#tom herpich

[kingofooo]

Fionna Campbell concept art by Tom Herpich

#Adventure Time #Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake #Fionna and Cake #Fionna Campbell #concept art #character design #Tom Herpich

[gunterfan1992]

“Exploring the Land of Ooo”

Just another friendly reminder that the revised and updated version of Exploring the Land of Ooo can be pre-ordered through the University Press of Mississippi’s website! You all don’t know how excited I am for this book to come out!

What Are Folks Saying about the Book?

“As thorough and comprehensive an account of Adventure Time as one could possibly hope for. I’m grateful for and flattered by all the care that Paul A. Thomas put into this work.” —Tom Herpich (Writer/Storyboard Artist)

“Fascinating revelations from the world’s foremost scholar of Ooo.” —Casey James Basichis (Composer)

“Pen Ward’s Adventure Time is just the sort of bellwether series that deserves the thorough and thoughtful historical accounting Thomas has given us here. I love it (but I still freaking hate Trudy).” —Eric Homan (Associate Producer)

“Exploring the Land of Ooo is a wonderful book offering an extremely engaging and thorough production history of the popular show Adventure Time.” —Paul Booth (Professor of Media and Cinema Studies, DePaul University)

#adventure time #atimers #exploring the land of ooo #finn the human #jake the dog #princess bubblegum #bubblegum #marceline #marceline the vampire queen #ice king #tom herpich #casey basichis #casey james basichis #eric homan #paul booth #ooo #land of ooo #at

[eeveryadventuretimes]

s02 ep05 - Storytelling : written and storyboarded by Ako Castuera and Tom Herpich

@lobster-lover

#atimers #lobster-lover #eeveryadventuretimes #season 2 #adventure time #adventure time fanart

[lobster-lover]

any tips for drawing in the AT style?

put together some notes ive taken on it hope this helps !!!

also keep in mind that a lot of episodes have different quirks and things to them since different boarders always implemented their own art styles so it can be very flexible. what im saying is you dont really have to stick to specific things for it to feel like adventure time (some examples between tom herpich boards and steve wolfhard boards noted below. i take a lot of inspiration from both of them so this is mainly what i look at when im drawing AT. all panels taken from the tower storyboard)

i also sometimes take from the "how to draw adventure time" guide, it was made very early in production so obviously a lot of things have changed but who else would i take advice from other than the crew themselves (also i think they explain it way better than me so this is probably the part youre interested in) ALL CREDIT TO THE AT CREW FOR THE NEXT FEW IMAGES!!!

sorry if this is a lot i like to take notes on everything about this show. in my endless quest towards an impossible feat (boarding for adventure time) ive learned a lot art wise and i hope this helps you!!

#ask #adventure time #i am so autistic about this show #long post

[crayolascribblz]

hes cool I think

based on concepts tom herpich posted on insta :3

#adventure time #fionna and cake #marshall lee #silly guy #literally way too cool #we get crumbs next week amen

[sillybond]

Look at what has just arrived in the mail!

I'm soooo excited to finally be reading this book by @gunterfam1992 It's a collection of essays on Adventure time!! THAT'S FLIPPING BANANAS.

Seriously thought, gunterfan1992 has done such a great and deep dive on super interesting topics about the show that I can't wait to read. His blog is filled with amazing and interesting content like interviews on AT artist and writers (like Hanna K. Nystrom and Tom Herpich!!!), reviews on various AT content and so on. So I hope you check it out!

And you can get his book right there if you are interested.

I literally can't stop saying good things about him!

#adventure time #adventure time analysis #He has another book coming too!! #And you bet that I'm going to read it as well #at #atimers

[j4gm]

Finally got around to watching Marcel the Shell, my mum was like "why are we watching through the credits?" and it's because I knew there were Adventure Time folks on that movie.

Seo Kim, Ako Castuera, and Tom Herpich are all credited as character designers, and the stopmotion was directed by Kirsten Lepore who directed Bad Jubies.

