On Sunday, 2 November 2014, Janice and I returned to the overcrowded Rhode Island Comic Con (RICC). The lines moved more smoothly, and we took in more of the sights at this latest genre entertainment convention.
We were pleased to join a full room for the Warehouse 13 panel. Saul Rubinek and Eddie McClintock shared the same chemistry as their characters — seasoned agent Artie Nielsen and wisecracking Pete Latimer — did in the treasure-hunting TV show. Rubinek explained that SyFy canceled Warehouse 13 because of its expensive production, dwindling audience numbers (not counting DVRs), and a shift back to “harder” speculative fiction.
A fun SyFy show
McClintock took several questions from the audience and was just as charming as goofball Pete was on the show. Both actors also described how they bonded with the precise but philosophical Joanne Kelly as agent Myka Bering and youthful and professional Allison Scagliotti as wunderkind Claudia Donovan over five seasons.
While I appreciate NBC/Universal choosing to return to the channel’s roots, I also think there’s room for quality comedies and family shows that still fit under SyFy’s umbrella. I’d prefer reruns of the Twilight Zone or The IT Crowd to wrestling or dumb “reality” competitions. At least fans got a decentsendoff for the underrated Warehouse 13, and there has been no shortage of supernatural procedurals lately.
Janice and I walked through the celebrity and cosplayareas, vendor aisles, and artists’ alley one more time before heading back to Massachusetts. Among other things, I picked up the complete Young Justice on DVD. We had planned to get a group photo with Rubinek and McClintock, but because of scheduling snafus, it was not to be.
We had a good time overall, and I’m glad that Janice was a good sport in dealing with the lines and crowds. The annual Boston Christmas Craft Festival this past weekend was easy in comparison.
Coming soon: A look back at this past summer’s Creation Star Trek Convention in Boston, a review of Big Hero 6, and my take on the current television season!
This past weekend, Janice and I drove down to Providence for the Rhode Island Comic Con (RICC). Despite the ever-growing crowds, we enjoyed the latest genre entertainment convention.
I’ll write more about other recent cons soon, but back to Providence. Janice and I tried to get to the convention center early, and we had to wait outside for two hours in various lines before we finally got on the right one for our wristbands and admission. As with last year’s Boston Comic Con, it might have been easier to get in without advance tickets.
At least it was raining only lightly rather than snowing as in Massachusetts, and the cold I’ve been fighting was manageable. I felt particularly bad for the underdressed cosplayers shivering farther back in line. Extra layers or overcoats never hurt, at least until we get inside (Janice and I ran ours back to my car once we got in).
All of the events I’ve attended in the past few years have struggled with growing attendance. While I’m glad to see a new, more diverse generation of fans sharing some of my interests, organizers and venues have yet to catch up. Vendors can’t sell things if people can’t get to their tables or booths, and fans excited to meet artists or actors come away with negative feelings about communal experiences.
According to people I talked with, the Rhode Island Convention Center can hold up to about 10,000 people at a time, and the RICC had to turn people away by Saturday afternoon after 20,000 showed up. If a total of 17,000 people attended last year, it was a mistake to plan for 50,000 over the course of this weekend. Understandably, many people were very unhappy, but I hope that everyone can learn better logistics for the sake of safety and fun.
What should organizers do? I recommend planning for more frequent events, finding larger venues if possible, and making the events more specific — just pop-culture celebrities or graphic artists, for example. If nearly every state in the U.S. has a Renaissance festival or two, some of the pressure could be relieved with more numerous, local shows.
On the show floor
Once we got into the RICC, it was crowded but worthwhile. There were many celebrity guests, including the original Star Trek‘s William Shatner, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, and Walter Koenig. I had seen these actors before, but it was Janice’s first time to see them in person.
We also got to chat with John Rhys-Davies and Karen Allen from the Indiana Jones movies, former Doctor Who Colin Baker, and The Flash‘s John Wesley Shipp. All were very gracious and took the time to speak with each autograph seeker.
