Flash Banner Ads – Part 2
Earlier this week, I posted the first half 
of my search for web banners containing character animation. I found 20 or 30 in total, most on MTV’s news website, FoxNews and Marketwatch, and I chose 13 that are worth a quick look. I’d already focused on the Yahoo Music one before, but that post sucked, so it’s getting a facelift. So here’s the second half, none of which equal the lewd mastery of the ‘Drawn Together’ banner from the first Banner Ad post.
Cingular’s Snowball – 300 x 250
A little story – hot damn! I also spotted some fairly snappy animation, and an atypical snow-cycle. It’s not rain people – it floats! As a side note, this was the largest of the SWFs in the bunch – 53k.
Verizon & MTV’s Obsessed – 336 x 280
Pacman’s got arms! Pacman turned blue and ate the monitor! And then he hurls up a controller at the end. My second favorite in the group.
Principal Finanacial Group’s Bicycle – 300 x 250
Another little story, and one about courage in the face of retirement no less! Bravo! I dig the camera move in the beginning, and the ‘Schoolhouse Rock’ vibe at the divide. Perhaps the pink BG wasn’t the best choice, but I’d rather focus on the upside here – very strong work. I give this one 3rd place overall.
Yahoo Hotjobs Mints – 425 x 600
Like the yellow tones, and the overall design has some strong appeal. Floaty, lifeless animation drops this from a potential finalist to the middle of the pack.
Yahoo Hotjobs Dry Cleaner – 425 x 600
See above, but substitute the word ‘red’ for ‘yellow.’
Yahoo Music Green Day – 728 x 90
Part of a bigger campaign that I’ve really enjoyed. The design and BG layout takes best in show, and the I love those pixelated smoke puffs.
Nothing to write home about in the bunch, but it’s promising. Pass back any cool Flash-animated banners you spot, and I’ll start building another review.
