Tony is Back!

Tony is Back! (#tonyisback) is a YouTube channel created by Finnish visual artist Jani Leinonen (born )https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jani_Leinonen as an unofficial parody campaign starring Tony the Tiger, the mascot of Frosted Flakes breakfast cereal by American food manufacturing company Kellogg’s.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kellogg%27s A series of commercial-like videos were released in bulk in September 2015, featuring a 3D-animated Tony aiding adults in vulgar and shocking black comedy scenarios.https://janileinonen.com/tony-is-back/
==History and format==
The format of the "Tony is Back" series is a satirical play on classic kids' cereal commercials. Each episode consists of live-action scenarios involving an adult who was "previously featured" 30 years prior in a Frosted Flakes cereal commercial, dealing with hesitance or anxiety to perform a corrupt or immoral task. Tony the Tiger, animated in a 3D style, returns to give them encouragement and offer them a bowl of his Frosted Flakes cereal, which he claims will "bring out the tiger in you" while spouting his signature catchphrase, "They're grrreat!". These videos take on a parodic tone with adult topics, featuring prostitution, police brutality, and terrorism.
=== Response from Kellogg's===
The Kellogg's company was made aware of the parody videos shortly after they were posted to YouTube, and within 12 hours of release, shut down the "Tony is Back!" Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. In a Huffington Post article, a Kellogg's spokesperson wrote, "As a company grounded in the values of integrity and respect, we recognize people’s right to creative expression," but, "We also believe these videos are offensive and make light of serious issues that deserve real dialogue. Tony is a beloved icon and we will protect the integrity of our brands and our characters."https://www.huffpost.com/entry/tony-the-tiger-videos-food-terrorist_n_56181a81e4b0dbb8000e9773
On the "Tony is Back" channel and website's original descriptions, it states that Tony the Tiger contacted "ten people" who were children 30 years ago in his commercials, suggesting there were meant to be more than three parodic videos. However, with action taken by Kellogg's in response to the series' production, no more videos were uploaded after 2015 and the channel remains inactive.
=== Creator===
Jani Leinonen is a Finnish artist and activist who creates public artworks criticizing capitalism and consumerism by using imagery and icons from corporate brands, as well as satirizing mascots and pop culture. He is best known for works and stunts such as the "McJesus" sculpture, Hunger King, collaboration with street artist Banksy at temporary art project Dismaland, and other art gallery installations.
==Trivia==
*The satirical, critical and surreal nature of Tony is Back as a web series has been compared to Lasagna Cat, a high-production live-action YouTube parody of the Garfield comic strip by Jim Davis.
==References ==
Category:Comedy YouTubers
Category:Film YouTubers
Category:Finnish YouTubers
Category:Users who joined in 2015