At last year’s RICC, I got to hang out with both Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon — Gil Gerard and Sam Jones! This year, Farscape‘s Gigi Edgley complimented Janice’s and my “positive energy,” and “Whedonverse” (and Agents of SHIELD) alumnus J. August Richards was much more pleasant than his tortured characters. I’m friends with Jacqui B., who runs his and others’ Web sites.
We browsed the vendor area and walked through Artist’s Alley, which included luminaries such as Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, and Bob Eggleton. I bought sketchbooks from Michael Dooney and Chrissie Zullo. As collectible card games and video games have displaced tabletop role-playing games, anime seems to be more popular among many younger consumers and cosplayers than traditional superhero comics.
After a quick lunch at Charley’s Grilled Subs, Janice and I attended Vic Mignogna’s panel on “Star Trek Continues,” fan-made movies set right after the original TV series with professional-grade production values and actors. Janice and I then watched his latest episode, “Fairest of Them All,” which returned to the popular alternate universe of “Mirror, Mirror.”
The acting was solid, with Mignogna as Capt. James T. Kirk, Mythbusters‘ Grant Imahara as Lt. Hikaru Sulu, and Chris Doohan a dead ringer for his late father James as chief engineer Scotty. Asia De Marcos is also a strong reflection (sorry, couldn’t help it) of BarBara Luna as Marlena Moreau, the “captain’s woman.” Michael Dorn provided the computer voice for the alternate universe’sEnterprise.
For any fan of classic Trek, this is more true to Gene Roddenberry’s idealistic space opera than many of its subsequent spin-offs and certainly more so than J.J. Abrams’ reboot. We missed Shatner’s panel, but we did catch a brief one with Nichols and Koenig in which they reminisced as the franchise approaches its 50th anniversary.
Janice and I sat through part of the costume contest — my favorites included characters from Invader Zim and Marvel’s Modok — but we eventually left to eat. Not surprisingly, most of the restaurants in the adjacent Providence Place Mall were full, so we ended up grabbing dinner at Panera before checking into the comfortable Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown. We had better luck than actress Eliza Dushku, who was robbed, but all’s well that ends well….
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 39.50, which Drew S. hosted in Needham, Mass., on Monday, 27 October 2014:
In one ancient world, there was a region where strange majicks and demihuman races thrived. The “Vanished Lands” were blessed by the gods and cursed by prophecy. Travelers became adventurers, and adventurers strove to be heroes in the face of many perils and wonders. One such band began as circus performers, rescued slaves, and seeks to fight the dreaded Ghost Fleet….
“Giacomo ‘the Mysterious’ Du Vane” [Beruk A.]-male Hifalendorin human Mage (Gypsy Wizard) afflicted by a cursed tattoo; with homunculus familiar Gerald; NGc, Lvl. 11
“Scully Strongbow” [Sara F.]-female albino Flind (Gnoll) Ranger, archer, knife thrower, and sailor, with owl “Owlicious”; NGl, Lvl. 11
“15 to 17 April 1227 B.C.E.:” The crew of the Zephyrbegan training, shopping, and gathering information in Hesolin, capital of the (proto-Western European) human kingdom of Hifalendor.
King Akkon XIIapproved the team’s missions to establish a long-range communications network, investigate a centaur uprising near Nadwi, and inspect naval forces at the Gargoyle Headlands toward its goal of building up the alliance against the Ghost Fleet.
Still escorted by Paladins, Giacomo visits the local Magisterium (magic academy), the Library of Memir, and various temples while researching ways to remove his accursed tattoo of the “Mad Mage” Ezra. The Wizard also consults with Zarendo Islander shaman “Tondra” [Rob A.S./Non-Player Character] at her herbalism school.
After reporting to the Saganim embassy and studying at the Magisterium, Corwin spends most of his time browsing for enchanted weapons in the Istari Bazaar. He hopes to hunt down Tiefling (demon-touched) court mage Lord Dalek and his half-brother Prince Daven with help from Cleric “Melchior” [Byron V.O.].
