We dive into toy history and present Mattel's Marvel Secret Wars. Back in the early '80s Marvel Secret Wars by Mattel came and went pretty quickly. But it did leave quite an impression with it's sometimes weird choice of characters from wave to wave and interesting play gimmicks.
Once Mego went out of business DC had to fill the toy void left behind. This is the history of Kenners DC Comics Super Powers line with their squeezable legs and their slightly bent arms.
We take you through the history of Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, an animated show that would have probably been forgotten if not for the theme song that everyone keeps telling us is the best ever. From it's beginning as "The Wheeled Warriors" toyline through to it's cartoon series with characters that did not appear in the toyline. How could it fail?!
Dan takes you through the history of the Silverhawks. A brother to the more popular Thundercats with a vac-metal toyline from Kenner and only a single season of the animated show Silverhawks is still remembered fondly.
On this episode Dan dives into the history of Sectaurs, a toyline and animated series with an insect motif that briefly popped up on the pop culture landscape in 1985. With it's unique play features, however, the toyline has long been a favorite and made quite an impact through to today.
On this episode we tackle the history of MUSCLE or M.U.S.C.L.E. as it is sometimes written. They were tiny and pink and completely unposeable. They didn't do anything or come with any accessories so where did they come from?
On this episode we begin the very messy history of Robotech. Robotech is a science fiction franchise that began with an 85-episode anime television series created by Carl Macek and produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production and first released in the United States in 1985. The show was adapted from three original and distinct, though visually similar, Japanese anime television series (Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross and Genesis Climber MOSPEADA) to make a series suitable for syndication. But that really is just the beginning of the story...
On this episode we cover the history of The Black Panther. From his creation by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the 60's to being nearly forgotten through the 80's and being brought back to prominence in the 2000's to the huge release of the film Black Panther.
This week we cover the history of The Centurions. Born out of Star Wars brown gravy of success as an animated series and having only a few figures released by Kenner, all these years later it still holds a place in many peoples hearts.
On this episode Dan digs through the history of beloved and nearly departed toy store Toys R Us. From its humble beginnings as Bargainworld to it's website and strategy problems to its acquisition of FAO Shwarz and KB Toys to its bankruptcy filing in 2017. Toys R Us may be soon gone but not soon forgotten. He also explains what a leveraged buyout is. Don't worry. It's cool.
In this video we dive even deeper into the crazy history of Robotech. This episode covers Harmony Gold's efforts to get a Robotech movie into theaters with the help of Cannon Films and their efforts to create a season 2 of Robotech with all new animation. Robotech: The Movie, also called Robotech: The Untold Story, is a feature film and was the first new Robotech adventure created after the premiere of the original series. It uses footage from the Megazone 23 – Part 1 OVA (original video animation; made-for-video animated feature) combined with scenes from "Southern Cross" and additional original animation produced for the film. Unfortunately, the governments of the world didn't care about any of that.
In this episode we cover the history of COPS also known as C.O.P.S. Inspired by Robocop? Maybe? It only lasted 1 season at the tail end of the 80's but it's action figures had a gimmick that would not be seen on the toy shelves of today.
On this episode we cover the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the movie Volcano through to Blade and X-Men to the fortuitous reaquiring of the rights to Iron Man and Disney acquiring Marvel through to the Avengers and the soon to be released Avengers:Infinity War.
In this episode we cover one of the most quintessentially 90's shows of all-time: The X-Men Animated Series. With it's earworm of a theme song and it's chronological approach to storytelling it helped to bring Marvel to the forefront of pop culture and turn it into the juggernaut it is today.
On this episode we cover the History of the mostly forgotten Spiral Zone. A line of deluxe figures and an animated show weren't enough to keep this line alive in 1987. Maybe it was the glut of pop culture products or the dark nature of the story which seems closer to The Walking Dead than standard afternoon cartoon fare. Regardless, it came and went pretty quickly and has not endured the way some 80's properties did.
On this episode Dan covers the history and possible future of Star Wars coolest and most overrated bounty hunter, Boba Fett. With less than 10 minutes of screen time over the course of 3 movies Boba Fett has never the less managed to also become one of the most popular. But why? And where did he come from?
