Cartoons

Once upon a time, Saturday mornings were synonymous with cartoon time. Children would wake up early, rush to the television, turn the knob, and immerse themselves in a colorful world of animated wonders. From "The Flintstones" to "Scooby-Doo," from "Rugrats" to "The Powerpuff Girls," these shows have not only marked the passage of time but also traced the trajectory of animation, from the Saturday morning cartoon slot of the 80s to the digital era of today.

In the mid-20th century, television was still a novelty, and cartoons were a rare luxury. It was a time when televisions were large, heavy boxes with antennae on top, and watching a cartoon was an event in itself. Animated shows were broadcasted mostly on Saturdays, capturing the all-but-captive audience of school children enjoying their morning respite from school and church duties. This "Saturday-morning cartoon" format was a nod to the "weekend matinee" blocks that movie theaters ran in the first half of the century, featuring back-to-back cartoons, serial cliffhangers, and news bulletins.

As we moved into the 90s and early 2000s, the rise of cable and satellite TV brought an explosion of animated options from Nickelodeon to Cartoon Network to Disney XD. Iconic series like "Barbie" and "Inspector Gadget" revolutionized the industry, providing kids with a wider selection of cartoons and making animation a mainstream form of entertainment.

However, the advent of the internet and the surge in digital technologies in the 21st century drastically changed the cartoon landscape. Children could now watch their favorite cartoons anytime, anywhere, and on any device, thanks to on-demand services, DVDs, and online streaming platforms such as Disney+, YouTube, and Netflix. This shift from a scheduled Saturday morning cartoon slot to a 24/7 available format was a testament to the changing times and technology's impact on the animation industry.

Today, cartoons have evolved from simple drawings for children's entertainment into complex narratives that can engage both children and adults. The medium has expanded to include diverse genres such as anime, 3D animations, and even experimental animated art. Yet, despite these changes, the charm of the classic cartoons remains intact.

Remembering this journey, Haiku POP has set out on a mission to keep the cartoon legends alive. We understand the timeless appeal of these classic cartoon series and are dedicated to preserving the essence of the old school while also embracing the new. By acknowledging the evolution of cartoons from Saturday morning slots to today's anytime accessibility, we aim to strike a balance that pays homage to the classics while acknowledging contemporary trends.

At Haiku POP, we believe that the magic of cartoons transcends generations. It's not just about the animation or the story; it's about the memories and feelings these cartoons evoke. It's about remembering when Saturday mornings were the most awaited time of the week, filled with the anticipation of watching your favorite cartoons.

We carry some of the most legendary Cartoon product form Cartoon Loungefly bags, cartoon toy action figures, Cartoon Funko POPs, and more!