The Venture Bros., Doc Hammer and Jackson Publick‘s completely gonzo cartoon chronicling the adventures of Rusty Venture, former boy adventurer now called Doc, his sons, the boys, Hank and Dean, and their bodyguard, Brock Samson. It’s returning – FINALLY! – for its fifth season on June 2nd on [adult swim] and is supposed to pick up events right after the Season 4 finale.

Don’t remember every crazy thing that happened? Need a refresher? No worries, this video right here will get you up to date with basically everything that’s gone down in the Ventureverse – from The Monarch and Dr. Girlfriend’s duoship to Brock’s new job with S.P.H.I.N.X. to Hank’s first time. So tune, drop out, relive four seasons of The Venture Bros. in only eight minutes,

Calling the complete history of The Venture Bros. complicated is an understatement. Were you to show this video to someone unfamiliar with the series, they’d stare at you like, “In what altered state have you been that you think this not only makes sense, but is entertaining?” Though, were they to totally dig it and want to watch more, you’ll know you’ve met a true friend for life. Venturoos are very devoted fanbase with great attention for detail, as any of my Dragon*Con Venture Party recaps can attest.

The Venture Bros. returns June 2nd on [adult swim] with this season featuring the guest voices of Aziz Ansari, Paget Brewster, Wyatt Cenac, Kevin Conroy, Bill Hader, John Hodgman, Gillian Jacobs, Kate McKinnon, Tim Meadows, J.K. Simmons, and Brendon Small. Holy hell, what an awesome lineup!

Source: io9

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With the success of the Veronica Mars Kickstarter campaign, it seems that everyone and their brother wants to save their pet project. SMGO.tv had that thought anyway, when they wanted to save the recently cancelled animated series Young Justice and Green Lantern: The Animated Series. Warner Bros, DC Comics and Cartoon Network pulled the plug on these shows, but the producers at SMGO.tv wouldn’t go quietly into that good night, and decided to raise the money themselves through Kickstarter. Bold move, but sadly it was not meant to be.

Here’s the official statement from SMGO on the matter.

“Hey all, I’ve been trying (all day) to come up with a slightly better way to say this, but I’m just going to give it to you straight. Warner said no – they don’t think we can reach our goals – do you believe that?”

I do believe that, actually. I admire their noble ambition, but it’s no easy feat to fund an animated series indie-style, let alone two. “A” for effort, but it was never going to be practical I’m afraid.

In the meantime, you can enjoy Cartoon Network’s new DC-based series Beware the Batman and Teen Titans Go! So there’s that.

Source: Blastr

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I hope you don’t have any important projects you’re working on or deadlines looming near, because your ability to be productive is doomed. Cartoon Network and Netflix have partnered to bring you hours of their best programming to Netflix’s Instant Streaming. There’s the classic Cartoon Cartoons - Dexter’s Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, Johnny Bravo – to their newer ‘toons – Adventure Times, Regular Shows, Chowder, Fosters’s Home for Imaginary Friends – and even the late night [adult swim] shows  - Robot Chicken, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Boondocks, Venture Bros. And that’s only a sampling of what’s now available to stream instantly!

The only drawback is it appears only the first season of all of these shows have been added, but with so many different shows – there’s even a few of WB’s superhero cartoons like Justice League and Batman Beyond, sadly no Batman: The Animated Series – there’ll be plenty for you to binge on. So, what’re you doing for the rest of the day?

Source: io9

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Just a quick update this morning for anyone anxious to see a live-action movie on the big screen based on the Cartoon Network series, Ben 10. The film is under development by uber-producer Joel Silver, the man behind The Matrix, Sherlock Holmes and Lethal Weapon films, and up until recently, Albert Torres (Henry Poole is Here) was toiling on the script. Now, it’s being reported by The Hollywood Reporter that Ryan Engle (New Line’s upcoming adaptation of the video game Rampage) will be reworking the screenplay.

