High-Profile Cartoons Set To Hit the Air In 2012

By Michael Lopez

Believe it or not, TV networks are already furiously preparing new series for fall, winter, and early 2012. Though audiences won’t see Charlie’s Angels or Good Christian Bitches any time soon, advertisers are already getting glimpses at television upfront presentations in New York. Interestingly, the Cartoon Network is generating some of the heaviest buzz right now with their announcement of several high-profile animated shows.

Animation fans of all ages have something to get excited about with the newest Cartoon lineup. Old school Warner Bros. aficionados will be treated to the all-new Looney Tunes Show. Featuring updated versions of Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, it promises new character designs, tons of big laughs, and more Latino flair with a revamped Speedy Gonzalez.

Children of the 1980’s will also get to enjoy some retro animated action with the return of the ThunderCats. Based on the classic battles of feline sword-slinger Lion-O and the evil Mumm-Ra, it’s supposedly giving the vintage after-school cartoon a much darker twist. But don’t worry, executives assured Deadline.com that Snarf will be back for plenty of comic relief.

Newer cartoon fans will be pleased to hear that last year’s How To Train Your Dragon is getting turned into a weekly series. Created by the same DreamWorks Animation team that produced the movie, it promises lots of family-friendly fun from Hiccup and Toothless. Of course, our big question is whether or not America Ferrera’s Astrid will make it to the small screen version. So far, it hasn’t been confirmed.

And don’t think for a minute that Cartoon Network isn’t capitalizing on the ongoing popularity of DC comics. Green Lantern: The Animated Series seems to be perfectly timed with Hal Jordan’s jump to the big screen. Though we doubt Lantern movie star Ryan Reynolds will lend his voice to the cartoon, it still has a lot of potential. Plotlines are said to include intergalactic fights with the Red Lantern Corps. and appearances from arch-villain Sinestro.

Other notable announcements included the martial-arts laden Lego Ninjago, The Problem Solverz mysteries, and giant rabbits in The Amazing World of Gumball. Seeing all of the energy and commitment Cartoon Network has poured into the new lineup goes to show that animation is definitely not just for kids anymore.

What are your all-time favorite cartoons? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Animation, Cartoon Network, Cartoons, Green Lantern, Hot Stuff, How To Train Your Dragon, Looney Tunes, Television, ThunderCats