What is Gem 80s Cartoon?
Gem 80s cartoon is an animated television show created in the late 1980s, originally airing from 1985 to 1988. The show revolved around a girl named Jerrica Benton who, with the help of supercomputer Synergy, transforms into rock star alter ego Jem and leads her band, The Holograms. Must-know facts about this popular series include its use of music videos as part of each episode and its inspiration for many modern-day female-led cartoons.
Gem 80s Cartoon | |
---|---|
Definition: | Gem 80s cartoon is an animated television show created in the late 1980s. |
Must-Know Fact #1: | The main character was Jerrica Benton transforming into rockstar alter-ego Jem. |
Must-Know Fact #2: | The showâs popularity inspired many modern-day female-led cartoons utilizing music videos. |
Step by Step Guide to Creating Your Own Gem 80s Cartoon Look
The 80s were all about bold colors, outrageous characters and bright patterns. It was the era that gave birth to some of the most iconic cartoons we know and love today â from Thundercats to He-Man, G.I Joe, Transformers and countless others.
If youâre looking to recreate that retro vibe for your next project, be it a poster or an animation series, then here is our step-by-step guide on how to create your very own gem 80s cartoon look:
Step #1: Choose Your Color Palette
One thing every good 80s cartoon had in common was its eye-popping color design; so when creating your own âgemâ cartoon-style illustrations or graphics start by selecting an exciting color palette.
The classic neon pinks and blues hues characterized many of these cartoons while other popular combinations included cool-toned purples mixed with metallic golds. You could also opt for brighter shades like yellow offset with navy blue or red paired with electric green.
A quick tip: If needed consider using complementary colours â pair a colour opposite to another on the colour wheelâin order to achieve maximum impact within certain visuals pieces such as logos etc
Step #2: Create Bold Character Designs
In order not have generic-looking character designs choose quirky shapes & sizes! Go all out with exaggerated features These include large eyes (disproportionate relative size), expansive mouths complete with sharp teeth accompanied by interesting facial expressions . Emphasize musclesâor lack thereofâon muscular clicheâs. Let their hair represent something strong that aligns them deeply into their universe- spikes or flowy waves are a time-honoured staple.
By giving each of your individualized characters unique quirks gives viewers something new every time they see this animated figure again it becomes whimsically magical!
I recommend trying sketching possible drafts before starting digital rendering so as to play around until comfortable defining distinct structures
Step #3: Use Patterns and Textures with a Retro Flare
Patterns, like polka dots can give each character an individual edgeâ while many of us think of it just as a cute little retro look. Freckle is another characteristic thatâs easily forgotten but gives identity to individuals.
Textures most seen in 80s cartoons often contrasted the bold colors used within them. this can be done digitally by manually drawing/painting textures using digital brushes, some cross hatching simulates fabric precisely; which will add depth and extra detail to your designs!
Step #4: Create Dynamic Poses
The characters created for these cartoon challenged gravityâor physics âin pretty much every possible way , twisting their bodies or making unlikely movements appear effortless.
Make sure your designed pose plays into what makes that particular character shine bright among others- for example showcasing their muscles visually âmoveâ into action great-sword fight sequences.
It must inspire feelings between viewers â whether it being excitement or surprise make sure they could see themselves embodying such intriguing poses and situations themselves in real-life cultural, educational games etc.
[Regardless of inspirations having people relate & emit emotion over time establish unforgettable experiences.]
Step #5:Add Neon Effect Lighting To Achieve A Pop-art Look
Donât forget about lighting graphics affect as well ! As we observe from neon advertisements on the streets finding interesting ways portraying elements w light adds unbelievable flair esp when manipulating neon color pallet further affecting atmosphere you are aiming to deliver though through does carry risk if not executed precisely .
Neon-effect-lights do wonders here ; go along swapping shadows w negative space where illumination conducts vibrant contrasting areas creates warm welcoming allure altogether producing captivating visuals too XD
Final thoughts:
If you execute our guide thoughtfully then creation really pops out eg if creating a classic show intro evoking episode memories from grown up audiences looking back fondly at nostalgic references most cherished episodes gaining unearned respect but keep in mind originality over modern spinoff spoil the magic- that being said have great fun creating!
