Chat With Tom


OnlineHost: Tonight we are joined by the host of Toonami -- TOM! He's here to answer all of your questions about the show, plus a special behind-the-scenes look at the making of Toonami.

OnlineHost: We've just uplinked to the Absolution -- everyone, please welcome TOM!

TOM: Hello, nice to see everyone.

OnlineHost: We don't have much time tonight, so we'll get right to the questions!

Question: So what are you, under the mask? An alien? A guy? A kid?

TOM: I'm a sentient program.

Question: What happened to Moltar running the show?

TOM: Moltar needed to devote more time to his duties on the Ghost Planet.

Question: Will Cartoon Network ever air the series Dragonball GT or Sailor Moon S?

TOM: Eventually we plan to.

Question: Does TOM stand for Television Operation Machine?

TOM: No, but that's a good guess.

Question: What do you think about Dragonball Z?

TOM: The best action cartoon ever made.

Question: A recent rumor circulating around the Internet has been the chance that Cartoon Network is working on an all-anime network, due to the popularity of the Toonami block. Any truth to it?

TOM: I am not at liberty to discuss that. It would be great, though.

Question: Yo, what's the address to send the pics to, cuz I have an awsome one of Gokou with the dragon behind him!

TOM: 1065 Williams Street, Atlanta, GA, 30309. No tracers allowed.

Question: Is Cartoon Network gonna come out with new Sailor Moon eps?

TOM: Yes.

Question: When will the next lineup change be?

TOM: Your guess is as good as mine.

Question: Will Cartoon Network play import DBZ movies? I know there are about 10+ of them.

TOM: We plan to get as many as possible.

Question: When are they gonna make new seasons of ReBoot?

TOM: ReBoot is no longer in production. Mainframe now makes Beast Machines.

Question: Will Johnny Quest come back to Toonami?

TOM: Absolutely not.

Question: At what episode are the new episodes of DBZ going to end?

TOM: Around 80-something.

Question: How is your incredibly amazing computer animation possible? I mean, you can see perfect texture and reflections. It looks almost real.

TOM: Do you mean to [imply] that I am animated?

Question: What kind of animation are the "Powerpuff Girls"?

TOM: Classic American style with anime influence. Genius.

Question: Do you guys plan on showing Ruroni Kenshin and Gundam Wing? If so, dubbed or subbed?

TOM: Yes to Gundam Wing; and we will never show anything subtitled.

Question: TOM, what are some of your life goals?

TOM: To bring you the best animated action entertainment available.

Question: What episodes of Robotech will be aired on Toonami the midnight run?

TOM: The first two seasons.

Question: Will you be showing Tenchi Muyo?

TOM: Yes.

Question: Will you be showing Slayers?

TOM: No.

Question: Does Gohan turn Super Sayjan on Namek like within the next few weeks?

TOM: Watch and find out.

Question: How old is TOM?

TOM: One.

Question: TOM! Howz it hanging out there in space? Since you have all the Toonami archives, which show do you watch the most?

TOM: Dragonball Z, of course. And Sailor Moon. And ReBoot. And Ronin Warriors. And Robotech. And Voltron. And Thundercats. Those kids are crazy.

Question: Will Cartoon Network think about Exo-Squad on Toonami?

TOM: Probably not. Sorry.

Question: Is it true that there will be a CD of Toonami's music?

TOM: I'd love to make one. We'll see what happens.

Question: Who created the Absolution?

TOM: Men with a vision.

Question: How does Sailor Moon transform so fast? The enemy could kill her just while she is transforming.

TOM: The transformation takes place at such a high speed that any enemies do not even have time to blink.

Question: Will Goku ever die again, because I heard he will, to a dude named Cell or something like that. And is Trunks really son of Bulma and Vegeta?

TOM: All these questions and more will be answered. You guys are just going to have to watch.

Question: TOM, are you guys releasing the three Sailor Moon movies in the spring, or what?

TOM: We will air them next year, but we cannot guarantee that it will be in the spring.

Question: Hello, TOM. Tell me... are there any plans to move Robotech to Toonami afternoons?

