Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Ruby-Spears

Ruby-Spears Productions was an studio founded in 1977 by writers and producers and , best known for creating and producing a wide array of series targeted at children during the late 1970s through the 1990s. Originally established as a of while Ruby and Spears served as network executives at overseeing Saturday morning programming, the studio quickly gained prominence with its debut production, the comedic adventure series , which premiered in 1978. Their early output included and fantasy-themed shows such as The Comedy-Adventure Hour (1979–1981), (1980–1981), and (1981), often blending humor, action, and moral lessons typical of the era's broadcast animation. Ruby and Spears, who had previously co-created the iconic Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! franchise at in 1969, brought their experience in mystery-solving and ensemble casts to many Ruby-Spears projects, contributing to the studio's reputation for accessible, content. In 1981, the studio was acquired by Taft Broadcasting Company, becoming a sister entity to Productions and expanding its production capacity for syndicated and network series. This period marked a prolific phase, with notable successes including the (1983–1987, 52 episodes), the sci-fi action series The Centurions (1985–1986), and comedic adaptations like (1985–1986) and Police Academy: The Animated Series (1988–1989). Other highlights encompassed Heathcliff (1980–1981, multiple iterations), (1983–1984), and (1984), showcasing the studio's versatility in genres from superhero tales to everyday humor. By the late 1980s, Ruby-Spears also ventured into video game adaptations, such as (1994–1995), reflecting the growing influence of interactive media on animation. The studio formed a production partnership with Japan's Ashi Productions in 1994 but ceased operations in 1996 amid industry shifts toward cable programming and consolidation. Much of its library was subsequently acquired by Turner Entertainment (now part of Warner Bros. Discovery), ensuring the enduring legacy of its shows through syndication, home video, and streaming platforms. Ruby-Spears' contributions to children's television emphasized imaginative storytelling and vibrant animation, influencing generations of viewers and animators during the golden age of Saturday morning cartoons.

History

Founding and Early Years

Ruby-Spears Productions was established in 1977 by and , two veteran writers who had previously worked at Productions, where they co-created the influential animated series Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! in 1969. The company was formed as a division of Pictures, a move supported by executives seeking to foster competition in Saturday morning programming. Headquartered in , Ruby-Spears focused from its inception on producing animated television series targeted at children, drawing heavily on the founders' expertise in crafting mystery and adventure narratives. The studio's early operations emphasized efficient production of episodic content for broadcast networks, leveraging Ruby and Spears' established connections in the industry to secure initial commissions. Its inaugural production was the The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy, which aired on May 6, 1978, and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Animated Program. This special, based on Jane Thayer's book, followed a puppy's quest for a family and exemplified the lighthearted, animal-centric storytelling that would characterize much of the studio's output. It led to sequels and the later series (originally titled The Puppy's New Adventures for season one), which premiered September 18, 1982, on as a co-production with Productions for its first season. The studio's first full series was the comedic adventure , which premiered on on September 9, 1978. To support growing international animation needs, Ruby-Spears established a production branch in , , during the late , enabling cost-effective overseas collaboration on cels and backgrounds. A pivotal early development occurred in 1978 when acquired the Burbank studio facilities outright, providing expanded physical infrastructure and solidifying the company's operational base for subsequent projects.

Expansion and Peak Production

Following its founding in , Ruby-Spears Productions saw substantial growth in the early , increasing its output to multiple per year as a division of before its acquisition by in 1981. This transition positioned the studio as a key player in morning programming, enabling it to produce numerous successful series amid the era's boom in children's . The studio's peak production occurred throughout the 1980s, with over a dozen series developed, including long-running hits like (1983–1990, 104 episodes total, with the first 52 animated by Ruby-Spears). Diversification into licensed properties marked key business developments, such as the 1983 series , adapted from the bestselling puzzle toy under a licensing agreement with Ideal Toy Corporation. Other notable 1980s output included (1980–1981), Mister T (1983–1985), and The Centurions (1986), reflecting the studio's focus on action-oriented content for broadcast networks. This international expansion supported cost-effective scaling during the decade's high demand, with the Rome branch handling overseas animation tasks for series like . The studio's programs garnered strong viewership on and Saturday mornings, contributing to commercial success through syndication deals and merchandise partnerships, such as ' toy lines for The Centurions and Karate Kommandos (1986).

