Star Trek, The Animated Series, Episode 1, Hal Sutherland, 1973 (R.I.P. Leonard Nimoy)

I can't say much about Leonard Nimoy that hasn't already been said better elsewhere. He was an incredible actor and a kind, thoughtful and generous human being.

Willy McBean and his Magic Machine, Arthur Rankin (1924 - 2014) and Jules Bass, 1965

On January 30th, the world lost legendary animation director and producer Arthur Rankin. (via Animationscoop.

If you were a kid that was even near a TV for the last, oh, fifty years or so, you know the name.

The output of he and his partner, Jules Bass, was impressive and far reaching.

I'll be posting some of their work for the next... oh, until I stop.

Here is one of their early stop motion features.

The Malachite Automaton, Sean Hartter, 2005

Yesterday I learned that my friend Sean Hartter passed away at the far too young age of 39. We met via a mutual illustration commission (and the ensuing confusion.) He was an incredibly talented graphic artist, musician, and sometimes animator. He was also a great dad and an hilarious friend. I will miss him terribly.

Check out his work here.


He is probably best known for his Alternate Universe Movie Posters, which you have probably seen if you have an internet.

R.I.P.

Underdog - Episode 1, W. Watts Biggers, 1964

Via Metafilter I learned that the creator of Underdog, W. Watts Biggers, passed away on February 10th at the age of 85

In 1959, handling the General Mills account as an account executive with the Dancer Fitzgerald Sample advertising agency in New York, W. Watts Biggers teamed with Chet Stover, Treadwell D. Covington and artist Joe Harris in the creation of television cartoon shows to sell breakfast cereals for General Mills. The shows introduced such characters as King Leonardo, Tennessee Tuxedo and Underdog. (Wikipedia)

I totally used to wake up early to watch Underdog. Who remembers waking up early to watch cartoons? Please raise your hand, wave it about wildly, and shout MEMEME or I won't be able to see you through the internet.

When Roobarb Made a Spike, Bob Godfrey (narrated by Richard Briers 1934-2013) 1974

This has been a very sad week for Roobarb fans - Richard Briers, the narrator of the series, passed away on February 17th, just a few days before Bob Godfrey.