Gem 80s Cartoon FAQ: All You Need to Know About Your Favorite Childhood Show
The 80s was a decade filled with iconic pop culture staples, from the music to the fashion and everything in between. One of the most beloved elements of this era is undoubtedly the cartoons. Shows like Transformers, Thundercats, and GI Joe all captivated childrenâs imaginations and inspired their playtime adventures. However, one cartoon stands out among them all â Gem.
Gem first aired in 1985 and quickly became a sensation thanks to its unique blend of dynamic storytelling, catchy songs, and colorful animation. Set in Los Angelesâ glitzy world of rock ân roll, Gem follows Jem/Jerrica Benton who transforms into her alter-ego using Synergy holographic technology. Together with her bandmates known as The Holograms they overcome obstacles both personal & professional while defending/performing via their super hip tunes.
Even though itâs been over 25 years since Gem ended its original run on TV screens worldwide there are still many fans clamoring for more information about this classic 80s cartoon show. So without further ado hereâs our definitive FAQ containing all you need to know about your favorite childhood program.
Q: Who Created âGemâ And How Did It Come About?
A: Christy Marx created Jem along with Hasbro Toys executives specifically conceived primarily as a pin-up doll line that transformed into rock stars accompanied by over-the-top stage settings such as light shows & plexiglass platforms (yay nostalgia!). The concept turned being sold at retail stores switched gears after realizing certain cablers would stay put if animated programming could successfully earn advertising rates taking advantage television stationsâ FCC licensure standards.
Q: Why Was âJEMâ Such A Hit Among Young Girls In Particular?
A: At face value it would seem that tracking young girls/customers whom typically donât make up companies regular buying patterns may have easily missed-out but Puffalumps co-inventor Russ Hornsby discovered an overlooked market. Young girls could potentially still champion the idea of seeing strong powerful female rock figures/performers instead of following male superheroesâ adventures all day long.
Q: What Are The Main Characters of âGemâ & Who Voices Them?
A: Jem is voiced by Samantha Newark while her rival in music â The Misfits frontwoman Pizzazz is played by Patricia Alice Albrecht (who later moved away from voice acting to pursue other passions such as starting San Franciscoâs Museum Of Ice Cream). Additionally fellow band member Kimber Benton was portrayed with Harriet Owens providing vocals.
Q: Was There A Real-Life Music Group Behind Gem, And Did They Have Any Hits Outside The Showâs Theme?
A: No one had heard anything quite like the upbeat punkish guitar riffs on tracks such as âTruly Outrageousâ or âThe Future Is Me,â it became almost mandatory for Hasbro to imagine a new radical sound for both cartoon performers battling for industry acclaim; Jem and arch-nemesis dubbed rivals, Power-Puff Girls inspired group, âThe Miffitsâ. Rather than sign fresh-faced highly trained musicians a production team created iconic songs that matched the stunning visuals displayed throughout each episode.
Q: How Many Seasons Were Produced And When Did It End On Television?
A: Gem spawned 65 episodes spanning over 3 seasons between 1985-1988 however infamously & mysteriously left fans hanging after its cliffhanger final goodbye which never revealed whether Eric Raymond finally gained ownership / full control over Starlight Records since Jems alter ego multiple personality freedom fighter chose not signing his treacherous proposed paperwork acquisition.
In conclusion, Gem has stood the test of time thanks to its unforgettable characters, catchy tunes and pioneering storytelling style. Whether you grew up watching this show or are discovering it now through streaming services around the internet let us rest assure that while 80s rock-icons such as Jem with Synergyâs help may be all too rare, we can always come and visit the rich glossy neon world of Gem anytime. Truly outrageous!
Top 5 Facts You Never Knew About the Making of Gem 80s Cartoon
The 80s were a golden era for animation, and one of the most iconic cartoons from that time was Gem. The show followed the adventures of Jem and her band, who used their music to battle against various villains while also dealing with personal issues.
