation commands and it's success with many of it's shows is undeniable. Funimation has also taken to the interwebz in an effort to find it's home in the virtual universe and still remains a force to be reckoned with in shear series it brings to the US. WIth the introduction of new services like Verizon's FIOS, Funimation channel may finally see itself in many homes across the country. Will either it's broadcast venues sure up it's library as a staple in anyone's household?
The Hub
Hasbro's new venture as partner of the Discovery channel has made a very interesting, yet somewhat problematic jump into the animation circuit. Hasbro is pulling out all the stops in terms of building series out of their most popular Toy Lines. Series that many of Generation X grew up with. Series that rocked the 80s will be reborn and we'll once again see shows like G.I. Joe and Transformers in what could be fantastic reincarnations dominate the airwaves. The Hub faces a similar problem to Disney that they have potential, but they need to bring all their chess pieces together. Unlike Disney, The Hub also faces opposition from Parents concerned over this new "30 minute toy commercial venue". Will this potential concentrated coolness come to fruition?
Nick Toons
Nick Toons faced some stumbling blocks last year with Disney's acquisition of Marvel. Without flinching, Nick Toons forged new relations with Funimation, Mirage Studios and Saban. In short, the companies that made some of the biggest domestic cash cows in the animation industry are now in Nick's left pocket and man is it showing. Unlike Disney DX and and The Hub, Nick is already able to make very good use of the properties these relationships are bringing to the table, but they still require development time to truly make use of some of properties such as TMNT, Power Rangers and the Dragon Ball Universe. Nick still has their own studios bringing out some great animation. No on can forget that the Avatar was easily competition for series such as Naruto. Are these immediate gains Nick is making going to keep them afloat during their development time?
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll's anime library has literally become the largest available in the US. Crunchyroll's only downfall is that currently it's only accessible through the computers and an exclusive crowd who is lucky enough to have media extenders. Crunchyroll is most certainly making series never seen before available in the US. Is Crunchyroll being the biggest provider of anime going to earn it enough points to get to the top of this action animation contest?
Netflix
Netflix's marketing power has made it a very attractive venue and many gamers by virtue of having a Wii, Xbox360 or PS3 already have access to Netflix on their TV and on their Computers. Although their current selection isn't huge, it's growing steadily. Netflix successfully took down Hollywood Video and is systematically forcing Blockbuster to yield to it's overwhelming popularity. Will Netflix do the same to the TV industry?
Hulu Plus
Hulu is a powerhouse built on the backs of several TV companies and has become a monster that is now threatening to become the Master in the near future. Like Netflix, Hulu also can be found on many of the current gen consoles but it also has companies such as Sony looking to tap it's unique entertainment direction. Hulu's library is overwhelming today and will only get stronger as time goes on. Hulu hasn't yet been able to quiet crack into the "premier market", but has already been in a unique position to broadcast subed versions of Anime the week after it premiers in Japan. Will Hulu remain in the niche market
Youtube
Youtube, powered by Google, is the pioneer of the streaming market. Like the other streaming companies, it hasn't yet been able to crack out of the "Niche" market, but the technology push Google is making in the way of the internet threatens to peculate at any moment. Like Netflix and Hulu, Youtube is also available on the Wii, Xbox360 and PS3. Google is headlining technology to bring Youtube to your TV and they aren't having problems finding other companies who want to help them in this endeavor. Like Hulu, Youtube bolsters a HUGE Library, but beyond their broadcast library, there's something else unique Youtube brings to the venue, it also brings the ability to play videos made by users. Youtube still has the problem, however, that they are not bringing anything new to the action animation scene, nor are the premiering any animation currently. Like the other internet sources however, they are bringing action animation that hasn't been broadcast in the US yet. Are all these factors going to make Youtube the premier dealer in 2011?
What about Saturday Morning blocks?
I'm not including Saturday Morning blocks because I am trying to focus on channels that can broadcast throughout the week, not channels that are given a small amount of time per week. Beyond that, I tend to fear that with the educational requirements of non-cable stations, Saturday morning blocks are going to be overwhelmed. That being said, I'll still provide a spot to vote for Saturday Morning blocks in general =).
Did I miss a venue?
If I missed a venue, please feel free to add your voice.
I'm curious what everyone thinks will end up coming out on top in the next year.
Adult Swim
Adult Swim seems to be drying up some with the biggest attractions still remaining as Family Guy, King of the Hill and now American Dad. Action animation, at current has all but dried up with Bleach, Kekkaishi and Fullmetal Alchemist are the only main stay action series currently in premier. Will they make an effort to strengthen their venue over the next year?
Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network still has their strong affiliation with DC Comics and have some dang good series coming down the pipe. One of their main stays, Star Wars: Clone Wars still seems to be going strong with previous hints that the universe may get extended. The new Thundercats series that was announced in 2006 seems that it will finally make it's debut sometime in 2011. Beyond that, they have built up a great deal of in house programs such as Ben 10, Sym-Bionic Titan and Generator Rex also have been very popular. Will Cartoon Network be able to streamline all their assets into a well oiled, competitive venue in the next year?