Decline and Closure

In the early 1990s, Ruby-Spears faced significant challenges amid a saturated market, where increased competition from established studios like DIC Enterprises—known for prolific output of syndicated series such as and Heathcliff—intensified pressure on production companies reliant on network deals. The rise of networks, including and , further eroded the traditional block on broadcast TV, as these channels offered 24-hour programming and drew audiences away from limited weekend slots. Regulatory changes, such as the Children's Television Act of 1990, also mandated more educational content, reducing opportunities for the action-oriented that had defined Ruby-Spears' earlier success. A pivotal shift occurred in 1991 when Ruby-Spears was restructured into the independent RS Holdings following the sale of its pre-1991 library—alongside Hanna-Barbera Productions—to Turner Broadcasting System for $320 million. This transaction transferred ownership of key titles like Thundarr the Barbarian and The Centurions to Turner (later Warner Bros. via merger), leaving post-1991 productions to be handled by the spun-off entity in collaboration with varying partners. Output dwindled in the mid-1990s, with the studio forming a short-lived partnership with Japan's Productions for limited projects, including the animated series (1994–1995). Co-produced with , this adaptation of the video game franchise consisted of 27 episodes broadcast on the , representing one of Ruby-Spears' final major series before scaling back operations. The studio officially closed in 1996 after 19 years, with its remaining assets integrated into following Turner's 1996 merger with Time Warner. Founders and largely retired by the early , though they provided sporadic consulting on animation projects until their deaths in 2020. As of 2025, Ruby-Spears has seen no revivals or new productions, but its pre-1991 library remains under ownership and is periodically available for streaming on Max.

Key Personnel

Founders

Joe Ruby was born on March 30, 1933, in to Canadian immigrant parents. He began his career in animation at Productions in 1959, initially working as a film editor on early series such as The Flintstones (1960–1963), Top Cat (1961–1962), The Yogi Bear Show (1961), and The Jetsons (1962–1963). Ruby transitioned into writing, contributing scripts to adventure-oriented shows like Jonny Quest (1964–1965), and later co-creating the iconic Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! in 1969 alongside , for which he wrote the first five episodes and served as story supervisor for the initial run (1969–1970). Ruby died on August 26, 2020, at age 87. Ken Spears was born on March 12, 1938, in . After serving in the U.S. Navy, he joined in the late 1950s as a sound editor and staff writer, where he met Ruby and collaborated on gag writing and scripts for various series. Spears focused on developing adventure narratives, co-creating Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! with Ruby in 1969 and contributing to 21 of its first 25 episodes as a writer and story editor; his work on the franchise earned him four Emmy nominations over his career. He also co-developed other properties, including Dynomutt, Dog Wonder (1976) and (1976). Spears died on November 6, 2020, at age 82, from complications of . In 1977, Ruby and Spears co-founded Ruby-Spears Productions as a studio, where they served as principal producers overseeing and of new series. At the studio, Ruby handled much of the operational leadership, while Spears directed creative aspects such as story editing and scripting, building on their established formula of mystery-solving teams infused with humor—a style originating from and applied to original properties like (1980–1981) and (1978–1980). The company was acquired by Taft Entertainment in 1981 but continued operations until closing in 1996, after which both founders largely retired from major animation projects.

Notable Contributors

Writers like brought distinctive narrative flair to Ruby-Spears productions. Gerber co-created and contributed scripts to , infusing the post-apocalyptic adventure with satirical undertones drawn from his comic book background. He also wrote for Sectaurs: Lords of the Insect Jungle in 1985, where his episodes emphasized quirky, insect-themed conflicts with humorous social commentary. Voice actor was a prolific contributor across multiple Ruby-Spears series, delivering versatile performances that enhanced character dynamics. In Fangface (1978-1980), Welker provided the voice for the teenage werewolf Sherman "Fangs" Fangsworth, capturing the character's comedic transformations. Composers played a vital role in defining the auditory style of Ruby-Spears' action shows. composed additional music for Rambo: The Force of Freedom (1986), blending intense orchestral cues with electronic elements to underscore the series' military adventures, often in collaboration with . Guest contributor , the legendary comic book artist, significantly influenced Ruby-Spears' visual design during the early 1980s. Hired for , Kirby developed character designs, vehicles, and environments that imparted a bold, cosmic scale to the series' dystopian world, drawing from his and heritage. His work at the studio extended to other unproduced concepts, marking a late-career pivot to .

