The Death of Toonami and Anime on Cartoon Networks

[Forgotten Hero]

CN aired up to Son Gokû using the Instant Kame Hame Ha on Cell.

...I must be think of three years ago then..or two years.

[Acid_Reign]

I heard about this from my brother the day the final broadcast aired, which was a surprise to me because I hadn’t kept up with the block in so many years. We set the TiVo up to record all the shows, but hadn’t gotten around to actually watching them until just now.

And I gotta say, even though I knew about it for a week, and had kept up with this thread somewhat, it didn’t really sink in until I actually saw Tom’s goodbye. And it was so short, too. I feel like it deserved more. And, looking back, I realize that it’s another classic example of something you don’t really fully appreciate until it’s gone. Toonami had an impact on my life. Which is weird to say for what was essentially a stylized way of stitching shows together, but it’s true.

My first experience watching DBZ was on Toonami—well technically, I first listened to DBZ, because my cable was out that day and I couldn’t tune in. A friend from elementary school, who recommended the show to me (and whom I’m unfortunately no longer in touch with), held his end of the phone up to the TV while it was playing. It was right in the middle of the Freeza Saga, so I had no idea what was going on, but I was hooked. I got my brother into it the next day (by lying and saying Pokémon was on so he’d watch it ), and we followed the series faithfully since then.

But Toonami was more than just a gateway into DBZ. For me, it was a gateway into animé in general. Though I had probably seen animé before, I never set it apart from “regular” cartoons until Toonami exposed me to it. What they presented was different and interesting enough that I wanted to learn more about it… I devoured anything about DBZ I could find online, and became acquainted with that and similar properties in a way that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Toonami was the platform that launched an interest in me about Japanese culture which continues to this day.

I still have fond memories of staying up to watch “Midnight Run.” I remember how utterly awesome it was that an afternoon programming block was coming on at midnight. You wouldn’t find that on any other network. I agree with MagicBox completely that they didn’t talk down to kids; it was like they were on your side almost, giving you an excuse to stay up late.

Thinking about it now, MR opened up a new avenue of musical taste to me. I had very limited musical interest at the time, but when they aired the animated music videos of Gorillaz, Daft Punk, and Kenna, they became instant favorites (I still get the CDs). Their original music was great too, which, along with their kick-ass commercials, never failed to get me pumped for their shows. Deep Space Bass was something I could close my eyes and relax to, or draw inspiration from any time I needed.

Last but certainly not least, Toonami provided a bonding experience for me. With other kids at school (From “Did you catch the new episode yesterday?”, to acting out different fight scenes as our favorite characters), but also within my family. I can recall watching the Garlic Junior mini-saga marathon, which ran on “New Year’s Evil” (and really, how cool of a name is that?) with my brothers and it was a blast. It was our own private party; something to get excited about when most of the other New Year’s Eve specials didn’t interest us. Though I was the only one that could stay up the whole way through (but only on my second try), it was one of the first of many all-night marathon events that we continue to hold.

I know this seems like a lot to say for something like this, but after being a televised presence for a little over a decade, it’s hard not to create a rich history with the viewers. It was interwoven with our lives; it was a part of growing up. It will be missed.

[SSj_Rambo]

My first experience watching DBZ was on Toonami—well technically, I first listened to DBZ, because my cable was out that day and I couldn’t tune in. A friend from elementary school, who recommended the show to me (and whom I’m unfortunately no longer in touch with), held his end of the phone up to the TV while it was playing. It was right in the middle of the Freeza Saga, so I had no idea what was going on, but I was hooked.

Wow, that sounds like fun... But honestly I have done the same thing with episodes on my Zune!

I can recall watching the Garlic Junior mini-saga marathon, which ran on “New Year’s Evil” (and really, how cool of a name is that?) with my brothers and it was a blast. It was our own private party; something to get excited about when most of the other New Year’s Eve specials didn’t interest us. Though I was the only one that could stay up the whole way through (but only on my second try), it was one of the first of many all-night marathon events that we continue to hold.

I love the commercial Toonami made for that one-day run, I have it downloaded on my computer!

[Super Sonic]

I remember when Midnight Run was showing G Gundam and G.I. Joe, and thought it was funny how G Gundam couldn't say the word "kill" but could show killing, while G.I. Joe could use the word "kill" but couldn't show killing. Yeah, I know it was due to Sunbow said show warefare but not consequences and for the Bandai shows the word "kill" was a no-no, but still...

[TheMajinRedComet]

Yes... People got erased in G Gundam.