Sea dogs Scully and “Capt. Niac” [Mike F./N.P.C.] recruit seven more sailors for the Zephyr:
Mr. Bernardo Tancredo: male Harfoot Halfling (Hobbit) herbalist — under Elsa’s command
Chloe Talar: female Phoenician (Iberian) human merchant — Rhys
Sir Manoj Andronicus: male Hifalendorin human explorer — Niac
Sacha Skegisson: male Skaevingol (Viking-style) human skald — Corwin
Siobahn Dearden: female Saganim human shield maiden — Scully
Svetlana Taildunker: female Wolfen marine — Niac
Trevor ap Carnech: male Saganim (proto-Celtic) human scout — Scully
Elsa and Rhys go to the embassy of their homeland, the Zeda kingdom in the distant Ivory Mountains. They meet Lady Mathilda, a Forest Gnome Paladin wearing a traditional conical hat and a badger pelt, and Wilhelm the Smiter, a Hill Dwarf Cleric of Vulkan (Moradin).
Lady Matilda flirts with Tinker Gnome Rhys, while Wilhelm samples Elsa’s brew and agrees to prepare some armor for the Druid. Elsa and Rhys then meet with Henrik Giantslayer, son of Boris, son of Bolag, a Mountain Dwarf merchant and representative of Zorch (King) Bertrand of Doru.
Meanwhile, Sir Louis and Sir Remy Hotspur recommend that Giacomo endure trials at the temple of Otih, god of the sun and justice. They remind him that both the Magisterium and their order have lost battles against the Undead “Capt. Jack Kildare” [Randy K.M./N.P.C.]. Sir Wotarif, a holy warrior of Urda, lord of the heavens, says that the priestesses of Ishmas (Isis) might be able to conduct a less invasive exorcism.
Tondra tells Corwin about necromantic items and tells Giacomo that his tattoo could be overwritten. “Dread” Maggie Oakleaf, Giacomo’s Sylvan Elf girlfriend, learns from Leon the Blasphemer at the Magisterium that containing the Mad Mage is just as important as separating his spirit from his Hifalendorin human host.
At the Zeda embassy, Henrik listens to Elsa’s plea for help with her communications network and for supplies for the burgeoning naval alliance against the dreaded Ghost Fleet.
The gruff Dwarf is not happy to learn that Elsa is from the rare matriarchal Fairbottom clan, but Rhys piques his curiosity by describing planned enhancements to the steel-hulled Zephyr, including alternate propulsion and submersibility. Henrik agrees to help.
“Vistel’s Expedition” regroups at its rented townhouse near the “Golden Horn” hotel and restaurant in Castle Court. The sometime circus performers agree that tackling Giacomo’s tattoo is their most urgent task, although Rhys notes that it savedhis lifein the barbaric port of Gisar.
Maggie reserves a large lecture hall at the Magisterium for the ritual. Scully and Niac agree to watch the ship and the adventuring party’s possessions. Tondra arranges for the dishonorable discharge of Giacomo’s mentor, who was implicated in the sack of the city by Undead pirates, to no longer apply to him, assuming the tattoo removal is successful.
Paladins surround the lecture hall, and Elsa and Rhys take up positions in Circles of Protection From Evil. Rhys uses his wand of Silence on his four automatons — a spider, a scorpion, and a dragon, plus clockwork butler Vasco.
The quieted constructs take positions just outside the hall, which is about 80 feet in diameter. Giacomo removes his gear and steps into the center. Corwin walks up to him and reads a scroll of maximized Mordenkainen’s Disjunction, which disrupts all magic in the area.
Ezra’s invisible spirit is driven from Giacomo, and the Half-Elf Bard runs for another magic circle of protection. Rhys uses Scully’s enchanted goggles to spot the Mad Mage and directs his clockwork devices toward him.