Productions

1970s Productions

Ruby-Spears Productions entered the animation industry in the late 1970s with a focus on Saturday morning cartoons that blended , , and adventure genres, primarily for broadcast on . Their initial offerings built on the founders' experience in creating engaging, kid-friendly narratives, targeting children aged 7 to 12 with episodic stories featuring young protagonists solving problems through humor and mild peril. These early series helped establish the studio's reputation for accessible, formulaic that echoed popular formats like mystery-solving teams while introducing or heroic twists. One of the studio's debut series was Fangface, a 30-minute animated program that aired on ABC from September 9, 1978, to September 8, 1979, comprising 16 episodes in its first season. The show followed a teenage boy named Sherman "Fangs" Fangsworth who transforms into a bumbling werewolf detective whenever he sees the moon, leading a team of friends—Kim, Biff, and the boyish-looking girl Flo—to solve supernatural mysteries in a style reminiscent of Scooby-Doo but with added horror-comedy elements like chases involving monsters and gadgets. In its second season, the series was reimagined as Fangface and Fangpuss, incorporating eight additional episodes within The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show, where Fangs' infant cousin transforms into a kitten-like werecreature, expanding the comedic ensemble dynamics. This werewolf-themed detective format showcased Ruby-Spears' early innovation in merging light horror with slapstick humor for family viewing. Following closely, The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show premiered on ABC on September 22, 1979, running through 1981 with a total of 29 half-hour episodes that featured multiple segments per installment. Centered on the DC Comics superhero —a stretchable, wisecracking crime-fighter voiced by Michael Bell—the series emphasized humorous action as , alongside his sidekick Penny and the shape-shifting Woozy, thwarted villains like Doctor Scarab and Dyna-Mite through elastic antics and puns. Additional segments included Mighty Man and Mini-Mighty, where mild-mannered reporter Harvey Hush transforms into a powerful hero with his tiny son sidekick to battle petty criminals, and later incorporated and Fangpuss for crossover appeal. Produced in collaboration with for some elements, the show highlighted Ruby-Spears' venture into licensed superhero content, prioritizing visual gags and team-based adventures over deep lore to suit short-form TV constraints. In addition to series, Ruby-Spears produced standalone specials, such as the 1978 ABC Weekend Special The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy, a 25-minute adaptation of Jane Thayer's children's book about a lonely stray puppy named Petey who dreams of finding a boy to love during the season. Voiced by Turquand as Petey, the heartwarming tale follows the pup's journey through a town short on children, emphasizing themes of companionship and holiday spirit with gentle and a lesson on . This special, the studio's first major output, demonstrated Ruby-Spears' capability in emotional, self-contained storytelling outside episodic formats. Development work in the late 1970s also laid the groundwork for , a 13-episode adventure serial that aired on in 1981, featuring teenage heiress Goldie Gold and her reporter companion Action Jack, who leaps into television screens for time-traveling exploits against historical villains and treasures. Though its premiere fell into the 1980s, the concept originated during Ruby-Spears' formative years, blending serial cliffhangers with educational nods to in a high-energy format. Throughout these 1970s productions, Ruby-Spears operated under tight budgets typical of television , estimated at far less than theatrical shorts—often around $3,000 per five-minute segment equivalent—necessitating techniques like reused cycles for character movements, static backgrounds, and minimal frame rates to meet weekly deadlines. This approach allowed the studio to produce content efficiently for the competitive morning slot, prioritizing and story over fluid visuals, which became a hallmark of their early genre-establishing work in comedy-adventure hybrids.

1980s Productions

The 1980s represented the height of Ruby-Spears Productions' output, characterized by a surge in licensed adaptations from popular toys, films, and celebrities, alongside original action-oriented series designed for syndicated and network Saturday morning blocks. These productions often integrated heavy tie-ins, blending high-energy adventures with comedic elements to appeal to young audiences, while expanding the studio's portfolio beyond the simpler formats of the previous decade. A flagship original series was (1980–1981, , 21 episodes), a post-apocalyptic sword-and-sorcery fantasy that drew inspiration from Robert E. Howard's tales, predating the 1982 live-action film adaptation. The show centered on the muscular barbarian Thundarr, his loyal leonine companion Ookla the Mok, and the telepathic Princess Ariel, as they traversed a ravaged 2,000 years in the future, combating wizards, mutants, and mechanical threats amid crumbling cityscapes. Early in the decade, Heathcliff (1980–1982, , 26 episodes) adapted George Gately's into an featuring the mischievous orange cat Heathcliff navigating suburban antics with his owner Willie and girlfriend Sonja, often clashing with the grumpy neighbor Mr. Postly. The show incorporated segments like Heathcliff and , where Heathcliff teamed with the Dingbat to solve mysteries, blending everyday humor with light supernatural elements in a format that appealed to fans. Shifting toward toy-based licenses, (1983–1984, ABC, 13 episodes) adapted the iconic puzzle into a magical artifact that could transform and solve mysteries. In the series, a group of children teamed up with the sentient, multicolored cube to thwart villains in everyday settings, emphasizing puzzle-solving mechanics within light adventure narratives. The decade's musical highlight came with (1983–1990, NBC, 104 episodes), a family-oriented comedy rebooting the 1960s characters created by Sr. Ruby-Spears handled production for the initial run, updating the chipmunk trio—Alvin, Simon, and Theodore—with contemporary pop covers and sibling rivalries under the care of their manager Dave Seville, fostering a blend of humor and catchy tunes that sustained long-term popularity. Action-driven licensed fare included Mister T (1983–1985, NBC, 30 episodes), an animated spin-off inspired by the live-action The A-Team, featuring the tough-as-nails leading a squad of gymnast kids on globe-trotting missions against crooks and spies. The series highlighted team-building exploits and physical feats, toning down the source material's intensity for youthful viewers. Insect-themed sci-fi emerged in Sectaurs: Warriors of the Insect Jungle (1985–1986, syndication, 26 episodes), a toy-line adaptation where insect-human hybrids navigated a modular, bug-dominated world, engaging in strategic battles with transforming figures and environmental hazards. The narrative underscored modular toy playthroughs in epic, survivalist conflicts. Powered exosuits defined Centurions (1986–1987, syndication, 60 episodes), an action series pitting three high-tech heroes—Max Ray, Jake Rockwell, and Ace McCloud—against the tyrannical Doctor Terror, known as Doom. Each episode showcased customizable armor systems in aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial assaults, with extensive toy merchandising amplifying the high-stakes gadgetry. Film tie-ins proliferated with Rambo: The Force of Freedom (1986, syndication, 65 episodes), a patriotic action adaptation of the Sylvester Stallone movies, reimagined as a kid-friendly hero leading an elite team against international threats like terrorists and spies. The toned-down violence focused on teamwork and moral victories in serialized adventures. In 1984, (ABC, 13 episodes) brought the laserdisc arcade game to television, following the Daring on quests through a fantastical castle to rescue Princess Daphne from the dragon , utilizing rotoscoped animation inspired by the game's cinematic style for dynamic swordplay and peril-filled adventures. DC Comics entered the fold via (1988, CBS, 13 episodes), a reboot emphasizing the Man of Steel's life alongside , as he confronted classic foes like in Metropolis-based tales of heroism and journalism. Comedic spin-offs rounded out the era, such as (1988–1989, syndication, 64 episodes), which animated the ensemble from the hit films, following bumbling recruits Cadet Carey, Jones, Hooks, Callahan, and Tackleberry through police hijinks and over-the-top chases. Similarly, (1985–1987, , 42 episodes) translated the live-action sitcom into animation, chronicling the optimistic orphan Punky and her dog in whimsical, heartwarming escapades with friends and family, preserving the original's feel-good comedy. Later collaborations included (1987–1988, , 65 episodes), a co-production with , where a family of bionic-enhanced heroes—led by Jack Bennett as "Jack of Clubs"—combated the villainous Dr. Scarab and his minions in high-tech action blending family dynamics with sci-fi battles.

