Oh, snap! Hold on to your hats, folks, because it looks like we’re about to be flooded with a wave of nostalgia. Picture this: you’re a teen again, rushing home from school to catch the newest episode of that anime you can’t stop talking about with your friends. And the reason behind all this buzz? Yup, you guessed it: the fantastic, sensational, “it’s-never-looked-so-good-before” hand-drawn animation that kept you glued to your seat, eyes wide, and heart racing. But then…dark times, indeed! Animation slowly got replaced by CGI, leaving our childhood friends, hand-drawn cartoons, at the sidelines. Cue tears, nostalgia, and endless conversations about the good ol’ days.

But fret not, dear reader, for it appears that the animation gods have decided to smile upon us once more. That’s right – rumors are swirling in the hallowed halls of the animation world that hand-drawn animation is staging a major comeback, like an 80s hair metal band on a mission. The power of illustration is reawakening from its long slumber, and we are so here for it!

So, what has sparked this newfound resurgence in hand-drawn animation? Some say it’s a reaction to the (over)saturation of CGI in modern animation. Now don’t get us wrong, CGI has produced some seriously epic animated works – I mean, who could forget the tear-jerking montage of Ellie and Carl’s life together in Pixar’s ‘Up’? But there’s something truly magical and whimsical about hand-drawn animation that sets it apart from its CGI counterpart. Plus, nostalgia is a powerful force, y’all, and we are only human.

Even Hollywood is starting to catch on to this not-so-secret recipe for success. With upcoming films like ‘Klaus’ (a Netflix Original, hand-drawn Christmas movie) and ‘Wolfwalkers’ (from the ever-stunning Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon), it’s clear that the animation industry is slowly gravitating back towards its roots. And can we take a moment to talk about Disney announcing their return to hand-drawn animation after years of dipping their toes into CGI waters? I’m not crying, you’re crying!

In the realm of smaller studios and independent artists, hand-drawn animation is taking off like wildfire. Indie productions are gaining popularity at film festivals and making us realize that the sheer artistry and personal touch behind this age-old animation technique have been sorely missed. Hand-drawn animations can evoke an emotional response that transcends language, geography, and cultural barriers. It’s the classic chicken soup for the soul – it makes you feel good, all warm and fuzzy inside, like a bear hug from your favorite cartoon character.

And if you’ve been strolling through the wacky world of social media, you’ve probably come across the hordes of talented animators and illustrators showing off their skills and pushing the boundaries of what hand-drawn animation can be. From GIFs that make you chuckle to stunning digital art, there is no doubt that these individuals are spearheading the hand-drawn animation renaissance.

So, what are you waiting for? Hop on the bandwagon, grab your pencils (or stylus, we don’t judge) and dive head-first into this hand-drawn wonderland that’s been reignited with fervor. If you haven’t been initiated into the fold yet, no worries – the water’s warm, and the opportunities are endless. One thing’s for sure: this comeback is about to bring back all those childhood memories, breathe life into new ideas, and usher in a new age of animation for all to enjoy. Cheers to that, and long live hand-drawn animation!