*headdesk*

[snapdragon76]

Now, I have something I need to get off of my chest, and I hope I don’t hurt anyone’s feelings or sensibilities, and if I do, I’m sorry but this is how I feel.

I found out recently that there is going to be a remake of the series ‘Thundercats’ which was one of the many cartoons I grew up watching and loving as a kid. There are also remakes of ‘My Little Pony’ and one of ‘Voltron’ in the works.

DEAR GOD WHY?!?!?!?!

Well, I’ll tell you why.

Merchandising.

All of these shows had massive amounts of toys and tie in merch when they originally aired. I should know, I’ve had a few of the toys myself. I have no issue with having merchandise with popular series. However, too many studios are making shows purely for the merchandising factor.

It makes sense because it’s a major money maker. Look at the shit tons of merchandise you can find for the Star Wars series. It’s made Lucasfilm a huuuuge chunk of change in the ensuing years. Sure, there have been some cool and rare collectables over the years. I am not opposed to merchandising. I am opposed to making a show for the sole purpose of cashing in on the merchandising.

And let’s face it, that’s why the majority of these remakes are being done. I mean, why else? There is nothing wrong with the original series as they stand. Sure, some of them have aged a bit… some more than others… but that’s what adds to the charm.
Granted, I may be a little biased since we’re talking about shows I loved (and still love) as a child. Growing up as an only child in a single parent household, I had to entertain myself somehow and the cartoons I watched after school and on Saturdays was a big part of that for me.

Plus, I am someone who hates remakes. Especially unnecessary ones (which, TBH, a majority of remakes are). I think the originals should stand on their own.

Start thinking out of the box, people. What happened to originality?

If they decide to remake ‘Jem’ as a Hannah Montana clone, I will officially give up on humanity as a whole…

Comments

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Well, it was good enough (and still is) for our generation, but people evolve, and things too, and animation styles...

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

Yes, I suppose that's true...

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

The point of remakes, good ones anyways, is to allow characters to keep existing and inspiring future generations. And for that, designs need to evolve and characters too. Female characters, for instance, have gained a lot during the last 20 years. It doesn't mean that the original is bad. I see it as evolution, and the sharing of beloved characters and the conservation of stories. After all ,fairy tales would have gone nowhere if people weren't re-telling and re-making them all the time, amiright?

however, I really get what you mean about the phenomenon being unecessary and a cheap way to cash in an existing brand. Because yes, it is. But, with the right person on the project, it can turn into something really, really good. Adaptations and remakes have a lot of potential. It just takes the right people.

Sorry. I'm gonna step off my soap box now.

My general point is, I guess, to not judge something before it's been seen, but that I totally get your point too.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

Yes, I see your point.

We both have our opinions and they are both valid.

[secondlina.livejournal.com]

Indeed. Both opinions are valid. It really comes down to personal preferences at this point.

Thoguh, I would still hope for a remake to be good, even if I didn't support it. I mean, if they are really going to harass my childhood, it better be well-written harassment.

[snapdragon76.livejournal.com]

LOL, yes! that is very important!