Childhood memories: American cartoons from 2D to 3D

Among the many cartoons introduced to China in the 1980s, a large number came from America.

From Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, to the Transformers and now "The Croods", it seems that American cartoons always manage to take a lead in the market. Let's take a look at some of the most recognizable characters and see if anything rings a bell for you.

Disney's Mickey Mouse usually comes first when talking about American cartoons. He's without doubt the ultimate veteran of the Disney empire and was also the first fictional character ever to leave his signature on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He and his girlfriend Minnie's relationship is probably one of the longest, both in the cartoon and real world - now entering its 85th year.

And don't forget Donald Duck, Mickey's best friend. Although he has a bad temper and always messes things up, his endearing qualities mean most people love him.

When "Transformers" landed in China in 1987, Autobots mania was unleashed. Down every alleyway across China, kids could be seen playing with transformers while shouting "Autobots, transform and roll out!"

The 90s saw Disney enter its golden era, producing hit after hit. "The Lion King", "Pocahontas" and "Mulan" were all examples of the company going global and exploring different cultures.

While absorbing new elements, their unique style has not been lost, with lively characters and happy endings catering to their core audiences. One of their approaches is to combine Broadway musical forms into animation which is rarely seen in other countries.

In the late 90s, with 3D technology emerging, cartoons became a booming business with major producing companies pouring more money in to develop fictional figures.

Disney is no longer the only animation giant in the market. Dreamworks and Pixar have joined the race and in turn are redefining the old stereotypes. Old villains like Shrek the ogre can now take home the beautiful princess, while in "Ice Age" it's the unconventional characters like a hairy mammoth and a sloth that grab people's attention.

Although some people consider American cartoon plotlines to be often replicated and without offering in-depth thinking, it's still constantly evolving and is one of the most vital cartoon markets in the world.