Elsa calls on Vulkan and keeps Ezra from teleporting away with a Dimensional Anchor. Rhys throws Silenced coins, eventually blocking the Mad Mage from spellcasting. Giacomo runs to a Circle of Protection From Evil and drinks a potion of Cure Moderate Wounds, which removes the base tattoo.
The Mad Mage Ezra
Ezra manages to compel a hapless Paladin to shoot at Elsa, but he misses. Corwin casts Summon Monster V, calling two hound Archons. Hill Dwarf Elsa invokes Mekkil (Gaia) for Banishment, but the Mad Mage (who isn’t a typical Undead foe) resists.
Rhys readies more Silenced coins, and his devices encircle the evil mage. Giacomo grabs a dagger made of “cold steel,” a reddish antimagical alloy. Incorporeal Ezra floats above the jaws of the hound Archons and unsuccessfully casts Baleful Polymorph on Elsa.
Corwin casts Faerie Fire so that everyone can see Ezra’s ghostly outline. The Mad Mage shrugs off Elsa’s Ghostbane Dirge but succumbs to Prince Corwin’s Hold Person spell, dropping to the stone floor. Nature priestess Elsa casts Holy Smite, blinding Ezra.
Gadgeteer Rhys switches to his customized crossbow. Angry Giacomo forces his longtime nemesis back into corporeal form with Ghost Trap. Ezra grapples with knife-wielding Giacomo.
Corwin’s Finger of Death injures the Mad Mage, as do the hound Archons. ElsaWild Shapes into a bear and casts Spirit Sense to make sure that Ezra doesn’t call any invisible allies. She instead sees that the Paladins have summoned celestials outside the Magisterium.
Casting into a magic circle
Rhys hits the Mad Mage with quarrels, and Giacomo finishes Ezra with his cold-steel blade. Corwin Disintegrates the Transmuter’s body, and Clerics of IsmiltarConsecrate the chamber.
Giacomo accepts the congratulations of his friends and allies, and Maggie brings Gerald, his winged homunculus familiar, who now looks less disconcerting. They return to the Golden Horn to recuperate.
Elsa worries about her former traveling companions in Vistel’s Circus, which is late to the Hifalendorin capital. Corwin casts Discern Location and learns that the caravan has been intercepted on the Plains of Sathendo by Centaur followers of the mysterious Vappu Lahja.
Capt. Niac notes that if the group spends thousands more crowns (gold pieces) and waits another several days for Rhys’ refits, the Zephyr could be turned into an airship and travel north even faster….
Now that your characters have reached Level 11, remember to finish updatingyour records on Obsidian Portal with their current skills, spells, and gear before our next session.
Fellow role-players, here are my notes for “Vanished Lands” Session 40.36, which was held on Sunday, 26 October 2014:
Long ago in a distant land, spirits and men directly traded bamboo, silk, and steel. Wars to the west, twisted monsters, and power-hungry sorcerers threatened the eastern kingdoms, so the call went out for new heroes of honor and tact….
