Boondocks the series?

[TB4000]

I was just watching cartoon network earlier and it said that Boondocks the animated series would be premiering in the spring. :eek: Man, I really hope they do this..i've been waiting for that comic to be a real show for the longest time.

http://www.loyalty.org/~schoen/boondocks-question.png
http://www.notinourname.net/graphics/boondocks.gif
http://www.memail.com/samp/boondocks.gif

[coagulated fat]

i love boondocks but im wary of any cartoon being turned into a TV show.. it feels weird.

[truMp]

i love boondocks but im wary of any cartoon being turned into a TV show.. it feels weird.

Yup, whenever a comic strip goes cartoon, it usually gets pretty messy. For example, Dilbert or Garfield; they weren't really too entertaining to watch. What you should be looking forward to is the new season of FAMILY GUY! yaaa

[kitty]

agreed. the greatness of boondocks is the political comentary. the cartoon can't comment on current events, so it's going to be more character driven... i'm not sure hoe interesting that'll be.

[nola]

It's the new, updated Doonesbury.

[Faithless]

I wasn't aware that it was all that political.

It could work, if they could turn around the artwork fast enough.

Would Cartoon Network really work as the home for such a good cartoon? Nothing on CN is even close to it in terms of intelligence.

[sinisterpanda]

Where can i read this comic???

[Faithless]

^ It's run as a daily in a few major newspapers, like the SF Chronicle.

Check this letter to the editor: Lewd comics expose kids to bad things (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/08/13/DDGD686JGJ1.DTL)
Editor -- Children read the comics pages, remember? But I have to believe that the word "jackass" in J.C. Duffy's Fusco Brothers cartoon (Saturday) wasn't even an editorial consideration by Executive Datebook Editor David Wiegand, as that strip consistently illustrates some of the most sexist, racist, homophobic "humor" a general readership newspaper can offer. Children learn to love the newspaper with this section. They learn to appreciate the look, feel and smell of a newspaper right there where Peanuts, Dennis the Menace and Garfield once set the tone for the breakfast table. Now, those faces frown in confusion at the simmering hatred and misanthropic nature of cartoons like Boondocks and the Fusco Brothers. Yes, Blondie and Beetle Bailey always have been sexist, but they are not bawdy or vulgar. Doonesbury has been heavily political and For Better or for Worse gives us adult content, but both are written with an eye toward teaching tolerance and understanding.

I know it's not The Chronicle's business to provide a moral compass for our society, but this page is as distinct from the editorial pages as it is from hard news. Why would the decision to move the adult entertainment listings to a section other than that adjacent to the comics have been made in the past few years if not for the welfare of young readers? When will the editorializing environment of the comics pages stop being an excuse for the dumbing down of common decency among this special readership?

Shame on you.

[TB4000]

What exactly is vulgar about Fusco Brothers or Boondocks? I read both of these, and have yet to see anything resembling that. Some people just complain for the sake of complaining.

[coagulated fat]

Dumbing down the common decency among this special readership

^completely ironic to me, since the lighthearted cartoons this author apparently prefers are moronic, while the Boondocks' greatness lies in its political commentary. And since when is political commentary, compared with the rest of the comics, "dumbing it down"?

I know I'm preaching to the choir but that's just maddening.

[TB4000]

Though I admit while Boondocks is my top comic, Rudy Park comes in at a very close second...let's see some old lady bitch about this one.
http://www.comics.com/comics/rudypark/archive/images/rudypark2004081525328.gif

[nola]

It's much edgier than Doonesbury plus it's from a POC point of view. Aaron McGruder is young, in his twenties or thrities.

[Faithless]

Is Boondocks really comparable to Doonesbury? Not bagging on Boondocks -- just wondering. I'd rather read Boondocks over Doonesbury.

Who would be a good "voice" for Huey Freeman? Or any of the other characters?

Talk about your political strips:

http://www.alternet.org/story/11859
In the wake of the events of Sept. 11, McGruder's strip was pulled from numerous newspapers because of its dissenting politics. Since then, he's been going beyond his usual Boondocks material -- which includes discussion of political and societal hypocrisy -- to take on censorship, U.S. policy and media lunacy. When he's not inking, he's writing scripts for the impending Boondocks TV show and screenplays, his latest being a political comedy.

