An Open Thank You to Butch Hartman

Dear Butch Hartman,

This is all your fault. Who taught me how to make cultural references? Who taught me how to break the fourth wall? My entire sense of humor comes from you. Fairly Odd Parents introduced me to so many great talents. Do you know how many times I have learned about a celebrity in my life, only to find out I already knew about them because of you? Ben Stein, Adam West, Norm MacDonald, Gilbert Gottfried, the list goes on and on. After twenty years you’re leaving Nickelodeon, and well I’ve only been alive for twenty years. I’ve spent my entire life watching your work. I only knew two show creators as a kid, and it was you and Stephen Hillenburg.

I’m not sad about you leaving Nickelodeon, because I know that no matter how crazy I think your ideas sound, you always know what you’re doing (cough cough “Fairy Idol” cough cough) and make something amazing. I think more than anything, I feel grateful. You gave me two childhood crushes:

Okay three.

…Four.

You gave me more quotes and catchphrases than I know what to do with. You gave me a hero, Butch; you gave me a hero I could truly believe in. Because of you I’ve been hyping up Crash Nebula for years. Because of you, when people say Spaceballs is the best Star Wars parody, I respond with “Wishology: the Exciting middle Part.” Because of you, when I met Adam West, I begged him to give the people what they need and become Catman once again. He had no clue what I was talking about, but the crowd cheered for Catman Butch, and that is all because of you. You taught me it was okay to grow up. You taught me even the meanest looking teachers just might have a heart of gold. You taught me not to be afraid to do what’s right, and I owe you so much.

As a kid, I wanted to make cartoons. I wanted to be like you Butch. Life changed though, and I ended up podcasting about them, which has become my passion. Now you’re doing a podcast too, so in a way Butch, I guess you grew up to be like me. Thank you for 20 years of joy Butch, and here’s to 20 more.

Sincerely,

Justin Cummings