1990s Productions

In the 1990s, Ruby-Spears Productions shifted toward fewer, niche , adapting to a contracting market by focusing on co-productions and video game tie-ins, with output declining from the prolific era. The studio's late-period works emphasized comedic and action-oriented premises, often featuring anthropomorphic characters or sci-fi elements, but faced shorter season lengths compared to prior decades. Piggsburg Pigs! (1990–1991) was a musical comedy series co-produced with Canadian talent, airing on Fox Kids for 13 episodes. Set in the swine-only city of Piggsburg behind the world's largest pig farm, it followed the Bacon brothers—Bo, Porky, and Slim—as they combated threats like wolf terrorists and local mischief, blending humor with songs to appeal to young audiences. The show's use of Canadian voice actors marked Ruby-Spears' adaptation to international collaboration for cost efficiency. Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa (1992–1993), a 26-episode on , saw Ruby-Spears handle animation for the second season after Gunther-Wahl Productions managed the first. Created by comic artist Ryan Brown, it depicted anthropomorphic cowboys, led by Marshal Moo Montana, defending the town of Moo Mesa from outlaws like the villainous Sheriff Tortoise John. The series parodied classic tropes with animal protagonists, incorporating humor and action in a setting. Skysurfer Strike Force (1995–1996), Ruby-Spears' final original series before closure, consisted of 26 syndicated episodes co-produced with Japan's Productions and released via the Amazin' Adventures block. Produced in 1994 but airing post-shutdown, it featured a storyline where a team of aerial skysurfers, including leader Jake "Skysurfer One" Hale, battled evil clones created by the villainous Dr. Cybronn in high-speed sky chases. The show's emphasis on futuristic and dynamics reflected the studio's pivot to international partnerships for resource sharing. The animated series (1994–1995), a 27-episode adaptation syndicated across stations including , was co-produced with Ashi Productions and stayed faithful to Capcom's video game lore. Protagonist (originally Rock), created by Dr. Light, fought Dr. Wily's robot masters alongside allies like Rush the dog, in episodes centered on battles against iconic foes such as Cut Man and Elec Man. Aimed at game fans, it incorporated elements like weapon acquisitions and moral themes from the source material. These productions highlighted Ruby-Spears' reliance on international co-productions, such as with and Canadian teams, to offset rising costs amid industry consolidation. Shorter runs of 13 to 27 episodes, versus the 65-episode norms of earlier decades, stemmed from budget constraints and the studio's 1991 spin-off from , leading to its 1996 closure.

