THE TOP 11 GREATEST CARTOON TAKES

I'm back, with another tops list! You know, one of the earliest elements of animation is the cartoon "take". We've all seen them; heads shrinking or expanding in shock, tongues stretching outward, and of course eyes bugging out with plenty of pulsating veins. But what are the most creative, outrageous, and CRAZIEST takes to ever be animated? Today's post aims to find out. It's...

#11:

Donald Duck
in Der Fuehrer's Face

A crazy cartoon take from the Disney studio's animated library was actually extremely hard for me to find. In fact, compared to most of the takes that'll be in this list, this is pretty tame. The truth of the matter is, Disney just wasn't as outrageous as the other Hollywood cartoon studios. The ending of this World War II-themed short dares to be different however, in which Donald is having a nightmare that he is a factory worker in Nazi Germany. As he starts going mad, his head stretches up like E.T., then as he starts babbling he suddenly gets extremely wonky and wiggly! Even though it's not too weird, it's definitely one of the most insane scenes to ever come out of Disney.

#10:

Homer Simpson
in Treehouse of Horror V

Now I know what you might be thinking... how the hell did a clip from The Simpsons manage to get on a list like this? Well, just take a look at it. As Homer goes mentally insane a la Jack Torrence in The Shining, he suddenly starts getting really crazy-looking. Look at the animation and how exaggerated, rubbery, and well, actually CARTOONY he gets! Definitely a very rare moment for the normally-static Simpsons, and definitely deserving a spot on this list. BTW, Homer's scream at the end of the clip slays me!

#9:

Screwy Squirrel
in The Screwball Squirrel

Ah, what's a list about great cartoon takes without Tex Avery? Definitely one of the highest masters of animation, Tex practically invented the cartoon take. Here we see an early MGM short by Tex, featuring his short-lived character Screwy. When he suddenly realizes that he's played a gag on Meathead Dog that has gone too far even for HIM, Screwy grows multiple heads and- oh, just watch!

#8:

Wile E. Coyote
in Operation: Rabbit

Out of the dozens and dozens of films that Wile E. has appeared in along with the Roadrunner, my favorite appearances of him are by far only the couple of times in which he's been Bugs Bunny's adversary. There's so much more to his character in these ones, as this complete egomaniac who's obsessed with his own "super genius".

The reason his take is so great in this particular clip is that it ISN'T a big crazy reaction. He's completely still, except for his pupils shrinking. It's so simple, yet we can all tell the fear he's experiencing right here. I think one of Chuck Jones' biggest strengths was his ability to communicate a character's thoughts, feelings and motives while they barely have to even move. It's kind of the opposite of Tex Avery, in a way. Genius, or dare I say, super genius!!

#7:

Betty Boop and Bimbo
in Mysterious Mose

Would you ever believe that Betty Boop could have a cartoon take? You bet she can, especially while under the helm of the brilliant animation of Grim Natwick. Grim's Betty cartoons consist mostly of her earliest films, where she's not quite the Betty that the public is as familiar with today (she's not human in these, but a girl dog!). These cartoons are surreal, stranger than all hell, and downright works of art. This first clip is of Betty's reaction to Bimbo's crazy horn playing... look at the SIZE of her eyes as she looks on in complete terror!!!





And for good measure, and also because I couldn't possibly pass this shot up without sharing it here, another scene involves Bimbo doing a crazy dance in which his head flates and deflates into a multitude of different shapes. Ahh, pure cartoony goodness.

#6:

Roger Rabbit
in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

This scene from the movie is not only a great bunch of takes all back-to-back, but the entire sequence of what happens when Roger takes a shot of bourbon is one big homage to all the cartoon characters who have ever flipped out from a drink that's a bit too stiff (a.k.a. The Alcohol Take). Popeye, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Tex Avery characters- you name 'em, and they've most likely had a scene like this. So, Roger definitely deserves a spot on this list for an all-around fitting tribute, from an all-around great movie.

#5:

Daffy Duck
in Draftee Daffy

Here's a short (directed by my hero Bob Clampett) that definitely needs to be freeze-framed. As Daffy is trying to escape the Little Man From the Draftboard, to avoid being drafted into the US Army, he in constantly foiled time and time again as he simply cannot lose the little bugger. All of Daffy's freak-outs are brilliant in this short, but this one takes the cake.

Let's freeze-frame that sucker!

#4:

Tex Avery's Wolf
in Northwest Hounded Police

The same concept, from a different director. The Wolf tries to escape Sergeant Droopy of the Mounties, and no matter where he hides Droopy is right there waiting for him. This results in completely freaking the Wolf out more and more each time! But the biggest and best comes during this scene, where Droopy surprises him at the plastic surgeon's office. Look at those eyeball veins! Listen to that horrifying wild pig squeal! This might just be the creepiest cartoon take ever!

