Review: Animation Outlaws

 

 

Overview:

The true outlaws of animation were a pair of anti-conformists who wanted to put together a festival to showcase animated shorts. Spike and Mike began the Festival of Animation and helped to establish an audience for the media and how it could be used.

Through shows that were more like a rock concert, Spike and Mike helped to establish many of the popular animators that we know and love today. And with their ‘Sick and Twisted’ genre, laid the groundwork for adult animated programs to find their audience.

This documentary showcases the rise of this punk-esque festival into the influential series it became. And how many animators today owe there break to the foresight and talents of Spike and Mike.

 

Our Take:

Adult animation is now the fastest growing sector of television today, but it wasn’t always that way. The early days were dominated by Disney and cartoons were considered for children. 

However, many independent artists were trying to find a platform to share their works. And without the tools of the internet and YouTube, there were not many options. Thankfully, Spike and Mike were the ultimate showmen and turned twisted indy cartoons into a night of entertainment.

Animation Outlaws is an important documentary for adult animation lovers like us.

Spike and Mike’s Festival of Animation helped many up-and-comers find their footing in an industry still young. Recognizable names and characters had their start with Spike and Mike including Nick Park with Wallace and Gromit, and Mike Judge with Beavis and Butthead. Even Pixar has its origins in the Festival of Animation including Oscar-winning animators.

These late-night festivals sound like they would have been the greatest of events. With beer and weed being ushered around, balloons falling from the ceiling, and of course the raunchiest of animated shorts to entertain. 

Even rock bands like Korn collaborated with Spike and Mike to create memorable shows that left audiences wanting more ‘Sick and Twisted’ cartoons.

While many of us may be ignorant to this adult animation movement that occurred throughout the west coast, there is no ignoring that it laid the groundwork for the genre. Networks like Adult Swim may never have found an audience, or the animators were it not for these underground festivals hosted by a couple of hippies. And the documentary will shock you with how many recognizable faces and talents share their appreciation for Spike and Mike.

If you are interested in a bit of the history of some of your favourite shows, or, if you just love animated shorts, then Animation Outlaws is a must-see. In fact, I would recommend watching the whole film just for the eclectic mix of animations that are featured throughout. Some of them are recognizable and nostalgic. While others are mind-blowing pieces that you have never seen before. This documentary is a perfect gateway to find creators that have gone under your radar. Exactly as the Festival of Animation itself intended to do for audiences.