What do you get when you combine an “unassuming manatee,” a “world-weary orangutan,” and a “pampered apologist pup”? Well, you either get a sanctuary for animals rescued from exploitation, or, in this case, you get VegToons, a new animated series that uses humor and art to, as VegToons puts it, “open the door to a deeper conversation, one that is respectful in articulating the values of vegetarianism, but also fruitful in broadening people’s imagination for what is possible.” You also get a unique inroad for advocacy, and you get, in me, a new fan.
As an unabashed animation aficionado (every morning begins with cartoons and cocoa) with a penchant for shining light on new ways to change the world for animals, especially through creative endeavors, VegToons makes me beam. Focusing on the lunchtime chatter of the 3 aforementioned characters, the series’ 2-minute episodes lightly and cleverly explore different aspects of veganism, from food basics, to health, to the ethical forces that drive us to live this lifestyle, to how to manage relationships of all sorts with non-vegans. According to producer Greg Singer (no relation), VegToons is geared toward an older crowd. I thoroughly enjoyed the following sneak peak into VegToons, from the first episode “Been There, Done That,”
(Vegtoons – Sneak Peek from Vegtoons on Vimeo.)
VegToons is currently seeking contributions, and beginning on July 30, will have a Kickstarter page, so keep your eyes out for that, and your wallets handy. Even if you can only donate a small amount, supporting innovative projects that take a unique approach to speaking up for animals is, IMHO, the vegan way.
