Cartoon venture targets toddlers

Cartoon Network and the Warner Bros. Television Group announced today a new weekday morning franchise of original and acquired television targeted for preschool children to premiere in spring 2005 on cable’s Cartoon Network.

The joint venture marks the companies’ first major production foray into the preschool market. The franchise’s primary emphasis will be on “developing, nurturing and valuing a child’s sense of humor, an essential aspect of a happy, well-adjusted child.”

The first announced series comes from Warner Bros. Animation and DC Comics’ “Superman.” “Krypto” follows Superman’s faithful canine, who, as a test-pilot puppy, lands in Metropolis after being jettisoned from a rocket made by Superman’s father, Jor-El.

Susan King