#adventure time #marcel the shell with shoes on

[jakesuit0]

Too Young Review

“Too Young” finally follows up on the newly deaged Princess Bubblegum, something fans were dying to see after no glimpses of her in the past four episodes. This would have been a more thematically appropriate season premiere, but I do like the building anticipation for the followup. The question of how this new dynamic would alter the status quo of the series going forward hung over our heads. Turns out: not at all. At least not in an obvious way.

Even putting aside the romance aspect, it’s just great to see Finn finally hanging out with someone his own age, something we never get enough of. He’s always hanging out with his older brother, and his other best friends are hundreds of years older than him. As Finn says at the beginning, he can just be himself. I like Finn stepping out to get moral support from Jake. His encouragement of Finn’s pursuit of Bubblegum is finally appropriate! Finn is a little nervous, this is probably his first ever date. But, he is overall pretty comfortable, as there’s still a strong familiarity between Finn and PB. There’s also no pussyfooting around between the two, they are very upfront with their feelings. PB already knows how Finn feels, and she basically tells Finn that he’s hot after he drinks her serum. He admits to not bathing, so it’s a good thing that BMO gets Finn on a bathing schedule by “Holly Jolly Secrets Part 1.” It’s interesting that Finn first asks if she’s trying to make herself 18 again. Part of him thinks this is all too good to be true.  

Not really sure how much I need to introduce him, but Lemongrab! He’s probably the tenth most prominent character in the series, and one of the most well known characters, period. He wasn’t given much of a personality in the outline. Tom Herpich and especially Jesse Monyihan, the storyboarders for this episode, really created Lemongrab. They succeeded in making such a distinct character, and with Justin Roiland bringing him to life with some of the best voice acting of the series so far, he was basically guaranteed to become a recurring character. (I know there’s a massive elephant in the room that I’m avoiding, but it’s just not pertinent to this review. It will be addressed when I get to “Prismo the Wishmaster” and morals will be condemned!) Lemongrab’s very screamy, but he does it in such an alien way that he’s not annoying. He’s introduced with his iconic “unacceptable” catchphrase, which is pretty great and has been memed to death. He was originally going to be PB’s uncle (I assume it would have straight up been Gumbald, albeit in a very different incarnation, since he was mentioned in “Susan Strong”). I’m very glad they didn’t go that direction. They were dangerously close to ruining much of the direction they’ll take PB’s character in. 

Lemongrab is now technically the rightful ruler due to PB’s deaging. I assume Bubblegum created Lemongrab with the intention of wanting an heir, and that stuck in Candy Kingdom law. Similarly to my take on “Hot Diggity Doom”, I don’t think Princess Bubblegum actually cares about the legal technicality, especially since she started creating the kingdom when she was a kid. She just wanted to delay the inevitable. She might also have more respect for the rules as a less jaded thirteen year old. 

The flashback establishes that she created Lemongrab. It’s the first hint that PB created all the candy people, but it could still just be assumed that Lemongrab was an exception. The implications of PB creating life aren’t explored here, but this establishes a trait for her that will be explored a ton. We don’t know exactly when she created him, but it’s implied that it happened a long time ago, possibly hundreds of years ago. My theory is it happened before the flashbacks seen in “The Vault”. PB was used to making candy people dumb on purpose, probably straight up using dum dum juice. It’d make sense to not want her heir to be incompetent, so she’d need a different formula, especially since she isn’t using parts of the mother gum like she did with Gumbald, Lolly, and Chicle. This caused the experiment to “go wrong”. The reason I think it’s before “The Vault”, is because we see a young Peppermint Butler in it, who I don’t think was created with dum dum juice. She must have perfected the formula by then. Pep wasn’t intended to be an heir, as she’s still trying in “Goliad”, but she’ll eventually realize he fits the bill. Calling Lemongrab her “first” experiment to go wrong, is a straight up continuity error due to the Uncle Gumbald backstory. It’s also hard to believe that she didn’t have any other experiments go wrong. I think my theory could recontextualize the line to mean it’s the first one of her experiments with her new formula to go wrong, but it’s a little handwavey. As if this flashback didn’t already have enough interesting implications, we see that PB still has her memories. This raises the question of if she still has the same experiences, is her relationship with Finn still problematic? I argue that it isn’t. She behaves like a child in her new state. Her brain, just like the rest of her body, has less candy biomass, and is the brain of a child. She’s seeing her memories through the lens of a kid. 

