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Post by Brandon on Sept 16, 2005 18:11:21 GMT -5
As you all may have noticed by now (well, how could you not) I'm a big fan of the Bruce Timm DC Animated shows. The producers have consistently turned out great shows starting with the Batman cartoon in the early 90s, then on to Superman, Batman Beyond, and now the Justice League. In every incarnation the animated team has managed to distill out the very best of the DC characters, many times putting forth versions that outshine their comic book counterparts. I have found myself at times wishing DC would take a few more cues from the animated universe and deliver a cleaner continuity and more powerful stories.
SO, it should come as no shock that I am tremendously excited about the debut of the new season of Justice League Unlimited on Cartoon Network tomorrow night (Sept. 17th).
Last season was a powerhouse with the who Justice League vs. Cadmus arc and this one promises to keep going strong. Word on the street is that we'll get to see a new Legion of Doom in response to the expanded ranks of the JLU from the last two seasons. Well, expanded meaning practically every major character in the DCU. Also up is Carter Hall, the Legion of Super-Heroes, and the Seven Soldiers of Victory! *head explodes* Couple that with an appearance by the Doom Patrol this season on Teen Titans and I'm a pretty happy fanboy.
Let's see, the episodes airing tomorrow are "We are Legion" and "Shadow of the Hawk" so please consider checking it out, if nothing else than so I can have others to talk to about the new shows!
The WB execs have started making new Batman cartoons with plans for a new Superman series and another for the Legion. If all are by the Matsuda team, then they are most certainly not the same level of quality and storytelling as we've seen from the past 10+ years by Bruce Timm & co. so I say enjoy these Justice Leagues while they last!
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Post by darkknightdetec on Sept 16, 2005 18:26:02 GMT -5
I 100% agree with you. Timm is a genious when it comes to the DCU. He knows what makes every character who they are and only alters minor things. I can't wait for the back-to-back episode debut tomorrow night at 10! But I have heard sad rumors that Timm's animated cartoons might be cancelled and replaced with a Teen Titans style Legion of Superheroes cartoon (I think Teen Titans is one of the worst cartoons ever). And yes, I have heard the rumor of a Superman cartoon from the creators of "The Batman" (which I also don't like, not as much as Teen Titans though). All in all, Bruce Timm seems to be the only person who can animate the DCU right (just like it seems as if Christopher Nolan is the only person who can do a Batman movie right). It would be a shame for Bruce Timm's cartoons to die.
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Post by Brandon on Sept 16, 2005 19:03:50 GMT -5
The rumor around the Legion cartoon ousting the JLU was debunked by Dwayne McDuffie (if that is the same one I heard that purportedly had Sam Register trashtalking Bruce Timm). There is going to be a Legion cartoon but it won't carry the same production crew and shouldn't have any direct effect on the JLU. It does seem that the WB execs want a "fresh new take" on the cartoons and is why they seem so gung-ho on the Matsuda/Murakami team. Please keep in mind though that these are the same ad wizards that greenlighted Loonatics so you can see where the mindset is. It's sad though that the Timm version is being swept under the rug (or at least banished over to Boomerang) for these new watered down versions. God, the terrible mischaracterizations on The Batman are mindboggling after seeing the Dini/Timm team do such an amazing job. Don't even get me started.  I guess only time, and DVD boxset sales, will tell who has the better cartoons at this point. I will take up for the Teen Titans though (and seem to be one of only three people on the internet who will do so). They targeted this one directly at kids and hit their mark. I have two daughters (one 5 and another 2-and-a-half) who absolutely love the cartoon and collect the toys with a fervor, and to me that's cool. The fact that my girls even know or care who Speedy is makes the cartoon a success (which it is ratings wise, just above Justice League, so I assume it is popular with a lot of kids around the country). The fact that this cartoon is spawning a new generation of DC fans thrills me to no end. I am part of the Wolfman/Perez generation of Teen Titans fans so I can see where a lot of older fans would have loved to have seen something closer to that, but to be honest I think if the cartoon had been done closer in style to JLU then it would have missed its audience and died after a season or two. But for those who can see past the anime influences and silly moments on the cartoon, there are an amazing amount of references to the Wolfman/Perez books (Marv has even written a couple of episodes) and that will be much more evident this season when they introduce just about every Titan ever from Jericho to Kole. Anyway, that's my two cents. Sorry to rant a bit. |
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Post by Admin on Sept 18, 2005 7:11:45 GMT -5
I have to weigh in on this.
On KSM's suggestion, I decided to give JLU a chance last night (I haven't seen any of the DC animated stuff of the last ten years or so).
I was blown away!
