Late-stage capitalism gets even weirder as McDonald’s, a recurring joke in anime, manga, webcomics, and video games, becomes a reality (for now) thanks to McDonald’s.
McDonald’s USA teased the news on Wednesday, February 21, giving a first look at a poster for the animated short that will be released alongside an in-restaurant event, which sounds pretty ambitious.
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Here’s a brief history lesson for the many people who are confused right now. As far as we know, McDonald originated in the 1981 comic and animated series “Cat’s Eye” and appeared in the 48th episode of the 1983 animated adaptation “Winter Night Mystery” before quickly becoming popular. Since then, the brand and fictional restaurant have appeared in many forms of animated media and even video games, often as a cameo or background element.
McDonald’s has a long history of anime/manga-oriented promotions and events, especially those related to Pokémon, so it makes sense for them to jump at the opportunity as anime and manga continue to take the Western world by storm. In addition to salty McDonald’s McDonald’s Sauce and 10-packs of “WcNuggets” (rebranded regular chicken nuggets), they’re doubling down on the joke with comic-book-inspired packaging designed by renowned artist Acky Bright.
Those chasing McDonald’s-themed products “can also scan the code on the packaging to access weekly digital comics starring McDonald’s customers and staff.” Meanwhile, Studio Pierrot (Naruto) has produced four “episodic short films that will bring Fans enter the delicious world of McDonald’s.” These will be released every Monday between February 26th and March 18th. WcDonald’s cinematic universe, anyone know?
Last but not least, starting February 28, anime fans in Los Angeles, California can experience the mysterious “McDonald’s Immersive Dining Experience” through the OpenTable app or website. Regular McDonald’s events will begin on February 26 in more than 30 markets worldwide Regions outside the U.S. have not yet been specified. I think touching some grass while looking for WcNuggets sounds like a great way to break up our boring routine.
