Cartoon Network ("Coming Up Next" Bumpers)

From the Audiovisual Identity Database, the motion graphics museum




1st Bumper (October 1, 1992-1995)

Visuals: The word "NEXT" appears in big bold letters in front of an animated checkerboard background. A clock appears in front of the text, which features heads of various CN characters. An animated transition wipe reveals the title of the show coming up, which is followed by another transition leading into the Cartoon Network logo superimposed over the animated background.

Technique: Analog computer animation.

Audio: A catchy tune, commonly used in bumpers that aired during the time. The announcer making remarks about the show coming up.

Audio Variants: Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese variants exist.

Availability: Was usually seen right before the show's credits after the final commercial break.

2nd Bumper (1995-early 1997)

Visuals: Over a 3D-styled checkerboard background, letters hang from string that spell out the word "NEXT" as they dangle across the screen. Characters from a show are then shown doing certain movements, right before a 3D version of the Cartoon Network logo shows up in front of the checkerboarded pattern.

Technique: Analog computer animation.

Audio: Usually a remixed version of the show's theme music, plus the announcer making remarks about the show coming up.

Audio Variants: Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese variants exist.

Availability: As the previous bumper, these too were shown right after the last commercial break, and right before the show's credits.

3rd Bumper (Early 1997-98)

Visuals: A spotlight shines over a blue curtain, with letters spelling out "NEXT" printed across, in the familiar "Powerhouse" styled font. The curtains open up, revealing more curtains until it concludes with a green checkerboard-styled curtain, revealing clips of the show coming up. A curtain falls down, whereas the Cartoon Network logo fades into it.

Technique: 2D computer animation.

Audio: Same as the previous bumper.

Audio Variants: Latin American Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese variants exist.

Availability: This was the last bumper to be played out after the last break and before the credits once the Powerhouse look was finally used.

4th Bumper (March 2, 1998-June 13, 2004)

Visuals: There is the word "NEXT", usually being the subject of certain cartoon violence scenes, which is followed by the names and times of shows that are coming up next.

Technique: 2D computer animation.

Audio: "Powerhouse" by Raymond Scott. Sometimes being re-arranged to fit the style of the bumper. Plus the announcer saying what's coming up next. In Powerpuff Girls's case, the narrator (voiced by Tom Kenny) announces it. In 2003, the Powerhouse theme was replaced by various generic fanfares and themes. The "Sailboat" and "Fist" bumpers later used the opening theme for "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest", while the "Hypnotist" bump uses the first bit of "The Scooby-Doo Show" theme. However, Latin America and Brazil still used the original music.

Audio Variants: For Latin America: "En Instantes", and for Brazil: "Daqui a Pouco". The lineup is dubbed in their respective languages.

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