Random Thought Table: Star Trek Anime

[jeriendhal]

Given it's been about forty years since the demise of Star Trek: The Animated Series, and the recent success of the Star Trek film reboot, is there any particular reason why Paramount hasn't expanded one of their most successful franchises into animation again, even as made for DVD movies?

Comments

[seawasp]

Because animation is a fairly fringe market in that context, and most recent attempts to do something like that have tanked. Note that the ST: TAS wasn't a huge commercial success, either.

[allah-sulu.livejournal.com]

I dunno; there have been two separate animated series last decade about the Clone Wars...

[jeriendhal.livejournal.com]

But doing it badly can kill the idea. Anyone remember Stargate: Infinity?

[allah-sulu.livejournal.com]

Never heard of it. I see.

[porsupah.livejournal.com]

I'd guess it's at least partially due to the continuing perception (Adult Swim notwithstanding) amongst broadcast execs that animation's for children. Whilst TAS was indeed more or less aimed there, the franchise has become such big business that they're unwilling to take even that step. But then, TV animation always has a tough time, outside Asia. *sigh* Not that there aren't exceptions, eg Adventure Time and MLP:FiM (~yay!~), but even Warner's been reluctant to venture far back into animation, despite Batman's success, let alone TTA and Animaniacs.

[allah-sulu.livejournal.com]

even Warner's been reluctant to venture far back into animation, despite Batman's success

But Disney's had no problem milking the Marvel franchise for TV cartoons, with some success. Anyway, I assume from the "Star Trek Anime" subject line, that Jeriendhal might be thinking of marketing a new TAS toward the anime fanbase (both here and abroad). Again, there are anime adaptations of Marvel properties; and the anime-esque "Avatar: The Last Airbender" has caught on with a lot of anime fans despite its domestic production.