Finn and Bonnie try to solve their problems like kids would for once, with pranks. Their relationship is so pure and adorable. Bonnie cuddling up to Finn on the castle roof is one of the most wholesome moments ever in Adventure Time and Finn looks so incredibly happy. It really captures the innocence of a young child’s first romance, and it stands apart from the awkwardness that defines his relationship with Flame Princess and the maturity that comes with his dynamic with Huntress Wizard. At the same time, Lemongrab gets more defined as he tries to laugh and have fun with the pranks after Peppermint Butler’s explanation. He wants to fit in with others, but he just doesn’t see the world in a neurotypical way, so it comes off as forced and awkward, like his bobbing head laughter.

Peppermint Butler tells Lemongrab that food comes from Mars. It’s a weird lore detail that isn’t ever explained, but is referenced again. It’d make sense for a world of talking animals and talking food to get food from an outside source, but there’s plenty of examples of them eating food from Ooo. I’ll assume that industrialized food comes from Mars, and this is considered more civilized. Lemongrab eating the spiced food is a great sequence, and causes him too much pain for him to just laugh off.

Princess Bubblegum finally decides it's time to stop delaying what she knows is inevitable: becoming 18 again. Finn’s upset, but has the ability to recognize the greater good enough to swallow those feelings. This whole experience was more of a well needed break for PB, than a true commitment to a new permanent identity, just like a later arc she’ll have. But unlike later, she doesn’t change the way she conducts her life through learning from this ordeal. Many fans don’t think this episode works with PB’s portrayal in the rest of the series, but I disagree. She sacrifices her happiness for her people, which will be explored as a character flaw later down the line that ends up backfiring for her kingdom anyway. She views having fun as something mainly for children, and work as something that must consume adults. There is no middle ground for her. The pain this causes PB just makes her double down on work as a distraction. Some of that analysis is based on future episodes, but a lot of it can be taken away from just “Too Young”. It’s great to finally get an episode that focuses on fleshing out Princess Bubblegum’s deeper feelings and motivations. It’s really the only episode in the first three seasons with that accomplishment. 

Princess Bubblegum says she needs her lab equipment to engineer more candy flesh, an even bigger hint that she created the candy people. I love the scene of her citizens giving PB parts of themselves. They recognize how selfless Bubblegum is, and sacrifice pieces of themselves like she does for them. Finn uses the power of love to catalyze the re-aging process. He gets to return Princess Bubblegum’s favor in “Mortal Folly” with the like-like sweater! It’s cheesy but it’s such a perfect resolution. Princess Bubblegum’s goodbye to Finn is heartbreaking, and it’s really tragic, especially after seeing how happy they were together. They hug and Finn has his first kiss. It’s a really special moment, and it really should be his only kiss with Princess Bubblegum. Fuck you “Wizard Battle” for taking away a little bit of what makes this moment so special and tragic. 

Bubblegum turns back and is pretty cold to Finn, but I love the contrast of her just saying “‘scuse me Finn” and how much taller she is than Finn. She’s also cold to Lemongrab, calling him a butt, which is even more problematic given the fact she’s responsible for him. The next moment is soooo important. Finn comes on to PB, which I can’t even condemn him for this time given the circumstances, and PB immediately shuts him down. She takes the crush slightly more seriously than just innocent puppy love. I love how awkward Finn asking if she wants to hug more is, really highlighting how this relationship does not work with this age difference. She responds by not humoring him finally, saying “that was like 5 years ago” and “you really gotta move on.” People have criticized Bubblegum for being too cold to Finn. I do understand calling those comments, and her joking about the situation, insensitive. It comes across to Finn like the relationship they had means nothing to her now. I really don’t think it meant nothing to her, as we’ll see by her subtle changes in behavior and a line she has in “Burning Low.”  But, I’m sure it was hurtful and confusing for Finn. I still can’t really blame PB for how she responded. She definitely could have been more sensitive about it, while still clearly turning him down. But, it’s an awkward situation. She was still trying to be kind about it, even if the joking manner came off as hurtful, and she’s very clear in her rejection which is good. She still doesn’t know the true extent of Finn’s feelings.