“Moon Jung-Mo” [Dexter V.H.]-male Nannuattan Ninja (Msamaki; eastern Dark Elf Assassin) who has left the Shadow’s Claw clan and is posing as a River Spirit Folk (eastern Grey Elf) merchant; with a young wyvern; LNg, Lvl. 9
“Souji Nobuto ‘Sonny’ Yoshimitsu” [Beruk A.]-male Shengtese Tian Kensai (eastern human weapon master) from a dishonored house in the Lion Clan, specializing in chain weapons; with talking horse Yip; LNg, Lvl. 9
“Toshiharu ‘Toshi’ Sembutsu” [Byron V.O.]-male Shan Sao Wu Jen (eastern Halfling Wizard) from the Tiger Clan with a destiny; NGc, Lvl. 9
“Ember Talon” [Sara F.]-female Crane Hengeyokai Wu (shapeshifting Druid), actually a young gold dragon banished from the Celestial Court; NGl, Lvl. 9
“Soske’ Tiatoshe” [Geoff C.]-male Shengtese Tian Shukenja (eastern human Cleric), priest and animist from the Phoenix Clan, prophesied to do great things but plagued by family and ancestor spirits; LNg, Lvl. 9
“Saigo Kasugi” [Bruce K.]-male Bamboo Spirit Folk Samurai (eastern Sylvan Elf Cavalier) discreetly serving his daimyo; LNg, Lvl. 9
“Tokoro Gawa” [Drew S.]-male carp Hengeyokai Hulinyuan (amphibious shapeshifting Ranger) seeking to protect streams; with otter companion; CGn, Lvl. 9
“19 to 26 June 1227 B.C.E.:” The diplomatic escorts passed Korobokuru (eastern Dwarven) checkpoints in the Bamor Mountains and entered Bazran Hai, capital of the demihuman Zedu kingdom. They presented Lady Yun Aei-Yong, the emissary from the Gokuri Empire, to the daimyo and were temporarily relieved of their mission.
Sonny, Ember, and Tokoro fended off a curious Samurai and tracked down a squirrely Wu Jen. Toshi rented out the entire “Dragon’s Beard” inn, Saigo reported to his father about his missing grandfather, and Soske’ went sightseeing.
Jung-Mo spotted courier Desc Soo-Ann, nicknamed “Desan,” who had tracked him from Sogewa and stirred uptroublebetween human peasants and nature spirits in the village of Yao Shung. Jung-Mo stealthily followed Desan to an alley.
Jung-Mo steps into the alley and confronts Desan and what appears to be a Shan Sao (eastern Halfling). Although they are all in disguises, they speak in Bamoric, the language of the Nannuattan (eastern Dark Elves) and humanoids of Gokuri.
While Saigo has gone off to covertly meet with Princess Nayoko, the rest of the adventuring party follows Jung-Mo at a discreet distance. Sonny tells Toshi, Ember, Soske’, and Tokoro that he senses something large passing overhead.
Desan says he knows that Msamaki left their homeland without permission from the disgraced Shadow’s Claw clan. Jung-Mo says that he will redeem its honor, but the other Ninja considers bringing him back to their cruel matrons.
Ember Wild Shapes into a silent owl and spots a storm wyvern, a full-grown version of the hatchling that she and Jung-Mo have been caring for. She flies back to inform the others.
Jung-Mo says that his friends are nearby and offers to stay out of Desan’s affairs if he’ll leave them alone. The “River Spirit Folk” (eastern Grey Elf) and “Shan Sao” say they’ll see him again soon and leave.
Wary of other assassins who might be watching, Jung-Mo circles back to his companions. The Nannuattan Ninja explains that his clan is operating in Bazran Hai in an attempt to regain honor on Gokuri.
Sonny suspects that the Shadow’s Claw infiltrators might try to undermine Lady Yun’s truce, which has yet to be ratified. Ember is concerned for Jung-Mo’s safety. Toshi agrees that the presence of Ninjas is bad news, but Soske’ and Tokoro prefer to wait and see what they might do.
Jung-Mo, Ember, and Tokoro follow Desan’s tracks to try to learn more, while Sonny, Toshi, and Soske’ return to their hotel to tighten security and check on supplies.
Hulinyuan Tokoro follows tracks that split. Desan turned north, and Wu Ember confirms from the air that the wyvern went in the same direction. The Shan Sao turned south and joined other small humanoids. Jung-Mo decides to follow the latter trail to a narrowing passage.
The trio notices that all the windows are boarded up and gets ready for an ambush. Four Kobolds step behind them, and one says in a high-pitched voice that Msamaki will pay for trying to follow Desan. Jung-Mo retorts that the small humanoids are not worthy opponents, and they draw weapons.