#3:

Tex Avery's Wolf
in The Shooting of Dan McGoo

You can't go wrong with Tex Avery's Wolf, as he grabs both numbers four AND three on this list. Here is an example of the "pretty girl take" (complete with wolf whistle), which we have all seen countless times again and again. But this is one of the very first ones, therefore the penultimate "pretty girl take"! It's the one that started it all. Beat it boys, ya bother me!

#2:

Ren Höek
in In The Army

Ren and Stimpy are known for bringing bulging eyeballs, throbbing veins and displays of complete insanity back to cartoons in the early 90's. But what can I possibly say about this take? It might be one of the most insane drawings ever put onto the animated screen. When Ren gets caught being lazy by the fearsome army sergeant, his skin literally MELTS off of his skull, which proceeds to explode outwards and is paired up with the most blood-curdling shriek you've ever heard. When I first saw this as a kid, I didn't know what to even think. It literally blew my mind. I think all I can remember saying was, "...can I watch that again??"

and the #1 greatest cartoon take is...!!

Daffy Duck
in Book Revue

Another tally for Daffy, another tally for director Bob Clampett, and one big fat shiny award for my favorite cartoon take ever. I think what is truly remarkable about this take is the sheer simplicity of it. Daffy doesn't lean back and his eyes bug out all crazy. Nor does his tongue stretch out or his body goes into twisty convulsions. Nope, none of that. Daffy simply transforms into ONE. GIANT. EYEBALL. That's IT. It's so sudden, so surreal, and yet so simplistic, that it's incredible to me. Do the honors, and enjoy for yourself!

Thanks for reading, and for watching!

THE TOP 12 CATCHIEST DISNEY SONGS

In my opinion, Disney has always been the animation studio that led the way for the music of Hollywood entertainment. There's no doubt about it; the tunes composed for the cartoon shorts, the animated features, and the theme parks are fun, clever, and some have even become staples in everyone's lives.

There are even some songs buried deep within the very fibers of Disney's history that you wouldn't even remember unless they were reminded of it, but once you do, it all starts coming back to you. But which of these songs are the most fun? The very catchiest? Or even the most "oh my god, this song WILL NOT LEAVE MY HEAD!!"? Today's post aims to find out. It's...

The Top 12 Catchiest Disney Songs!

#12:

Little April Shower
from Bambi

To start off, I've just gotta mention that this song literally comes out of nowhere! In a movie that could hardly even be considered a musical, Little April Shower is a random song about the simplest of all things: rain. It's out of nowhere, it's not exciting, and it's light as a feather. But boy is it catchy.



Even some of the animals in this musical interlude look a little confused as to why this random song about woodland precipitation is playing! But oh well, I love it. Drip, drip, drip!

#11:

The Ballad of Davey Crockett

This country favorite was part of the early Disneyland TV show, and it has definitely made its mark on the world since then. Davey Crockett and his coonskin cap were on the minds and heads of every kid of the baby boom era, and I'm sure the catchy theme song helped!

#10:

The Three Caballeros

Donald Duck, Jose Carioca, and Panchito Pistoles make up the trio of The Three Caballeros. With clever lyrics, zeppy pacing, and incredible animation lead by Ward Kimball, I can't say enough good things about this. It's simply one of the zaniest and best in Disney's musical history, hands (and pistoles) down!

#9:

Casey Jr.'s Theme
from Dumbo

Here's a interesting song, because there are two different versions... a short melody in the Dumbo film, and then a much longer song with extended lyrics in the form of a Casey Jr. train-ride attraction at the Disneyland theme park. So as both versions can be considered one song, I have to say that this is one tune that is stuck in my head forever once it chugs along through it.



This song actually gets me excited for some guy named Casey Jr. to come to my town and set up circus grounds. Once you give this tune a listen, you won't argue that it's the greatest one ever made for the track. Casey Jr.'s back!

#8:

Minnie's Yoo-Hoo

It's really funny how often this video clip keeps popping up on my blog. Regardless, it's still one of my favorite Mickey moments, as well as a pretty awesome song. It's also a very strange one. It's clearly not Mickey's usual voice, and the animation (especially in his mouth and lip sync) is way too bizarre and crazy for Disney! You'd think someone at Warner Bros. might have had a hand in it. While we may never know for sure, this is one finger-snapping yoo-hoo tune that won't ever leave our brains!

