In other words, this guy’s done a little bit of everything in the animation arena, and done it all well and with a lot of class. But strangely enough, it was never mentioned that Floyd’s justifiably-famous, just-short-of-notorious and just-plain-funny talent for coming up with brilliant observational cartoons may very well be his most unique talent.

How Much More Faster, Cheaper Can You Get?
About ten years ago, John Cawley published a collection of Floyd’s observational cartoons with the title Faster, Cheaper (a phrase often invoked during H-B’s weekly production meetings!) The paperback book was an instant hit among animation industry cartoonists, but long out of print, copies of it are now collector’s item. Recently freed from the studio lifestyle (page 117), Floyd has finally found the time to publish a sequel to Faster, Cheaper. But unlike the pale direct-to-video “cheapquels” that have recently inundated the market, Son of Faster, Cheaper (subtitled “A Sharp Look Inside The Animation Business”) is every bit as hilarious, and even more pointed, than its predecessor.

As always, Floyd’s rapier wit is on-target. It’s apparent that Floyd — who’s been an inside observer of the cartoon scene for more than 40 years — is somewhat disillusioned, disappointed and disgusted in his reactions to recent developments in the animation industry, including the misdirection many studios have suffered under their current managements. Neither hateful nor nasty, Floyd obviously loves cartoons and the process of creating them. That affection slightly softens the genuine outrage that simmers just below the surface of his most scathingly accurate cartoon commentaries.

No one this side of Gertie The Dinosaur’s Winsor McKay seems to be safe from Floyd’s pencil — not even Walt Disney himself! Other recipients of Floyd Norman’s friendly skewering include: Michael Eisner, Frank G. Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, John Lasseter, William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, Mickey Mouse, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan of the Apes, Winnie the Pooh, animation directors , story artists, middle management executives, the animation boom, the animation crash, 2D, CG, crappy direct-to-video sequels, the guy who operates the lunch wagon in the studio parking lot – even Michael Jackson! In fact, just about everyone and everything that are associated with the animation biz is potential targets for Floyd’s sharp-but-sweet wit. They all get their just desserts in Son of Faster, Cheaper, served up (with a cherry on top) by Mr. Fun himself.

(It also should be noted that this collection of cartoons amply displays Floyd’s versatility as a sketch artist, with gags drawn in a variety of loose, energetic styles using pencil, pen and marker.)

Losin’ the “Living Legend” Label
In recent years, the words “animation legend” have often been used to describe Floyd Norman. It’s not a label with which he seems to be comfortable. (Although “Mr. Fun” still seems to be acceptable — “legends” are for old guys!) His professional accomplishments aside, we should consider Floyd Norman to be the real-life Jiminy Cricket of the animation industry. Y’know, the unofficial conscience of the crass ‘n’ craven cartoon studios, often speaking from deep within the bellies of the Monstro-like corporate beasts themselves. But unlike the studio bosses and entertainment czars he often thumbs his nose at, Floyd is too smart to take his own unasked-for status as a “living legend” seriously.

In fact, I’ll bet this review is embarrassing the hell out of him right now. If I’m lucky, Floyd will draw a cartoon about it — or me — in a few minutes and you’ll eventually see it in Brother-In-Law Of Faster, Cheaper — or whatever Mr. Fun’s inevitable third collection or cartoons will be titled.

I, for one, can’t wait.

Son Of Faster, Cheaper: A Sharp Look Inside the Animation Business by Floyd Norman, Los Angeles, CA: Vignette Multimedia, 2003. 128 pages. ISBN: 1-881368-37-8 ($9.95). Available exclusively at www.afrokids.com.

Scott Shaw! has variously worked as an animation producer, director, writer, designer, gag man and storyboard and layout artist over the last 25 years. His most recent projects include drawing character models for Warner Bros.’ Duck Dodgers and storyboards for Warner Bros. What’s New, Scooby-Doo? and Disney’s American Dragon, as well as co-writing and directing a pilot/promo for Education Comics’ The Adventures of Scooter McDoogal. Scott also writes and draws stories for Bongo Comics’ line of Simpsons comic books. And, for the last four years, Scott has written a daily column on “the craziest comic books ever published,” Oddball Comics.