Q: You started addressing the terrorist attacks on Sept. 24. You got to it faster than other strip creators. What influenced that?

A: One, I push my deadlines closer than anybody else, or let's say it this way: I'm really late. The only other cartoonist that would address it head on is Garry Trudeau, and being the better cartoonist, he gets his strips in a couple days earlier than I do ... So I had more time to really think about it. [Also,] I think he didn't want to get into it that week. It was a big debate for me whether or not to do it so soon.

Q: Many papers have pulled your strips recently; the New York Daily News isn't running it weekdays. Does that flatter you or piss you off? Are you even aware of it?

A: I'm aware of it. It actually doesn't do either. I anticipated getting canceled by the New York Daily News while I was doing the strips ... I figured given New York, the sensitivity there, it wouldn't go over well and I'd probably get dropped from the New York papers. But for me it was a worthwhile gamble. And there's still no guarantee that the New York Daily News will ever start running it again. ... It's New York City ... and they've gone through a lot, and you can't really expect them to take the jokes well. I've tried to be really careful to not make light at all of the death and suffering, which, like everybody else, I feel really bad about. But I have a different perspective on things than what the media's putting out, and I thought it was important to voice that, and if it meant losing the New York papers, I think it was worth it.

Would Cartoon Network really allow stuff like this?

[nola]

Yes because it's very political and controversial like Doonesbury used to be. It's edgier because of the racial politics.

[Faithless]

Considering it's politics, then, and some of the other themes, like mixed race issues, I doubt Cartoon Network would run Boondocks in its pure form.

Look at the demographics of the cable channel and the type of cartoons that it puts out.

If it did, I would be impressed. It would definitely get kids to take their fingers out of their noses while watching things like Ed, Edd, and Eddie.

I would think Boondocks would be more suitable for Fox.

[Hiroshi2]

I like that comic................................but we don't get it in the Birmingham newspaper. I have to look in the Atlanta paper for it.

[TB4000]

Considering it's politics, then, and some of the other themes, like mixed race issues, I doubt Cartoon Network would run Boondocks in its pure form.

Look at the demographics of the cable channel and the type of cartoons that it puts out.

If it did, I would be impressed. It would definitely get kids to take their fingers out of their noses while watching things like Ed, Edd, and Eddie.

I would think Boondocks would be more suitable for Fox.
It was bought by Fox at first, but the little promo was like, "Thank you Fox for selling it to us."

[ellsworth81]

boondocks is great.

they should bring in dave chapelle for huey. or is dave too goofy sounding?

[TB4000]

I have no idea who they could get for those voices, but I'm guessing either some very good child actors, or grown ass people that can do voiceovers for kids.

[nonamerasian]

That would be an awesome job.

Voiceovers.

[kitty]

What exactly is vulgar about Fusco Brothers or Boondocks? I read both of these, and have yet to see anything resembling that. Some people just complain for the sake of complaining.


dunno about the fusco brothers, but boondocks prolly goes over the heads of some people. oh, and there is that infamous BET booty-shakin' strip from boondocks that got mcgruder into a lot of shit.

boondocks is great.

they should bring in dave chapelle for huey. or is dave too goofy sounding?

nooooo....huey should be morose, serious sounding, disdainful and older than his years. grandpa should be done by harry bellafonte.

[Faithless]

boondocks is great.

they should bring in dave chapelle for huey. or is dave too goofy sounding?
Dave Chapelle would be an expensive voiceover, anyways, right?

Orlando Brown from "That's so Raven" is great kid actor.

Need a complete kid actor database, though, to see other possibles. :smile:

[>:^|]

I would worry that McGruder would lose artistic control over a series, or that his work would be severely compromised. Just the fact that he has Black characters seems to annoy some people. When his strip first started running in our paper, people complained that the characters were Black--as opposed to White cartoon characters, who are, of course, colorblind.

[Faithless]

I would worry that McGruder would lose artistic control over a series, or that his work would be severely compromised. Just the fact that he has Black characters seems to annoy some people. When his strip first started running in our paper, people complained that the characters were Black--as opposed to White cartoon characters, who are, of course, colorblind.
Which makes the whole Cartoon Network thing all the more interesting/curious.