It's the history of Robotech volume 3 as we continue on. Harmony Gold starts to really enforce its license and Dan explores the Robotech RPG, all of the Robotech comics from all of the various publishers and the series of Robotech novels and talks about where they fit in the larger Robotech canon.
Launched in 1992 and catering to a much more mature audience than what came before, Batman: The Animated Series is now rightly remembered as the groundbreaking work it was. Take a trip through the history of Batman: The Animated Series.
On this episode it's the history of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. From a joke drawing between 2 friends to a pop culture phenomenon with games, action figures, movies and so many animated series.
On this episode we cover the history of the Garbage Pail Kids. What started out as a parody of a doll line has turned into a pop culture staple parodying nearly everything else. From the start at Topps through the lawsuits, the Garbage Pail Kids movie and animated show through today with more series, Funko Pops, pins and more.
On this episode we cover the quick rise and controversial fall of Entertech. Creating realistic water guns in the mid-eighties they were a big hit with kids but government regulation pushed them away from what they were known for and quickly discontinued in a few short years.
On this episode we cover the history of Battle Beasts. They were short-lived in the United States and had their connection to the Transformers severed but their unique rub symbol play gimmick has still kept a fervent community of collectors after all these years.
On this episode we cover the history of Captain Power and the controversy surrounding it's initial run in 1988. Born from the ashes that were the Masters of the Universe movie and married to advanced light gun technology, it was a show aimed at kids and adults that struggled to get either on board. Rising from the ashes again with a reboot planned in 2016, legal troubles have derailed those plans.
On this episode we cover the history of the Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light. Released by Hasbro in 1987 their play gimmick was holograms. With a comic book series from Marvel and an animated series what could go wrong? Plenty. While Visionaries didn't sell in 1987 the property has been sitting on the edge of resurrection for a number of years, including a new comic and maybe a new movie.
Starcom: The U.S. Space Force is a 1987 animated syndicated television series inspired by a motorized toy franchise manufactured by Coleco. The plot detailed the adventures of an American astronaut brigade as they fought off attempted invasions by Shadow Force, a nasty collection of humans and robots led by the nefarious Emperor Dark. You might remember them as the small action figures with magnets in their feet. Unfortunately, no one seemed to care as 1987 was jammed full of other more popular lines based on already established brands like GI Joe and Transformers and MASK. The show earned poor ratings, and it was cancelled after 13 episodes. The series was broadcast in reruns in the early 1990s, but no new episodes were produced.
For a few decades at the end of the 20th century kids all over the US gathered in front of their TV's every Saturday morning for the Saturday Morning Cartoon ritual. Bugs Bunny, Mr. T, Pac-Man, The Ghostbusters, Thhe Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, wizards, monsters, villains, heroes and everything else. But it's gone now, at least on the major networks. Where did it go? Why did it go? This is the history of Saturday morning cartoons and the impact of the children's television act.
The beginning of the history of the Transformers. This first volume covers the birth of the Transformers brand and line and the Generation 1 Transformers right up until THEY WERE ALL KILLED! Also covering Megatrons origins, Optimus Primes origins and the differences between Diaclone and Micro Change, the 2 Japanese toylines that merged into Transformers.
Dungeons and Dragons, the most successful RPG of all time, has seen many tragedies and triumphs over it's long history, including being in the middle of the Satanic Panic in the 1980's, to now be part of pop culture and as popular as ever. From Gary Gygax and TSR through Mazes and Monsters and it's (sort of) use in such shows as Community and Stranger Things.
On this episode we cover the history of Madballs. Started in the 80's as gross... balls this property has been resurrected a number of times by different companies, like Kid Robot, and is now as strong and popular as it's ever been.
On this episode we cover the history of the Toxic Crusaders. Another children's property born out of a rated "R" series of films, in this case Troma's The Toxic Avenger series. Sharing many similarities with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this was a full fledged media property with video games, lunchboxes and Halloween costumes. But they can't all be hits.
Inhumanoids is the title of an animated series and the name of a Hasbro toy property that were both released in 1986. Inhumanoids tells the story of the scientist-hero group, Earth Corps, as they battle a trio of subterranean monsters called the Inhumanoids with the aid of elemental beings, the Mutores. Unique because the title characters were the bad guys, The Inhumanoids, and not the good guys, The Earth Corps (bunch of nerds).