Animation Style and Legacy

Animation Techniques

Ruby-Spears Productions primarily utilized traditional cel animation techniques, characterized by limited movement to optimize production efficiency, much like the style pioneered by , where the studio's founders had previously worked. This approach emphasized character expressiveness through exaggerated facial features and vibrant color palettes to engage young audiences in Saturday morning cartoons, allowing for cost-effective creation of episodic adventures. To maintain budget constraints, the studio frequently employed reused backgrounds and animation cycles, particularly in transformation sequences that required repetitive motions, enabling consistent visual storytelling without excessive redrawing. Early productions in the late 1970s adhered to more static poses typical of the era's television animation, but by the 1980s, there was a noticeable shift toward greater fluidity in action scenes, as seen in shows featuring dynamic character changes and battles. Collaborations with overseas animators, such as South Korea's Dong Seo Animation for Thundarr the Barbarian and Japan's Nippon Sunrise for Centurions, facilitated this evolution by incorporating more intricate motion and faster production turnarounds through specialized ink-and-paint processes. The founders' background as sound editors at directly influenced Ruby-Spears' integrated , where punchy sound effects enhanced comedic timing and action, such as elastic stretching noises in segments, drawing from their expertise in audio . This auditory emphasis complemented the visual limitations, creating an immersive experience that relied on rhythmic editing rather than complex visuals. Throughout its operation until the early 1990s, Ruby-Spears avoided early adoption of , steadfastly committing to hand-drawn 2D animation to preserve the tactile, illustrative quality of its output amid the rising prevalence of tools in the .

Cultural Impact and Ownership

Ruby-Spears Productions significantly influenced 1980s children's animation by contributing to the boom, with series like embedding themselves in pop culture through catchy music parodies and relatable family dynamics. The animated adaptation, which ran for eight seasons, revived the Chipmunks franchise and shaped trends in novelty music and merchandise, becoming a cultural touchstone for a generation of viewers. Similarly, shows such as Centurions: Power Xtreme! exemplified the era's approach, where narratives were designed to promote lines featuring modular exo-suits and high-tech weaponry, fueling sales and imaginative play amid the decade's obsession with futuristic heroism. The enduring fan legacy manifests in nostalgia-driven content revivals and community engagement, with titles like gaining cult status for their bold post-apocalyptic storytelling and finding new life through occasional airings on channels like . In October 2025, launched new comic book stories continuing the Thundarr series. Voice actor reunions at conventions, such as those featuring performers from and , draw crowds eager to celebrate the studio's contributions, while active online fan art communities—particularly around —keep the characters vibrant without official reboots. The series received its first official release in via streaming in December 2024. No new productions have emerged, but these grassroots efforts sustain interest among and Gen X audiences. Ownership of the Ruby-Spears catalog is fragmented, with the bulk of the pre-1991 library—encompassing most 1970s and 1980s output—held by via its 1996 acquisition of , which absorbed the holdings and integrated associated animation assets. Notable exceptions include Rambo: The Force of Freedom, controlled separately outside the main bundle, Piggsburg Pigs!, owned by due to its Fox Kids origins, and later 1990s properties like Mega Man, where rights rest with and distribution handled by Shout! Factory for physical and streaming releases. In the 2020s, platforms like Max have facilitated digital accessibility, streaming select titles such as the series to broader audiences and enabling rediscovery amid the streaming era's focus on classic . The passing of founders on August 26, 2020, at age 87, and on November 6, 2020, at age 82, elicited widespread tributes from the animation industry, underscoring their role in pioneering content. International reception, bolstered by the studio's Rome branch for localized dubs across , remains a relatively underexplored aspect of their global footprint compared to domestic .

