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Author: John Maher

John Maher is news and digital editor at Publishers Weekly and editor in chief at The Dot and Line, which he co-founded. His work has been published by New York magazine, The Los Angeles Times, and Esquire, among others.
timmy turner fairly oddparents
TV

Fairly Oddparents and the Terror of “Tiimmy Turner”

August 2, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on Fairly Oddparents and the Terror of “Tiimmy Turner”

Or, how a Nickelodeon reference can depress the crap out of you while still being couched in an experimental-ish club banger.

Movies

Wrestling With the Animated ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’

July 27, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on Wrestling With the Animated ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’

DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation had every opportunity to make this film better — and they didn’t take any of them.

Movies

Notes on ‘Belladonna of Sadness’

June 20, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on Notes on ‘Belladonna of Sadness’

Viewer discretion HELLA advised.

Movies

Conroy v Balefleckman: Jawn of Grimdark

April 5, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on Conroy v Balefleckman: Jawn of Grimdark

The best Batflick is animated and you’ve probably never seen it. This one might be better. And darker.

wide whale venture bros
Interviews TV

Hal Lublin Breaks Down ‘Venture Bros.’ and Playing Up His Asthma: Exclusive

March 17, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on Hal Lublin Breaks Down ‘Venture Bros.’ and Playing Up His Asthma: Exclusive

We chatted with the comedian and voice actor on his craft, his health, playing to rooms filled with judgment, and how he came to voice Wide Wale — the soggiest archvillain of 2016.

TV

If Fandom Has Killed the Cliffhanger, Sign ‘Young Justice’ Up

March 5, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on If Fandom Has Killed the Cliffhanger, Sign ‘Young Justice’ Up

This year, three cartoons make unexpected returns. Justice demands a fourth.

batman the animated series eyes gif
Movies TV

Anatomy of an Animated Badass

February 17, 2016December 29, 2019 John MaherComments Off on Anatomy of an Animated Badass

Nine core qualities that make a cartoon cool.

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EDITORS PICKS

Rob Paulsen Just Can’t Get Enough

By Marley Crusch

We sat down with the voice legend himself to geek out about the incredible power of cartoons.

What the Iron Giant Can Still Teach Us About Friendship and Vulnerability

By Elly Belle

Two decades later, the film is still rich with poignant lessons—and with Vin Diesel's career-best performance.

animation is film

Animation Is Film Festival Keeps On Keeping On

By Ari Howorth

From exciting new releases to special anniversary screenings, the lineup was teeming with potential.

the last unicorn

35 Years Later, The Script for ‘The Last Unicorn’ Still Sparkles

By Christina Sterbenz

Why I love one of the most beautiful films in the cartoon canon—especially for its dialogue.

Somehow, the DuckTales Reboot Did the Impossible

By John Maher

The new ‘DuckTales’ is ducking great and if you disagree I don’t even want to hear another ducking word about it.

mr peanutbutter cartoon dogs

15 Cartoon Dogs, Ranked From Worst to Best

By The Dot and Line

Meet the dogs who defined what it means to be a cartoon canine. They are heroes. They are our best friends.

“Kota” Brings Pain, Tension, and Peril to UA’s Summer Camp

By Sarra Sedghi

And a cliffhanger leading us into the next episode.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Castles, Ranked

By John Maher

Dude loves castles.

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GREATEST HITS

Satoshi Kon’s ‘Perfect Blue’ Is More Relevant Than Ever

By Wyatt Erchak

Reconsidering the classic anime film on the occasion of its restoration and re-release in the US.

macie as told by ginger

Macie and Me, and the Little Seal Girl Makes Three

By Corinne Segal

On the subtle queer feminism of 'As Told By Ginger.'

2017 editorial | Editorial by MysteryThemes.