#7:

Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho
from Pirates of the Caribbean

A pirate's life for me! Before Johnny Depp, there was a boat-ride attraction with the catchiest song that you've ever heard come out of a theme park. That song belongs to, of course, Pirates of the Caribbean. This 42-year old ride is still floating along, and the song's popularity is no exception.



What's interesting is that for a song that's so popular, not many people know the full lyrics to it. In fact, "Yo, ho! Yo, ho! A pirate's life for me!" are the only words that most people know from it at all! So check out the video above and try to finally memorize those lyrics! And even if you can't, merely listening to this treasured pirate shanty will have it on your mind for days.

#6:

I Wanna Be Like You
from The Jungle Book

With big thanks to jazz artist Louis Prima, the immortal voice behind King Louie, this has got to be one of the biggest and best songs out of all the Disney features. The timing, pace, animation, is all genius.



As you listen to this, can you just imagine the real Louis Prima band playing this song and going absolutely nuts in the Disney recording room? You can really sense how much fun this was to record, because you simply cannot help but tap your foot to this beat. Believe me, I've tried.

#5:

The Merrily Song
from The Wind and the Willows

Starting off this film on the right foot, Mr. Toad and his new best pal Cyril enjoy a destructive ride through the countryside, merrily on the road to Nowhere At All. This song is ENGRAVED into my brain, it is THAT much fun to listen to. Hear for yourself!



The music is whimsical, the lyrics are fantastic, and the mere listening of it makes you wanna leap up and join the characters on their infamously wild ride. And any song that grabs you and sucks you in that much is more than eligible for this list's #5 spot.

#4:

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah
from Song of the South

You'd think a song with a title that's just random gibberish wouldn't catch on and become tiresome after a while, but nope, Uncle Remus' happy country-side melody has become one of the most famous songs in the world.



Even though the Disney studios of today have done everything they can to sweep the actual "Song of the South" film under the rug and away from public knowledge, this song still comes out on top by being one of the most recognizable tunes from the studio's history. What other phrase can you say to describe it besides.. Zip-a-dee-doo-dah!

#3:

The Humphrey Hop
from In the Bag

This song from the extremely small series of 1950's Humphrey Bear cartoons was so catchy that it actually became its own hit record single! And why not? GOOD LORD, IT'S CATCHY AS HELL.



I cannot be more serious in saying that I can't stop thinking about this song once it enters my mind. It will never, ever, ever leave. I mean how do you even make a song about picking up garbage catchy? I have no friggen idea, but if anyone can do it, it's definitely Disney.

#2:

It's A Small World After All

Yyyyup. Love it or hate it, the feature song during the It's A Small World attraction at Disneyland is not only one of the simplest, catchiest songs you've ever heard, but its power is enough to drive even the strongest of minds insane.

I'm serious, this song can drive someone CRAZY.



This song is so irritating, so incredibly cheerful, so never-ending that we aren't sure what to feel when we hear it. Does it do it's job at portraying the children of the world, and uniting the countries and cultures of Earth as one? Who the hell knows? But one thing's for sure; it definitely deserves one of the highest spots on this list of memorable Disney tunes.

and the #1 catchiest Disney song is...!!

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
from The Three Little Pigs

Undeniably the most popular and important song to ever come out of the Disney studio. As soon as movie-goers looked at the Big Bad Wolf as a symbol of the Great Depression that was happening around them, this song literally took America by storm.



Toys, games, lyric books, record singles, kitchen appliances- you name it, the Big Bad Wolf song was on it. And exactly how often can a song actually help DEFINE a time period in America's history? Not. Bloody. Often. So if you ask me, Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf has the history and the power all in it's own to deserve the #1 spot on Disney's Catchiest Songs list.

Thanks for reading, and especially for listening!

IT'S THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLY !!!!

Go wish my best friend MOLLY BATES a hap-hap happy day! How long have I known ya, Molls? 8 years? 9? Well here's to the rest of our days together. I love you!!

Here's some of Molly's best moments!!

Budzone.com

Affairs

And of course, our most viral video yet (236,000 Youtube views and counting)
Seduced Milkman

Oooooo, and check out Kali's AMAZING cartoon for Molly too! This rules a ball's balls!

UPDATE!
Huge success! Behold as Molly enjoys our drawings, and my gifts (pretty pretty new dress and accessories) in person!

Yay!

Happy Birthday, Molly!!!!!

P.S.
My brother came to visit a couple weekends ago and we went to this great Japanese bar we love. After a few drinks, crazy cartoons can be born! Here's quite a price that Kali drew for me- eeee, me and Maude!! :D

WICKED LITTLE CRITTA

Yes, the title of this post is named after a They Might Be Giants song. But this post is about the CRITTERS I've been drawing lately! Here's a commission for my good pal and Mr. Head Cooker himself, Casey, as a present for his lovely wife (and also awesome budzone of mine) JESS!
Aw, you crazy kids!

