Created by Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera in 1960, there are many good things to recommend about The Flintstones. The graphics are pleasing, the backgrounds have vibrant colors and interesting textures. The character designs are simple yet bold and cartoony (designed by Ed Benedict). Fred and Barney have barrel-shaped bodies, big heads with bulbous noses, and meaty fingers and toes (one wonders how these two ever wound up with such babes for wives). All the characters have thick inked outlines, making them easier to see on the small screen. Some of the stories were written by Mike Maltese and Warren Foster, veterans of the classic Warner Bros. Looney Tunes. The voice cast was also excellent.
Unfortunately, because of television's tight budget and schedule, the animation had to be severely restricted and the stories told mostly through dialogue. These type of cartoons became known as "illustrated radio." One can't help but compare this unfavorably with the full character animation of Hanna-Barbera's pantomime Tom and Jerry cartoons of the Forties. Fresh material was used up pretty quickly and jokes and ideas were re-used alot. Also, for some odd reason, a distracting laugh track was added.
In the best episodes, though, the humor, characterizations and graphics make up for the weaknesses.
Unfortunately, because of television's tight budget and schedule, the animation had to be severely restricted and the stories told mostly through dialogue. These type of cartoons became known as "illustrated radio." One can't help but compare this unfavorably with the full character animation of Hanna-Barbera's pantomime Tom and Jerry cartoons of the Forties. Fresh material was used up pretty quickly and jokes and ideas were re-used alot. Also, for some odd reason, a distracting laugh track was added.
In the best episodes, though, the humor, characterizations and graphics make up for the weaknesses.