If they know the history of the strip, are they really thinking of allowing for McGruder's total artistic creativity?

Or does McGruder actually have it in his mind that he would have to dumb it down, a little? He may be willing too, in order to have his cartoon say what it can say.

[nonamerasian]

I would worry that McGruder would lose artistic control over a series, or that his work would be severely compromised. Just the fact that he has Black characters seems to annoy some people. When his strip first started running in our paper, people complained that the characters were Black--as opposed to White cartoon characters, who are, of course, colorblind.

LOL! I remember that attitude!

So funny.

[TB4000]

It would be on Adult Swim, if that matters.

[Faithless]

It would be on Adult Swim, if that matters.
Crap, Adult Swim? I think that's late in the evening, right?

I would love for it to be in the kid viewing hour, unaltered from the artist's original truth. :cool:

[Faithless]

October Start for 'Boondocks' TV Show (http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/departments/syndicates/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000864126)

By E&P Staff

Published: March 31, 2005 5:35 PM ET

NEW YORK "The Boondocks" TV show is scheduled to debut this October in the Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" block of late-night animated programming, according to Universal Press Syndicate.

Regina King ("Ray" and "Miss Congeniality 2") is among the people who will voice the characters from Aaron McGruder's topical comic strip.

McGruder serves as creator and executive producer of the show, which has 15 episodes in production.

[TB4000]

Well, according to IMDB, Regina King is doing the voice of Huey. I had hoped they'd get a child actor with some range to portray him, but just have to wait to see how he sounds.

http://film.onet.pl/_i/news/duze/r/regina_king_2.jpg

http://www.amureprints.com/documentation/characters_files/huey1.gif

[Irezumi Kiss]

How old is Huey in the comic, again? Cuz if Regina's doing his voice, I wonder who's gonna do Riley's voice...since he's the wannabe "hardrock" character...

[TB4000]

Here's the first shot from the series, set for October on Adult Swim.

http://www.animationinsider.net/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_Riley--large.JPG

[Faithless]

How old is Huey in the comic, again? Cuz if Regina's doing his voice, I wonder who's gonna do Riley's voice...since he's the wannabe "hardrock" character...
Won't it sound weird to have her voice for his character?

When I read the comic, I hear in my head, a deeper, more brooding voice. (Hate to say it, but, like Little Romeo or one of the kid rappers.)

(As an aside, if Regina King posted here, would it be inappropriate to ask her to have my baby?)

[TB4000]

She's doing both characters, Huey and Riley. John Witherspoon is doing Granddad.

[Faithless]

She's doing both characters, Huey and Riley. John Witherspoon is doing Granddad.
Wow, that's an allstar cast. Had to google John Witherspoon to recall who he is. I think his voice would be great for the part.

[TB4000]

That last pic got messed up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v215/terry78/normal_Riley--large.jpg

[TB4000]

Sunday night coming soon, I finally get to see if the show lives up to the hype of the comic.

I think the first ep. is already online at the website, I may have to get a preview tomorrow.

http://www.luc.edu/depts/sociology/eignacio/boondocks.jpg

[eos]

Adult Swim rocks my socks!!!!

anyway, the boondocks kicks ass cuz it gets all in your face and says "what! that's what i thought...BEEYOTCH!!!"

[haplesshobo]

When boondocks first came out, i thought it had a lot of promise and potential. I thought it could have been another Calvin and Hobbes. But, for me, it just never delievered on its promise and really never grown beyond its early message. Its great that its bringing back politics back to the funny pages, but I find it does it too much at the expense of being funny.

[Faithless]

So, Boondocks is on after hours to protect the kiddies from that awefully corrosive humor, but --
* King of the Hill,
* The Simpsons,
* Family Guy, and
* American Dad

are on prime viewing time on Fox on the family night.

[TB4000]

Fox bought the series at first, but then turned it down because the content was apparantly too risque for them :rolleyes:

[Napoleon Chynamite]

When I was younger, I never was able to grasp the humor in political cartoons...you guys think it will make much of a difference if little kids watch this or not? Wouldn't they just find it too confusing or boring like I did with the Simpsons? Maybe I was just stupid. In any case, I'd watch the show if it ever became a reality.

