Animated Gems Vol.8 [Miscellaneous]

We conclude this blog series of lesser known/old animated shows I enjoyed as a kid which have largely been lost to the sands of time. This week, a general shoutout to the few remaining shows whose countries I couldn't find enough on to make into individual volumes!

Ben & Izzy (2006; Jordan)

A crash course in Middle Eastern history narrated by two archeologists' kids and a Genie on a mission to save real life ancient artefacts from a time travelling skinflint billionaire. I don't remember the show as much as I remember imagining my own adventures for the characters, and unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be perserved on the internet, but a synopsis of the episodes is available on its archived promotional website.

Adventures of the Gummi Bears (1985; United States)

Breaking my own rule to introduce to you an American cartoon about a family of magical anthropomorphic bears living in the root system of an ancient tree, in hiding from humans who persecuted and drove away the rest of their civilization to lands uncharted. Here, they seek for lost heritage and guard the Gummi Juice recipe, a powerful concoction which gives you strength and agility. A story told from the perspective of the forgotten magical creatures, instead of the humans' who discover them.

Holly Hobbie (2006; United States)

There are two bonnet wearing cartoon icons who started out as standalone/greeting card illustrations that shaped my childhood, and besides Strawberry Shortcake (1970's), that honour is owned by Holly Hobbie (1960's), illustrated by an artist of the same name.

The cartoon follows the grandchild of the charming original doll, spending summers with extended family in a rural town. Creative and imaginative, she often ends up in trouble for being stubborn about handing things herself, but also has the charm to bring community together. Always reminded me of a modern Anne of Green Gables!

Pat & Mat (1976; Czech)

This is a mute series of stop motion shenanigans of two terrible handymen, who always end up breaking things even more than they were at the start before intervention. Full honesty, I hated this show as a kid, full of empathy for the poor places they decimated, but to those who don't mind property destruction, perhaps if you enjoyed Ed Edd 'n Eddy, this show's for you!

Have you watched/heard of any of these gems? Do you treasure any other cartoons from countries that I haven't mentioned yet?

Let me know, and you might just catch them in my next blog series: Traveling for Animation!

Previous volumes: French || Canadian || British & Irish || Italian || German || Spanish || Australian