Not sure what I was expecting (maybe the Superfriends of my childhood) but this was relatively sophisticated adult entertainment! I was hooked with the first episode! Legion of Doom! Grodd! King Farraday (curse them, they beat us to him!)! Blackhawk Island! Then, the second episode---! "Shadow of the Hawk"...? Could I have asked for a better episode to get me hooked? Shiera (though I guess she's Shayera in this, right?) was gorgeously rendered and perfectly characterized! A Silver Age/Modern day amalgam of Hawkman (I can live with it--- it was very well done!)!
There were so many elements that worked together to make this an extremely enjoyable experience. Whoever the creators are (Dini and Timm, right?) obviously have great love and respect for these characters and their histories (for instance, the alias of Carter Hall that Batman discovers, Joseph Gardner, are the first names of the Silver Age Hawkman creative team of Joe Kubert and Gardner Fox! Little things like that get my attention and make me a fan!). In fact, they have a sort of DC2 going on themselves (inasmuch as they have branched from regular continuity).
So now I have a few questions.
1. Is Saturday at ten the regular time?
2. How many seasons have their been, and are they out yet on DVD?
Thanks for the tip, Brandon. I'm hooked!
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Post by darkknightdetec on Sept 18, 2005 13:52:02 GMT -5
So now I have a few questions.
1. Is Saturday at ten the regular time?
It used to be on on Saturday at 8:30, then last season they moved it to 9:00, and now it's on at 10:00 and 10:30. But the thing that gets so many of us fans mad is that they have so fewer airings than Teen Titans (which, IMO, is a bad show. It's too aimed towards kids. JLU seems to target both kids and adults) and they scarcely advertise it, and it's on pretty late. I can't figure out why Cartoon Network is trying to hide a show as good as this. This is the DCU at its best.
2. How many seasons have their been, and are they out yet on DVD?
This is their fifth season. The first two seasons were just called "Justice League" and only featured Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, Martian Manhunter, The Flash, and Green Lantern (the episodes were still pretty good though). Then, in season 3, they renamed the show "Justice League Unlimited" and included what seems to be another hundred heroes (a lot are just in the background though. Hawkgirl seems to be one of the main characters in the majority of the episodes. The only episodes that are on DVD yet (Besides the feature-length movie "Starcrossed") are just $9.00 DVDs with three or four episodes on them. But Warner Bros. seems to be releasing the DVD boxsets in the order of which the shows came out, (Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited). Right now, they're still releasing episodes from Superman: The Animated Series and they are going to release the boxset of The New Batman Adventures soon.
Anyway, you should definately keep watching this show. I would argue that it's the second best cartoon on TV now (next to The Simpsons).
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Post by fatbatfan576 on Sept 18, 2005 15:36:07 GMT -5
The Justice League Unlimited is probally better than Batman The Animated Series. I mean, this show makes almost every character's characteraztion dead on, and Batman actually has a sense of humor, what a novel concept!!!! It is a show that has things an adult can laugh at and makes heroes heroes. I mean on "Shadow Of The Hawk" last night didn't you see Carter look at Shayera, when the camera lifts up to her head on the long shot. This show also makes John Stewart alot more interesting than he is in the comics.
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Post by Brandon on Sept 18, 2005 20:26:34 GMT -5
After hyping this up I wound up getting back into town late on Saturday and missed the eps. Argh! I did happen to halfway watch the second one while at the house we were visiting. "Here's kids, let's find something on TV!" *switches through channels furiously to find Cartoon Network* It was great getting to finally see Hawkman! I've been waiting patiently for the episodes to pop up somewhere online (eh, non-downloaders pay no attention to this) and will get to see them in the next day or two. Glad you liked the show, David. This season is going to be a bit of an homage to the old Super Friends show but only in general structure. The storytelling, animation, and talent are all top notch and worth sticking around for. This is the 5th Season. As mentioned, the show started focusing on the Big Seven (Hawkgirl stepping in for Aquaman) in two-part hourlong episodes, which btw are re-airing at 1am Central on Friday nights/Saturday mornings on Cartoon Network. The third season expanded the roster immensely and the show went to the half hour format but usually carries a longer ongoing storyarc through the season. This particular season promises to show lots of new villians so it should be pretty cool. The show times have changed over time but the new slot seems to be at 9pm central on Saturday. I would say just check the schedule on the CN website whenever you are in doubt. The WB have really been dragging their feet on the whole boxset issue so right now you are only going to be able to find DVDs with several episodes on them. As mentioned, the earlier eps are there if you want to record them or if you want I could maybe hook you up with CD-Rs. I have most of them on disc. Let me know. David, there are many easter egg-type homages to the comic creators and history of the characters in the cartoon so you shouldn't be disappointed there. These guys are obviously fans. And this Hawkgirl is Shayera from Thanagar. There was a Thanagar three-parter a few seasons back where she had to choose loyalties between the League and her homeworld so that is why she isn't wearing her traditional costume at the moment. But, it looks like that could change... |
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Post by darkknightdetec on Sept 19, 2005 13:48:27 GMT -5
I like Hawkgirl better without the costume.
