scott@hou2g.UUCP (Racer X) (10/08/85)
First, I'd like to say I enjoy the reviews of animated shows that
have appeared, and anticipate more. Keep 'em coming!
I've been watching Robotech fairly regularly since it debuted here
a few weeks ago (let me tell you though, it's real hell trying to
get up at 7:00 on Saturdays and Sundays just to watch a "stupid
cartoon"--much easier to just stay up Friday and Saturday nights.)
I must agree that Minmay is a real twit...
I'm unfamiliar with the three "stories" of Robotech, other than
noting there are three different comic adaptations. Can someone
explain the different storylines/focii of the three? I think what
I'm seeing here is just the Macross saga.
I also concur with the previously posted assessment of "Mighty Orbots"--
possibly the best (Japanese) animation I've ever seen, but subpar
stories. I tend to think of this show as Voltron meets the Metal Men,
with Spridle thrown in (Oh NO!)...but I'm still sorry it got canceled,
as it was at least near the top of the drek pile.
Now to some of the shows I'VE been wasting my time on...
****************************************
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS
Believe it or not, with the third season, they've added even
more new episodes! This has got to be a first with Saturday
morning cartoons. I mean three whole seasons? Unfortunately,
by the fourth week, they were showing reruns again. I'm not
completely convinced there aren't more new ones, as I seem to
remember last season they interspersed reruns with the new
episodes.
Anyway, this is no great shakes animation-wise, but the stories
are pretty good, and it's worth watching if you're an FRP person.
For the ideas this show can generate, if nothing else. Besides,
it's on at a civilized hour...
****************************************
The SUPER POWERS TEAM: GALACTIC GUARDIANS
This show is a real departure from the old "SuperFriends" crap.
It's still not great, just not totally offensive anymore. The
animation is a step forward from the Hanna Barbera stuff (what
isn't?), especially with the additional facial and anatomical
detail, and the more "realistic" movement. I was pleasantly
surprised at the use of shading--it's quite effective at times.
The stories are vastly improved, with the exception of the few
nits I'll pick later. Firestorm returns from last year, and the
producers have added Cyborg, of Titans fame, to the "Super Powers"
team as well (anything to suck the kiddies in :-} ). The dialogue
is also improved from previous incarnations of the show, and perhaps
it wouldn't be overdoing it to suggest there's a bit of characteri-
zation here as well. It's certainly less insulting to the viewer's
intelligence.
The Batman is portrayed as the thinker of the team--more so than
I remember in earlier versions--as is to be expected (no more
bat-thermal-underwear). I just wish they'd get rid of Robin, or
at least keep him as Nightwing. Cyborg is portrayed fairly well--
as is Firestorm. Hints of the "true" comics characters, but
a bit simplified. There was one episode with Hawkman in more than
a cameo (he actually SPOKE!), but for the most part all the
"Galactic Guardians" shown on the opening credits do not appear;
it's just Supes, Bats, Robin, WW, Cyborg, and Firestorm.
Nits-to-Pick:
1. Cyborg really seems to be a token here, and fairly stereotyped.
There's none of the "I'm-half-machine-so-I'm-not-a-man" feel to
the character.
2. Why does Darkseid have to be behind EVERY plot? At least they
show him properly as ruler of Apokolips, complete with volcanoes
and Para-Demons--less a galactic "gangster" than before. But he
STILL wants to kidnap Wonder Woman as his bride. Yecch!
3. Why doesn't Firestorm ever use his power in obvious situations?
This is a problem in his book as well--when up against robots,
it always takes him a few minutes to realize he can turn them
into used car parts. Meanwhile, everybody else gets trashed.
Anyway, it's worth watching just to see some old JLA villains
(Last week's episode had the Royal Flush Gang, and Felix Faust
has been shown, though only in cameo). So give it a try to see
the improvements, but don't expect TOO much.
***********************************************
Well, that went on about 90 lines farther than expected. But I thought
these two shows deserved a look, especially since they weren't likely to
be covered by anyone else. Besides, these were the only shows "about which
I had something to say".
Let's keep those reviews (comics AND cartoons) coming!
"PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!"
Scott J. Berry
ihnp4!hou2g!scottscott@hou2g.UUCP (Colonel'K) (10/08/85)
First, I'd like to say I enjoy the reviews of animated shows that
have appeared, and anticipate more. Keep 'em coming!
