Ah, The Evergreen
Ebenezer Scrooge pleaded at his own graveside, "Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!" and thereafter got to do just that. Much of this year's animation may have Tannen-bombed just in time for the Holiday season but animation fans, like Scrooge, may still find succor. This season may be one of the best in recent memory for "evergreen" products, a term used to denote characters and items which are proven, consistent sellers. The most obvious example is the Looney Tunes gang; at this time, Taz and Tweety appear to be the most prevalent of the bunch in terms of licensing (although the entire line continues to be a strong seller). Love him or hate him, Scooby-Doo will undoubtably continue his licensing resurrection throughout the Holidays.

The best candidate for future "evergreen" status can be found in the aforementioned Powerpuff Girls franchise; the number of licenses presently stacks up higher than Mojo Jojo's turban and is still growing. These ineffably cute products appear to have "legs" (albeit tiny ones) as well as crossover appeal to children of both genders and beyond. The CD has just made its appearance as I write this, and there has even been a licensing agreement with Avon for the distribution of dolls. Look for sales to blossom (so to speak) this Christmas season.

The Tigger Movie. © Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sure to be a favorite! Digimon: The Movie.© 2000 20th Century Fox. All rights reserved.

There are other kisses waiting under the mistletoe too. Disney may not sell a lot of dinosaurs or Rhapsody In Blue playsets, but the success of The Tigger Movie guarantees that the ever-popular Pooh characters will be snuggled by many tiny tykes on Christmas Day. There are great hopes being pinned on the Action Man product line imported from Europe, but my guess is that another Japanese import may provide the most prevalent items graced with a ribbon and bow this Xmas. If you loved spending your coppers on (No! I won't type it!), then get ready to cash in your paychecks for Digimon. This will undoubtedly be followed next year by a series called Broke-emon, which is what most parents will be by Christmas 2001.

So it seems most of our holiday product this year will be as "evergreen" as our Christmas trees, since too many animated TV series and Web concepts were either axed or still a-borning while Santa was on vacation. Take cheer, however; sometimes a traditional, old-fashioned Christmas is the warmest and the best. Just ask Fred Flintstone; he'll be glad to sing all about it for you, and then sell you a Dino doll.

Martin "Dr. Toon" Goodman is a longtime student and fan of animation. He lives in Anderson, Indiana.