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Post by Brandon on Sept 20, 2005 8:19:49 GMT -5
Okay, finally got ahold of the episodes. Woo! Great way to start off the season. Lots of cool villian cameos, which was sorely needed. We've seen just about all of the DC heroes just short of the Metal Men so it's good to see more of the bad guys. Nice revamp of the Key too. It was also interesting to see Grodd pulling the strings on Luthor this time. Luthor certainly isn't himself these days and it seems a little uncharacteristic to see him so accepting of both Grodd and Brainiac taking charge over his own interests. But of course you know Luthor has his own plans. Yet another interesting take on the Luthor/Brainiac team by the way. Also cool to see the earthbound headquarters of the League. I kept imagining something like the Hall of Justice but they've definately gone past that. It is very much like the Watchtower but on the ground. And where exactly is Farraday from? The name is familiar but I'm just not placing it. He's a bit of a curveball too as it looked like Amanda Waller was going to be the go-between at the end of last season. The Hawkman episode was also very nice. Great characterization all around. Batman played a very interesting part also even though it's funny to imagine him scouring the internet message boards to track Carter's activities. Ha. And Hawkgirl, to be honest when I first heard the line-up for the League way back before the first season I thought for sure her character would be the weakest and most overshadowed of the bunch. But Timm & Co. have done exactly the opposite. Her ongoing story and character development has proven the most interesting by far. It was also cool to see the contradiction of Warhawk brought up by Green Lantern. And oh yeah, Shadow Thief! The first few episodes have always been the weaker of the season typically because there is so much set up going on, so to see the episodes start out so strong makes me think that this season is going be a particularly good one! Can't wait for next week.... |
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Post by Admin on Sept 20, 2005 18:17:46 GMT -5
Farraday is a Silver Age government operative, and we will actually be using him extensively in DC2 continuity (mostly in Green Lantern, but he will make appearances elsewhere as a major storyline builds for our second year)!
I agree 100% on Shayera! She was the standout character for me in both episodes--- in fact, KSM, please feel free to use her JLU features as a guide for the Golden Age Shiera in my Hamwkman miniseries--- her look was perfect!
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Post by Brandon on Sept 24, 2005 15:03:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the info, IW.
Okay, new episodes tonight!! On JUSTICE LEAGUE will be "Chaos at the Earth's Core" (Warlord!) and "To Another Shore" at 9pm central. Sounds like good stuff.
Also, at 7pm central tonight is the TEEN TITANS premiere. Doom Patrol is featured I think. Doom Patrol!! C'mon, you might not like the anime influence but how can you resist Doom Patrol!? I don't really collect comic-related toys but if they make action figures of DP, I'm buying them. The Brotherhood of Evil are the big bads this season so I'm not sure if Cliff and crew will just be around for a few eps or have a reoccuring role.
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Post by Brandon on Sept 24, 2005 23:21:52 GMT -5
Great stuff tonight. Doom Patrol! Words cannot express how happy it made me to see Cliff Steele in action. Very, very cool. Interesting take on the characters. Mento was actually pretty much a jerk but I suppose that will be his character arc. And it looks like DP will be reoccuring this season. Woo!
Justice League was cool too. Lots of fun seeing Warlord and supporting cast. The ep had a vague Lord of the Rings thing going on. There was a lot to take in so with all these episodes that try to present entire concept in 30 minutes it seems like things are being thrown at you right and left so it is a little difficult to digest on first viewing. I can't wait for a STRIPE figure to add to my robot collection. Oh, and new Supergirl costume!
The second episode was okay. A little weak plotwise. Devil Ray? What was that all about? Is it now un-PC to call him Black Manta? O-kay. They seemed to be taking new angles on Wonder Woman too. The costume-spin-change from the television show was definately new. And it looks like there could be a romance brewing there with Faraday. Great Viking Prince sequence though. Not sure who's art style they were featuring but it looked great.
From the previews they ran during the credits it looks like we're getting a Rogues Gallery ep soon for Flash. Was that the Mark Hamill version of the Trickster? Weird. Y'know they won't have any trouble getting him to do the voice so that will be cool.
