Magic Can Happen To You!

Seriously. It can. When you consider getting a reply from the one and only Steve Blum about an interview! Ladies and Gentlemen, I was able to come through for you. Here's what you've been waiting for.


Femmefatality07: Toonami Aftermath does a great job providing nostalgia for longtime fans. What are your thoughts on toon's, our fearless leader, dedication to the stream?

Steve Blum: I’m grateful that a new generation has a place to experience the Toonami goodness and that the OG fans have an opportunity to relive it.  Seems like an awful lot of work, but I would guess there’s a huge, happy audience out there because of your efforts.

FF07: A lot of us grew up with Toonami.  When the fans come up to you saying "Steve Blum, you were TOM. I love you!" what's going through your head?

Steve Blum: It’s kind of surreal, actually.  I recorded TOM’s V/O in a small studio, over the phone with my pals in Atlanta.  I was far removed from the broadcast itself and even the animation process of TOM, Sara and the Absolution.  A few years ago at a convention panel, when a fan told me I (TOM) basically raised him and that my voice was a huge part of his childhood – I actually felt a little sick inside.  I had no idea how huge an impact our programming block had had on quite literally a generation of viewers.  The responsibility was overwhelming and the only thing I could think of was that I hoped I had provided a good influence - and that not too much homework was left undone because of me.  Since then, I’ve let myself enjoy the love and I make it a point to thank Toonami viewers… and to apologize to their parents, just in case.

 

FF07: What was it like working with Sean Akins and Jason DeMarco for Toonami?

Steve Blum: They were the heart, mind and soul of Toonami, period.  I was and continue to be in awe of those guys.  I uttered the words they provided, loved what I understood of their vision, and worked very hard to make sure I did my part to help them realize that vision.  Half the time I had no idea what I was talking about, especially during the game reviews.  I’m not a gamer, so I had to rely on them completely for literally all content.  Not only were they the geniuses behind the entire program, but they could play video games in their offices, direct me and run a company simultaneously!  Nothin’ but love and respect for Sean, Jason and the entire crew.

FF07: There were a few reasons Toonami was taken off air, and it was a hurtful blow to the faithful. If you had a say in it's existence, would you have taken it in a different direction?

Steve Blum: Again, I was only the voice monkey.  I was never involved in any decisions regarding Toonami’s operation.  If I had anything to say at all, it would’ve been to ask the Network to let the guys do what they proved they could do so well and to give them the funding and programming they needed to make it grow.  They had some incredible plans for the future.  They simply didn’t have the support to make it happen.  I may never know the politics behind Toonami’s demise, but it sure made us all sad.

FF07: Did you ever think you'd be going from reviewing Super Mario Sunshine as TOM to delivering lines for Grayson Hunt in Bulletstorm?
 
Steve Blum: Ha ha ha!  It was actually an easier transition than you might think.  A lot of foul, hilarious stuff went on behind the scenes – and still often does.  Bulletstorm and gigs of that ilk simply allowed me to free the beast.  I can easily and very naturally censor myself when kids are involved,  but the naughty is always in there, waitin’ to spew.

 

FF07: How is your relationship with Cartoon Network?
 
Steve Blum: I love the people at Cartoon Network.  Some of the best stuff I’ve ever gotten to work on happened there.  I haven’t always agreed with the way the corporate machine operates, but who am I to question what they think is best for the company?  I have no idea what it takes to run a Network and have to respect their decisions.  They’ve always been good to me, and the people I work with directly  at CN are magnificent humans.  I’ll always be very grateful for any opportunity to work there.

The following are some fun questions from other ToonamiAftermath members.

FF07: It was so cool to hear your voice coming from Cyrus in Warhammer 40,000. Are you a fan of the video game or tabletop game?

Steve Blum: Heh – again, I’m not a gamer, but it sure looks (and sounds) like fun, and was a lot of fun to work on.  Always good to be a badass.  Thankful that you enjoy it!!

 

FF07: How did you feel about taking on Wolverine for Wolverine and the X-Men?
 
Steve Blum: You kiddin, bub?!   Like one hell of a happy freekin’ mutant, that’s how! I’ve been a Wolverine fan for years.  To play him made me have to create a new bucket list.  The awesomeness of that one character exceeded all expectations I had for my career.  It took a while to even open myself up to the possibility of anything more satisfying.  Still gives me chills.  Be still, my Adamantium heart.

FF07: Is there a comic book character that you would love to bring to life?
 
Steve Blum: I’ve gotten to play so many that I never imagined I would… don’t wanna jinx it.  I like surprises.  Grateful for every role I get.

FF07: Are there VA's out there that have helped you get to where you are today? Anything they've said that kept you going or just brought a smile to your face?
 
Steve Blum: So many – not enough space here to even list them all.  Early on, of course,  Mel Blanc.  Never met him, but wow… just… wow.  I contacted Jack Angel and Bob Bergen online - They listened to my demo tape (yes, tape) and walked it into my agency.  I will always be grateful to them for believing in me when I was just learning how.  Jack taught me to enjoy the process… and that the audition was actually the job.  The booking was the gravy. That stuck with me.  Bob let me observe him working and was incredibly kind to me.  What a brilliant, decent dude.  He still  jokingly refers to me as his stalker.

Frank Welker.  Massive fan of his work.  When I finally met him, he was not only every bit the genius I had imagined, but a really, really nice man to boot.  Still one of my favorite people in the industry.  Another creature master and amazing, wonderful guy… Dee Bradley Baker.  My friends Doug Stone,  Dave Mallow,  Mona Marshall,  Michael Sorich,  Bridget Hoffman and Lia Sargent were huge influences when I was learning how to dub.  The incredibly talented Mary Elisabeth McGlynn - who convinced me I was actually an actor…And even now, I learn something from all of my colleagues every time I work.  I am amazed and highly entertained every time I walk into a booth.  I could literally go on for days gushing about the wonderful people in this industry.

FF07: Anything you'd like to say to Zipper from NeoToonami or toon from ToonamiAftermath?
 
Steve Blum: Thank you so much for continuing to breathe life into this incredible universe that has given so many of us a lifetime of happy memories.   Toonami will never be over because people like you and me say so.  Stay Gold, beautiful people.  Bang.

p.s. Special thanks to Ashley Johnson for being my stalker.  Without you, this interview wouldn't have happened.


Sweet Sassy Molassy! Im officially a stalker! Too bad it doesn't pay well. Here you have it ToonamiAftermath, NeoToonami, and followers of my blog. Big thanks to Steve Blum for taking time to reply! Also big thanks for those who believed in me. You know who you are. By the way "user", our bet is at a standstill. I still have 2 years, right?