Ed, Edd N' Eddy

[Ditchy McAbandonpants]

Sparky: I know that it can be hard to overcome a mental stigma against something, but given that you're a cartoon fan generally and especially given that you're a Foster's fan, I would really urge you in the strongest possible terms to give The Powerpuff Girls a proper chance; it is without question my favourite cartoon show, and one of the sharpest, most stylish, cutest, and funniest shows there is. I don't know how much of a fan you are of Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Lab, Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars), but he was also a key player in the early days of PPG, and what you get is a perfect blend of his and Craig McCracken's sensibilites, with Tartakovsky's kinetic, hard-hitting visuals and rapid-fire pacing combining brilliantly with Craig's knack for lovable, imagninative character design and hilarious character-based comedy. All of the qualities I love about Foster's - imagination, wit, offbeat idiosyncracy - are abundant in PPG, which is unsurprising given how many of the key creative team they share, even beyond Craig; there's writing from Amy Keating Rogers and Lauren Faust, a fantastically diverse score from Jim Venable, and outstanding central performances from the likes of Tara Strong, Tom Kane and Tom Kenny (who in my opinion puts in his best work here, and THAT's saying something). Most of all, it's just wonderfully universal entertainment which takes its premise, themes and characters and presents them with such warmth, wit and style and I feel that literally anyone could enjoy it; not bad for a show about three five-year-old girls.

As I recall, the Season One DVD set is due out this June, and I wouldn't hesistate in recommending everybody here to buy it; it really is worthy of the highest possible endorsement.

(Err, OK, you can go back to the actual topic now. Sorry. )