Adult Swim started out as a few hours a night a few nights a week but has now launched (or relaunched) a ton of culturally significant shows like Family Guy, Futurama, Rick and Morty, Robot Chicken and others. Here is a quick history of Adult Swim.
Picking up where The History of Transformers Vol 1 left off, we take a quick detour through Transformers Generation 2 before spending most of the video on Transformers: Beast Wars and Beast Machines. Their awkward computer generated shows may have turned a lot of fans off at the time but they both have since found their place in pop culture history.
The Pirates of Dark Water limped through 2 short seasons in the early 1990's before being cancelled in the middle of the story. But this wasn't just another quickly thrown together cash-in. With a well-known cast and a well-known producer Pirates of Dark Water was supposed to be a media juggernaut that turn out to be barely a blip on the radar.
KB Toys, originally known as Kay Bee Toys, started in the 1920's as a candy wholesaler and eventually grew into the 2nd largest toy store chain in the United States. But all of that eventually changed, partly at the hands of Bain Capital, and by 2008 KB Toys was out of business. What happened? And why is KB Toys killer still at large?
For 3 seasons Nintendo had an animated show on the air called Captain N: The Game Master, which centered on Captain N teaming up with Mega Man (sorta), Kid Icarus (kinda) and Simon Belmont to battle Mother Brain. Mostly forgotten and relegated to a footnote in Nintendo's history, the creation of the show is still disputed by some of the people involved.
Mattel and Filmation partnered on a property, Bravestarr, in the 1980's they were sure was going to be the next huge hit like Masters of the Universe. Instead it lasted 1 season and helped to sink a studio on the process. This is the story of Bravestarr and how market research isn't always the way to go.
It's a tale all too often repeated throughout pop culture history and repeated again with regards to the Bionic Six. Tons and tons of talent behind the scenes working to create something special instead run into a company handicapped by controversy looking to cut their losses.
The Dungeons and Dragons cartoon hit the airwaves in 1983 riding the Satanic Panic wave from the Dungeons and Dragons Role-playing Game and only lasted a few seasons. It was also not helped by the fractured marketing approach which had a toyline and other merchandise being released as "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons" with no action figures made of the characters from the cartoon. Despite all that, it led in the rating for it's first 2 seasons and made a lasting impression on pop culture at large.
For a brief time in the 80's Lazer Tag was all the rage. Lazer Tag: The Game had storybooks, lunchboxes, puzzles and even a short-lived animated series; Lazer Tag Academy. But it didn't last long and it wasn't helped by the same controversy that beset another toy gun line in the 80's: Entertech. After a fatal shooting the Lazer Tag brand lost some of it's luster but laser tag as a game is still going strong to this day.
The Mighty Orbots, the story of smaller robots that combine into a bigger robot, only lasted 1 short 13 episode season on ABC in 1984. It had no toys, no comics, no lunchboxes, no video games, no nothing. But what it did have was a lawsuit from Tonka alleging infringement on it's copyright for The Gobots.
Way back in 1987 Canon Films bet big on a film based on He Man and The Masters of the Universe. The resulting film, just called Masters of the Universe, satisfied no one and helped to put Cannon Films out of business. Here is the story of Masters of the Universe and it's almost sequel and what went wrong along the way.
Back in the late 70's Star Wars was released and it was huge. So huge that everyone was looking for the next Star Wars. Sandy Frank saw his opportunity in a popular Japanese animated show named Gatchaman. He bought the rights, reedited and redubbed the episodes and thus was born Battle of the Planets. But there's a lot more to the story...
On this episode we attempt to cover the confusing history G-Force: Guardians of Space. Like Battle of the Planets, it was based on the original Gatchaman Japanese series, but unlike Battle of the Planets G-Force attempted to be a more faithful adaptation. But it pleased neither fanbase and has now faded into confusing obscurity.
Captain Planet and the Planeteers is an American animated environmentalist Superhero television series that ran from 1990 to 1992 and then had a sequel series run from 1993 to 1996. Created with an environmental message in mind, the animated series Captain Planet and the Planeteers and the New Adventures of Captain Planet spawned lots of other merchandise but it's lasting legacy is in the Captain Planet Foundation.
