The narrator discusses the origins of the Russian animated series "Leshik," which began as a comic book project created by two people. The comic was well-received and had potential to compete with the popular series "Smeshariki." However, the subsequent animated film adaptation was poorly made, with a confusing plot, awkward pacing, and a jarring soundtrack. The narrator criticizes the film's production, suggesting that it was rushed and not well thought out. Despite the comic's potential, the franchise ultimately failed and the creators moved on to other projects. The narrator expresses disappointment and frustration that the "Leshik" franchise was not developed further, and that the original comic book series has been largely forgotten.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. In 2004, Russian TV first showed Smeshariki, a cartoon series that inspired young artists and animators.
2. The Lev Shiki project was created by two people and emerged as a 48-page comic.
3. The Leshke project was a promising but failed franchise that included talking logs as main characters.
4. The Leshke project was initially a comic that was later turned into a cartoon.
5. The cartoon adaptation of Leshke was released, but it failed due to its poor quality.
6. The Leshke comic was included in a magazine of funny stories.
7. Official Leshke comics were published in the mid-2000s.
8. Leshke merchandise, including calendars, online postcards, and educational programs, was available on the official website.
9. A Leshke game for iPads was removed from the app store.
10. The Leshke website is no longer active.
11. The creators of Leshke redirected their focus to a new project called Bee Graphy.