References

  1. [1]
    Ruby-Spears Productions - Audiovisual Identity Database
    Aug 28, 2025 · Ruby-Spears Productions was an American animation studio founded by Scooby-Doo creators in 1977, later acquired by Taft Broadcasting Co. and ...Missing: founders | Show results with:founders
  2. [2]
    Ruby-Spears Productions Directory -Alternate - Big Cartoon DataBase
    Ruby-Spears Productions Cartoon Series: ; Alvin and the Chipmunks · ( 1983 – 1987, 101 Episodes.) ; The Centurions · ( 1986, 65 Episodes.) ; Dink The Little Dinosaur.
  3. [3]
    Joe Ruby(1933-2020) - IMDb
    ABC would eventually help Ruby and Spears to secure the funds to create their own animation studio, Ruby-Spears (1977-1996). The studio was initially a ...
  4. [4]
    Ken Spears(1938-2020) - IMDb
    ... Ruby co-created the "Scooby-Doo" franchise, and all five of its original co-protagonists. They later co-led the animation studio Ruby-Spears Productions ...
  5. [5]
    Joe Ruby obituary | Animation on TV | The Guardian
    Sep 1, 2020 · They set up their own studio, Ruby-Spears Productions, in 1977 to produce cartoons such as Alvin and the Chipmunks (1983-90), Mister T (1983-85) ...
  6. [6]
    SATURDAY MORNING MASTERS: RUBY-SPEARS PRODUCTIONS
    Aug 13, 2022 · Ruby-Spears produced shows like Fangface, The Plastic Man, Heathcliff, Thundarr, Mork & Mindy, Rubik, and Alvin and the Chipmunks.Missing: history | Show results with:history
  7. [7]
    Joe Ruby, Co-Creator of 'Scooby-Doo,' Dies Age 87
    Aug 27, 2020 · The Ruby-Spears Prod. was acquired by Hanna-Barbera's parent company, Taft Entertainment, in 1981, and its shows were folded into the H-B ...<|separator|>
  8. [8]
    Ken Spears Dies: 'Scooby-Doo' Co-Creator Was 82 - Deadline
    Nov 9, 2020 · Taft Entertainment, the parent company of Hanna-Barbera, acquired Ruby-Spears Productions in 1981. Their catalog was sold, along with that ...
  9. [9]
    Alvin & the Chipmunks (TV Series 1983–1990) - IMDb
    Rating 6.6/10 (4,127) In syndication, the first 52 episodes, from when the show was animated by Ruby-Spears Productions, along with the Valentine's and Reunion specials, from 1984 ...Missing: success | Show results with:success
  10. [10]
    Rubik, the Amazing Cube (TV Series 1983–1984) - IMDb
    Rating 4.7/10 (160) Four kids discover that their Rubik's cube is alive, and endowed with amazing powers. They befriend the cube, and they decide the best use for its powers is ...
  11. [11]
    Ruby-Spears Productions | Logopedia | Fandom
    Ruby-Spears Productions (first era). 1978–1981. Ruby-Spears Productions logo 1978. Designer: Unknown. Typography: Custom. Launched: May 6, 1978 (On-screen) ...
  12. [12]
    DIC Enterprises Emerges as Animation Industry Giant
    May 28, 1985 · Jean Chalopin, 34, who runs the DIC Group worldwide, have turned their American cartoon business into one of the industry's giants.
  13. [13]
    The Rise and Fall of Saturday Morning Cartoons
    May 20, 2021 · As the 1990s set in, the era of Saturday morning cartoons was beginning to wane. With more personal computers, VCRs, DVD players, and home ...Missing: competitors DIC
  14. [14]
    COMPANY NEWS; Turner Buying Hanna-Barbera - The New York ...
    Oct 30, 1991 · Turner Broadcasting System Inc. said today that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hanna-Barbera Productions Inc., the Hollywood cartoon producer, ...
  15. [15]
    Ken Spears Dead: Co-Creator of 'Scooby-Doo' Was 82 - Variety
    Nov 9, 2020 · Ken Spears, co-creator of the beloved animated series "Scooby-Doo" and co-founder of Ruby-Spears Productions, died on Nov. 6. He was 82.
  16. [16]
    Mega Man (TV Series 1994–1995) - IMDb
    Rating 6.5/10 (1,225) Ian James Corlett in Mega Man (1994). Home Video Trailer from ADV Films ... Production companies · Capcom Entertainment · Ruby Spears Animation · See more ...
  17. [17]
    https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/ken-spears-dead-scooby-doo-co-creator-1234825813/
  18. [18]
    Joe Ruby Dies: 'Scooby Doo' Co-Creator Was 87 - Deadline
    Aug 27, 2020 · He was 87. A rep for Ruby told Deadline that the animator died of natural causes after years of dealing with health issues. The animator, who ...
  19. [19]
    Joe Ruby, Co-Creator of Scooby-Doo, Dies at 87
    Aug 27, 2020 · Ruby-Spears was acquired by Hanna-Barbera parent Taft Entertainment in 1981. Joseph Clemens Ruby was born in Los Angeles on March 30, 1933 ...
  20. [20]
    Ken Spears, Partner in an Animation Powerhouse, Dies at 82
    Nov 19, 2020 · The cause was complications of Lewy body dementia, his son Kevin said. Mr. Spears died at an assisted-living facility. Joe Ruby, “Scooby-Doo's” ...Missing: Variety | Show results with:Variety
  21. [21]
    Scooby-Doo co-creator Ken Spears dies aged 82 - BBC
    Nov 10, 2020 · Spears, who created the animated characters alongside his creative partner Joe Ruby, died of complications from Lewy body dementia. Their ...
  22. [22]
    Ken Spears, Co-Creator of Scooby-Doo, Dies at 82
