WTS #161: To Moratorize (or Not To Moratize) 12/10/07 by Jeff Harris
Taking a brief break from reality and the near 80 degree temperature in the 757 to pose a question. As you know, Jennifer Davidson, Cartoon Network's SVP of Programming and Scheduling, died a couple of weekends ago. Some feel that this is a time to stop criticizing Cartoon Network. I believe otherwise.
I'm still not back full-time. But I thank you for your patience. If I don't see you between now and then, enjoy the rest of Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.
I'm still not back full-time. But I thank you for your patience. If I don't see you between now and then, enjoy the rest of Hanukkah and Merry Christmas.
WTS #160: Good-Bye (For Now) 11/27/07 by Jeff Harris
Good-bye. I'll be back later.
WTS #159: Cartoon Network, Strikes, and Agendas
11/13/07 by Jeff Harris
I haven't talked about the changes at Toonami recently. No, I don't like them, but in this installment of Watch This Space, I'll explain why I haven't commented on them. I'll also talk about what I feel could be an effect of the current Writers Strike. I already talked about my reason for supporting the strikes at Thoughtnami, but I pointed out another reason to support the strike in the new WTS. Let's just say that agendas Cartoon Network have initialized have to be put on hold for now. Enjoy, and if I don't see you between now and Thanksgiving in the US, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, and save a slice of turducken and tofurkey for me.
And watch this video.
SB-03 - Cartoon Network (Part Two)
11/8/07 by Jeff Harris
Last week at The X Bridge, I completely transformed the network currently occupying Cartoon Network into the kids network they should become (without the Cartoon Network name). This week, in the final step in the demolition of Cartoon Network and the birth of Warner Cartoon Group, I'm recreating Cartoon Network from the ground up as an animation network for the 21st century. Something old, something new. All animation.
So, submitted for your analysis, the conclusion of my article featuring the third scratchbuilt channel, "Cartoon Network".
SB-03 - Cartoon Network (Part One)
11/1/07 by Jeff Harris
Yes, it is a month late.
I've been trying to figure out what the next step in the demolition of Cartoon Network and the birth of Warner Cartoon Group. The second step has to be rebuilding Cartoon Network. The problem is that Cartoon Network needs massive work that would take two networks and two parts to complete. Part One has to do with what to do with Cartoon Network. This is probably the most shocking rebuild I ever completed, but it would definitely change things.
So, submitted for your analysis, the third scratchbuilt channel, "Cartoon Network".
All About Thoughtnami, Reviews, IK Comics, and Watch This Space
10/17/07 by Jeff Harris
Have you been reading Thoughtnami? Well, you should. It's pretty good. Okay, I might be a little biased in saying so. Still, there are plenty of good posts up there, and if you want to comment on them, you can.
If you're looking for the IK Comics site, look elsewhere. As of a couple of weeks ago, I decided not to call the online comics endeavor launching this April as IK Comics, mostly because somebody beat me to the punch. No sour grapes really. I wish them all the luck because they'll need it.
In the meantime, check out today's Watch This Space. I finally "get" what four companies are up to. Doesn't mean that I like what they're doing, but I finally "get" them.
Things been kind of hectic with work and whatnot, so, I'll hopefully be back later in the week with a pair of reviews and other things that meander in my collective thoughts.
Scratchbuilding Boomerang and a Note About Reality
9/23/07 by Jeff Harris
First thing's first.
Noticed the lack of real updates around these parts?
Me too.
I've been trying to remedy that, but, you see, I've been working on projects outside of The X Bridge lately. Projects that actually increase my bank account. TXB doesn't do that. TXB doesn't generate any money because people don't like me well enough to pay me anything, not even a gratuity. I feel that my time is valuable, and, at least in the real world, people are finally realizing that.
So, real world matters come first. Things originally planned for this site are on the backburner until I have time to do it. If you want to send funds, e-mail me, and we can talk.
On to the other subject, namely the latest Scratchbuilding article. We're a week away from the 15th anniversary of Cartoon Network. However, I want to rebuild Boomerang first. Why? Because Boomerang's an easier fix than Cartoon Network. That, and I want to wait until next week for that project.
Boomerang's a complicated network that needs guidance, and I think I can help.
Congrats to Hellboy and Wondering About Toonami's State
7/20/07 by Jeff Harris
Before I begin, I have to congratulate Tad Stones, Mike Mignola, Starz Media, and all the animators, designers, writers, and voice artists behind Hellboy Animated for their much-deserved Primetime Emmy nomination for Best Animated Program (one hour or more). I wish all of you much luck on Emmy night this year. And the fact that they focused on the show than the outlet where it aired (on the official site and press releases, the Emmy folks said the movie aired on Starz, not Cartoon Network) proved that you all have made a quality program. Again, congratulations and much luck.
Now that that's out of the way, let's talk Toonami. Unfortunately, there's not much to talk about. I'm probably feeling this way because I don't have cable, but everything I've read online kind of supports the theory that there's not much to talk about. Where is Toonami heading in the next couple of months? Why so much reliance on Naruto marathons? And where is the uniqueness that originally set Toonami apart from Cartoon Network? So many questions, but I put it all in perspective. In today's edition of Watch This Space, I'll talk about the current state of Toonami as I see it. I know a lot of people will probably disagree with me, and you're free to comment about it on the forums. But the way I see Toonami now is . . . well, it's kind of troubling.