Do you remember Ben 10? If not, here’s the premise courtesy of Wikipedia:

Ben 10 centers around Ben Tennyson, a ten-year-old boy on a cross-country summer vacation, with his cousin Gwen and their grandfather Max. On their first night camping in their grandfather’s RV affectionately named the “Rust Bucket,” Ben finds an alien pod with a mysterious watch-like device named the Omnitrix. The device then permanently attaches itself to his wrist giving him the ability to transform into a variety of alien life-forms each with its own unique skills and powers. With his newfound super powers Ben has to learn the responsibilities of being a hero. During their vacation, the Tennysons are attacked by various enemies ranging from space aliens to supernatural entities.

Source: Comic Book Movie

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Oh, what glorious news! About a month back series co-creator, Jackson Publick shared a bunch images from Season 5 and teased we’d likely see Venture Bros. return in either early March or late May, depending on when they finished work on the season premiere. Looks like things took longer rather than sooner, but we can now officially call May 19th as the premiere date for Venture Bros. Season 5.

In their usual, flippant style, [adult swim] announced the show’s return in one of their bumpers:

There you have it. Can’t dispute it when it’s present in black and white. Only about 14 more weeks to go. We can do it, Venturoos! Hell, we’ve already waited three freakin’ years!

Source: Venture Bros. Blog

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When Disney bought Lucasfilm it was expected The Clone Wars would pack up and leave Cartoon Network for a Disney-owned network, leaving a hole to be filled in CN’s Saturday morning lineup. What was unexpected was the sudden cancellation of their other two anchor cartoons, Young Justice and Green Lantern: The Animated Series, completely wiping out the morning cartoon block as it stands now.

If we’re to believe CN’s recent lineup announcement for late 2013 none of those three shows appear at all. In their place are Beware the Batman, the first CG animated Batman series, and Teen Titans GO!, a lighter, more comedic continuation of the early 2000′s cartoon, Teen Titans.

And now, I’ve learned, to stop becoming emotionally invested in things, because they’ll only end up cancelled. Seriously, these show’s only just returned from that bizarre and unnecessary hiatus and now they’re cancelled!? WTF?!! Plus, both series are in the middle of some major arcs, will they be allowed a proper conclusion? What about the Reach invasion? Will we ever see the Young Justice team reunited? What about the Manhunters? And the Anti-Monitor!? And after last week’s holy depressing GL:TAS episode, what will happen to Razer and Aya!?!!?

So many questions, not nearly enough episode to wrap things up. I don’t think Cartoon Network did either of these shows any favors moving them from Friday night to Saturday morning. And suspending their return last fall until January didn’t help either. We’ve sent a request for comment from Cartoon Network, but as of yet we’ve heard nothing. We’ll update this article is that changes. GL:TAS producer, Giancarlo Volpe has already acknowleged the cancellation via Twitter, making this seem pretty damn conclusive.

Ugh. I’m depressed. Neither Beware the Batman or Teen Titans GO! sound nearly exciting enough to get me out of this funk. How about you? If you’re truly upset over Young Justice and GL: TAS’ cancellation there’s a petition to bring ‘em back. Who knows what good it’ll do, but I’ve already signed.

Update: A source at Cartoon Network would not comment on Giancarlo Volpe’s tweet about the future of the shows, but they did say that “Young Justice and Green Lantern are still in premieres on Saturday mornings.”

They also told our Jason Tabrys that: “We are fully committed to the DC Nation block and to bringing our fans excellent action-adventure content. And of course, we’re very excited about the premiere of Beware The Batman as part of DC Nation later this year.”

Source: Screen Rant

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As fantastic as the Halloween special was it wasn’t nearly enough Venture Bros., especially when you consider there hasn’t been a new season since 2010! And if you haven’t noticed, it’s now 2013. That’s almost three years with barely any new episodes! When can we expect to see the return of Dr. Venture, Brock, and the boys? Hopefully soon, promises co-creator Jackson Publick. Over the holiday break Publick gave a progress update on his blog and shared a bevy of teaser images from the much awaited Season 5,

Since we’re idiots who decided to write and produce our hour-long premiere episode last, we can’t start airing until the last episode is finished. I don’t currently know exactly when our premiere date is. I’ve heard it could be as soon as mid-March or as late as early May, but we’re racing to get that premiere special done in time for March.