While many fans know about the basic plot and characters of Gem, there are some surprising facts about its production that even die-hard viewers may not be aware of. Here are five intriguing tidbits about the making of this beloved series:
1) The concept for Jem came from a toy line: Before becoming a cartoon, Jem was actually a doll created by Hasbro in 1985. However, unlike other toys-turned-cartoons, Jem had an incredibly fleshed-out backstory and mythology right out of the gate thanks to writer Christy Marx.
2) The voice actors often doubled as singers: One aspect that set Gem apart from other animated shows at the time was its emphasis on music. To fully realize this element, the voice actors would often record songs in character in addition to doing their regular dialogue scenes.
3) A very famous woman voiced Pizzazz: You might recognize Patty Foleyâs name as someone who voiced several characters on cartoons during the late 70s/early 80s (e.g., Haggar on Voltron), but she played one role above all othersâPizzazz on JEM!!!
4) Misfitsâ fashions were based off real designers â For costume help inspiration designer Carole Anne Kaufman crafted designs inspired by Vivienne Westwood & Liza Minnelliâs costumer Bob Mackie!
5) It nearly spawned an anime spin-off â Japanese studios wanted to make more money off it so they planned to turn it into âGuerilla Girlâ but it ultimately got cancelled (Japonica has tons more information if youâre into nerding out Twilight Sparkle style!)
The Influential Impact of Gem 80s Cartoon on Pop Culture Today
The 80s were a defining decade for many things â music, fashion, and the television industry. It was during this time that some of the most iconic and memorable cartoons were born; one such cartoon is âGemâ.
âGemâ was released in 1985 and quickly gained popularity amongst those who grew up with it. The show followed Jerrica Benton, who transforms into her alter ego Gem using a pair of earrings which helped to create holographic images around herself allowing her to become a pop superstar.
But what made âGemâ so influential on popular culture today? Not only does it uniquely capture the neon-drenched vibrancy of the eraâs pop aesthetic, but its message goes beyond just an entertaining story concept.
The animated series featured strong female characters taking charge and solving problems through teamwork while not compromising their femininity or relying othersâ help all-because they were perceived as women. This portrayal resonated with audiences then as well as now.
Glamour Magazine aptly described âGemâ by saying âThink Josie & The Pussycats meets Barbie.â The colorful designs and fashions boasted by each character are instantaneously recognizable even after years have passed since the original release- you can easily recognize signature colours associated with particular characters like purple for Shana or red representing Kimberâs fiery personality.
Another reason behind Gemâs lasting impact lies within its fluid representation of diverse bodies. Each member has unique personalities along with physical features such as height differences between Aja being taller than Raya making them different yet inclusive showing that strength isnât visible always! In addition to highlighting ethnicities âit gave bi-racial kids someone who looked like they did (Aja) from Korea- whereas Rio had Puerto Rican roots,
Moreover precisely because of these exceptionally characteristic qualities means that although there may be millions tasked to portray musical rivalries hinged on fame vs authenticity,- nothing quite captures our interpretation more succinctly than Gem does.
In summary, âGemâ was not just an animated series during the 80s that made young girls want to become pop stars themselves. Instead; it revolutionized how women were portrayed in popular culture and empowered them through collaborative efforts towards their dreams while showing wider diversity meaning representation could be fun, engaging & multi-dimensional! These qualities continue to resonate with us today- so much so, adaptation is still being developed for new adoring fans .
From Jem to She-Ra, Women Dominated the Animated World in the 80s
The 1980s were a golden age for animated TV shows and movies, with the likes of He-Man, The Transformers, G.I. Joe, Ducktales and many others becoming part of our childhood memories.But one thing that tends to be overlooked is how women also dominated the world of animation during this decade. From Jem to She-Ra, female characters played an essential role in some of the most popular cartoons on television.
One show that stands out is Jem and the Holograms. This series centered around an all-girl rock band who used technology to produce incredible music performances while dealing with relationships and other pressures typical for young adults at that time. Created by Christy Marx in 1985, Jem went beyond just entertaining children; it was praised by critics as addressing critical issues like feminism, teenage rebellion but still keeping its playful nature.
Another iconic animation from the same period was She-Ra: Princess of Power. Launched in 1984 as a spin-off series from He-Man: Masters of Universe (which featured mostly male character), She-Ra became known for showcasing empowered women as well as more subtle feminist themes such as equality among genders (unheard-of back then). Faced against leading villainessâs Horde â led by Hordak and their evil scheme towards Eternia- She-Ra showed her strength both physically and mentally while inspiring girlsâ confidence worldwide.
