Spumco signing at Golden Apple

Spumco signing draws the crowds

The Spumco Bigshots meet their fans!

Photos and descriptions by Michelle Klein-Häss

Spumco is the famous Hollywood animation studio which created the incredibly famous The Ren & Stimpy Show in 1989. Golden Apple Comics was the scene where John Kricfalusi, Jim Smith, Mike Fontanelli, Richard Pursel, Shane Glines and Vincent Waller met their fans this December.

Left to right: Shane Glines, Jim Smith, Mike Fontanelli.
The signing was put together to celebrate several things: the release of new Three Stooges cartoon dolls by Spumco, the completion of the Nike "Little Red Riding Hood" commercial, and most importantly to celebrate the first issue of "Spumco Comic Book" to be released through Dark Horse Comics. Dedicated Spumco fans will remember that one issue was released through Marvel Comics, then Marvel passed on the rest of the initial run of the comics. As you know, Marvel is now in Bankruptcy and fighting off a hostile takeover bid...coincidence? You tell me.

Rich Pursel and John K. Spumco Big Shot of all Big Shots John Kricfalusi was there with "Spumco Comic Book" editor Richard Pursel to discuss the current and future issues of the oversized, deluxe Comic, the next issue of which will be available in late January. They also answered questions about animation projects, including the still-in-progress Bjork video which mixes live action, traditional Cel animation and computer generated 3D animation, the latter of which was executed by Rhythm and Hues, the Computer Animation house responsible for the Coca Cola Bears commercials, among others. A test reel from the project was shown at the signing.