Ruby-Spears

Ruby-Spears. An American animation studio founded in 1977 by veteran producers and writers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears. The studio became a major force in Saturday morning and syndicated television animation throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its action-adventure series and successful adaptations of licensed properties. Initially a subsidiary of Taft Broadcasting, the company passed through several corporate owners before its operations were ultimately absorbed into Warner Bros. Animation following the Turner Broadcasting System's merger with Time Warner.

History

The studio was formed after its founders, Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, departed from Hanna-Barbera, where they had been instrumental in developing the iconic Scooby-Doo franchise. Securing a production deal with their former employer's rival, Filmation, Ruby-Spears initially produced shows for the ABC network. In 1981, the company was acquired by Taft Broadcasting, which also owned Hanna-Barbera, creating a powerful animation conglomerate. During the 1980s, the studio produced a steady stream of programming for all three major networks: ABC, NBC, and CBS. Following a series of corporate transactions, Taft's broadcasting and animation assets, including Ruby-Spears, were sold to Great American Broadcasting in 1987. The studio's final corporate transition occurred in 1991 when Turner Broadcasting System purchased the animation library and production assets, leading to the studio's eventual integration and closure by 1996.

Productions

Ruby-Spears earned renown for creating original action series and skillfully adapting popular toy and comic book licenses into animated form. Their early hits included Fangface and the sci-fi adventure The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show. The studio found significant success with series based on DC Comics properties, producing Super Friends revival seasons and the acclaimed Superman series. Notable adaptations of toy lines included Mighty Orbots, Thundarr the Barbarian, and the popular Challenge of the GoBots. They also produced animated versions of live-action properties, such as Alvin and the Chipmunks and Mr. T. The studio's later work included the cult favorite Pirates of Dark Water and contributions to the ABC Weekend Special anthology series. Their production techniques often involved collaboration with international studios like Toei Animation and Wang Film Productions.

Legacy and influence

The studio's output is remembered for defining a specific era of American television animation, particularly its action-oriented storytelling that appealed to young audiences. Many Ruby-Spears series have endured through syndication and home video releases, maintaining a loyal fanbase. The acquisition of its library by Turner Broadcasting System ensured that its shows became staples on cable channels like Cartoon Network and Boomerang, introducing them to new generations. The studio's founders, Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, were inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame for their lifetime contributions to the animation industry. While the studio itself is defunct, its creative legacy continues to influence animators and its catalog remains a valued part of the Warner Bros. Discovery entertainment portfolio.

See also

* Hanna-Barbera * Filmation * DiC Entertainment * Saturday morning cartoon * List of animation studios

Category:American animation studios Category:Companies based in Los Angeles Category:Television production companies of the United States