Editor escapes role as news junkie with book
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By Katelyn Gendron
Reminder Assistant Editor
SPRINGFIELD G. Michael Dobbs' office at Reminder Publications is somewhat of an anomaly in the newsroom. Like other managing editors, his desk is piled high with notes and lists of possible story ideas. But unlike most uptight, overworked and underpaid editors, his office is an eclectic mix of childhood toys, cartoon figurines and classic movie posters.
When stepping into his office one thing is for sure: the man has a deep affection for cartoon animation. Homer Simpson and Popeye reign supreme as Homer's eyes roll curiously as they tick around the wall clock and numerous Popeye figurines beg to be taken off his bookself and played with.
But for Dobbs, this obsession is not just for collectables his affinity is for animation's history, evolution and cultural significance since its inception over 100 years ago. Having researched and studied animation since his first exposure to the Bugs Bunny cartoons of his childhood, Dobbs has recently taken his plethora of knowledge and research and turned it into his first book, "Escape! How animation broke into mainstream in the 1990s."
In an effort to promote his work Dobbs will be available for a signing and informal discussion on Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Springfield City Library, located at 220 State St. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
Using his experience as an editor of two animation magazines, "Animato!" and "Animation Planet" during the 1990s, Dobbs details the evolution of the genre from the kiddy entertainment of Disney's "Steamboat Willie" in 1928 to the widely accepted adult animation entertainment of today. Within the book he includes his research, interviews and stories written for the two animation magazines and newspapers during the 1990s to detail the renaissance of the genre as it occurred.
"We were preaching a new type of faith, not just for kids," Dobbs said of his articles in "Animato!" and "Animation Planet" that documented the change in the demographic of animation. "The way I view animation is the way artists view mediums. The medium for expression in animation is wide open. It was fun to preach this part of the message."
Dobbs said that as animation received new critical acclaim during the '90s with shows like "The Simpsons," large cable networks such as MTV began a groundbreaking campaign to reach their desired demographic through animation series. What was once a Nickelodeon series for kids called "Ren and Stimpy" became a global phenomenon for 18 -- 24-year-olds. Then came "Beavis and Butt-Head," "Daria," "Family Guy," "Dilbert" and other animation series uniting viewers of all ages.
Another facet of animation, which Dobbs finds fascinating, is the way the cartoons have united generations of parents and children through the evolution of technology. He said the advent of VCRs allowed parents to buy classic cartoons such as the "Flinstones," "Looney Tunes" and "Popeye" on tape and share them with their children. Dobbs is currently putting his nephew through what he calls "cartoon college," where they watch classic animation and learn about its significance.
"He's digging the idea that it's school and [that he's] learning stuff by watching cartoons," Dobbs explained, adding that classic cartoons are only seven minutes in length, which caters to the minimal attention of children within the video game era.
Dobbs said the renaissance of animation is continuing even now with films such as "Beowolf" and "Persepolis," a French animated film that challenges the stereotypes that successful animation must be comedic in nature. "The sky is the limit for animation," Dobbs said, adding that he would even love to see an animated Western.
Dobbs said his motivation behind writing the book was "to explain a cultural phenomenon that no one else has taken the time to explain." His work also gives credit to all those cartoon animation aficionados once closeted in their adult years for liking the kiddy genre that have now become commercialized entertainment for all.
Dobbs said he encourages all to join him at the Springfield City Library later this month to discuss their love for animation and to learn more about the genre.
For more information about the signing go to the Springfield City Library's Web site at www.springfieldlibrary.org
or go to Dobbs' blog at www.outoftheinkwell.blogspot.com.
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