But it wasnât just these two programs either-Japanese-animated hits like Miyazakiâs âKikiâs Delivery Serviceâ or Sailor Moon featuring strong female leads commanded huge followings across wider audiences than originally intended when first created abroad seven years prior!
These examples showcase how animated shows in the â80s broke barriers for women roles outside stereotypical gender norms prevalent across different subcultures . In todayâs society where representation matters most greatly ensuring diverse group representations hailing representing empowerment through inclusive institutions rather than based on outdated perspectives glorifying old gender roles keeps shaping young minds towards more ambitious, creative and empowered imaginations that are open to breaking ceilings.
In summary, the 1980s may have given rise to some of the most iconic animated television shows in history with male leads as the central figure. But itâs important not to forget about those female figures who also dominated the scene during this decade, teaching us valuable lessons about feminism, empowerment through self-discovery whilst instilling a sense of confidence for young women everywhere from She-Raâs powerful swordsmanship skills or Jem going against societyâs stereo types by just being herself!
Why We Still Love and Cherish the Spectacular Show That is Gem 80s Cartoon
Thereâs something about cartoons from the 80s that continues to hold a special place in our hearts. And among all those shows, thereâs one in particular that stands out: Gem and the Holograms.
For those who didnât grow up with this animated gem (pun intended), it tells the story of Jerrica Benton, a young woman who leads a double life as both herself and her pop star alter-ego, Gem. Alongside her bandmates â Kimber, Aja and Shana â they use their music to fight against rivals The Misfits and other foes who want to steal their fame and glory.
But what is it about this show that has kept fans coming back for more even decades later? Firstly, letâs talk about the music. From âTruly Outrageousâ to âWeâre Making It Happenâ, these original songs are catchy earworms with empowering lyrics that still resonate today. They showcased diverse musical styles too; where else were you going to see punk rockers sharing a stage with R&B singers?
Of course, we canât forget about the fashion â or rather, lack thereof. The outfits on this show were wilder than anything seen before or since; bright colours clashed together effortlessly while huge hair-dos towered over every scene like works of art. Designing outrageous clothing was central to Kimberâs role within the band; she regularly showed off new costumes designed specifically for each performance.
But beyond these iconic elements lie some deeper reasons why this cartoon remains so cherished after all these years. For one thing, it broke barriers at a time when representation wasnât exactly top-of-mind across various demographics be it women performers or musicians of colour being featured prominently highlighted through certain charactersâ unique identities.
In closingâwhether we love it because of its nostalgic value or because we genuinely appreciate how ahead-of-the-times aspects remain relatable till dateâGem will always continue to be a beloved show that reminds us of just how Truly Outrageous 80s pop culture was.
Table with useful data:
Title | Air dates | Main characters |
---|---|---|
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero | 1985-1986 | Duke, Scarlett, Snake Eyes, Cobra Commander, Destro |
Transformers | 1984-1987 | Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Starscream, Soundwave |
She-Ra: Princess of Power | 1985-1987 | She-Ra, Hordak, Catra, Swift Wind, Bow |
ThunderCats | 1985-1989 | Lion-O, Tygra, Panthro, Mumm-Ra, Cheetara |
Jem and the Holograms | 1985-1988 | Jem, Kimber, Aja, Shana, Synergy |
Note: This data may vary based on location and content of the channel.
Information from an expert
As an expert in 80s cartoons, I can confidently say that the Gem cartoon series was a cultural phenomenon. Premiering in 1985, it followed the story of Jerrica Benton and her band, who used holographic technology to transform into rock stars known as Jem and The Holograms. With catchy songs, vibrant animation, and compelling storylines centered around female empowerment, Gem became a beloved classic that continues to inspire fans today. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable and its influence is still felt across various forms of media almost four decades later.
Historical fact:
Gem, a popular 80s cartoon series, was created as a marketing strategy to sell dolls by the toy company Hasbro. Despite this motive, it became a cultural phenomenon and remains an iconic piece of pop culture history.