Cathy Malkasian

Comic book artist and animation director Cathy Malkasian was a member of the Klasky Csupo studio, for whom she co-directed the 2002 feature film "The Wild Thornberrys Movie." A self-taught cartoonist and painter, Malkasian holds a degree in musicology but moved into design and animation following graduation, eventually becoming a storyboard artist for shows like Nickelondeon's "Aaahh!!! Real Monsters." Transitioning to directing, Malkasian helmed episodes of the "Jumanji" series, "Stressed Eric," and "Rugrats" before becoming a director for "The Wild Thornberrys," an animated safari adventure which also aired on Nickelodeon. In 2002, the Thornberrys became a feature film property, and Malkasian co-directed "The Wild Thornberrys Movie," an adaptation praised by critics and nominated for Best Song at the Academy Awards. In 2005, Malkasian directed the "Curious George" series for PBS. Adapting the classic children's book for television, "Curious George" followed the wily monkey as he caused trouble and learned valuable lessons, earning the Outstanding Children's Animated Program Daytime Emmy in both 2008 and 2010 along the way. At the tail end of the 2000s, Malkasian released a series of well-received graphic novels including 2007's "Percy Gloom," which won the Eisner award for Most Promising Newcomer, 2008's "The Shadow" and 2010's "Temperance."