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written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 6th, 2010

The newest season of the PBS/Scholastic animated series 'The Adventures of WordGirl' returns with a new season of episodes this month. This season, Becky/WordGirl meets a few new villains, just as quirky as her more familiar rivals; meanwhile, on the educational end, a healthy new vocab list is in the waiting for kid viewers.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 6th, 2010

My Legacy Press and Apple of the Eye have partnered to develop and publish a graphic novel version of The Bible. Certainly not the first time the ancient texts have been illustrated and colored for youth consumption, but 'The Almighty Bible' will also publish across iTouch/ iPhone/ iPad applications later this month. The first chapter of the publication is the Book of Genesis.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 3rd, 2010

Six items are profiled: a beautiful though somber student film from Germany; video on the humorous learning curve of a hungry caveman; a claymation music video for Australian solo-artist Sam Buckingham; and a look at the brand expansion and redesign of Cartoon Network; among others. Published and discussed here are a selection of international animation in the news. Video and synopsis available for each.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 3rd, 2010

Japanese animation director Satoshi Kon died last week of pancreatic cancer; he leaves behind a small though curiously dramatic oeuvre. Kon began his career as a comics artist, soon emerging as a talented background and layout artist. He would later become a director whose deliberate storyboarding and incisive narrative style were freakishly effective. Satoshi Kon's feature films 'Perfect Blue' (1997), 'Millennium Actress' (2001), and 'Paprika' (2006), will endure.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 1st, 2010

Noted new hires and promotions in the business of producing and distributing animation, visual effects, and/or children's entertainment; for the month of August 2010. News from the past month ranges from National Geographic Kids and Family (U.S.) to Mango Distribution (Southeast Asia). There are a few key hires in the field of audience research as well. More vfx studios bringing in experienced hands.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: September 1st, 2010

Cartoon Network is adding two new comedy titles to select evenings in primetime -- 'Regular Show' and 'MAD.' 'Regular Show,' created by J.G. Quintel, tracks a pair of slacker friends in search of amusement of any kind, anywhere. 'MAD' is an adaptation of the rapid-fire parody magazine of the same name. Cheeky humor, abusive physical comedy, and the outright bizarre have a part in the narrative of both.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 30th, 2010

Giant robot action animation from the minds of Genndy Tartakovsky, Bryan Andrews, and Paul Rudish. 'Sym-Bionic Titan' will premiere on Carton Network mid-September 2010, and with it come the adventures of a trio on the run from a rebel general from a faraway planet. Ilana, Lance, and Octus have incredible power, and so choose to defend the Earth in defending themselves from evil.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 30th, 2010

m4e Group (Germany) continues building license and merchandise support for the KiKANiNCHEN preschool brand, while children's broadcaster Ki.Ka looks to add the new CG series 'Babar and the Adventures of Badou.' For the preschool brand, book and audio publishing deals are in the works, with new products by Holiday 2010.

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 27th, 2010

Animation highlights from the 2010 Thai Short Film & Video Festival. The festival and competition enters its 14th year, focusing on short-form animation and documentaries, and an additional tribute to the late Payut Ngaokrachang. Animation screenings scheduled include: Ngaokrachang's "The Adventure of Hanuman" (1957), Ken Kaizu's 'Yotaka' (Japan; 2009), Anita Killi's "Angry Man" (Norway; 2009), and Alvaro Leon's adorable short film "The Girl Who Had Only One Ear" (Spain; 2009).

written by: Aaron H. Bynum published: August 27th, 2010

Clive Smith's feature animation 'Rock & Rule' (1983) combines all sorts of youthful fervor and experimental curiosity. The animated film tracks a wild rock musician's effort to summon a demon to the timeless tunes of Iggy Pop, Cheap Trick, and Earth, Wind & Fire. 'Rock & Rule' is a rough film, whose production hurdles and grim imagery did their best to fill a void in the medium.