Back in the mid 80's a few companies decided that space cowboys were going to be the next big thing. The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers is an American animated Space Western broadcast in syndication between 1986 and 1989. The series combines sci-fi stories with traditional wild west themes. It is one of the first anime-style shows produced mainly in the United States. At the time it aired, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers was considered a revolutionary children's show. And so we had Bravestarr, Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs and, of course, The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers. None of them were very successful but at least Galaxy Rangers had the theme song "No Guts, No Glory".
Kids love dinosaurs and kids love war. Put them together and you get Dino-Riders. It was supposed to be huge with a full out marketing and merchandising blitz with tons of intricately sculpted toys but it failed after just one season and 14 episodes. But that sculpting work did have a second and third life. This is the history of Dino-Riders.
The history of Robotech is very complicated. It is littered with failed projects, like Robotech Academy, Mars Force and Palladium Book Robotech RPG Tactics, and lots of lawsuits. Lawsuits involving Battletech, Piranha Games, Hairbrained Schemes, Hasbro and more. And a confusing spaghetti of rights involving Harmony Gold, Tatsunoko, Big West, Studio Nue, Battletech, Hasbro and others. We do our best to tell that story.
On this episode we cover the history of Jem and the Holograms. After having much success with Transformers and GI Joe Hasbro decided to take that same formula of a cartoon developed around a toyline and apply to a line aimed mostly at girls.
Kidd Video was an American Saturday morning cartoon created by DIC Enterprises in association with Saban Productions. The series originally ran on NBC from 1984 to 1985. Kidd Video was one of the most popular Saturday morning cartoons in its day but it only lasted 2 seasons in the US and was gone. But the same could not be said for another part of the world where Kidd Video the band had merchandise and a tour.
Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends is a 1981-1983 American animated television series produced by Marvel Productions, considered to be a crossover series connected to the 1981 Spider-Man series. The show stars already-established Marvel Comics characters Spider-Man and Iceman, plus an original character, Firestar. As a trio called the Spider-Friends, they fought against various villains of the Marvel Universe. Originally broadcast on NBC as a Saturday morning cartoon, the series ran first-run original episodes for three seasons, from 1981 to 1983, then aired repeats for an additional two years from 1984 to 1986.
On this episode we cover the history of build a figures, an innovation certainly popularized by Marvel Legends from Toybiz to Hasbro. But their history does go farther back and seems to have it's roots in Japan with a few smaller companies and McDonalds.
On this episode we cover the slightly backwards history of the toyline and animated series for Mighty Max. A toyline born in the UK and imported to the US, it spawned an animated series that then went backwards to influence the toyline.
On this episode we cover the crazy history of Reboot, the first ever CG series. It told of the adventures of Bob, Dot and Enzo and their battles against Megabyte and Hexidecimal. It started in Canada, came to the US via ABC, was canceled by ABC, picked up by Cartoon Network and then canceled twice more before being rebooted by Netflix completely as Reboot: The Guardian Code.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is a 1993 American animated superhero film featuring the DC Comics character Batman. Directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm, it is a cinematic stand-alone continuation of Batman: The Animated Series and the first original theatrical film produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Originally planned for a direct-to-video release, Warner Bros. gave Mask of the Phantasm a theatrical release, condensing its production into a strenuous eight-month schedule. The film was released through the studio's Family Entertainment division on December 24, 1993, to positive reviews from critics, who praised the stylized animation, voice performances, story, and music. Despite Batman: Mask of the Phantasm being critically acclaimed it was a box office bomb. Time, however, has been kind to this animated Batman film which is now a beloved favorite among fans of the Dark Knight.
Following on the success of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and raised environmental awareness, the Biker Mice From Mars were born in 1993. It lasted 3 seasons but that was not the end. In 2006 the Biker Mice were reborn for another season with a Donald Trump like protagonist and a whole new round of marketing and merchandise.
