MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Let’s talk
animation.

Sometimes animated media gives you a lot to think about, but it doesn't give you all the pieces right away. I make videos that fill in the gaps and piece context together.

Basically, I'm a chronic overthinker.

WATCH MY VIDEOS ↗A little more about the channel ↓

150,000+subscribers in my community.

Started in 2016with a single Steven Universe theory.

The team is just me,and my very opinionated cat.

ARE YOU ALSO A CHRONIC OVERTHINKER?

Let’s pick up
the pieces together.

I started Toon Ruins in 2016 with a theory on Steven Universe, and how it was possible that Pearl could have shattered Pink Diamond. That one question grew into a channel about looking closer at animated stories, following their clues, and putting the pieces together.

Since then, I’ve explored shows including Infinity Train, The Owl House, and Miraculous Ladybug. I make videos about theories, story symbolism, media representation, and the details that keep me thinking long after an episode ends. Sometimes the answers are right there; sometimes it takes a little context to see how everything connects.

Toon Ruins is my passion project. I research, write, record, voice, and edit the videos myself, and the channel gives me a place to experiment with new editing styles and skills. I upload when there’s something I’m excited to share, rather than making a video just to fill a schedule. With more than 150,000 people in the community, it turns out I’m far from the only one who enjoys overthinking a good story.

PROUD PARTNER OFChannel Frederator ↗

MY MOST RECENT UPLOADS

Come overthink
with me.

ALL UPLOADS ↗

Cartoon Lea thinking at her computer — If I’ve seen it, I’m probably still thinking about it.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE ↗

Adrien and Felix: Twin Sentimonsters

HOW MY INTRO WAS MADE

Animation can bring
anything to life.

I shared my vision, Jakeneutron storyboarded it, and Velo Animation brought it to life. Here’s a look at the work that went into my intro.

THE IDEAWIPTHE FINISHED INTRO

Storyboard

Jakeneutron’s original storyboard.

Blocking

Working out the movement.

Desert test

Building the world around the characters.

Key movements

Establishing the main poses and movements.

Animation pass

Connecting the key movements and refining the animation.

The finished intro

The final introduction by Velo Animation.

Intro music by dBPony. Supporting the channel helps to fund projects like this.

FAMILIAR FACES

Meet my characters.

At one point or another, you've probably seen some of these characters in my videos. Here's their reference sheets, so you can put a name to the face!

MY STEVEN UNIVERSE GEMSONA

Blue Topaz

Art by JankyBones ↗.

MADE BY MY COMMUNITY

Your art is my
favorite kind of art.

Some of the fanart my community has shared over the years. Want to share yours? Post it in my Discord server or send it through my linked social media, I'd love to see it!

A FEW THINGS PEOPLE ASK

Oh, by the way…

Have any questions? Check out these FAQs to see if what you want to know is answered.

THE CHANNEL SOUNDTRACK

Ever wonder what songs I’ve used?

Here’s a playlist of all the music I’ve ever used in my videos. Enjoy!

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY ↗

What does “Toon Ruins” mean?

I was fascinated by Ancient Egypt as a kid, and I liked the idea of digging through a story the way you’d dig through an excavation site: finding clues, piecing things together, and uncovering another layer. My mom actually suggested the name. It stuck.

Is Toon Ruins a team?

Nope, it’s me! I research, write, record, voice, and edit the videos. I commission artists and animators for the visuals, though. You can meet those very talented people in the credits below.

Why cartoon analysis?

Animation has always been something I get really invested in. As someone with ASD, I wanted an outlet for my interests, and it turned out other people wanted to hear about them, too. The channel also gives me a place to try new editing ideas.

Who is the cat?

That’s Connor. He was born in 2018, and I adopted him as a rescue when he was around four months old. He’s my emotional support animal, occasionally my co-star, and very much convinced he’s in charge.

Why haven’t you covered a particular subject?

I cover things I’m passionate about, and I try to be thoughtful about whose perspective belongs at the center of a discussion. When a topic involves experiences I don’t share, I’d rather make room for people who do.

Why was a video removed?

Sometimes the information is outdated, I got something wrong, or my perspective has changed. I’ve also removed or privatized my old videos about leaks. I don’t cover leaks anymore.

Will you cover live-action shows?

Possibly! Animation is usually what grabs me, but I’m not ruling other things out.

Do you have ASD or ADHD resources?

I’m sharing my own experience, rather than speaking as an expert. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network are resources linked on my original page. It also includes this resource about ADHD and driving, recommended by Paul Black.

Are you open to collaborations?

Yes! I enjoy writing and recording for other channels. I usually work with creators I know and whose values I share, but you’re welcome to get in touch.

What about sponsorships?

I’m open to them when the product is something I like and it fits naturally into the video. If it doesn’t fit, I’d rather pass.

Where can I find the music?

I’ve put the music used in my videos into a Spotify playlist. Have a listen!

CHANNEL CREDITS