    Nov 9, 2020 · ... Joe Ruby, has died. He was 82. Spears, a four-time Daytime Emmy nominee, died Friday in Brea, California, of complications from Lewy body ...
  23. [23]
    Epic 80's Cartoons (some pre-80's and 90's, but ALL Epic) - IMDb
    Elroy Jetson invents a time machine that takes his family back to prehistoric times, where they meet the Flintstone family. DirectorsDon LuskRay PattersonStars ...Missing: contributors | Show results with:contributors
  24. [24]
    Howard the Duck by Steve Gerber | Goodreads
    Rating 3.8 (87) Jan 7, 2015 · He left comics for animation in the early 1980s, working mainly with Ruby-Spears, creating Thundarr the Barbarian with Alex Toth and Jack ...
  25. [25]
    Animation 80-90's - IMDb
    CreatorsSteve GerberJoe RubyKen SpearsStarsRobert RidgelyNellie BellflowerHenry Corden ... CreatorsDuane CapizziJeff KlineRichard RaynisStarsKeith Diamond ...
  26. [26]
    Fangface (TV Series 1978–2004) - IMDb
    Rating 6.2/10 (205) Fangface: With Frank Welker, Bart Braverman, Susan Blu, Jerry Dexter. A teenage werewolf and his friends investigate mysteries.Missing: Mega | Show results with:Mega
  27. [27]
    Fangface | Heroes Wiki | Fandom
    Fangface, also known by his human name Sherman "Fangs" Fangsworth, is the titular main protagonist of the 1978 Ruby-Spears animated series of the same name.Missing: Thundarr Mega
  28. [28]
    Rambo (TV Series 1986) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Music Department ; Shuki Levy · composer: additional music / producer: additional music ; Haim Saban · composer: additional music / producer: additional music.
  29. [29]
    Jack Kirby at Ruby-Spears | - Cartoon Research
    Jan 27, 2023 · The Ruby-Spears animation studio was founded in 1977 as a subsidiary of Filmways ... Joe Ruby and Ken Spears who had created Scooby-Doo Where Are ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  30. [30]
    Did Ruby Spears really hire Jack Kirby in the 1980s, after a lifetime ...
    Jun 17, 2018 · For those of you unfamiliar with Jack Kirby's work at Ruby-Spears in the 1980s on Thundarr The Barbarian here's a quick peek. On the left ...There's been much love for “Thundarr the Barbarian” lately. You ...Jack Kirby's influence on animation character design - FacebookMore results from www.facebook.comMissing: Blackstar | Show results with:Blackstar
  31. [31]
    Fang Face Episode Guide -Ruby-Spears Prods | BCDB
    Every 400 years, a werewolf is born into the Fangsworth famly. The baby, when it sees the moon, immediatly turns into a werewolf. Soon, Fangs, grown up, ...Missing: count | Show results with:count
  32. [32]
    The Plastic Man Comedy Adventure Show Episode Guide -Ruby ...
    Rating 2.0 (1) Plastic Man. ( 1979 – 1981, 35 Episodes.) Rickety Rocket.
  33. [33]
    The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy - IMDb
    Rating 7/10 (29) But with Ruby Spears' "The Puppy Who Wanted a Boy", Jane Thayer's work is given justice with the first offering from the then-new studio. Released in 1978 ...
  34. [34]
    Goldie Gold and Action Jack (TV Series 1981–1982) - IMDb
    Rating 7.4/10 (95) As the founders of Ruby-Spears Enterprises, they helped to conceive and produce a very lively assortment of cartoon series during the 80s. While Ruby-Spears ...
  35. [35]
    Goldie Gold and Action Jack Episode Guide -Ruby-Spears Prods
    The world's richest girl is teamed up with Action Jack, ace reporter for Goldie's newspaper the "Goldstreet Journal".
  36. [36]
    How TV Nearly Killed Cartoons (Animation of the 1970s-80s)
    Mar 18, 2013 · Filmation, Hannah Barbera, Ruby-Spears, and other companies regurgitated Scooby-Doo knock-offs and stale storylines at an astounding rate.
  37. [37]
    Why did big animators not like the Hanna-Barbera style of animation?
    Apr 12, 2022 · A five minute Ruff & Reddy short had a budget of about $3,000, while a seven-minute Tom & Jerry short made a year prior had an average budget of ...
  38. [38]
    Ruby-Spears (Creator) - TV Tropes
    Studio founders Joe Ruby and Ken Spears started out as sound editors at Hanna-Barbera in the 1960s, eventually moving up the studio ladder into writing ...
  39. [39]
    Thundarr the Barbarian (TV Series 1980–1981) - IMDb
    Thundarr the Barbarian and his companions Ookla the Mok and Princess Ariel wander a devastated future Earth and fight evil wherever they find it.Episode listFull cast & crewPlotTriviaThundarr the Barbarian (1980)
  40. [40]
    Thundarr the Barbarian (a Titles & Air Dates Guide) - Epguides.com
    Sep 30, 2025 · Start date: Oct 1980 End date: Oct 1981 Status: cancelled/ended Network(s): ABC (US) Run time: 30 min Episodes: 21 eps Genre(s): Animated, Children, Drama, ...Missing: count | Show results with:count
  41. [41]
    The '80s Cartoon Glory of THUNDARR THE BARBARIAN - Nerdist
    May 3, 2021 · Joe Ruby and Ken Spears were longtime Hanna-Barbera writers of shows like Space Ghost, The Herculoids, and Scooby-Doo. By 1979, the pair had ...Missing: guest | Show results with:guest
  42. [42]
    Piggsburg Pigs! (TV Series 1990) - IMDb
