Relentless Inquiry

Apparently Chuck Jones designed another character, and worked with some folks to animate a few cartoons based on the character, Thomas the Timberwolf. He's kind of a one-gag wonder, as a tree falls, usually ON him, when he says “Timber”. However, the character is a fascinating study in his own right, with a definite personality. I thought of in particular, as Thomas is a genteel literary individual who wants to go his own merry way, yet the world seems to keep intervening.

I'm particularly amused by the Sheep's Clothing one. The forest scenery in “A Call to Harms” is absolutely breathtaking. It's more Jones than Jones really was; the trees and landscapes have almost fractal edging, with an awesome use of color and variable-width line. The tree that Thomas slides down at the end of Sheep's Clothing reminds me of the way I draw trees– did I see it here ages ago, or is it parallel evolution?

Stories are cut, but worth watching for the sheer visual juicy goodness of the animation alone. They have that classic Warner style down pat, and various well-known characters (and many unknowns) appear. Fascinating and beautiful.