The chaps known as Magical Platypus International (remember MadriGras Jenkins?) have combined their animation forces again to create Gundarr. Perhaps a cousin of great warriors like Conan and Thundarr, Gundarr has laid down his sword in favor of a handgun. His battle cry is simply hysterical: “by the sword of my gun!” Magical Platypus International is Ted Wilson, David Weibe, Corey Mcdaniel, Tony Osman and Wayne Salter.

Nickelodeon’s 15 Seconds to Fame contest recently closed the submission window, and we’ve spotted a few Flash-animated submissions around the web. Here’s an entry titled Jurrasic Clark, submitted by Vancouver-based Corey McDaniel.

… and here’s a submission from Brent Bouchard, Jesse Cote and Patrick Dufresne (BGs by Norm Krich and Jesse Schilperoort)

Thank you, Corey McDaniel, for taking up the challenge put forth over at SplineDoctors.com. The dance mix was great an all, but someone has to put that stupid Christian Bale in his place. Below McDaniel has released his animatic set against some of Bale’s spittle-laced tirade, and he’s threatening to animate if fully. If you think he should, let ‘em know in the comments… [NSFW - langauge]

Who ever said superstars don’t care? Well, meet MardiGras Jenkins – NBA superstar and part-time family counselor. He cares, and he’s here to listen.

Corey McDaniel, Tony Osman, Wayne Salter, and Ted Wilson have released this new short under their Magical Platypus International label. On Jenkins’ first show he welcomes a troubled MySpace-loving teen with some parent problems.

I’ve been recommending the animation software Toon Boom to a few friends lately, mainly because they asked about X-sheet timing, texture brushes or advanced camera functionality. Adam Phillips, the creator of the Brackenwood series, has already discovered the power of Toon Boom Digital Pro, and I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for other artists who have too.

Take a look at Grille Cheez, a 2-minute short by Mathieu Choquet, who produced this film in his final year at Cegep du Vieux Montreal.

And here is To Kill A Working Bird, a traditionally animated short produced at VFS about a homeless bird with a huge appetite. The short was created by Corey McDaniel, who was featured here back in 2007.

Lastly, if you haven’t used the software, have a look at the multiplane potential exhibited in this demonstration.

In the end, it’s the artist, not the software, that makes the difference, but knowing what options are out there can improve your creative execution.