When Hasbro launched the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline in 1982 alongside the Marvel Comics series, it commissioned Marvel Productions to produce a series of fully animated 30-second television commercials which were broadcast in order to promote the toys and comics, beginning with an ad for the first issue that aired throughout the Spring of 1982. The popularity of these commercials led to the production of a five-part G.I. Joe mini-series which aired in 1983 and eventually to a syndicated animated show that ran for 95 episodes. The production was not without it's problems. The cartoon, the action figures and the comic books all working together in a first of its kind effort to resurrect a property that had been dormant for a number of years.
Spider-Man (スパイダーマン, Supaidāman), also referred to as Japanese Spider-Man, is a Japanese live-action tokusatsu television series produced by Toei Company, loosely based on Marvel Comics' Spider-Man character. While Toei's version of the character wore the same costume as his Marvel counterpart, the show's storyline and the origin of the character's powers deviated from the source material. From his origin, his job as "an emissary of Hell" and the giant robot named Leopardon he pilots this Spider Man doesn't have a lot in common with Spider Man proper.
Toonami is an American late night television programming block that primarily broadcasts Japanese anime and occasionally American action animation. It was created by Sean Akins and Jason DeMarco and produced by Williams Street, a division of Warner Bros. Entertainment. Toonami is credited with pushing the popularity of Japanese anime to new heights for shows such as Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon and Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers is an American superhero children's television series that premiered on August 28, 1993, on the Fox Kids programming block. It is the first entry of the Power Rangers franchise, and became a 1990s pop culture phenomenon alongside a large line of action figures and other merchandise. The show adapted stock footage from the Japanese TV series Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger (1992-1993), which was the 16th installment of Toei's Super Sentai franchise. The second and third seasons of the show drew elements and stock footage from Gosei Sentai Dairanger and Ninja Sentai Kakuranger, respectively, though the Zyuranger costumes were still used for the lead cast in these two seasons.
On this episode Dan covers the history of Disney's Gargoyles. Spookier and darker than almost anything had done at the time, this 3 season animated series lasted only 78 episodes despite some big hopes. But even with all that, this series still has a ton of fans to this day that hope to someday see the Gargoyles return.
In the height of 1980's pop culture M.A.S.K. was born. Following 80's precedent a toyline was developed involving transforming vehicles and action figures and then an animated series followed, lasting for 2 seasons. A MASK movie has been whispered about for years but so far nothing has happened. While you're waiting for that let Dan fill you in on the history of MASK.
From it's inception as a "playable" cartoon on Laserdisc through it's numerous sequels and releases on consoles and the little seen Saturday morning cartoon.
Starriors was a robot toyline created by Tomy in association with Marvel Comics in 1984. They were based on Zoids, but had a new storyline that U.S. Zoids had not had at all. Six Marvel mini-comics were distributed with the toys. Marvel also produced a four-issue limited series written by Louise Simonson, with art by Michael Chen, Ian Akin, and Brian Garvey, and covers painted by Bill Sienkiewicz. There is much speculation about the existence of Starriors animated material. A 1984 trade advertisement released by Tomy stated "There is currently a Starriors television mini-series in production to air in Spring and Fall '85."
Among the deluge of pop culture properties in 1986 was the barely remembered Defenders of the Earth, bringing together Mandrake the Magician, The Phantom and Flash Gordon to battle Ming the Merciless.
People generally don't remember who finishes in 2nd place, only the Champion which, in this case, is the Transformers. But people remember the Gobots, either as that cartoon that used to be on or as the affordable Transformers or as the one with the transforming rocks.
Where were you when you first heard the term Porkchop Sandwiches? One of the first viral video sensations on the internet holds a place close to our heart because it involves GI Joe. Back in the early 2000's a bunch of re-edits of original GI Joe cartoon PSA's were uploaded to the internet and they got a lot of attention. They crashed a website and initiated a lawsuit towards the creator by Hasbr
Batman Beyond is an American superhero animated television series developed by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, and Alan Burnett and produced by Warner Bros. Animation in collaboration with DC Comics as a continuation of the Batman legacy. The series began airing on January 10, 1999, and ended its run on December 18, 2001. Depicting a teenaged Batman in a futuristic Gotham City under the tutelage of an elderly Bruce Wayne, Batman Beyond is set in the chronological future of the DC animated universe, and serves as a continuation of both Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures.
