Some people wait months for the new awesomest-blockbuster-movie ever, but I’ve been patiently awaiting the release of MK12’s History of America (4 years in the making). Finally, the short (30 minute short, that is) is available online, but probably not for long. It’s wonderful the MK12 boys have made the entire movie available for free instead of asking for $ for downloads. A lot of time an effort has gone into the crafting of this very original and unique vision, and the attentional to detail is impeccable.

What is The History of America according to MK12? Cowboys vs. Astronauts, bitches.

And the detail? Check out this still:

- How fucking funny is that? Answer: really

The psuedo-rotoscope, greenscreeny+line drawing and digital watercolor animation technique is nothing new for MK12; THOA aesthetic is very reminiscent (no, directly reminiscent) of their 2003 Hot Hot Heat “No Not Now” video, complete with a nod to the bunny costume characters.

Still, this is dope-ass animation at it’s best - a large, well thought out moving painting if you will, and that’s cool. In many ways, THOA allows MK12 show they are the dominate force in their craft without reigning in the details of what their craft really is. Broadcast design, animation, modeling, production technique, sound design? Sure. But THOA shows off much more than technical skill including a hilarious pop-historical, pop-political take on America. Though the plot is completely ludicrous, the story is eerily familiar and 100% sensical to anyone succumb to American public education in the last 35 years.

The short can be viewed in its entirety, here: go fast before it gets yanked (not supposed to be available yet due to acceptance into Sundance ‘09 Shorts Program). Let me know if this gets pulled and I’ll hook you up with the .mp4 - its apparent MK12 would like it that way.