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Post by darkknightdetec on Sept 27, 2005 13:20:21 GMT -5
Great stuff tonight. Doom Patrol! Words cannot express how happy it made me to see Cliff Steele in action. Very, very cool. Interesting take on the characters. Mento was actually pretty much a jerk but I suppose that will be his character arc. And it looks like DP will be reoccuring this season. Woo! Justice League was cool too. Lots of fun seeing Warlord and supporting cast. The ep had a vague Lord of the Rings thing going on. There was a lot to take in so with all these episodes that try to present entire concept in 30 minutes it seems like things are being thrown at you right and left so it is a little difficult to digest on first viewing. I can't wait for a STRIPE figure to add to my robot collection. Oh, and new Supergirl costume! The second episode was okay. A little weak plotwise. Devil Ray? What was that all about? Is it now un-PC to call him Black Manta? O-kay. They seemed to be taking new angles on Wonder Woman too. The costume-spin-change from the television show was definately new. And it looks like there could be a romance brewing there with Faraday. Great Viking Prince sequence though. Not sure who's art style they were featuring but it looked great. From the previews they ran during the credits it looks like we're getting a Rogues Gallery ep soon for Flash. Was that the Mark Hamill version of the Trickster? Weird. Y'know they won't have any trouble getting him to do the voice so that will be cool. Did you really? I thought the first episode was weaker than the second. I really liked the mythology behind the second episode. Anyway, JLU RULES! |
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2005 16:44:42 GMT -5
Where did this show go? Did it get canceled already? Was it a four episode season?
Man, just as I was getting into it...!
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Post by darkknightdetec on Oct 10, 2005 10:08:01 GMT -5
Where did this show go? Did it get canceled already? Was it a four episode season? Man, just as I was getting into it...! Cartoon Network seems to have an unsaid bias against this show. They never adventise it, and they put it on really late at night. Their newest ploy is to only put it on when there are new episodes. When there aren't new episodes, they replace it with anime crap. I just don't get why they would want to hide a show that is such a great written show and gets such high ratings like this one. For some reason, they like Teen Titans (crap) so much that they put it on like two or three times a day, but they won't even put JLU on weekly. |
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Dr Dread
Staff 
The Odious-1
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Post by Dr Dread on Oct 10, 2005 11:27:07 GMT -5
Where did this show go? Did it get canceled already? Was it a four episode season? Man, just as I was getting into it...! Cartoon Network seems to have an unsaid bias against this show. They never adventise it, and they put it on really late at night. Their newest ploy is to only put it on when there are new episodes. When there aren't new episodes, they replace it with anime crap. I just don't get why they would want to hide a show that is such a great written show and gets such high ratings like this one. For some reason, they like Teen Titans (crap) so much that they put it on like two or three times a day, but they won't even put JLU on weekly. The reason why Cartoon Network prefers Teen Titans over JLU is because TT falls under their advertisers target demographic, JLU not so much. Even if JLU can draw more audience, CN can sell more advertising time on Teen Titans. As for why Cn is pre-epmoting JLU. Many times, broadcasters to do because they simply don't want the show, but are contractually obligated to carry it. Cartoon Network probably got JLU with a package with Teen Titans and the Batman series and maybe a few other shows added. They don't want JLU, but they have to buy it. If they screw JLU and cause the rating to plummet, they can maybe get the show cancelled and then they don't have to pay for it in the package anymore. Of course, that's my best guess, and I know other broadcasters who do the same thing (like Fox). It comes down to money, even if JLU is a hit, advertisers aren't interested in you guys. The advertisers have toys to sell, and they need the youger audience to target. Sad but true.... |
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Post by Brandon on Oct 10, 2005 17:49:10 GMT -5
WB/Cartoon Network isn't forced into any programming with JLU. The produce the show under their own animation department along with Teen Titans and The Batman. Most of what you see on CN is their own original programming outside the anime shows they purchase. Most of the older shows they have (like the Hanna-Barberas and the Looney Tunes, etc.) all wind up on Boomerang.
I don't understand CN's Justice League programming at all. At first it was well-played. A couple of times on the weekend, then it ran during the week for awhile as they got more shows under their belt, but last year that all went out the window. Now they show the new eps only once and rerun them rarely. They show older eps but late, late at night on Fridays. The programming has only been spaced way out to draw out the 13 episodes in a season, mostly showing the new episodes during months for ratings sweeps, but this has been going on since the Batman/Superman cartoons ran on the WB. This time out, I don't know. We get two blocks on new eps and then nothing. I'm guessing we'll see more next month? It really is crazy. This show has always been a strong ratings earner with a dedicated audience but the schedule has been all over the place with new eps only in small runs. I guess they know their audience will find them no matter what, but it seems like the could at least make a regular spot for the show. It is nearing the number cut-off number that CN usually marks for the end of a series so this or the next season could be the last and there might just not be a focus on the show from the higher ups. Who knows?
