The Passing Of An Old Era And The Coming Of A New Dawn...

It's been a long time since I last post the previous blog, considering I'm not a big fan of posting stuff that will never be read by anyone in the entire world (mostly, I only receive only one or three comments, nothing more). But today there is something that I need to say here after reading the most pivotal and sorrowful news on the Net: Ollie Johnston, the sole survivor of Disney's Nine Old Men, has passed away recently due to old age.

Although not as surprising as expected, it's kinda heartbreaking to say farewell to these incredible people who have brought all the most beautiful childhood moments into my life. The lushful animation with a life and thinking of its own, the joy and the sadness that are embedded within these drawings; Ollie, along with his fellow mates Frank Thomas, Ward Kimball and others, is one of those animators who understand the very true essence of their creations.

All of these may be gone forever but they will never be forgotten, for each dying breath comes a seed that would pass the legacy of the former to another. And like John Lasseter, who is considered to be the next Walt Disney, anyone who admires their amazing contributions could be among the next Nine Old Men. As long as these upcoming animated films retains the very spirit of the classic movies, we would be glad that Disney animation will never meet its fateful demise.

For now, let's us give prayers and thanks Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, Les Clark, Woolie Reitherman, John Lounsbery, Eric Larson, Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, Ward Kimball and other key Disney animators who had created some of the most memorable characters in the last 70-80 years.

Amen.

- Glen B.Wang