Back in 1987, CBS set out to launch an animated series based on the popular Garbage Pail Kids cards, and featuring characters that would start out as normal kids but trash-out to their super hero identities to right the wrong of the day. The 13 episode season ended up being cancelled just days before it was set to air. No exact reason for the cancellation has ever been confirmed, although many speculate it was due to parental complaints. Luckily, the series has finally been released on DVD for all it's fans to enjoy (even if it is 20 years later). Given the fact the show was cancelled so close to it's launch, all of the work had been completed including (but not limited to) scripts, designs, animation cels, characters, etc. Over the years, many of the original items used in creating the series have popped up on eBay and other auction sites. I have been fortunate enough to obtain a number of items related to the CBS Garbage Pail Kids Cartoon.

PRODUCTION CELS
The production cels feature two different 'layers'. The top layer consist of a sheet of Acetate. The artist will draw the black outline of the character on the Acetate. The bottom layer is actually a sheet of cardboard. The artist will use this layer to apply paint, details, etc. This way, when both layers are laid upon each other, it appears as if the color and outline are as one. I have photographed my cels in both layouts in an effort to illustrate the different layers.

Clogged Duane - Paint Layer Isolated	Patty Putty - Paint Layer Isolated

Clogged Duane - Outline & Paint Together	Patty Putty - Outline & Paint Together

ANIMATION MODEL MANUAL
CBS created a manual for the cartoon that was comprised of concept sketches for every character in the series. It consisted of multiple drawings of each character, showing them in different environments or with different expressions. Not only did it include drawings of the Garbage Pail Kids who were to be featured in the cartoon, but it featured numerous other characters that were intended to be in the cartoon as well. From parents, to Giant Thumb Armies, to Yellow Brick Toad - they were all in there. The manual itself is 150 pages and while not an original, it is believed to be the only copy in existence. Below, I have scanned in a couple of the sheets to give an idea of how the book was laid out. Each page not only includes a drawing of at least one character, but also includes notes related to the drawing. Interestingly enough, the last few pages of the manual consist of caricatures of the artists as well as the CBS Employee Drug Policy! Truly a rare item indeed.

CBS Manual (cover)	Split Kit (trashed out)
Yellow Brick Toad	Toothie Ruthie (trashed out)