Animaniacs Ragamuffins/Woodstock Slappy (1993–1998) Online

Love animation to bits. It was a big part of my life as a child, especially Disney, Looney Tunes, Hanna Barbera and Tom and Jerry (with tastes broadening further getting older with Pixar, Studio Ghibli and some of the more mature animations out there), and still love it to this day as a young adult whether it's film, television or cartoons. Actually appreciate it even more now, with more knowledge of the different animation styles, directors, studios and what work went into them.

'Animaniacs' has always been one of my favourites. From an early age, it always stood out as one of the most colourful, unique, funniest and cleverest shows, animated and otherwise, ever made. It is not to be dismissed as a show just for children. There is plenty for children to enjoy, any child who loves great animation, humour to laugh at and unique characters will be in heaven. There is more than plenty for adults too, especially the hugely clever in-jokes/poking fun that is likely to be better understood by older viewers with more familiarity for what is being referenced and poked fun at.

Another one of my favourite episodes definitely, very clever, very funny and very amiable.

In all the segments throughout, the animation is very well done, with vibrant colouring, crisp beautiful backgrounds and convincing movements for the characters. The music is not only catchy it is actually memorable as well, with an instantly hummable main theme.

The script and humour are witty and hilarious with clever references and inside jokes throughout. Just adore the writing in "Woodstock Slappy". As are the situations no matter how silly they are the characters get into. This all springs from a great concept, some shows have a great concept but don't live up to it.

'Animaniacs' was always one of the finest examples of execution of a great concept doing that and superbly, with the story lines here being funny and endearing. "Ragamuffins" is particularly clever, and a treat for anybody, like me, who loves 1930s black and white silent films. The characters are immensely likable with unique personalities, with no exception. Slappy is as always a great character.

Voice acting is terrific all round.

Overall, wonderful. 10/10 Bethany Cox

While the Warner Brothers (Yako, Wako, Dot) portion of the episode (the first half) shares the name of a long-lost silent film, the short is more of a riff on the classic Chaplin silent film "Modern Times," but set in a factory-style bakery, than it is on the lost Paramount film. The story has zero dialogue and relies heavily on artistic styling from turn-of- the-century animation. In typical Animaniac style, the film references multiple figures from popular culture germane to the era: from Steamboat Willie to the Marx Brothers.

This episode begs for an academic journal article which juxtaposes "Ragamuffin" with "Modern Times." Will you shoulder the cause?