I've been watching Robotech fairly regularly since it debuted here
a few weeks ago (let me tell you though, it's real hell trying to
get up at 7:00 on Saturdays and Sundays just to watch a "stupid
cartoon"--much easier to just stay up Friday and Saturday nights.)
I must agree that Minmay is a real twit...
I'm unfamiliar with the three "stories" of Robotech, other than
noting there are three different comic adaptations. Can someone
explain the different storylines/focii of the three? I think what
I'm seeing here is just the Macross saga.
I also concur with the previously posted assessment of "Mighty Orbots"--
possibly the best (Japanese) animation I've ever seen, but subpar
stories. I tend to think of this show as Voltron meets the Metal Men,
with Spridle thrown in (Oh NO!)...but I'm still sorry it got canceled,
as it was at least near the top of the drek pile.
Now to some of the shows I'VE been wasting my time on...
****************************************
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS
Believe it or not, with the third season, they've added even
more new episodes! This has got to be a first with Saturday
morning cartoons. I mean three whole seasons? Unfortunately,
by the fourth week, they were showing reruns again. I'm not
completely convinced there aren't more new ones, as I seem to
remember last season they interspersed reruns with the new
episodes.
Anyway, this is no great shakes animation-wise, but the stories
are pretty good, and it's worth watching if you're an FRP person.
For the ideas this show can generate, if nothing else. Besides,
it's on at a civilized hour...
****************************************
The SUPER POWERS TEAM: GALACTIC GUARDIANS
This show is a real departure from the old "SuperFriends" crap.
It's still not great, just not totally offensive anymore. The
animation is a step forward from the Hanna Barbera stuff (what
isn't?), especially with the additional facial and anatomical
detail, and the more "realistic" movement. I was pleasantly
surprised at the use of shading--it's quite effective at times.
The stories are vastly improved, with the exception of the few
nits I'll pick later. Firestorm returns from last year, and the
producers have added Cyborg, of Titans fame, to the "Super Powers"
team as well (anything to suck the kiddies in :-} ). The dialogue
is also improved from previous incarnations of the show, and perhaps
it wouldn't be overdoing it to suggest there's a bit of characteri-
zation here as well. It's certainly less insulting to the viewer's
intelligence.
The Batman is portrayed as the thinker of the team--more so than
I remember in earlier versions--as is to be expected (no more
bat-thermal-underwear). I just wish they'd get rid of Robin, or
at least keep him as Nightwing. Cyborg is portrayed fairly well--
as is Firestorm. Hints of the "true" comics characters, but
a bit simplified. There was one episode with Hawkman in more than
a cameo (he actually SPOKE!), but for the most part all the
"Galactic Guardians" shown on the opening credits do not appear;
it's just Supes, Bats, Robin, WW, Cyborg, and Firestorm.
Nits-to-Pick:
1. Cyborg really seems to be a token here, and fairly stereotyped.
There's none of the "I'm-half-machine-so-I'm-not-a-man" feel to
the character. Of course, he's not nearly as much a token as
Black Vulcan (or Eldorado, Apache Chief, or the "Japanese Tornado",
Super-Samarai).
2. Why does Darkseid have to be behind EVERY plot? At least they
show him properly as ruler of Apokolips, complete with volcanoes
and Para-Demons--less a galactic "gangster" than before. But he
STILL wants to kidnap Wonder Woman as his bride. Yecch!
3. Why doesn't Firestorm ever use his power in obvious situations?
This is a problem in his book as well--when up against robots,
it always takes him a few minutes to realize he can turn them
into used car parts. Meanwhile, everybody else gets trashed.
Anyway, it's worth watching just to see some old JLA villains
(Last week's episode had the Royal Flush Gang, and Felix Faust
has been shown, though only in cameo). So give it a try to see
the improvements, but don't expect TOO much.
***********************************************
Well, that went on about 90 lines farther than expected. But I thought
these two shows deserved a look, especially since they weren't likely to
be covered by anyone else. Besides, these were the only shows "about which
I had something to say".
Let's keep those reviews (comics AND cartoons) coming!
"PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN!"
Scott J. Berry
ihnp4!hou2g!scott