Cartoon Network launches new pirate animation

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 06/22/2009 8:46 PM

MANILA - Teaching kids to stay happy even when times are glum, Cartoon Network recently launched its new pirate-adventure animation called "The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack."

The cartoon has all the elements of misadventure, with a giant talking whale named Bubbie, an innocent but gullible boy named Flapjack, and a catankerous pirate named Captain K'nuckles.

Together, they explore the high seas beyond the idyllic Stormalong Harbor and meet all sorts of monsters and discover treasures in the search for the mythical "Candied Island."

Despite the dangers and challenges they face in their crayon-watercolor world, Flapjack and his buddies still keep soldiering on with a smile and lots of laughs to boot.

"[The cartoon] brings out the positive messages of exploration and optimism even in the face of mishaps, with a burst of ingenious humor that is sure to elicit laughter from both kids and parents alike," said Lucien Harrington, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia Vice President for Branding and Communication, in a statement.

The toon's creator and illustrator, Thurop van Orman, said that the main character "Flapjack" is loosely based on his blonde blue-eyed son's kooky expressions.

He told Fanpop.com that he had been working on the animation for "The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack" for several years before Cartoon Network gave the go-signal, and that he had the "time of his life."

Asked what makes a good cartoon, Van Orman said: "If a cartoon can make me uncomfortable, then I'll be tuning in again. If it can make me uncomfortable while I'm laughing my ass off, then I'll never miss it."

"If I get misty-eyed because it's so sweet or heartfelt, I get uncomfortable because it's a cartoon. If, while I'm uncomfortable about the irony of crying during a cartoon, they hit me with the hilarious kind of irony, well, I reckon that's Hollywood gold," he added,

"The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack" has all the elements of a good cartoon and more, promising to be a "splash of humor that will cool any hot summer day."

To engage viewers more, Cartoon Network is set to launch "Flapjack's Terribly Terrific Treasure Hunt" on June 1 at the SM Mall of Asia, where winners will get a beach trip to Subic. Viewers can also join on-air and text contests for a chance to swim with dolphins.

The "Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack" premiered on June 15 at 5:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of Cartoon Network.

For more information, log on to www.cartoonnetwork.com.ph.

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