On Wednesday, Jason DeMarco, CO-Creator of Toonami, did a Q&A on his X (formally Twitter) account. From unraveling the intricacies of the creative process that brings our favorite anime adventures to life this Q&A was a treasure trove of insights for dedicated fans hungry for more from their favorite anime block. While not everything asked was Toonami-related, there were a few admissions that Toonami fans will find interesting. Here is what was asked:
I wish we had money like we used to but for what we have I think it’s going great.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
When AS Toonami outlived CN Toonami, that was something no one expected. Our own Sketch asks a question about these insights into the decision-making process behind the cancellation and revival of the iconic anime programming block.
Hm good question, I don’t know, maybe? Don’t think it REALLY z needed to be canceled the first time. We just had some execs who felt it was time. No real evidence it needed to go. Imo.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I asked some questions to see what lies in Toonami’s future and what could have been with the Thundercats.
Four, and maybe one of them
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Yes I do.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I don’t know what’s happening with Thundercats, I have already looked into it but couldn’t make it happen. Yet.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I am looking to develop other animated features, yes.
As for longer-form anime and movies, while they would love to air them, as of right now it is something that would not air anytime soon due to budgets. Still, acquisitions are looking up for Toonami Toonami Faithful will continue to monitor the situation and report any more information we find out.
Feasable yes. Likely, no.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
More expensive, not harder.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
A bit, yeah!
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
One fan was worried about studios rushing anime projects and everything suffers due to the extreme output of the staff. With the Toonami/Adult Swim originals, Jason assured that this was not the case with their projects. Plus, there was a small update on Uzumaki, because the last thing we heard about it was at the 2022 San Diego Comic Convention.
They had all the time they wanted. They finished a bit earlier for their own reasons. We don’t rush shows.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
It’s coming along well. We ill finish this year.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
When Ninja Kamui airs this Saturday, February 10 on Toonami, it will have a dub premiere at the beginning of the block and a sub premiere at the end of the block. Two fans asked about bringing the sub to Toonami and the process surrounding that.
Yes, I certainly hope so. I’d like it to be the new norm.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I think it’s just slowly recognizing that many more people watch things with subs on these days, thanks to social media and streamers.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Curious about Toonami’s series selection process? DeMarco mentioned it’s largely in the hands of Crunchyroll’s higher-ups rather than the Toonami crew.
Yes and we would grant them. But they will never do that
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Format changed along the way
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I hope we will see a steady stream. As for Mugen Train, yes enough time had passed that Aniplex allowed us to make a bid for a lower price point than they initially demanded.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
More about their mergers than ours
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
For additional intriguing Toonami-related responses, here are a handful that piqued our interest. Take a look!
We wanted to give him a new look, that was the main driver.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
DBZ and Naruto for sure.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Took too long to figure out how to properly capture the footage!
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I was bummed because I thought it would be bad for the franchise awareness. And I was right.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
All the promotion and planning for the network and shows is in ATL. Some editing of shows and some animation is in ATL as well.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Really happy we reviewed Front Mission 4
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Definitely possible
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
We tried to get the Fujiko Mine show but our S&P rejected it, too sexy
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Doubtful you’ll see many movies period
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
I got hired at TNT as a PA. Sean Akins and I developed Toonami together on my off hours and when it got greenlit, I worked nights at Toonami and days at TNT for a couple years, until I was brought over to work on Toonami full time.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
three in development, along with some movies, as well as two more in production that have not been announced.
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Smarter executives running things lol
— SPIRAL CURSE DEMARCO (@Clarknova1) February 1, 2024
Let us know in the comments below and on our social media posts by using #ToonamiTalkback.
Paul Pescrillo is the founder of ToonamiFaithful.com and the Co-Creator of the Toonami Faithful Podcast. You can follow him online @paulpescrillo on Twitter/X.