WEB/SCREEN

DISPOSABLE: TED RALL GETS ANIMATED

Most efforts to morph print cartoons into animation usually stink. I still cringe at the animated versions of Dilbert or Doonesbury. (If you don't remember those abominations consider yourself blessed.) So it was with some trepidation that I approached Disposable, the pilot of a new Internet-only series by Boise Weekly columnist/cartoonist Ted Rail.

"Oh, no," I thought.

Ninety seconds later: "Yes!"

At a one-minute, 35-second run time, it's lean and mean, just like Rail, with animation by David Essman. Rail keeps a sign above his drafting table that reads: "What do actual people care about?" Well, here you have it. According to Rail, it's the economy, stupid.

In Disposable, Disposable Dan's "boss' boss' bosses" rake in millions, while downwardly mobile, disrespected Dan is laid off. He then has to rely on his wife and her job at Conglomco to keep them living the American nightmare.

Rail promises webisodes will come out frequently and run shorter than stand-alone cartoons.

Dear Mr. Rail,

More, please.

Sincerely,

A fan

-George Prentice