And now that I’ve seen all of the episodes in one form or another, I can truthfully say it’s going to be a great season. The crew in every department of the production really stepped up their game (and new crew members brought new game)–the show’s never looked or sounded better. And as writers, Doc and I hit a really great, confident stride that, I think, combines some of the best qualities of seasons past with a uniquely season 5 freshness. A good mix of new characters and old (some of which haven’t been seen in quite a while), high adventure in exotic locations and internal strife on the home front. You will like it!

I hope we do, Jackson, devoted fans have waited too long only to be disappointed. Though, that would probably mesh better with the show’s overall theme of failure. Oh, who am I kidding? Season 5 is gonna rock! I’m pumped, are you?

Hit the jump for a sneak peek at what’s on the docket for Season 5.

Source: Venture Bros. Blog

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With Thanksgiving this week, our thoughts will turn to the gift getting holidays soon enough. Yes, all day everyday, it’ll be all we think of. (You know it’s true!)

The Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim is no exception, and fresh from the Bastards’ e-mail inbox comes a reminder that the network has a pair of holiday specials coming up that you might find interesting. Here’s the press release:

Adult Swim stuffs your stocking with two holiday specials this December from NTSF:SD:SUV:: and Robot Chicken.

Thursday, December 6 at 12:15 a.m. (ET, PT): NTSF:SD:SUV:: – “Christmas Activity” – While celebrating Christmas together at Kove’s house, the team is attacked by the evil Alaskan Santa Claus.

Sunday, December 9 at midnight (ET, PT): Robot Chicken Holiday Special – “Robot Chicken’s ATM Christmas Special” – The Robot Chicken Christmas Special has Santa nearly missing Christmas; Kano from Mortal Kombat shares the holidays with Mrs. Cage; Justin Bieber’s new song is bound to be a Christmas hit; The writers give G.I. Joe a very special Christmas.

Sounds like good watching. To set the mood, let’s revisit Robot Chicken’s hilarious opening sequence from last year’s Christmas special, an especially sadistic mash-up of Santa Claus and James Bond.

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While I know it feels like all we can talk about lately is Star Wars I promise this has absolutely nothing to do with Disney acquiring Lucasfilm. This is about a certain Doctor making a guest appearance on this weekend’s episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, “A Test of Strength,” which will follow a group on younglings learning to construct their first lightsabers. The Clones Wars has had a pretty prolific line-up of science fiction guest stars in the past with actors like George Takei, Simon Pegg and Katee Sackhoff all voicing roles. Now get ready to add David Tennant to that list. He’ll be voicing a droid named Huyang who’s been helping Jedi make lightsabers for centuries.

IGN has a exclusive clip, check it out,

How did Tennant wind up in a galaxy far, far away? The Clone Wars‘ supervising director, Dave Filoni, is a Who fan, of course, and leapt at the chance to bring in the 10th Doctor,

As a fan that has the privilege of playing in the Star Wars galaxy, I am always on the lookout for others who appreciate, and would enjoy, an opportunity to go on an adventure in George’s galaxy far, far away. When I heard the Doctor himself, David Tennant, was a fan of Star Wars I knew I had to find a way to get in contact with him to see if he would perform on The Clone Wars. The result was ‘Huyang,’ an ancient droid in the service of the Jedi Order, whose sole task in life has been overseeing the construction of lightsabers. I thought David was perfect for the part and he did not disappoint. He delivered a performance which impressed even the Master himself, George Lucas.

Praise from Lucas himself! Not too shabby. I’m really excited to see more of Tennant as Huyang, and I think it’ll be really cool to see him explain more about lightsabers. You? And just think, now there’s finally an actor from Doctor Who who’s transitioned into Star Wars! Oh wait.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars  “A Test of Strength” airs this Saturday morning, November 10th at 9:30am on Cartoon Network.

Source: IGN

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Each and every week we scour the Internet for nothing but the best in nerdy art. We leave no digital stone unturned, we poke and prod every nook and cranny of the Interwebz. Why? Because we love you, and we love to bring you weekly feed of nerd art. On with the dump!

Cory Godbey is doing the covers for  Ed Staruss’ forthcoming book about Tolkien’s The Hobbit, above is just a taste of the his amazing work. [Geek-Art]

Hit the Jump for the Mario Bros., Metal Gear Solid’s Meryl and MOAR! (more…)

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