Larry, Curly, and Moe
Hengeyokai Tokoro holds his action, but Jung-Mo draws his short bow and fires arrows at the leader, missing. Kobold Moezumi [“Moe”] pulls out a scroll and begins casting from it. Cheng-di [Geoff/Non-Player Character, “Shemp”] throws a packet at Tokoro, and it erupts into spiders.
Wah-Ree [Beruk/N.P.C., “Larry”] and Qu-Li [Bruce/N.P.C., “Curly”] throw smoke grenades and disappear. Crane Hengeyokai Ember disrupts Moe’s spellcasting with Silence, and Tokoro’s otter companion smashes the venomous spiders biting the Ranger.
Jung-Mo hurls whippets (incendiary boomerangs) at Cheng-di, who throws a stick at Tokoro. It turns into a snake and also bites the carp Hengeyokai. Silenced Moe tumbles past the melee into the alley. The two unseen doglike reptiles circle around.
Druid Ember Wild Shapes into a wolf and pounces on Moe, who rolls aside. Tokoro grabs the scroll and backs away to cast Abundant Ammunition. Jung-Mo drops Moe with a sleep arrow. Wah-Ree maneuvers, but Qu-Li slips and falls from his rooftop perch. Cheng-di hits Ember with poisoned shurikens.
Lupine Ember tosses unconscious Moe aside and tries to bite Cheng-di. Swift Tokoro looses a volley of four thorn arrows, killing Qu-Li. Wah-Ree tries to run away, but stealthy Jung-Mo catches up to the Kobold and knocks him out.
Cheng-di grabs Moezumi and dives into the sewers. Jung-Mo [Byron] drags Wah-Ree back to the others and reluctantly acknowledges that chasing the two surviving Kobolds into booby-trapped sewers is a bad idea. The Ninja later disposes of Qu-Li’s corpse.
As Sonny, Toshi, and Soske’ finish a relaxing dinner, Jung-Mo, Ember, and Tokoro arrive with Wah-Ree, who is bound and gagged for later questioning. The group splits up the Kobolds’ items from the surprisingly difficult skirmish.
Shengtese human Sonny claims a rubber chicken, and Ember attends to the wounded. Jung-Mo and Tokoro examine two ninja-tos (short swords), sixshurikens (throwing stars), and a vial of poison (5 doses, DC 14, – 1d4 Con).
Toshi and Soske’ determine that the scroll of Summoning came from Desan and would call a woman from Bazran Hai’s royal court. Soske’ treats Ember and says that he’ll pray for more healing in the morning.
After a romantic night catching up with Princess Nayoko, Bamboo Spirit Folk (eastern Sylvan Elf) Saigo uses Jung-Mo’s robe of Alter Self to appear as a palace guard and return to the Dragon’s Beard. Jung-Mo checks on his wyvern hatchling.
Toshi reviews the party treasure. He, Sonny, and Saigo have sold or traded two or three things each, for a return of about 36,000 tael (18,000 gold pieces, or one + 3 item) per party member. Jung-Mo, Toshi, and Tokoro say they’ll think about what they might need.
Kensai Sonny asks for Bracers of Blinding Strike (+2 init., +1 AT per day) and silk armor from one of the Crimson Moth cocoons (equivalent to chain). Wu Jen Toshi offers to enchant an Amulet of Mighty Fists (+2 to hit) so that Ember can strike with more accuracy in animal form.
Shukenja Soske’, who can guarantee the masterwork quality of any item, considers a Periapt of Wisdom (+4) and Bracers of Falcon’s Aim. Saigo asks to improve the No Dachi of the White Scorpion (from +1, Life Stealer, to +3) and his banded armor (from masterwork to +3). The Samurai also plans to buy anAmulet of Health (+2) and holds onto the traitorous Gen. Wang Tung’s katana (+2, Wounding).
While he awaits word of Lady Yun’s mission, Jung-Mo remains wary of Desan and the Shadow’s Claw clan. Sonny suggests checking in with the leaders of the Zedu kingdom or hunting down the Gokuri spies.