Season two’s cliffhanger being immediately reversed in one episode is a controversial decision. It’s the first example of one of the biggest criticisms leveled against the series, not committing to interesting status quo changes. Turning Bonnie back to 18 is a decision I 100% support. Yes, it’s sad how much of a more entertaining character young PB is compared to the regular state of her character so far. But, essentially replacing the most boring character of the main cast with an entirely different character would feel like such a lame solution to a problem the series has. Working on making her a more engaging character is the correct path. The path they take Bubblegum on is my favorite aspect of the series, so I’m glad this didn’t stick. It’s just unfortunate that it takes another season for that to happen. It makes reversing back to the status quo more questionable. Also, we can’t lose Hynden Walch! To be fair, restoring the status quo after only one episode is the aspect of this that’s more contentious. I wouldn’t have been opposed to seeing young PB in a few more episodes, but I don’t really see what more could have been done. I think “Too Young” fully explores everything interesting that can come out of this plotline: her relationship with Finn and how Princess Bubblegum acts differently at this age. This also isn’t entirely a reset. Not only does this episode color Princess Bubblegum’s character moving forward, it also sets a clear new dynamic for Finn and Bubblegum. She stops humoring his advancements (except for “Wizard Battle”, but again, fuck that episode). It’s the first of many times “everything stays, but it still changes” is applicable. We’ll see how long that ends up being a good excuse moving forward though. 

Finn calls Jake and he gives Finn some pretty bad advice if you take it as him still telling Finn to keep pursuing PB! To be fair, he doesn’t yet know that Bubblegum is an adult again. But Finn tells him that he got dumped. You could also interpret Jake’s advice as being persistent in finding love in general, not necessarily referring to Bubblegum specifically. His speech was intended to be important and to foreshadow the rest of the series, but I’m not sure if this really panned out. He does defeat a demon lord (whether it refers to Hunson, Ke-Oth, The Lich, or evil in general). Finn definitely warps through several worlds (“Puhoy”, “Crossover”, “Beyond the Grotto”, etc). Walking up the wizard steps could foreshadow Huntress Wizard, even though it’s unclear if they ever get in a committed relationship. The magic key and water world don’t really come to pass, unless you wanna say “President Porpoise is Missing!” I’m probably taking it too literally. I think it’s true meaning is to just be persistent in finding love despite all the obstacles. I think that’s what Jake’s means, so I like the speech. The episode ends with Finn looking at Bubblegum up above. It seems like Finn takes it as advice to keep pursuing PB specifically, as we see in upcoming episodes. A lot of fans took it this way, thinking Finn will just have to wait until he becomes 18 to get with PB. With him aging throughout the series, that does seem like a plausible endgame. But there’s obviously problematic implications with that. The series ends up going in a different direction and doesn’t make romance a central part of Finn’s final arc, so this speech really doesn’t end up feeling as important as it was set out to be. 

This is a really iconic episode with a super memorable story and introduction of a major character, and it’s one of my favorites so far. It’s essentially a what if scenario, the one time we see what Finn and PB could be like as a couple. The one time Finn gets to live out his greatest desire. I’m not a Fubblegum shipper, but I’m glad the shippers get this episode. Shipping them outside this episode is weird, but I’m fully on board with their relationship here. I guess I’ll end with some controversy. You can’t tell me Princess Bubblegum didn’t have real feelings for Finn in this one. I totally interpret her as bi just because of this episode. 

Grade: A

#adventure time #too young #finn and jake #finn the human #jake the dog #princess bubblegum #lemongrab

[teethcritter]

who is your favourite su/adventure time storyboarder??

now THIS is a good question

for adventure time, Steve Wolfhard and Rebecca Sugar 100%, i also like Tom Herpich's though

for steven universe probably Hilary Florido :)

#ask #adventure time #steven universe #teethcritter #peridot su

[kingofooo]

Cheers Cake transformations concept art by Tom Herpich

#Adventure Time #Adventure Time: Fionna & Cake #Fionna & Cake #Cheers #concept art #character design #Tom Herpich

[gunterfan1992]

Pre-Order an Updated version of “Exploring the Land of Ooo”!