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Dr Dread
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Post by Dr Dread on Oct 10, 2005 18:20:14 GMT -5
WB/Cartoon Network isn't forced into any programming with JLU. The produce the show under their own animation department along with Teen Titans and The Batman. Most of what you see on CN is their own original programming outside the anime shows they purchase. Most of the older shows they have (like the Hanna-Barberas and the Looney Tunes, etc.) all wind up on Boomerang. Hmmm... You're right, CN is owned by WB. Didn't know that. As you said, they found their audience, they may just not have found any company specifically wanting to advertise on JLU, so they float it. |
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Post by Brandon on Jan 26, 2006 9:44:51 GMT -5
So WB is still mum on what exactly is happening in their animation department next season. Lots of potential shows still being rumored. Supposedly nothing has officially been cancelled and whenever the new season of JUSTICE LEAGUE finally resumes (word on the street is June. JUNE?!?) it's fate will depend on the ratings it gets.
BUT!
It seems that they are already airing new episodes in Europe (last season they did the same thing but they aired first in Canada) and therefore there are four spankin' new eps of JLU floating around on the internet out there for those so inclined to go looking for them.
Or more specifically...
505 - Flash and Substance
506 - Dead Reckoning
507 - Patriot Act
508 - The Great Brain Robbery
;D
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Dr Dread
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Post by Dr Dread on Jan 26, 2006 12:56:58 GMT -5
God bless the internet nerds!
At the end of episode 508, you see some clips of the upcoming Legion of Superheroes episode.
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Post by Brandon on Jan 26, 2006 21:41:18 GMT -5
Okay, I just found something saying new eps in February. What is wrong with CN? Are they all crazy?
Well, at least they are airing the new ones soon.
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Post by brigante133 on Jan 26, 2006 21:51:42 GMT -5
theyd rather play more lame anime i heard. that and anything seth mcfarlane craps out....
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Post by deadshot042 on Jan 26, 2006 23:55:24 GMT -5
First off, how do I watch the new episodes?
Secondly, could anyone help me find a way to watch the Task Force X episode? It is quickly approaching holy grail status, since I have not been able to watch since I first missed it.
Friggin' cartoon network wouldn't know a good cartoon if it started humping their leg.
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Post by Lantern Lad on Jan 27, 2006 0:04:39 GMT -5
I second that... Where do you find the new episodes on the net???
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Dr Dread
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The Odious-1
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Post by Dr Dread on Jan 27, 2006 0:48:30 GMT -5
Well, I'm not the one who told you. You guys already know of Bit Torrent. Now I'm not advocating you go to a site like isohunt and type justice league unlimited in the search window. If you did, you probably could choose from a number of episodes there. Not that I'm advocating, advertising nor encouraging it. That's just bad behaviour!  |
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Post by Brandon on Jan 27, 2006 7:47:42 GMT -5
And if you don't go to Isohunt you certainly won't want to go to mininova.org either. And don't think that Limewire is any better just because it's a little more simple to use. It's all internet hackery and decent folks shouldn't be involved in it.
;D
And I just so happened not to get two of the eps already, which is good because they certainly wouldn't be worth looking at just because they supposedly feature Flash's Rogues and Deadman.
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Post by brigante133 on Jan 27, 2006 9:38:15 GMT -5
by the looks of the summary at tv.com, the episode called patriot act is a seven soldiers of victory episode.
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Post by darkknightdetec on Jan 27, 2006 14:55:34 GMT -5
JLU is starting again in the U.S. on February 11th at 10:30 PM!!!! This is great news, but it also makes me question why they put it on so late. It started at 8:30 on Saturday nights, moved to 9:00 when "The Batman" came on, then all the shows jumped foward an hour, which resulted in a 10:00 time slot, and now it's 10:30. How do they expect to get kids to watch it at that time? Yet another example of the bias of Cartoon Network against this show. But I'm not complaining, JLU IS BACK!!!
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Post by Brandon on Jan 27, 2006 17:25:02 GMT -5
I don't think the main audience for JLU is kids really. I think at this point they figure the demographic is guys like us and we'll watch it whenever they put it on. |
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Post by brigante133 on Jan 27, 2006 17:35:48 GMT -5
I think that its a conspiracy against vampires. why? they are out sucking blood at this point, how can they do that AAAND watch JLU? they can't. its on at the same time as their regular blood sucking time.
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I guess only time, and DVD boxset sales, will tell who has the better cartoons at this point.