On this episode we attempt to cover the crazy, bizarre history of Max Headroom. For his conception as a character introducing music videos to his own TV movie, to Coca-Cola spokesperson to gone in just a few years. His legacy as a instrument of political commentary may be more relevant than ever.
Galoob Toys needed a new hit and an inventor from Wisconsin had just what they were looking for. These tiny, detailed toy vehicles were everywhere in the late 80's and 90's and covered almost every IP from Star Wars to Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and a ton more. But they we also known just as much for their fast talking commercials.
TigerSharks is an American animated children's television series developed by Rankin/Bass and distributed by Lorimar-Telepictures in 1987. The series involved a team of heroes that could transform into sharks and other marine animals and resembled the series ThunderCats and SilverHawks, also developed by Rankin/Bass. Following the already established template TigerSharks came and went fairly quickly, lasting only 26 episodes.
Sky Commanders is an animated television series made by Hanna-Barbera with the co-production of Toei Animation. It premiered in July 1987 as part of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera and lasted for thirteen episodes. It was based on the Sky Commanders action figure line from Kenner Toys whose big play gimmick was incorporating string into the toys as ziplines used for transportation. Shockingly it was not successful.
On this episode we take a look back at the phenomenon that is Magic: The Gathering, a pioneer in the trading card game space. From its humble beginnings at Wizards of the Coast right on through its acquisition by Hasbro and it's online introduction.
Back in the 1990's FASA wanted to expand the Battletech brand and partnered on a line of toys and an animated series. Neither of them did very well but they may have been more inclined to stick with them if it wasn't for the mountain of lawsuits Battletech was buried under.
Street Sharks
The Thundercats were created at the height of the 1980's and were quintessential 80's. It lasted for a few season and was cancelled. Then it was almost brought in 2008 but cancelled. Then brought back in 2011 and cancelled. Now in 2020 as Thundercats Roar. Someone can't take a hint.
Taking an R rated property like First Blood and Rambo and turning it into a cartoon suitable for kids was not an easy task and not without controversy. But it was done and what resulted was the animated series Rambo: The Force of Freedom from 1986.
Before Star Wars was Star Wars it went through many revisions and the story changed greatly. From Mace Windy, Deak and Annikin Starkiller and the Journal of the Whills join us in watching the elements of what finally became Star Wars evolve into Star Wars.
HeroQuest is a board game created in 1989 by Games Workshop, the same company responsible for Warhammer, that came with little figures and little furniture and had you and a few friends crawling a dungeon in search of treasures.
On this episode we cover Dinosaucers and it's surprising connection to Batman, of all things. Dinosaucers is also notable for having one of the rarest toylines of all time with pieces going for hundreds of dollars today.
Action Force is a brand of European action figures released in the 1980s that was based on the Action Man toyline. It was also used to introduce G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toys to European markets. Inspired by the success of Hasbro's GI Joe relaunch at a smaller scale Palitoy relaunched their Action Man line as Action Force, first with it's own characters and mythology but eventually rebranding GI Joe figures from the US.
Animorphs started as a series of books about a group of teens given the ability to morph into animals but grew into so much more. There was lots Animorphs merchandise and, of course, a TV show. But what does the future hold for Animorphs?
Back in the early 1980's DIC partners with TMS to create an animated series based on Homer's The Odyssey called Ulysses 31 for France. Ulysses 31 was a big hit in France. And Japan. And Australia and a bunch of other countries. But Ulysses 31 barely registered in the United States and slipped into obscurity.
Yes, before you ask, Turbo Tenn is indeed the cartoon about the kid that turns into a car. Extremely short-lived, lasting 13 episodes on Saturday mornings on ABC in 1984, it has a curious connection to the Marvel Universe (sorta).
Micronauts is a toyline created by Mego in the late 70's just before Star Wars swallowed pop culture and not long before Mego went out of business. Micronauts, the toyline, was very successful but the numerous attempts at animated series, comic book series and movies since have definitely been less successful.
Sun Sportswear knew they had a hit on their hands with Rude Dog, their new mascot. To further market the character, Sun Sportswear developed a Saturday morning cartoon in 1989 entitled Rude Dog and the Dweebs. Rude Dog and the Dweebs was as colorful as the clothing it advertised and so very 80's / early 90's. The series was produced by Marvel Productions.