Five Years of Watch This Space
7/16/07 by Jeff Harris
Watch This Space wasn't supposed to be a permanent fixture at The X Bridge. It was supposed to be a section where I would post updates about the progress of the site's evolution and gradual shedding of the CNX branding from the site. Five years and over 150 articles later, Watch This Space has become, in a sense, the voice of The X Bridge, a place where I could express my opinions of the moment without editorial interference or advertiser backlash (it'd be nice if people did advertise at the site, but alas, nobody wants to pay me anything).
The very first WTS debuted on July 13, 2002. The newest WTS debuts today. In it, I'm wondering what have I created here at The X Bridge as well as look forward in depth into the future of the site in the next nine months. Yeah, I'm going far into the future in this article. So, celebrate five years of Watch This Space, and thanks for reading.
Introducing: Scratchbuilding
7/13/07 by Jeff Harris
Before you do anything else, go here first.. You can't move forward unless you acknowledge what has been, and that link will definitely show you where nine years has taken me.
And now, the beginning of the future. The first new addition to The X Bridge over the next three weeks is a part of Imagination side of the site. I call the section Scratchbuilding. The purpose of the section is to take one network and rebuild it from the ground up. We've all seen networks nowadays and tend to be disappointed. I'm offering a creative outlet where I could show how I would rebuild a network one at a time.
Speedlines is also updated, and Imagine If, the other half of Imagination, has been reloaded. A new cycle of Imagine If is coming, so keep an eye out for that. I'll have more uploaded this weekend. Until then, take care.
Nine Years Has Passed
7/10/07 by Jeff Harris
Today marks a milestone for the history of the site. On July 10, 1998, CN2: Toonami Realm made its internet debut. Nine years later, The X Bridge continues the grand tradition of being an alternative animation voice.
There has been changes around the site. The site's name has gradually changed from CN2: Toonami Realm to CNX: Toonami Revolution to The X Bridge. Even my attitude towards Toonami has changed over time. I've become a lot older, a lot wiser, a lot more mature, a little more cynical, and, strangely consistant over the years.
Today marks the start of a new era in the site's history. As you can tell, I'm graphically changing the place. Aside from the new layout, there will be revamped and new sections on the site beginning this Friday.
Beginning today, I'm introducing Speedlines, the news section of TXB. Daily news bytes that other people might ignore. I'll explain more in that section.
In the meantime, I want to thank you, the loyal readers of the site, for sticking around here all these years. At times, I feel that I'm doing this for nothing, but you all make me feel a little wanted in this huge world of ours. Thank you. For all those that have shown my site and I much love, the true friends of the site whose names are too numerous to post right now (but you know who you are), I thank you.
For those who are just joining the site for the first time, welcome, and I hope you enjoy your stay around here. It won't always be this messy, trust me.
Thank you for reading The X Bridge for nine years, and stick around when I make this a true alternative animation voice, a break from "traditional" animation news and opinion outlets. The tenth year begins now, and I hope you will enjoy where I'm taking you in the next few months.
The Revolution Will Be.
5/29/07 by Jeff Harris
Over the Memorial Day weekend, the international phenomenon known as Star Wars celebrated its 30th anniversary, teasing next year's animated series, the season premiere of Family Guy, and the Robot Chicken special, among other fan-friendly things. Whereas some people see something to get dressed about, I just see a good movie, and only a good movie. In short, I don't really see the big deal about the movie. In this week's Watch This Space, I basically explain how Star Wars didn't change my life.
Could A Comics Channel Work?
5/23/07 by Jeff Harris
A couple of days ago at the Toon Zone forums, I noticed a thread in the comic book section that asked the question "Could a Comic Book Channel work?" I participated and gave a short answer, but I had to reexamine my thoughts in that thread. Considering the fact that I do have a webpage, I put my thoughts to digital paper and posted it in an article for all to see. Could a comics channel work? You'll see.
Watch This Space #152
5/23/07 by Jeff Harris
A couple of weeks ago, the CW's lineup was revealed. Saturday mornings on the network looks to be more Cookie Jar than WB, so how come the block continues to be called Kids' WB? Sounds like another rant by yours truly, courtesy of WTS #152.
Who Killed Saturday Morning?
5/9/07 by Jeff Harris
It's a cold case that everybody has answers to. But who is really responsible for the death of the institution that is Saturday morning television? Who is truly the killer or killers? Who is innocent of the charge. Is there truly an innocent party? Over the next month, I'll have answers.
Watch This Space #151
5/8/07 by Jeff Harris
People didn't really like me targeting Japanese animation in my previous Watchspace, so, they're really not going to like me this week when I try to break down WHY I don't like the term "anime" in this week's WTS.
Spider-Man 3 Review
5/8/07 by Jeff Harris
The world went to the movies over the weekend and a lot of folks saw Spider-Man 3, including myself. Was it any good? Short answer: not really. Long answer: check out my review.
Who Am I?
5/1/07 by Jeff Harris
You know my name. You know what I do here. But who is the cat behind this webpage? Why should you care about what he thinks about the stuff you like? You don't, really. However, it's time to be upfront and tell the readers who I am in the first Watch This Space since the last one.
As always, keep moving forward or else you'll end up on your behind. Don't look back. Wear sunscreen. Check out the front page in the coming days. I'll give you the tour later. I don't have time to talk about right now. I'll see you in a few.
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