Toshi gets to work crafting various magical items, and Ember tries to dodge inquisitive Samurai Zhou Li. Similarly, Soske’ hopes to avoid more meddling family members. Saigo is eager to use his ring of Limited Wish to rescue his kidnapped grandfather, Gen. Shinso, but Toshi recommends waiting until they are fully equipped.
Tokoro tracks down court mage Murakami “Murray” Ryozo, whom he views as a potential threat for casting openly during their recent audience. The Ranger sends Murray new clothing to replace those stained when Jung-Mo had spilled wine on him. After a few days of training and shopping, the onetime diplomatic escorts regroup at their inn….
Remember to finish revising your characters to Level 9 and updating their equipment by our next virtual session! Let me know if you have any questions.
It was good to see some of you at last night’s “Vanished Lands: Vistel’s Expedition” game, and I look forward to continuing Rich C.G.‘s “Tunnel Vision” miniseries. We should also talk about Jason E.R.’s upcoming “Channel 37” scenario, D&D5e, and various one-shots.
While a number of news outletshave observed the demise of Saturday morning cartoons, a television tradition for generations of Americans, there is still a range of animation available in primetime, on cable, and online. Still, it will be hard for a younger generation accustomed to a wealth of streaming video to have a common pop cultural language.
Nicklelodeon, which has aired the surprisingly well-written Kung-Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness and How to Train Your Dragon: the Series, among other shows, recently movedAvatar: the Legend of Korra to online-only broadcast of its fourth and final season.
While Legend of Korra may not have the consistency or popularity of its parent, Avatar: the Last Airbender, the Asian-flavored fantasy series has still featured excellent characterization and world-building. Its story arcs and setting have inspired much of my current “Vanished Lands: A New Dawn” campaign.
I think Legend of Korra has bounced backfrom the rushed storytelling of its third season, which looked like it might be the end of that franchise (and the less said about the 2010 live-action movie misfire, the better). The new video game probably won’t be enough to keep the franchise going.
The Avatar gang
Similarly, the Cartoon Network, which had endedStar Wars: Clone Wars after the Disney-Lucasfilm merger, continued its track record of canceling good shows such as Young Justice and Green Lantern: the Animated Series. At least Clone Wars managed to end well, filling in the gaps between the prequel movies and the classic trilogy.
Cartoon Network threw the final episodes of Clone Wars online and burned off episodes of Beware the Batman in one weekend. The sitcom Looney Tunes Show has also dropped of the schedule, but I’m sure Bugs Bunny and company won’t be gone for long.
To be fair, DisneyXD had also canceled Spectacular Spider-Man in favor of shows for a younger audience. At least it has begun showing Star Wars: Rebels, which is a bit morekid-friendly than Clone Wars had become and features the familiar setting of George Lucas’ galaxy shortly before the events of Star Wars [Episode IV]: A New Hope.
I’m enjoying Rebelsso far, and its crew of adventurers is very similar to the characters in Jason E.R.’s recent “Star Wars: Dark Times” space opera scenario. With Disney/Lucasfilm working on more live-action movies, I expect Rebels to get a decent amount of promotion.
In addition to Avatar: Legend of Korra and Star Wars: Rebels, I’ve been enjoying the latest incarnation of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, although I don’t know how long Nickelodeon will carry it. TMNT has all the wackiness of its predecessors and is still faithful to the core characters that Eastman and Laird created (again, don’t get me started on the latest live-action flick).
There are many cartoons for younger children, such as Ultimate Spider-Man, as well as some long-lived ones aimed at young adults, such as The Simpsons, Robot Chicken, and Archer. Unfortunately, there are few all-ages shows that aren’t formulaic comedies.
We’ve fared better lately with movies, but serious fans will continue to look at anime or other animation from around the world and wonder why cartoons on U.S. TV aren’t more diverse.
Gene's Worlds 
