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via Cartoon Network press release:

The Toons Are Taking Over the Web with Launch of CartoonNetwork.com

Cartoon Network Online, a division of Cartoon Network, the fastest growing, top-rated basic cable network, today announced the launch of CartoonNetwork.com (www.cartoonnetwork.com), a unique blend of original Web programming and content from the world’s largest cartoon library. Just as Cartoon Network has become the world’s cartoon headquarters on television, CartoonNetwork.com’s goal is to become the online headquarters for cartoons. Gap Kids will be the official charter sponsor for the launch of CartoonNetwork.com.

CartoonNetwork.com introduces the largest-ever commitment to animation on the Internet with the debut of “Web Premiere Toons,” the site’s innovative proving ground for new interactive, online cartoons. Cartoon Network Online intends to roll-out interactive, online cartoons and has signed renowned artist Gary Panter to create the first. Panter is best-known as the Emmy Award-winning art director behind the television series “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse.” “Web Premiere Toons” is inspired by “World Premiere Toons,” the popular Cartoon Network pilot program that has resulted in four original series and 48 cartoon shorts for the cable network.

“We are not only committed to utilizing the Web as a creative outlet for our archives but also dedicated to becoming the standard-bearer for the future of interactive cartoons,” said Rob Sorcher, executive vice president of Cartoon Network U.S. and head of Cartoon Network Online. “Whether it’s new or classic, animation is extremely well-suited for the internet, and we intend to service the immense appetite of cartoon fans worldwide.”

Among the major content areas CartoonNetwork.com will roll-out at launch are “Department of Cartoons,” “The Official Space Ghost Site,” “Favorites,” and “Animate Your World.”

Department of Cartoons
CartoonNetwork.com’s “Department of Cartoons” is an unprecedented inside look into cartoon history and the inner workings of the entire animation process. “Department of Cartoons” draws from Cartoon Network’s vast archives and original programming like Cow and Chicken, Johnny Bravo and Dexter’s Laboratory. With the goal of becoming the ultimate online cartoon encyclopedia, it features creators’ notes, episode guides, model sheets, sound bites, video clips, pencil tests, storyboards, backgrounds, music and every raw element that goes into making a cartoon. “Department of Cartoons” is also home to “Saturday Morning Magazine,” a retro look back at the cult and culture of cartoons that all began with Saturday morning cartoons.

Space Ghost
Since its debut in 1994, Cartoon Network’s Space Ghost Coast to Coast has soared to popular acclaim as the quirkiest late-night talk show in the universe – now he takes on the Web at CartoonNetwork.com’s “Official Space Ghost Site.” At the center is “Ghost Planet News,” where Space Ghost and his team of intergalactic gadflies interpret entertainment wire stories from the deep reaches of the galaxy, providing dead-on Hollywood satire. In addition, for the first time, Space Ghost fans will be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the show and see how Earth humans create it. “Space Ghost” also contains regular features and the home pages for Space Ghost Coast to Coast cronies like Moltar and Zorak.

Favorites
“Zoinks!” Scooby-Doo has a home page? You bet — in CartoonNetwork.com’s “Favorites” section. Featuring a new character’s home page launched every week, “Favorites” is packed with images, facts, trivia and clips from your favorite cartoon stars and the shows they anchor. This section of CartoonNetwork.com offers a unique look at some of the more than 2,000 characters in the Cartoon Network archives. Now fans can really “meet George Jetson” or “meet the Flintstones.”

Animate Your World
CartoonNetwork.com’s “Animate Your World” is designed to ignite and inspire the development of kids’ imaginations. The cable network’s highly successful, award-winning educational public service campaign, “Animate Your World” now takes on another dimension at CartoonNetwork.com. Sections offer different concepts of creativity, helping children to see everyday items in a fresh, unique way in both online and off-line settings. The “Animate Your World” area also includes the “Big Fridge,” where CartoonNetwork.com posts the drawings and creations of kids visiting the site from around the world.

Games and Information
CartoonNetwork.com also features a “Games” section, where users can get interactive with their favorite characters. A whole host of online games and activities based on Cartoon Network programming awaits, including Shockwave games, downloadable icons and screen savers, and the daily “Your 2 Cents” poll. The web site also houses “Cartoon Network HQ,” a corporate area designed to keep viewers posted on all the latest network happenings – from program listings to press releases to NASCAR race updates for the Cartoon Network’s #9 Ford Taurus.

About the Developers
CartoonNetwork.com was developed by Cartoon Network Online in conjunction with New York City-based Funny Garbage, a full-service design and production company founded by creative directors Peter Girardi and Chris Capuozzo. Funny Garbage has created web sites, CD-ROMs, title graphics and print campaigns for clients ranging from Compaq Computers to Nike.

About Cartoon Network Online
Cartoon Network Online is a recently formed division of Cartoon Network, the fastest growing, top-rated basic cable network. Cartoon Network Online is the force behind CartoonNetwork.com, a new, daily-updated entertainment destination on the World Wide Web featuring original programming and drawing upon the network’s extensive archives and assets. The company also oversees its popular area on America Online (Keyword: Cartoon) which, established in 1994, is among the top three kids sites on the service.

Cartoon Network, currently seen in 51.3 million U.S. homes, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, basic cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network also creates and showcases innovative original programming such as Dexter’s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, Space Ghost Coast to Coast and Cartoon Cartoons. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of basic cable’s fastest growing, highest-rated networks.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a subsidiary of Time Warner Inc., is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.