The animated networks have been producing a factory of series for toddlers, young children, teenagers, and adults. These shows are being positioned as the main attractions, and among them, the most anticipated is the release of the first 15 episodes of the series Evangelion, a 30-episode show already in production, with plans for the full release by June of this year.
Meteoro is the next series set to launch, followed by The Angry Beavers, and the next batch of Pokémon episodes, expected to drop in March. Pokémon has become a massive hit due to the lovable and charming nature of the characters. However, that's not the only thing catching people's attention. The Star Wars mini-series has also been widely praised. These short video releases, just a few minutes each, have taken the younger generation and enthusiastic newcomers to Star Wars by storm, building anticipation for the upcoming movie, set to release soon.
-It's something that can't even be compared. They say the new Star Wars series was made to set up the next movie coming out in June, and I hear it's going to be another original trilogy, - said Bobby, an eleven-year-old with wide, excited eyes, watching everything unfold. The Star Wars movies were first released in 1977.
-I'm not that into it; I prefer Pokémon,- responded his friend, holding a deck of Pokémon cards, clearly more enthusiastic about the trading card game and how Lux Toons was beginning to integrate itself into American geek culture and pop culture as a whole.
-That doesn't matter! Pay attention! In June, the first of the new Star Wars trilogy will come out, and there's a good chance they'll remake the series. We should watch the first three. My dad saw them on sale at the supermarket and said we could buy them to watch—they're on discount right now with all the excitement building up, - Bobby continued. His round glasses and innocent demeanor made him the picture of a perfect kid, according to his mom.
-I want to watch Pokémon!
-You're impossible.
-Are you talking about Pokémon? I heard they only have episodes up to the Electric Gym Challenge, but my older brother told me you can figure out the next gym leaders from the games. The game's available on PC and NES, but I prefer playing it on the computer since we don't have an NES at home, - chimed in David, joining the conversation.
Pokémon cards had started appearing at the end of January, and the sales were already skyrocketing. Boxes of Pokémon cards were flying off the shelves as eager fans scrambled to complete their collections. But some saw the potential for playing with them, not just collecting. Pokémon cards were quickly becoming a must-have.
-Do you trade Pokémon cards?- asked Tim, the boy with the deck. The other kid shook his head no, but that same day, he went home asking his parents to buy him some packs, just like countless other kids whose parents would soon have to navigate the cartoon craze sweeping the country.
...
-Whoa, you've got a Charizard! - said Raimon, eyeing Craig's cards with jealousy. Raimon was a die-hard fan of cartoons, even if it meant spending his paycheck on things his mother constantly told him he didn't need.
-Oh, be careful; that's my baby,- Craig murmured.
-God, I'll buy it from you, Craig. Charizard is my favorite! - Raimon offered.
-I don't think it's worth selling, but I could trade it for a Dragonite and an Ivysaur. That sounds like a fair deal. Word is they're only going to release a limited number of these cards, - Craig replied, waving the Charizard in front of Raimon, who sighed and reluctantly agreed. Later that night, Raimon stopped by Comics & Toys and bought 100 packs to trade and also picked up the latest Star Wars comics.
But the craze wasn't limited to just Pokémon. It was spreading to the entire animation industry. The brief conversation could have been overlooked, but it was clear that animators everywhere were interested in working on shows like Pokémon, which had such a novel concept that made it instantly iconic.
-We should make the show here and not let some Japanese company handle it,- someone suggested.
-Are you crazy? We already have our hands full with Cowboy Bebop. That's taking all of our patience,- Paul retorted.
***
February 25.
-Thanks for picking us up,- Winona said as she and Monica climbed into the car, both looking exhausted. They had been filming non-stop, wrapping up the final scenes of Alien, directed by David Fincher.
-I had some free time, - Billy replied. After turning in two books and finalizing the scripts for several series, he finally had some well-deserved downtime. Now, he could spend long mornings relaxing with Monica, enjoying the warmth of the sun together.
Driving always helped Billy relax. For now, a black SUV tailed them, following the route, but Billy drove at a steady pace, not giving away much.
-Where are we going? - Monica asked with a smile, knowing what was likely coming.
-I'm taking you both to dinner at the newly re-opened restaurant. The chef recently earned a Michelin star, and they're celebrating big time. It's on the top floor of the hotel across from the corporate building on Boulevard. I made a reservation this morning. Funny thing—they didn't believe me at first, but they said they'd have a table ready if I showed up, - Billy explained.
Monica's eyes lit up with happiness.
-But we're not dressed for it. It's probably a place where they expect formal attire, - Winona pointed out, glancing at her outfit: jeans and a loose black band tee from the '70s.
-She's right, love, - Monica agreed.
-We'll buy something on the way,- Billy nodded, already thinking about the sketchbook he had brought along to storyboard his next series, Ed, Edd, and Eddy.
For now, the goal was to turn in the scripts, settings, and colors, and pack everything up. The Angry Beavers had just finished production, but the series Astronauts and the final touches on the movie El Musica were among the most important projects that were nearing completion, ready to kickstart a new phase.
The two women's eyes sparkled with excitement. Shopping. A magical word that some men underestimate, but for them, it was a delight. They stopped at an upscale shopping district in the city, filled with high-end boutiques. Seated on plush sofas, the women began trying on dresses, heels, and all sorts of accessories. The store manager's eyes lit up as they entered.
-I'd like a pearl necklace, - one of the shop attendants suggested.
-It looks stunning on you, - said another.
-Unbelievable how someone can wear something so grand with such grace,- yet another remarked.
The shopping spree lasted about an hour—plenty of time for Billy to finish sketching out the pieces of his storyboard with his usual meticulous care.
-Yeah, Billy gives me an allowance every month so I can buy my things, - Monica said softly to Winona. Both women shared a common trait—big eyes and a soft, gentle gaze that could win over anyone's compassion. They seemed delicate, but they were anything but. After their purchases, they left to attend a special dinner. Many people would be at the grand re-opening, and it was going to be the center of attention that night.
-Does the outfit need anything else? - Billy asked as they got ready.
Monica raised an eyebrow in curiosity, unsure of what he meant. Billy moved closer, pulling out a pearl necklace—a stunningly expensive one, far beyond the budget of Monica's allowance. Gently, he placed it around her neck, brushing her hair aside to kiss the back of her neck. The blush on her face was a soft, endearing pink that warmed her from the inside out.
-You don't have to say anything. The jeweler was right—you look enchanting in this. It would've been a crime not to buy it for you. I think it only adds to your beauty, one that deserves to be shown to the world,- he whispered, his voice soft like a flower's touch, as his finger traced lightly down her spine.
...
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!