    Rating 6.2/10 (35) Piggsburg Pigs! (1990) is the only animated series produced by Ruby-Spears Productions owned by Disney Entertainment.
  43. [43]
    Let's Watch This: An Episode of "Piggsburg Pigs!"
    Apr 10, 2024 · Piggsburg Pigs! was the creation of Melissa Silverman at Ruby-Spears Productions. It premiered on FOX Kids in September 1990, receiving ...
  44. [44]
    Piggsburg Pigs Episode Guide -Ruby-Spears Prods | BCDB
    The Piggsburg Pigs Episode Guide, which aired from 1990. There are 13 cartoons in this animated television series.Missing: details | Show results with:details
  45. [45]
    Wild West C.O.W. Boys Of Moo Mesa Episode Guide -Ruby-Spears ...
    This series was produced by Gunther-Wahl for the first season only. For the second season, it was produced by Ruby-Spears Productions.. Wild West C.O.W. ...
  46. [46]
    Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa (Western Animation) - TV Tropes
    Wild West C.O.W.-Boys of Moo Mesa is a Saturday-Morning Cartoon that aired on ABC from 1992-1993. It was created by comic artist Ryan Brown, who inked several ...
  47. [47]
    WILD WEST C.O.W.-BOYS OF MOO MESA
    Jan 31, 2015 · However, there was a falling out between Gunther-Wahl and ABC, which caused them to leave the project. Animation duties were handed over to Ruby ...
  48. [48]
    Skysurfer Strike Force (TV Series 1995–1996) - IMDb
    Rating 6.8/10 (136) This animated television series and "Mega Man" (1994) were voiced in Vancouver, since Ruby-Spears who produced them was probably not the same Ruby-Spears ...
  49. [49]
    Skysurfer Strike Force (Western Animation) - TV Tropes
    ... Ruby-Spears Productions, this series ran for two seasons from 1995 to 1997. It was Ruby-Spears' final production before closing down. Advertisement: Tired ...
  50. [50]
    Skysurfer Strike Force – 30th Anniversary Retrospective
    Feb 28, 2025 · The series was produced by Ruby-Spears Productions (a spin-off studio from Hanna-Barbera, made by “Scooby Doo, Where are You?” creators Joe Ruby ...<|separator|>
  51. [51]
    Mega Man (U.S. TV) - Anime News Network
    Number of episodes: 27 ; Episode titles: We have 27 ; Vintage: 1994-09-11 to 1995-01-19. 1995-09 ; Release dates: We have 6 ; Opening Theme: "Super Fighting Robot" ...
  52. [52]
    Mega Man (Ruby-Spears) (Western Animation) - TV Tropes
    Created by Ruby-Spears Productions with Ashi Productions of Japan, this series ran from 1994 to 1995. Tired of seeing ads?
  53. [53]
    How did Taft Broadcasting handle Hanna Barbera and then Ruby ...
    Oct 28, 2014 · Originally owned by Filmways, the new Ruby-Spears Productions studio was given guaranteed timeslots by ABC for the 1978-79 TV season (a TV ...<|separator|>
  54. [54]
    What happened to the Ruby-Spears animation studio?
    Oct 29, 2019 · My theory is that the RS animation studio met its demise in 1996 due to a war over the said company's ownership. Disney, Summit Media Group of ...Missing: Rome | Show results with:Rome
  55. [55]
    Thundarr the Barbarian (1980-1981) – Review - Mana Pop
    Jan 25, 2022 · In an era of limited animation Ruby-Spears Productions bucked the trend for Thundarr the Barbarian because even though it recycled animation, a ...
  56. [56]
    Animation Anecdotes #334 | - Cartoon Research
    Oct 20, 2017 · My partner (Joe Ruby) and I were film editors here. On the side we were doing a bit of writing for the bridges – show openers and closers. Two ...
  57. [57]
    “Celebrating 41 Years of 'Alvin and the Chipmunks': How the 1983 ...
    Sep 17, 2024 · The 1983 series revived the characters for a new generation. Running for 8 seasons, the show became an iconic part of 1980s television and pop culture.
  58. [58]
    Unveiling the Legacy of the 1980s Centurions Toy Line and Cartoon ...
    Aug 10, 2024 · Centurions was a 1980s high-tech adventure series and toy line, created by Ruby-Spears and Kenner, featuring heroes using exo-frames and ...
  59. [59]
    Nostalgia Theater: The Centurions -- Power Extreme!
    Dec 2, 2012 · Produced by animation house Ruby-Spears, the show centered on a group of three special operatives in the near future who, with a shouted "Power ...Missing: impact toyetic cartoons
  60. [60]
    Guests — Big Lick Comic Con - Roanoke, va
    Lenore Zann is a legendary actress and voice performer best known to millions of fans ... Ruby-Spears' THUNDARR, DRAGONS LAIR, MISTER T, RUBIX'S CUBE, PAC ...
  61. [61]
    Ruby-Spears Mega Man Coming to SD-BD with New Features ...
    Aug 9, 2025 · Here's the rundown: All 27 episodes presented in Standard Definition. A newly restored version of episode 1 sourced from the original master, ...
  62. [62]
    Where To Stream All the 'Superman' Movies and TV Shows
    Jul 8, 2025 · The Ruby-Spears 1988 Superman can be tracked down on Daily Motion. ... Most of the animated standalone Superman movies stream on HBO Max; however, ...
  63. [63]
    Paying Tribute | Animation Guild
    Jan 19, 2021 · They supervised Saturday morning cartoon programming at ABC before starting their own studio, Ruby-Spears Productions. There they produced ...<|separator|>