As someone who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, I can attest to the sheer volume of movie tie-in cartoons that filled our Saturday mornings. However, it wasn’t until recently that I stumbled upon some forgotten gems (or should I say misfires) from this era, one of which is “Godzilla: The Series.” Now, I’m not a big fan of the 1998 Godzilla film, but even I was taken aback by how far removed this cartoon was from the iconic monster’s roots.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve grown up witnessing an intriguing trend in Hollywood – transforming blockbuster movies into delightful cartoon spin-offs. Frankly, these shows aren’t always something to brag about, but they’ve been a staple for decades. In the 80s and 90s especially, any movie that could spark kids’ excitement was quickly followed by a tie-in cartoon or toy line, effectively solidifying its media presence. If it was about robots, monsters, or even a dash of karate, it had the power to create an entire empire. Shows based on “Bill & Ted”, “Back to the Future”, and yes, even “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” were born from this trend!
Some well-regarded examples, often fueled by nostalgia, continue to be remembered in popular culture today. For instance, the success of “Ghostbusters” as an enduring merchandising phenomenon can be partly attributed to the five-year run of “The Real Ghostbusters.” After the period of “Transformers” and “G.I. Joe,” shows like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” animated series maintained the trend. Nowadays, you’ll find many animated series inspired by movies, although they typically appear on streaming services rather than the traditional Saturday morning TV model. With the advent of transmedia franchises, it can be challenging to distinguish between children’s spin-offs and additional content.
Let’s reminisce about some lesser-known animated shows derived from films, which you might have overlooked in the past.
Rambo: The Force of Freedom
Some cartoon adaptations from the 1980s seem quite puzzling in retrospect. For example, “RoboCop,” which is a harsh satire of America’s militarized police forces and widespread corruption, surprisingly spawned not one, but two animated series within a span of five years. While it may appear illogical, it makes sense from a studio executive perspective. After all, children are fascinated by robots, and they enjoy action-packed shows, so why not make RoboCop suitable for kids?
As someone who grew up watching action movies, I can confidently say that I, too, have fond memories of “G.I. Joe” and the Rambo films. However, looking back now as a parent, I realize how problematic it was to present such violent and militaristic content to children without any context or warning about the realities of war and its consequences.
The movie titled “Rambo: The Force of Freedom” is remarkably similar to “G.I. Joe,” almost bordering on copyright infringement without actually facing a lawsuit. If you recall, the villainous group COBRA has transformed into SAVAGE. A notable difference is that Sylvester Stallone, who originally played Rambo, is not present in this version. Instead, John Rambo’s voice was lent by Neil Ross, a well-known voice actor who has previously worked on — you’ve guessed it — “G.I. Joe.”
Although it might not win any accolades for its influence on TV history or uniqueness, it perfectly embodies the classic ’80s tie-in cartoon. Therefore, there’s still a certain enjoyment to be found in it.
Godzilla: The Series
On first glance, proposing a cartoon about Godzilla isn’t entirely out of the ordinary. Given Toho’s extensive collection of kaiju characters, a weekly monster series seems fitting, especially considering kids are drawn to the towering Godzilla. So what makes “Godzilla: The Series” from 1998 such a puzzling and unmemorable addition to the franchise? Well, the show doesn’t align with the Godzilla we’re familiar with; instead, it serves as a direct sequel to the critically panned 1998 American “Godzilla,” featuring Matthew Broderick, Jean Reno, and Maria Pitillo.
As a die-hard fan, I find it fascinating how, despite America’s first Godzilla movie being a massive flop, its subsequent animated series managed to run for two full seasons! Compared to the movie, this cartoon was leagues ahead in terms of competence and quality. While none of the film’s stars reprised their roles, it boasted an impressive cast with heavyweights like Ron Perlman, Joe Pantoliano, Paget Brewster, and the legendary Frank Welker lending his voice to Godzilla himself.
In this rephrased version: The storyline follows the conventional theme of a Saturday morning cartoon: A newborn Godzilla emerges, forms a bond with Dr. Nick Tatopoulos (Ian Ziering), and journeys worldwide as part of an elite human squad, combating other harmful monstrous creatures. However, disappointingly, none of the original Toho kaiju are included. Instead, Godzilla confronts lesser-known adversaries such as “King Cobra” and “Crustaceous Rex,” which seem to have originated from the writers’ room.
