Enviro-Toons

This book takes an ecrocritical approach to analytical readings of animated feature films, short subjects and television shows. Beginning with the "e;simply subversive"e; environmental messages in the Felix the Cat cartoons of the 1920s, the author examines "e;green"e; themes in such popular animated film efforts as Bambi (1942), The Simpsons Movie (2007), Wall-E (2008) and Happy Feet (2008), as well as James Cameron's live action/animation blockbuster Avatar (2009). The discussion extends beyond American films to include the works of Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki, including the Oscar-winning Spirited Away (2002). Also evaluated for their pro-ecological content are the television cartoon series South Park and Futurama. The appendix provides a list of film and television titles honored with the Environmental Media Award for Animation.