Blackstar is an American animated science fantasy television series, produced in 1981 Filmation. Borrowing heavily from Flash Gordon and John Carter of Mars, Blackstar also has many notable similarities to He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, which was produced shortly afterwards. The popularity of He-Man also caused Blackstar to finally get a toyline long after it was cancelled.
Automan was a science fiction superhero television series. It aired for 12 episodes (although 13 were made) on ABC between 1983 and 1984. It consciously emulates the stylistic trappings of the Walt Disney Pictures live-action film Tron, in the context of a superhero TV series. A short-lived bold and expensive experiment that didn't pay off. At least they got an action figure out of it.
The Bots Master is a French/American/Canadian 1993 cartoon series, produced by Jean Chalopin and Saban International. In total 40 episodes were made, each one having a special 3D segment using the Pulfrich effect and special glasses that you could get from buying one of the many The Bots Master action figures.
Street Hawk is an American superhero television series that aired for 13 episodes on ABC in 1985. More popular outside of the US the Street Hawk toy history is complicated and includes him sort of being a member of GI Joe! From the opening narration: Jesse Mach, an ex-motorcycle cop, injured in the line of duty. Now a police troubleshooter, he's been recruited for a top secret government mission to ride Street Hawk -- an all-terrain attack motorcycle designed to fight urban crime, capable of incredible speeds up to three hundred miles an hour, and immense firepower. Only one man, federal agent Norman Tuttle, knows Jesse Mach's true identity. The man...the machine...Street Hawk.
The Incredible Hulk is an American television series that ran for 5 seasons starting in 1978 based on the Marvel Comics character The Hulk. The series aired on the CBS television network and starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Bruce Banner and Lou Ferrigno as the Hulk. While there are many differences between the comic and the TV show, the series was still wildly popular in its own right and forged it's own path into pop culture.
King Arthur and the Knights of Justice is an American animated series produced by Golden Films, C&D & Bohbot Entertainment. The series was created by Jean Chalopin along with Diane Eskenazi and Avi Arad and lasted for two seasons of 13 episodes each in 1992 and 1993. But 26 television episodes was not enough to finish the story of Arthur King and the rest of his team but there does exist an end to their story...
Manimal is an American action–adventure television series created by Glen A. Larson and Donald R. Boyle, that ran on NBC from September 30 to December 17, 1983. The show centers on the character Dr. Jonathan Chase, a shape-shifting man who can turn himself into any animal he chooses. He uses this ability to help the police solve crimes. Only lasting 8 episodes there was very little other merchandise but there was an incredibly bad Manimal toy line. Dr Jonathan Chase... wealthy, young, handsome. A man with the brightest of futures. A man with the darkest of pasts. From Africa's deepest recesses, to the rarefied peaks of Tibet, heir to his father's legacy and the world's darkest mysteries. Jonathan Chase, master of the secrets that divide man from animal, animal from man... Manimal!
Robo Force was a toy line created by the Ideal Toy Company in the year 1984 for CBS Toys. A series of squat robots with suction cup bases Robo Force was lead by Maxx Steele in their fight against Hun Dred and the evil Nazgar. Robo Force also had an incredible amount of marketing behind it, sure that it would be the next big thing. But what Ideal and CBS couldn't have seen coming was the pop culture juggernaut that was the Transformers.
Misfits of Science is an American superhero fantasy science fiction television series that aired on NBC from October 4, 1985 to May 16, 1986. The show concerned super-powered humans and their madcap adventures. The team is formed by Dr. Billy Hayes, a research scientist at the Humanidyne Institute who specializes in "human anomalies". He works with shrinking Dr. Elvin "El" Lincoln played by Kevin Peter Hall, and together they recruit electrically powered Johnny Bukowski, a rock-and-roll musician, and Gloria Dinallo played by a very young Courteney Cox, a telekinetic teen. It only lasted one season and the disappeared leaving behind a few unexpected tagedies.
Creepy Crawlers, is an activity toy made by Mattel, beginning in 1964. But it was also an activity toy made by a company called ToyMax and also by a company called Jakks Pacific. Creepy Crawlers was also an animated series that lasted 2 seasons and a had a line of action figures based on that series.
