My Favorite Animated Movies, Series, and Comics: A Source of Inspiration

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In this article, I want to present some of my favorite animated and drawn media that have not only captivated my imagination but also significantly influenced my artistic journey. These specific projects are dear to my heart, and I find myself returning to them time and time again. They have shaped my style in profound ways, and I highly recommend them to anyone seeking inspiration.

1. Corpse Bride (Movie)

Directed by Tim Burton, “Corpse Bride” tells the enchanting story of Victor, a young man who accidentally proposes to a deceased bride and is taken to the Land of the Dead, where he must find his way back to the living world and his true love.

  • Why I Like It: The film’s beautiful and unique gothic style is truly authentic, creating a world that is both eerie and enchanting. The tragic yet heartwarming story, combined with breathtaking stop-motion animation and meticulously designed sets and props, makes it a visual and emotional feast. The beautiful songs add another layer of charm. Having watched it since I was a child, it holds a special place in my heart and remains my favorite movie. It showed me that even darker, scarier, more edgy worlds or stories can hold beauty.
  • Inspiration and Influence: The spooky yet elegant style of “Corpse Bride” inspired me to incorporate more intricate details and a touch of the macabre into my own work. It taught me that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.

Source: FILMGRAB

2. Sable Curse (Comic)

“Sable Curse” is a comic series that follows Terron Vogel, a young woman cursed to die at 19 unless she can find a way to undo the spell. Her seemingly impossible task takes a turn when her family escapes society to stay at a mysterious and magical holiday retreat.

  • Why I Like It: I find the specific drawing style absolutely gorgeous. The detailed illustrations bring the fantastical world to life in a way that few comics manage. The backgrounds are masterpieces on their own. The story slowly unveils and reveals more and more of its secrets, with characters who have deep, relatable backstories.
  • Inspiration and Influence: This comic inspired me to focus on world-building in my own projects, paying close attention to the details that make a fictional world believable and immersive.

Source: WEBTOON

3. Arcane (Series)

“Arcane” is an animated series that falls within the realm of fantasy and science fiction, delving into the origins of two iconic “League of Legends” champions. It explores the delicate balance between the rich city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun.

  • Why I Like It: The series blends 3D characters with 2D effects and backgrounds beautifully, mastering this combination so every shot looks like a painting. The characters have tragic, deep stories, and the world is rich with unexplored territory. It comments on the divide between the rich and poor, a theme very relevant today. The fight scenes and music are the cherries on top.
  • Inspiration and Influence: “Arcane” has influenced my approach to character design and narrative structure. It demonstrated the power of strong visual storytelling and the impact of detailed, emotionally resonant character arcs.

Source: NETFLIX

4. Avatar: The Last Airbender & The Legend of Korra (Series)

These two series follow the adventures of Aang and Korra, respectively, in richly developed worlds where characters can manipulate the elements through bending. The nations are aligned with the four elements – Air, Water, Earth and Fire. As the Avatar, a master of all four elements, Aang and Korra navigate through a tapestry of political intrigue, philosophical dilemmas, and epic conflicts, all while grappling with their own personal journeys of growth and self-discovery.

  • Why I Like Them: Both series offer compelling, multi-layered narratives that explore themes of balance, identity, and destiny. The world-building is exceptional, with every culture and element thoughtfully developed. These are childhood favorites that I’ve rewatched many times. The humor, the engaging story, and the exceptional world-building make them stand out. The leading characters are so well-crafted that it’s impossible to pick a favorite. The bending of elements is incredibly original, with unique fighting styles for each character, and the 2D animation style perfectly fits the atmosphere.
  • Inspiration and Influence: These series inspired me to create more culturally rich and diverse worlds in my own work. They also taught me the importance of incorporating deeper themes and moral questions into my art.

Source: NICKELODEON

5. Spirited Away (Movie)

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, “Spirited Away” is a Studio Ghibli masterpiece that follows the adventures of a young girl, Chihiro, in a magical and mysterious world.

  • Why I Like It: I have been rewatching this movie ever since I can remember. As a child, I found it a bit scary, but it also captivated me from the very beginning. The animation is gorgeous, the mythological creatures and magical occurrences are perfect, creating an enchanting masterpiece. Although set in a fantasy world, it feels so real while watching, as if I too am trying to find my way home with the protagonist.
  • Inspiration and Influence: “Spirited Away” influenced my desire to create art that is both whimsical and profound. It showed me the power of visual storytelling and the importance of creating a world that feels alive and full of wonder.

Source: FILMGRAB

These movies, series, and comics have been instrumental in shaping my artistic vision. They each bring something unique to the table, from intricate world-building and complex characters to breathtaking animation and profound storytelling. All of these works have shaped my style and will continue to do so, showcasing the incredible potential of a creative mind. I hope my reflections inspire you to explore these remarkable pieces of media and perhaps find inspiration for your own creative journey.

If you want to see my work go to gallery or my Pinterest page.

Sources:

https://film-grab.com/2016/06/07/the-corpse-bride/

https://film-grab.com/?s=spirited+away

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcane_(TV_series)

https://avatar.fandom.com/wiki/Aang

https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/sable-curse/list?title_no=2735