JO THE FAUX ALERT!!

Yep, all the gossip and truckloads (yes, TRUCKloads) of online rumors are true: the very talented and magical Ben Forbes has asked me to be his partner-in-crime for his upcoming webcomic, Jo the Faux-Fur Mink.

I'll be writing mostly and helping with some minor artistic aspects of the comic as well as generally getting in the way and making a big mess. I've drawn Jo quite a few times but this (below) is something from last night featuring her and another character from the comics. Just for practicing purposes, trying to get the characters down.

That's all I can share at the moment! Just get ready for fun!!

Oh look, here's a commission I did for my lovely friend Anne! She likes turtles, hehe.


Finally, well since today I'm just giving away surprises by the truckload (yes, TRUCKload), I guess I'll also briefly mention that I'm in the middle of working on some upcoming projects with some VERY awesome people. They are awesome people, who also happen to be slightly... dumm?

...Okay there's NO WAY that that hint could even be considered subtle, but I digress, that's all I can tell for now. Let's just say that if you're a fan of anyone on my links lists to the right-hand side of this blog, then you're not gonna wanna miss this!!! Stay tuned...

CORALINE CONCEPT ART

I'm busy busy! Working on videos, putting an animation portfolio together, AND I got a few commission jobs out of last time's post, too! It's all top secret projects for now, but I'll share them here soon! ((Remember! if YOU'D like a cartoon commission by me, I'm still taking orders. Drop me an email! hint hint!!!))


SO in the meantime here is just a simple post I wanted to make to keep track of all this great Coraline concept art that I've been collecting over the internet! These pieces are credited to artists Shane Prigmore, Shannon Tindle, Stef Choi and Dan Krall.
Yeah, I'm pretty obsessed with this movie. It's only in theaters another week or two, so if you still gotta see it, time's running out!!!

FUN BIRTHDAY XTRAS! PLUS: TAKING COMMISSIONS!

Nico Commissions!!!!!

That's right! I'm taking CARTOON COMMISSIONS, folks. Help me survive in this jungle we call Los Angeles! Want something fun drawn by ME, just for YOU? Caricatures, cute girls, famous Hollywood characters? Contact me via email through my blogger profile, and let's talk! Prices will be determined by the subject and medium desired. (psst... I'm pretty flexible!)

Here's a just-finished commissioned piece that Darby hired me for. Thanks for the work, man!

More from the genius of Ben!! Below is Katie Rice and I, straight outta Ben's cartoon world!! He drew the roughs, but the characters below I inked myself, just for fun!

And, here's my contribution from a few months ago to the Our Hospitality blog... the theme was "target practice". So here's what I drew. Ha, ha. Ha?


SO if you like my art and want some made just for you, drop me a line! Okay enough business, PARTY TIME!!!!!

Katie and Luke had a shindig at their house last night!!! We watched bad movies (IMMORTAL COMBAT!!!), admired Ricky's long curly hair, and ate pizza and Katie's homemade world-famous sausage puffs. Deee-licious!

Also, I was in for MORE bday surprises! Take a look what Katie drew for me!! I DIED when she handed this to me.

How spectacular is this? Skadi drinking with my character, Debbie!! My knees got weak and I almost dropped when I held this genius piece!! Katie, you are too kind!!!

CHRISTINE!!! Oops, I mean, Miss Withers! ;) She created TWO fabulous pieces for me:

This is so much better-looking in person! My scanner is OLD and SUCKS, so all the colors here (not to mention that big annoying digital smudge taking up the left side) aren't doing these justice!! But still, I was completely starstruck that Miss Withers took the time to make these for little ol' me. Thank you Mama W!

Meanwhile, David Gemmill tries to hide the wrath of my camera.

Look here! A masterpiece by the one, the only, Gabe Swarr! This was a complete surprise, and I wouldn't ever expect that a cartoon bigshot like Gabe would be so nice to make something for a nobody like me! This RULES Gabe! I hope between gasps of air from being so starstruck, I got a chance to thank you enough when you presented this to me. In a fancy manilla envelope, no less!

Also, this is something Shawn drew for me LAST year! I just found it and realized I NEVER scanned it! So here it is, in all of it's 1-year old glory!! HAHAHA, THANKS BUDDY!

Finally, here we see Katie finally being united with her Skadi painting that Ben made for her! She LOVES it. In fact, they went to bed together shortly after this photo was taken. HEY-O! Too much information? G'night everybody!