Toon fans can kick off their summer reading with Out of the Inkwell: Max Fleischer and The Animation Revolution when the long awaited biography hits bookshelves on Jun 24. Written by Richard Fleischer, son of the legendary animation pioneer, the book promises an in-depth look at the man who brought to the screen such timeless characters as Betty Boop, Koko the Klown, Popeye and Superman.
Out of the Inkwell is described as a vivid portrait of the life and world of a man who shaped television animation and became a major player in the development of Hollywood entertainment. Among his accomplishments was the invention of the rotoscope technique, which is still used today and is seen as a precursor to motion-capture technology. The book features a forward by Leonard Maltin, and is being published and released by the University Press of Kentucky.
"My father’s creations have inspired and entertained millions," says Richard Fleischer, director of such classic films as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Tora! Tora! Tora! and The Boston Strangler. "I felt it was important to tell his story, which is so entertaining and touching, and has so many amazing ups and downs."
Max Fleischer founded Fleischer Studios with his brother, Dave Fleischer, in 1921. Now based in the Los Angeles area and headed by Max Fleischer’s grandson, Mark Fleischer, the studio is still actively developing media and other opportunities for Betty Boop (www.bettyboop.com) with King Features Syndicate, the world-wide licensing and merchandising representative for the character. Richard Fleischer continues to act as chairman of the board.