Disney XD
Disney's recent acquisition of Marvel has allowed them to build the network around new series coming down the pipe. This makes the potential of Disney very attractive. Avenger's buildup to their premier suggests Disney is doing justice by the properties. We also already know that a new X-Men and Spiderman series coming down the pipe along with several other candidates. Disney has also been making some outstanding moves in lining up world class anime series. Further, it sounds like Disney is suring up their relationship with Viz which could make for even more interesting programming options. Disney seems to be making all the right decisions. Can Disney bring all their assets together to make a truly kick ass 2011 channel?
Funimation Channel
The Funimation Channel has struggled since it's launch in 2005 to find a home in most households. I personally lived in 5 cities over the last 2 years from coast to coast and have yet to see it as part of a regular channel lineup. The library Funimation commands and it's success with many of it's shows is undeniable. Funimation has also taken to the interwebz in an effort to find it's home in the virtual universe and still remains a force to be reckoned with in shear series it brings to the US. WIth the introduction of new services like Verizon's FIOS, Funimation channel may finally see itself in many homes across the country. Will either it's broadcast venues sure up it's library as a staple in anyone's household?
The Hub
Hasbro's new venture as partner of the Discovery channel has made a very interesting, yet somewhat problematic jump into the animation circuit. Hasbro is pulling out all the stops in terms of building series out of their most popular Toy Lines. Series that many of Generation X grew up with. Series that rocked the 80s will be reborn and we'll once again see shows like G.I. Joe and Transformers in what could be fantastic reincarnations dominate the airwaves. The Hub faces a similar problem to Disney that they have potential, but they need to bring all their chess pieces together. Unlike Disney, The Hub also faces opposition from Parents concerned over this new "30 minute toy commercial venue". Will this potential concentrated coolness come to fruition?
Nick Toons
Nick Toons faced some stumbling blocks last year with Disney's acquisition of Marvel. Without flinching, Nick Toons forged new relations with Funimation, Mirage Studios and Saban. In short, the companies that made some of the biggest domestic cash cows in the animation industry are now in Nick's left pocket and man is it showing. Unlike Disney DX and and The Hub, Nick is already able to make very good use of the properties these relationships are bringing to the table, but they still require development time to truly make use of some of properties such as TMNT, Power Rangers and the Dragon Ball Universe. Nick still has their own studios bringing out some great animation. No on can forget that the Avatar was easily competition for series such as Naruto. Are these immediate gains Nick is making going to keep them afloat during their development time?
Crunchyroll
Crunchyroll's anime library has literally become the largest available in the US. Crunchyroll's only downfall is that currently it's only accessible through the computers and an exclusive crowd who is lucky enough to have media extenders. Crunchyroll is most certainly making series never seen before available in the US. Is Crunchyroll being the biggest provider of anime going to earn it enough points to get to the top of this action animation contest?
Netflix
Netflix's marketing power has made it a very attractive venue and many gamers by virtue of having a Wii, Xbox360 or PS3 already have access to Netflix on their TV and on their Computers. Although their current selection isn't huge, it's growing steadily. Netflix successfully took down Hollywood Video and is systematically forcing Blockbuster to yield to it's overwhelming popularity. Will Netflix do the same to the TV industry?
Hulu Plus
Hulu is a powerhouse built on the backs of several TV companies and has become a monster that is now threatening to become the Master in the near future. Like Netflix, Hulu also can be found on many of the current gen consoles but it also has companies such as Sony looking to tap it's unique entertainment direction. Hulu's library is overwhelming today and will only get stronger as time goes on. Hulu hasn't yet been able to quiet crack into the "premier market", but has already been in a unique position to broadcast subed versions of Anime the week after it premiers in Japan. Will Hulu remain in the niche market
Youtube
Youtube, powered by Google, is the pioneer of the streaming market. Like the other streaming companies, it hasn't yet been able to crack out of the "Niche" market, but the technology push Google is making in the way of the internet threatens to peculate at any moment. Like Netflix and Hulu, Youtube is also available on the Wii, Xbox360 and PS3. Google is headlining technology to bring Youtube to your TV and they aren't having problems finding other companies who want to help them in this endeavor. Like Hulu, Youtube bolsters a HUGE Library, but beyond their broadcast library, there's something else unique Youtube brings to the venue, it also brings the ability to play videos made by users. Youtube still has the problem, however, that they are not bringing anything new to the action animation scene, nor are the premiering any animation currently. Like the other internet sources however, they are bringing action animation that hasn't been broadcast in the US yet. Are all these factors going to make Youtube the premier dealer in 2011?
What about Saturday Morning blocks?
I'm not including Saturday Morning blocks because I am trying to focus on channels that can broadcast throughout the week, not channels that are given a small amount of time per week. Beyond that, I tend to fear that with the educational requirements of non-cable stations, Saturday morning blocks are going to be overwhelmed. That being said, I'll still provide a spot to vote for Saturday Morning blocks in general =).
Did I miss a venue?
If I missed a venue, please feel free to add your voice.
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