Nelvana Limited is a Canadian entertainment company, founded in 1971, that is well-known for its work in children's animation, among many things. It was named by its founders—Michael Hirsh, Patrick Loubert and Clive A. Smith—after a Canadian comic book superheroine created by Adrian Dingle in the 1940s. Corus Entertainment, a spin-off from Shaw Communications, has owned the company since September 2000.
Most of its films, shows and specials are based on licensed properties, mainly children's literature. But, as with most companies of its kind, original programming is also part of its roster. In spite of its status as a cartoon company, it ventured into the world of live action from its establishment up until the late 1990s.
Well-known franchises from Nelvana include Care Bears, Babar, Tintin, Rupert, Fievel's American Tails, Little Bear, Eek! The Cat, Franklin and 6teen, along with the North American dubs of the anime series Beyblade, Cardcaptor Sakura and Medabots. It also distributes the Nicktoons The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom, and the Cartoon Network original series My Gym Partner's a Monkey, outside the United States. As of 2008, its library comprises more than 1,650 cumulative half-hours of original programming. Fitzgerald, James (May 1, 2001). "Nelvana's 30th Anniversary Profile". KidScreen Magazine. Retrieved July 1, 2006.
