Cartoon Network Archives | Otaku No Culture

Honouring Hanna-Barbera. On Why This Legacy Still Resonates.

Before cable and streaming divided our attention, Hanna-Barbera defined what weekend cartoons meant. From Huckleberry Hound to The Powerpuff Girls, their legacy shaped every generation of animators to follow — and it still ripples through today’s toons.

The Hanna-Barbera Treasury Hardcover — Available to purchase on Amazon USA

Before streaming and before cable carved up the weekend, one studio defined TV animation. As a lifelong fan, it’s bittersweet to see Hanna-Barbera living on mostly through MeTV than in the mainstream. Their influence on the toons we see today like Wylde Park and Oh My God… Yes! still colours everything we watch. The fact their name is not forgotten says it all.

While some of their vast catalogue of toons do not stand the test of time, others do. I tried watching The Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan again recently and ouch. The same can be said with Hong Kong Phooey. They used stereoteypes that would not be tolerated today. That said, Top Cat is beloved and actually holds up. But as for others, it’s based on personal taste.

The Golden Age

When Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera launched their independent studio in 1957, they reshaped how animation could work on television. Their cost-saving “limited animation” approach made series economically viable without sacrificing character or charm. The Ruff and Reddy Show led the charge, but it was Huckleberry Hound and Quick Draw McGraw that cemented the formula. The true breakthrough arrived with The Flintstones—a primetime sitcom that proved cartoons weren’t just for kids. When it became a live-action movie, we all knew why it was done: to reignite interest among adults rather than make new fans.

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Heritage in Motion: Iyanu Outshines Iwájú with Vibrant Yoruba Storytelling

Iyanu brings Yoruba culture to life with vibrant storytelling and striking animation, standing apart from Disney’s futuristic Iwájú. And we got info from SDCC regarding the former’s future. It’s bright!

Iyanu Movie Poster If you’re seeking an animated series that fuses vibrant cultural storytelling with striking visuals, put Iyanu on your radar. This isn’t just another fantasy—it’s a journey through a mythical African world where tradition drives destiny. Unlike Disney’s Iwájú, Iyanu offers a grounded, heritage-rich take on Yoruba culture that feels timeless and authentic. The two shows present contrasting visions, and while both have their place in examining this fascinating world, fans will play favourites–Iwájú races through a sleek, futuristic Lagos, while Iyanu thrives in a mythical past steeped in lore.

Iyanu draws strength from echoes of Princess Mononoke and Avatar: The Last Airbender—not as imitations, but in its balance of adventure, character growth, and cultural depth. Whether Roye Okupe’s graphic novels carry the same energy remains to be seen, but the adaptation compels me to find out.

Iwájú promotional poster Disney’s Iwájú ambitiously blends African, Eastern, and Western animation styles, yet the fusion sometimes feels disjointed. Its uneven pacing and high-tech, Wakanda-like aesthetic often eclipse traditional Yoruba elements. Tola Martins (Simisola Gbadamosi) is the young girl who learns how to reconnect with the past.

When that happens, the scenes that should showcase ceremonial rites or folklore fade into the background. In what’s more prominent are the bold neon skylines and high technology. Even the costumes, while bold, lean toward sci-fi glamour rather than authentic tradition. Although it shares Yoruba roots with Iyanu, its futuristic framing dulls the impact of those cultural beats.

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Avast ye Buckos! When Craig Before the Creek is All About the Age of Discovery

The story that shows how Craig, Kelsey and J.P. met has lots of elements to like, and to see them together, in a story titled Craig Before the Creek has a lot of Speilberg spirit to boot too!

Craig Before the Creek Promotionial Poster No prior knowledge is required to enjoy Craig Before the Creek, the prequel to the Cartoon Network television series Craig of the Creek. This movie is the perfect jumping in point for newcomers, and for long time fans, what’s presented doesn’t change up what’s previously known. Philip Solomon voices the titular character, and everything we know from the series is given further development in this work! Here, we get to see how he met Kelsey (Michael Croner) and J.P. (Noël Wells).

That also includes revealing why his parents decided to relocate to the small town of Herkleton. Duane Williams (Byron Marc Newsome) is a computer programmer, able to work at home, and Nicole (Kimberly Hebert Gregory) is a school counsellor. She most likely got a job at the school Craig goes to, but little is shown about his time there. Instead, it’s all about those adventures that go on after school, at the creek. What’s revealed in this film is that he generally gets along well with his siblings, Jessica (Lucia Cunningham) and Bernard (Phil LaMarr), and after accidentally knocking his sister’s precious stuffed doll deep into the woods, he “promises” to find it and what he discovers at the creek is wonder and kids of his age having fun.

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Just What are the Gremlins Hiding in Secrets of the Mogwai?

What’s presented in Gremlins Secrets of the Mogwai is more of a coming of age tale where Sam and Gizmo truly get to bond.

Streaming on HBO Max and broadcasting on Cartoon Network

Fortunately, Gremlins can’t be contained to one network. Following its streaming debut, these critters are making their way to others, and the Secrets of the Mogwai will soon be everywhere! I’m surprised there’s no merchandise tie-in to accompany this release.

This prequel to the films has an intriguing origin story. Although it retcons a few details, the changes are unnecessary. The lore revealed in the second film says it all, and I’d prefer the cuddly raccoon to have a different name than go by what’s presented prior. It seems these creatures live in a Fern Gully type of fantasy world, and if it was possible to bring together various franchises into one metaverse, I’d like to see Fantastic Beasts merge with this IP. That’s because the 1920s were ripe with lots of pulp influences, and to carry that to the fore would be terrific, too.

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Upcoming Animated Series Worth Checking Out in 2023 (Part Two)

In part two to extol my love for cartoons, I offer my top ten picks of animated series worth checking out in 2023. With some of them headed to streaming services rather than network, finding them might get difficult this year. As long as you’re subscribed to the key providers, you ought to be okay.

Disclaimer: Not every series is dated, but they’re expected to debut sometime this year. Listed in alphabetical order are:

Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai

This series is exciting because it takes place before the movies. Here, the focus will be on a young boy, Sam Wing, becoming fast friends with Gizmo. I get the sense it’ll take on some tones from Stitch and Ai, and I’m okay with it! As these two venture through the Chinese countryside, dealing with the various creatures from local folklore, I’m already giddy with delight in what can be offered. As for how the mischievous version came into folklore, perhaps this series will tell all.

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When Doves Fly in Thundercats Roar

After giving Thundercats Roar a complete series view twice, all I can say about this show was a waste of time.

Newborn kitties are always entertaining to watch, but when made anthropomorphic in Thundercats Roar, watching them stumble about for hours on end got boring. I really wanted the 2011 series to get a season two, but it just wasn’t meant to be.