TOM: Unfortunately not. It didn't have a strong audience in the afternoon. It's a shame, I love that show.

Question: How are you, TOM?

TOM: I'm great. Being a robot in outer space is cool.

Question: When are they gonna show that Spartakus and the Sun Beneath the Sea? I miss that cartoon.

TOM: Never heard of it.

Question: Are you married?

TOM: Not yet.

Question: TOM, what do you think about the Powerpuff Girls on Toonami?

TOM: I love the Powerpuff Girls. Especially Bubbles. Everybody likes Bubbles.

Question: TOM, Blkcloak from Toonami: The Unofficial.... What's with this news of a possible Toonami Channel? First it's here, now it's not? What's up?

TOM: Yo, BlkCloak. What up? I dig your website... and the Toonami Channel is up in the air. It's a great idea.

Question: TOM, what was your previous job?

TOM: Programming binary load lifters. Very similar to your binary moisture vaporators, in most respects.

Question: Do you fly around in the Toonami ship all day?

TOM: There are no days in space. But yes.

Question: Ahem, what's up with the gut, TOM?

TOM: Now that's just uncalled for. Actually, that's where my nuclear reactor is. Where I get my power.

Question: What's the deal with Toonami not airing the original show openings?

TOM: They aren't fresh after so many years. We wanted to liven the shows up. Plus you've seen the old opens a million times.

Question: Whats with the nuclear symbol on your chest?

TOM: See two questions ago.

Question: TOM, anyone else on the Absolution, or is it just you at the command?

TOM: Just me, for now...

Question: What does TOM stand for?

TOM: Thomas.

Question: What do you actually do on the ship?

TOM: Hello!? I broadcast a national cable television show, play games and drop knowledge.

Question: Do you know if Dic has already dubbed the Sailor Moon S series?

TOM: I think they're in the process.

Question: Do you know Moltar as a personal friend?

TOM: Yep. He's moody.

Question: Are you a guy or a girl?

TOM: Neither. I am a sentient program.

Question: Do you ever hang out with Brak or Zorak?

TOM: No, those guys are stinky.

Question: What kind of computer is on the Absolution?

TOM: Macintosh. Think different.

Question: Blkcloak from Toonami: The Unofficial.... What about Gundam Wing, that's been rumored to be coming to Toonami?

TOM: Yes, let's put the rumors to rest.

Question: Where in space are you right now?

TOM: Right now, just doing a loop around Orion's belt.

Question: What planets have you visited? Have you ever been to Earth? Will you stop by my house if you do come to Earth?

TOM: Only a few so far. I've never been to Earth. Maybe someday. No housecalls, though.

Question: When did Toonami start, and what shows were in it?

TOM: It started on St. Patrick's Day, 1997. It included Voltron, Thundercats, Quest and Super Adventures. What we now call Roulette.

Question: Do you eat?

TOM: No.

Question: Will you ever show Space Ghost Coast to Coast on Toonami?

TOM: No. It's a comedy show, and we're all action.

Question: Im a big Powerpuff Girls fan. Are you going to show the espiode called Uh-Oh Dymano? Even though you show it on the commercial, it has not been shown. Will you?

TOM: Yes, of course. We'll show them all, eventually.

Question: Will you ever get your own series?

TOM: If the fans demand, it shall be done.

Question: TOM, who would win in a battle royal, Goku or the Sailor Scouts?

TOM: Come on, Goku IS the world's strongest.

Question: TOM, how does the Absolution look on the inside? And do you like your job? Because I sure do!

TOM: You'll see more of the Absolution in the near future. And I love my job. There isn't a better one.

OnlineHost: We only have time for one more question...

Question: Hey TOM, do you think there we ever be a Japanimation marathon on Cartoon Network?

TOM: It's within the realm of possibility.

OnlineHost: Thank you, TOM, for taking time to chat with us tonight!

TOM: You're welcome. Good-bye. Keep watching Toonami. I love you all. The revolution will be televised.

Portions of this transcript may be edited by AOL to correct spelling, punctuation and/or remove any material that violates AOL's Terms of Service.

OnlineHost: Copyright 1999 Cartoon Network, Inc.; licensed to America Online, Inc.