Cartoon fan theories are a fascinating and often entertaining aspect of the animation world. These theories, created by fans and enthusiasts alike, offer an alternative perspective on beloved shows and characters, delving into the hidden meanings, symbolism, and subtext that may not be immediately apparent. In this blog post, we explore the world of cartoon fan theories, looking at some of the most popular and intriguing theories that have emerged over the years.
1. The Rugrats All Grew Up
One of the most enduring fan theories is that the babies from “Rugrats” all grew up, and the show is actually a figment of Angelica’s imagination. This theory suggests that the babies - Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil, and Dil - never existed, and Angelica invented them to cope with her loneliness and neglectful parents. Proponents of this theory point to subtle clues, such as the fact that the adults on the show never acknowledge the babies’ conversations or adventures, as evidence to support their claims.
2. Ed, Edd n Eddy is Set in Purgatory
“Ed, Edd n Eddy” is a popular cartoon show that ran for ten years, following the adventures of three friends in their quest to make money by any means necessary. One fan theory suggests that the show is set in purgatory, with each character representing one of the seven deadly sins. For example, Eddy represents greed, Ed represents sloth, and Edd represents pride. The theory also suggests that the neighborhood is a limbo-like state, with the Eds doomed to repeat their schemes over and over again until they learn their moral lesson.
3. SpongeBob SquarePants is a Nuclear Mutant
SpongeBob SquarePants is one of the most beloved cartoon characters of all time. However, some fans have developed a theory that suggests SpongeBob is actually a nuclear mutant. This theory proposes that Bikini Bottom, the underwater city where SpongeBob lives, was created after a nuclear testing site exploded. As a result, SpongeBob and his friends are all mutants who have adapted to life in this radioactive environment. While this theory is outlandish, it does add an interesting layer to the SpongeBob universe.
4. The Pixar Theory
The Pixar Theory is perhaps the most well-known and comprehensive fan theory, encompassing almost every Pixar movie ever made. According to the theory, all the Pixar films are connected, taking place in the same universe and timeline. The theory suggests that “Brave” takes place in the distant past and that “Cars” takes place in a dystopian future. The theory also posits that “Toy Story” is the central film, with all the other movies existing because of the toys’ sentience.
5. Phineas and Ferb is Set in a Post-Apocalyptic World
“Phineas and Ferb” is a popular cartoon show that follows the titular brothers and their wacky inventions. However, one fan theory suggests that the show is actually set in a post-apocalyptic world. This theory points to the lack of adult supervision and the abundance of resources available to the boys as evidence that they are living in a world where most adults and children have perished. The theory also suggests that the boys’ inventions are a way for them to cope with the loss of their parents.
Conclusion
Cartoon fan theories are a testament to the creativity and imagination of fans around the world. From the Rugrats growing up to SpongeBob being a nuclear mutant, these theories offer alternative perspectives on beloved shows and characters. While they may not always be true, they add an interesting layer to the stories we know and love. As fans continue to speculate and theorize, the world of cartoons remains a vibrant and endlessly fascinating universe.