The Answer To Why Some Cartoon Characters Have Lasting Appeal
The Thundercats was a cartoon series that was first aired in the 1980’s. It was an instant success and indeed continued to be very popular with young children for many years. However, as with all things the series eventually was removed from the listings and it looked as though it might be consigned to the trash can.
This however was not the end. It transpired that the Thundercats had and in fact still has, lasting appeal. The result is that in todays digital age, the Thundercats may indeed be making a return to popularity.
Old television shows have been digitised and are readily available nowadays in any number of forms and formats.
In fact perhaps the most obvious signal of the lasting appeal of the Thundercats was the continued demand for the Thundercat lair. Children everywhere continued to want to play with the toys and even to demand new ones. Many originals are still available, although there are a whole generation of new ones too.
Thundercats is a good example of how merchandising can keep a brand alive long after it has passed from popular view. How many of todays children would know anything about the Thundercats if it wasn’t for the variety of Thundercats toys that they can avail themselves of in toy shops or from online outlets.
Perhaps one of the best reasons for the continued success of the Thundercats has been because it was such a strong idea in the beginning. These attractively shaped, athletic characters in a constant battle against the dark forces arrayed against them is a strong formula for success, especially with impressionable young boys.
This may well be the reason for the continued appeal of the brand. A supposition perhaps best tested by reviewing other such success stories in the realm of childrens cartoon characters. Where else has such success be down to the strong original concept.
The volume and range of Ben 10 toys is a great example of this. The Ben 10 brand is now approaching 10 years old, but that has hardly diminished its potency for young children and especially young boys. My five year old can watch a whole series of Ben 10 in one sitting.
Going for an older idea than either the Thundercats or Ben 10 you can quickly see a similar success story by looking at some of the
old Marvel cartoon characters. Spiderman for example. Spiderman toys are more common and more flexible that perhaps at any time in the brands history. Again testimony to the brands strength. There are many similar examples to select.
In summary then, it is clear that some cartoon characters have lasting appeal despite their age. The Thundercats is a really great example of this, but by no means the only example. The strength of the original concept and how the children to whom it is targeted react to it is a great indicator as to whether the brand has lasting appeal.
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