As a dedicated gamer diving into the world of Godzilla, I can say that this particular animated series wasn’t the very first one out there nor was it the final chapter. However, it stands out as one of the oddest due to its unique lineage.
Star Wars: Droids and Star Wars: Ewoks
As a devoted Star Wars fan, I can confidently say that these days, the franchise has become equally captivating in both its animated and live-action forms. Since the debut of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” Lucasfilm’s animation division has consistently delivered exceptional shows like “Rebels,” “The Bad Batch,” and the latest offering, “Tales of the Jedi.” These series have left a lasting impression on both critics and fans alike.
Prior to many of today’s popular shows, Star Wars made its mark in the saturated ’80s animated series market with “Star Wars: Droids” and “Star Wars: Ewoks.” These two series were aired concurrently and shared similar animation styles. As their names indicate, one centered around C-3PO, R2-D2, and their intergalactic escapades, while the other chronicled Wicket the Ewok and his companions as they discovered the wonders of their home on the forest moon of Endor.
Between 1985 and 1986, these TV series, namely “Droids,” continued the magic of Star Wars for younger audiences during a barren period for the franchise. In retrospect, however, they’re mostly nostalgic trinkets; neither series stands out as particularly excellent. One intriguing aspect of “Droids” is its storyline set years before the original trilogy, which eventually clashed with George Lucas’ prequel timeline. Compared to its counterpart, “Droids” is the superior series, partly because it adheres more closely to the classic Star Wars feel and primarily because the talented Anthony Daniels voices Threepio in this version.
Fast & Furious Spy Racers
As a devotee of unusual movie spin-offs, I often find myself reminiscing about the ’80s and ’90s, and for good reason. However, let’s not forget that this tradition hasn’t died out. It’s only fair that we acknowledge a contemporary example, and who could be more fitting than the modern equivalent of the 1980s action flicks – the “Fast and Furious” franchise?
As a gaming enthusiast, let me tell you about my favorite Netflix series, “Spy Racers,” which ran for six exciting seasons from 2019 to 2021. You know how kids can’t get enough of cool cars and thrilling races? Well, imagine mixing those elements with the allure of spies, a genre that has spawned countless blockbuster films! If you layer this enticing blend on top of one of the most successful movie franchises ever, what you get is a contemporary cartoon series that harks back to the golden age of Saturday morning animation.
Apart from brief appearances by Vin Diesel’s voice, “Spy Racers” stands alone from the Fast and Furious films. Instead of focusing on Dom Toretto, the story centers around his young relative Tony (played by Tyler Posey) and his companions who transform into international spies battling SH1FT3R, a wicked organization. The plotline seems reminiscent of a past era, and its overall mood reflects this, for better or worse. If you’re an adult fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, expecting more of the same action, it may not satisfy your craving. However, for younger viewers, it offers an entertaining journey with some excellent animation at times.
The Karate Kid
Before Cobra Kai revitalized the Karate Kid series on television, there was a brief animated series called “Karate Kid” that aired in 1989, lasting only 13 episodes. Pat Morita reprised his role, but this time as the narrator. Mr. Miyagi was voiced by Robert Ito, and Daniel LaRusso was voiced by Joey Dedio. They were joined by a new female character named Taki, played by Janice Kawaye.
In contrast to the later Karate Kid films and Cobra Kai’s increased level of implausibility, The Karate Kid opts for an Eastern-themed narrative. When a mystical Okinawan shrine disappears, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi embark on a quest to locate it, facing numerous adversaries and trials during their journey.
The series deviates significantly from the typical Reseda high school live-action franchise drama, which might explain its short lifespan. The peculiar blend of an impulsive Jersey teenager and disciplined karate style was what made the original film unique, but the cartoon feels like a routine magical martial arts story with little appeal, even for children. In essence, it remains true to the formula of the cartoon spin-offs – a nearly extinct genre known for producing mediocre cash-ins.
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2024-08-14 04:00