In 2020, I released Exploring the Land of Ooo, which took a behind-the-scenes approach to Adventure Time by detailing its complex production history. The book was (at least for me!) a smash success, and the University Press of Mississippi soon agreed to re-release it. And so, I whipped up some more content, conducted more interviews, and produced an updated version.

I’m excited to announce that this version is finally available for pre-order! Here’s the cover:

Here’s the description:       

Exploring the Land of Ooo: An Unofficial Overview and Production History of Cartoon Network’s "Adventure Time" is a guide through the colorful and exuberant animated television series that initially aired from 2010 to 2018. Created by visionary artist Pendleton Ward, the series was groundbreaking and is credited by many with heralding in a new golden age of animation. Known for its distinct sense of humor, bold aesthetic choices, and memorable characters, Adventure Time has amassed a fan-following of teenagers and young adults in addition to children. Popularly and critically acclaimed, the show netted three Annie awards, eight Emmys, and a coveted Peabody.

In this thorough overview, author Paul A. Thomas explores the nuances of Adventure Time’s characters, production history, ancillary media, and vibrant fandom. Based in part on interviews with dozens of the creative individuals who made the show possible, the volume comprises a captivating mix of oral history and primary source analysis. With fresh insight, the book considers the show’s guest-directed episodes, outlines its most famous songs, and explores how its characters were created and cast. Written for fans and scholars alike, Exploring the Land of Ooo ensures that, when it comes to Adventure Time, the fun truly will never end.

And here’s what some cool people have said about it:

As thorough and comprehensive an account of Adventure Time as one could possibly hope for. I’m grateful for and flattered by all the care that Paul A. Thomas put into this work.—Tom Herpich

"Pen Ward’s Adventure Time is just the sort of bellwether series that deserves the thorough and thoughtful historical accounting Thomas has given us here. I love it (but I still freaking hate Trudy).—Eric Homan

Exploring the Land of Ooo is a wonderful book offering an extremely engaging and thorough production history of the popular show Adventure Time.—Paul Booth

Fascinating revelations from the world’s foremost scholar of Ooo.—Casey James Basichis

Pre-order a copy today through UP Mississippi’s website here: https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/E/Exploring-the-Land-of-Ooo

#adventure time #atimers #up mississippi #exploring the land of ooo #finn the human #jake the dog #marceline the vampire queen #marceline #princess bubblegum #tom herpich #eric homan #paul booth #casey james basichis #pendleton ward #adam muto #pen ward

[oceanflowerrs]

i looooove tom herpichs art style on adventure time so much. the way he draws jake and the silly faces he draws are so iconic to me like peak adventure time. and he voices mr fox!

[eeveryadventuretimes]

s01 ep20 - Freak City : written and storyboarded by Pendleton Ward and Tom Herpich

@teethcritter

#adventure time #atimers #teethcritter #adventure time fanart #season 1 #eeveryadventuretimes #finn the human #jake the dog

[lobster-lover]

(Sorry if you'd been asked this before) Do you have a favorite ATime storyboarder? Mine is Steve Wolfhard, I think his art and story styles are very charming

hello!! my favorite boarder is Tom Herpich!! i looove the depth and volume in his art and his storytelling is insane, im sure you can tell i take a lot of inspiration from him when i draw lol looking at his boards has helped me a lot with understanding shapes and how they look when forces are appplied on them :) i looove the episodes he writes so much and the ones he wrote with steve? okay. maybe im ripping all of my hair out (thinking about dungeon train and walnuts & rain)

#ask #adventure time

[boypussydilf]

i am performing the traditional Annual Over The Garden Wall Rewatch and its fun seeing names that i now recognize from adventure time in the credits. like oh hey tom herpich :) oh hey seo kim :)

#basilposting

[mikuhats]

obsessed with this gumball concept by tom herpich

#text