[Faithless]

Fox bought the series at first, but then turned it down because the content was apparantly too risque for them :rolleyes:
Aint that a bitch, because --

I was talking to a coworker about one of those Fox cartoons and he was explaining about some mature theme that was on there -- a discussion about sex, per chance?

Was the series ever considered by BET?

It says here ... (http://www.bet.com/Site+Management/Packages/ReginaldHudlinNewPresidentofEntertainment.htm?wbc_ purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished)

Hudlin also won a BET Comedy Award in 2004 for his directing and producing work on Fox Network’s "The Bernie Mac Show". Prior to joining BET’s executive ranks, Hudlin signed to direct Chris Rock’s new sitcom "Everybody Hates Chris" for BET’s Viacom-owned sister channel UPN. In addition, he will also serve as executive producer on the new animated adaptation of the edgy comic strip, "The Boondocks" which premieres on Cartoon Network in November.

[Irezumi Kiss]

Was the series ever considered by BET?
Not sure how BET is these days, but that network and McGruder used to be blood enemies to the bitter. The content of BET back in the day was highly questionable and McGruder would mercilessly slam the network in his strip.

[nonamerasian]

BET's content is more questionable today than it has been before.

I don't see them taking in "Boondocks."

Are more things with a bit of substance?

Hell no!

[Faithless]

Okay, that makes sense.

I was thinking that Boondocks probably deserves a (cable) channel that can handle the controversy and would be willing to put the contect as McGruder would have it in a better time slot. Maybe MTV?

[Irezumi Kiss]

Well, it is part of the Adult Swim lineup...you can get away with more touchier fare than usual there...

[TB4000]

Anyone else catch it last night? The psuedo Samurai Champloo opening and theme song is pretty cool, and most of the humor was pretty much based on the kids being the only blacks in an all white neighborhood. The funniest character was Uncle Ruckus, the self hating black man.

[haplesshobo]

When I was younger, I never was able to grasp the humor in political cartoons...you guys think it will make much of a difference if little kids watch this or not? Wouldn't they just find it too confusing or boring like I did with the Simpsons? Maybe I was just stupid. In any case, I'd watch the show if it ever became a reality.

Its better that the show is a cartoon as that allows it to get away with more stuff than if it used real actors. Look at the some of the stuff Simpsons have been getting away with for years or what South Park has been doing, but without that much controversy. This way, the show doesn't have to pull any punches as a cartoon.

But, after watching the show, I don't think I would necesairly watch it again. I missed the first five minutes, but I just didn't find the other stuff that funny. The voices for the two brothers just didn't sound right.

[nameless]

I think it's a good show to have, but it needs to have more jokes throughout the episode. On the plus, Charlie Murphy's part had me cracking up. John Witherspoon did, too, but the design of the character and that rant delivery didn't sync up too well imo.

Side note, I thought it was cool how [AS] was lauding Boondocks during the commercials. Then I see the preview for "Perfect Hair Forever." From what I remember, that show is nothing but digs on anime and Japanese culture (which in essence is just a joke to all Asians). Just goes to show how ready people are to accept pop culture, but turn around and make fun of you. :rolleyes:

[TB4000]

http://www.geocities.com/terrence_20_21/Boondocks_Theme.mp3

Found the theme song.

[TB4000]

Anyone else been watching the eps? There have been a couple slow ones, but for the most part I enjoy it. People have been griping about the "offensive" nature, but I think people outside the community need to know what the deal is.

[eos]

me me me!!!! i think it's pretty funny. i'm glad there's something like this on tv. matches my humor a bit more. the episode where gangstalicious gets shot....LOL i think that's my fave episode so far.

[nonamerasian]

I enjoy it for the most part.

That uncle is a trip.

[TB4000]

Uncle Ruckus?
That dude is ridiculous.

[mr. x]

haven't watched, what topics does the show cover?

and it is the original cast right? Huey and company i mean, cuz in t he ads it looks like a kid who's a cross 'tween riley and cesar