Introduction to The Simpsons Universe

When exploring animation, and in this case the animated series The Simpsons, it’s worth defining what animation really is. Animation transcends from the Latin word ‘animare’ which translates to ‘give life to’. This in mind, animation is the definition of giving life to a still picture. Solis (2009) describes animation as a sequence of frames where in the objects within the frame move slightly from the previous frame. Once the frames are sped up, the objects within the frame appear to be moving. The Simpsons is the longest running American animated series. First debuting in 1989, the American sitcom has over 570 episodes, all of which mainly premiered during prime time TV. With such popularity came a franchise and the birth of a new era - The Simpsons Universe. Alongside the TV series, various video games, mobile phone applications, comics and board games support The Simpsons Universe.  Producers have even allowed The Simpsons to travel across media space and into other universes such as the Family Guy universe and the Lego Universe. The series is a comedy satire of the typical American dysfunctional family and is popular across the globe, however to what extent can The Simpsons represent reality? This blog shall explore the concept of realism and it’s portrayal in animation. Furthermore it shall look at how producers have created a ‘hyper-realistic’ Simpsons Universe through the use of transmedia storytelling, participatory culture and bricolage.