Anime programming block that kicked off in 1997 adds new seasons of ‘FLCL: Grunge’ and ‘FLCL: Shoegaze,’ and new series, ‘Housing Complex C;’ classic Toonami interstitials and specials will be showcased on air, online, and on Adult Swim’s social platforms.
Adult Swim is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Toonami programming block that first aired on Cartoon Network in 1997, introducing anime to a generation of fans in the United States. Since then, Toonami has evolved into the premier late-night haven for anime and action fans every Saturday night.
To mark the occasion, Adult Swim has picked up two new seasons of fan-favorite series FLCL, FLCL: Grunge and FLCL: Shoegaze, which are currently in production, and greenlit the original series, Housing Complex C, coming later this year.
First look trailer of FLCL: Grunge
“I can’t believe that somehow, against all odds, our little cartoon block has survived for 25 years on television,” commented Jason DeMarco, creative director of Toonami, and senior vice president, action and anime for WarnerMedia. “We’ve made it this far with support from our fans and our network, and we are truly grateful for both. Here’s to more adventures to come.”
Housing Complex C centers around Kimi who lives in a small, low-cost housing complex located in the seaside town of Kurosaki. Trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes, and horrific incidents begin to occur…is an ancient evil stalking the residents of Housing Complex C? The series is directed by Yuji Nara with script and original concept by amphibian. The animation studio is Akatsuki.
FLCL: Grunge is directed by Hitoshi Takekiyo and animated by MontBlanc Pictures and FLCL: Shoegaze is directed by Yutaka Uemura and animated by Production I.G x NUT. All three series are executive produced by Jason DeMarco and produced by Maki Terashima-Furuta (Production IG USA).
Long-time animated Toonami: Countdown hosts TOM (Steve Blum) and SARA (Dana Swanson) are at the center of Adult Swim’s Toonami celebration. Their characters are featured in Cosmo Samurai Part 2, a 4-part anime short. along with The Return, an all-new 2-part special with custom CGI TOM and SARA story telling piece premiering Saturday, March 19, and concluding Saturday, March 26.
As part of the anniversary festivities, classic Toonami interstitials and specials will be showcased on air, online and on Adult Swim’s social platforms that look back at key moments in Toonami’s past.
Source: Adult Swim
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
