The Red Book of Westmarch (Archives)

Features, Humor, Opinion
Glow-in-the-Dark Hobbits & Homophobic Frodos: Rankin Bass’ 1980 “The Return of the King” Reviewed
08.10.11 | Kunochan | Permalink | 7 Comments

Here, my fellow Tolkien fans, is my review of The Return of the King. Produced by Rankin Bass and Studio Ghibli predecessor Topcraft, this television special aired May 11, 1980 as a very unofficial sequel to Bakshi’s The Lord of the Rings, which only covered Fellowship and most of Two Towers…
Features, Humor, Opinion
Roto-Orcs & Invincible Doors: Ralph Bakshi’s 1978 ‘JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings’ Reviewed
07.12.10 | Kunochan | Permalink | 11 Comments

In my current role as a (barely) paid (semi-) professional writer of Tolkien news, reviews and other ephemera, I took it upon myself to view again, for the first time since 1978, Bakshi’s “JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings,” and give it a second chance with an adult perspective.
Features, Humor, Opinion
Ugly Elves & Inflatable Orcs: Rankin/Bass’ 1977 ‘The Hobbit’ Reviewed
03.23.10 | Kunochan | Permalink | 14 Comments

Author JRR Tolkien believed that we each have a great sacrifice to make, for the betterment of all humanity. Frodo bore the Ring, for the sake of The Shire; Aragorn walked the Paths of the Dead, for the sake of the Free Peoples; and I watched Rankin/Bass Productions’ 1977 animated television production of “The Hobbit,” for you, my readers.

Glow-in-the-Dark Hobbits & Homophobic Frodos: Rankin Bass’ 1980 “The Return of the King” Reviewed