Animation News

Man arrested over deadly arson at Japanese animation studio

By AFP

Apo - Japanese police on Wednesday formally arrested a man on suspicion of an arson attack on an animation studio in Kyoto last year that killed 36 people, a police spokesman said.

Coronavirus interrupts world's longest-running cartoon

By AFP

Apo - Production of the world's longest-running cartoon and a mainstay of the Japanese weekend has been interrupted by the coronavirus, forcing the broadcast of re-runs for the first time in decades.

Review: ‘Onward’ is infused with magic and emotion Special

By Sarah Gopaul

‘Onward’ is a coming-of-age animation about a teenage boy who believes meeting his father will make him a better person, but discovers that person already exists.

'Hell' of Japan fire that killed dozens at anime company

By AFP

Kyoto - Details emerged Friday of the horrifying blaze that ripped through a Japanese anime firm, killing dozens including people who tried in vain to reach the roof, but the motive for the suspected arson remained unclear.

33 dead in suspected arson attack on Japan animation studio

By AFP

Apo - A suspected arson attack at an animation production company in Japan killed 33 people and injured dozens more on Thursday, after a man reportedly doused the building with flammable liquid and shouted "drop dead.

One dead in suspected arson attack on Japan animation studio

By AFP

Apo - A suspected arson attack on an animation studio in Japan on Thursday left one person dead and dozens injured, several of them seriously, the emergency services said.

Review: ‘Missing Link’ tells an amusing story with stunning artistry Special

By Sarah Gopaul

‘Missing Link’ is another epic, Laika stop-motion picture that presumes the Bigfoot is actually an educated creature in search of friendship.

Actress refuses to work with ex-Disney animation chief over harassment accusations

By AFP

Los Angeles - British actress Emma Thompson has quit an anticipated film produced by California's Skydance studios because it hired former Disney creative director John Lasseter, who is accused of sexual harassment, her publicist told AFP Tuesday.

Lost Disney film showing Mickey Mouse's predecessor found in Japan

By AFP

Apo - When Yasushi Watanabe bought a cartoon film decades ago as a high school student in the Japanese city of Osaka, he had no idea he was purchasing animation history.But the modest reel he bought for just 500 yen ($4.

Creator of iconic Soviet cartoons Eduard Uspensky dies

By AFP

Moscow - Legendary Soviet children's writer and creator of the USSR's most popular cartoon characters Eduard Uspensky died in his home in the Moscow suburbs at the age of 80 late on Tuesday.

Japan plans Studio Ghibli theme park

By AFP

Apo - The fantasy world of Oscar-winning animator Hayao Miyazaki will come to life as a theme park set to open in central Japan in 2022, the regional government said Wednesday.

Japan anime giant Takahata dead at 82

By AFP

Apo - Oscar-nominated Japanese anime director Isao Takahata, who co-founded Studio Ghibli and was best known for his work "Grave of the Fireflies", has died aged 82, the studio said on Friday.

Japan animation giant Takahata dies at 82: studio

By AFP

Apo - Oscar-nominated Japanese anime director Isao Takahata, who co-founded the Studio Ghibli and was best known for his work "Grave of the Fireflies", has died aged 82, the studio said on Friday.

Kyrgyz animations tackle bride kidnapping stigma

By AFP

Bichkek - Sports journalist Gulzhan Turdubayeva still cries when she thinks about the day she was kidnapped, taken to the home of an unknown man and told she would marry him. "He was quite short.

Ten unusual things about Mickey Mouse as he turns 88

By Tim Sandle

The world's most famous rodent, across various media, is Mickey Mouse. This week the Walt Disney creation turns 88, and to mark this we review ten unusual facts about the cartoon star.

Who speaks the most words on The Simpsons?

By Tim Sandle

Media commentator Todd W Schneider has undertaken a detailed analysis of 28 years of The Simpsons. Want to know who speaks the most lines? The most significant side character? Then read on.

Art of Doctor Who on show at the Cartoon Museum Special

By Tim Sandle

London - The Cartoon Museum is a small museum tucked away in a corner of London. The museum, run by volunteers, displays the history of British comic art. For a short while, a range of Doctor Who themed art is on display.

Op-Ed: Animator believes dream of a studio on 'The Plaza' will come true Special

By Jonathan Farrell

Sonoma - Walt Disney once said, "We are not making cartoons here, we are making art." And a comment like that is not lost on someone like artist and animator Carlos Gomez.

'Inside Out' takes on 'Jurassic World'

By Tim O'Brien

Usually when an animated movie is set to open, all eyes would be on that film. It is the family films that easily take the box office crown.

Review: Cheatin' is a surreal tale of infidelity Special

By Michael Thomas

The latest film from animation master Bill Plympton tells a tale of misunderstanding, attempting murder and projected consciousness.

'Home' takes down 'Get Hard'

By Tim O'Brien

'Home' took down the comedy duo of Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell at the box office. They made it looks easy, too. "Get Hard" is R-rated and in less theaters, but the animated flick overachieved.

Oscar shorts showcase celebrating 10 years with extra screens

By Sarah Gopaul

The 10th annual Oscar-nominated short films showcase is now screening across three continents in more than 450 theatres.

National Board of Review top prize goes to 'A Most Violent Year'

By Tim O'Brien

New York - The National Board of Review has just served up some interesting winners on the road to Oscar glory. Besides a tie for the top acting prize, their best film went to "A Most Violent Year."

Annie Awards nominations: 'The LEGO Movie' may be the favorite

By Tim O'Brien

Los Angeles - The nominees for the Annie Awards were announced today (Dec. 1). The awards are dedicated to animation and will be handed out Jan. 31 in Los Angeles.

Watch terrifying animation of world's tallest 570ft rollercoaster

By JohnThomas Didymus

Orlando - Watch a hair-raising 4-minute animation presenting a realistic portrayal of the drop from the 570-foot summit of the world's tallest roller-coaster, at a speed of 65 mph, through corkscrew twists, turns, loops and inversions to ground level.