Eerie Indiana is an American horror science fiction television series that originally aired on NBC from September 15, 1991, to April 12, 1992. A total of 19 episodes were produced with the final episode airing on the Disney Channel after Eerie Indiana was cancelled. That lead to the show finding a whole new audience, moving to Fox Kids and getting a sequel show, Eerie Indiana: The Other Dimension which unfortunately faired about as well as the original. Win some. Lose some.
Skeleton Warriors is a 13-episode cartoon series created by Landmark Entertainment Group, which originally aired in 1994 on CBS. An incredible merchandising rollout followed with Skeleton Warriors appearing on clothes, trading cards, bedsheets, lunchboxes and so much more. The cartoon also spawned a toyline created by Playmates Toys, a comic book limited series created by Marvel Comics and the Skeleton Warriors video game for the Sega Saturn and PlayStation consoles developed by Neversoft and published by Playmates Interactive.
Tales from the Cryptkeeper is an animated horror children's television series made by Canada-based Nelvana. It was based on the 1950s EC Comics series Tales from the Crypt and the live action television series Tales From The Crypt, which aired concurrently on HBO. Made for children, Tales from the Cryptkeeper was significantly milder than its live action version. There was also a mostly forgotten game show called "Secrets of the Cryptkeeper's Haunted House" a toyline and a whole bunch of other merch.
Boglins were a series of toy puppets distributed by Mattel. The original run of Boglins was released in 1987 and had a fairly short run in the United States. But overseas Boglins had a much longer life. Several series of large and small Boglins were released until 1994, with additional aquatic, Halloween, and baby themed Boglins released later into the line. Small solid 'Mini-Boglins' were also produced, akin to the M.U.S.C.L.E. figures also from the 1980s.
The Savage Dragon is a half-hour American animated television series aired as part of USA Cartoon Express. It ran for 26 episodes from 1995 to 1996 and featured numerous supporting characters from the comic book series, including She-Dragon, Horde, Barbaric, Mako and Overlord. But he started as the lead character in one of the original Image Comics launch titles, Savage Dragon and eventually got a short lived line of toys from Playmates.
Ring Raiders is a 5 episode 1989 animated television series based on a 1980s toy line made by Matchbox. Ring Raiders was a toyline consisting primarily of small (3–4 centimeters long) plastic toy planes mounted on plastic rings via a detachable display stand. The stands allowed the aircraft a small degree of mobility. The line was rather short lived, lasting about six months. Ring Raiders was more popular overseas than in the US with extra series of planes and a comic book series by Fleetway.
Hulk Hogan's Rock 'n' Wrestling is an American animated television series that originally aired on CBS Saturday mornings from September 14, 1985 to October 18, 1986, with reruns airing until June 27, 1987 based on the wildly popular wrestlers from the WWF at the time. Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Captain Lou Albano and tons more. At the same time LJN was releasing tons of toys and related merchandise under the brand name WWF Superstars. The WWF was everywhere.
The Saga of Crystar, Crystal Warrior was an 11-issue fantasy-based comic book published by American company Marvel Comics in 1983. It was associated with a toy line from Remco, consisting of seven figures, some vehicles and accessories. But it's legacy has nothing really to do with the comic or the toys and instead has a lot to do with Glenn Danzig.
Rubik, the Amazing Cube was a 1983 half-hour Saturday morning animated series based on the Rubik's Cube, a puzzle created by Ernő Rubik. It was produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises and broadcast as part of The Pac-Man/Rubik, the Amazing Cube Hour block on ABC from September 10 to December 10, 1983 and continued reruns until September 1, 1984. Think of the weirdest subject you could possibly imagine inspiring an animated series for kids, something that makes you stop and say: “No. That would never work. There’s no way. What would it even be about?” Now stop thinking about that and GET OUT!
The Star Wars Holiday Special is a 1978 American television special set in the universe of Star Wars. It's set between the events of the original film and The Empire Strikes Back. It stars the main cast of the original Star Wars and introduces the character of Boba Fett, who appeared in later films. A Star Wars comedy variety show musical that fails on almost every level, it should not come as a surprise that behind the scenes there was trouble every step of the way.
Airwolf is an action military drama television series that ran from January 22, 1984 until August 7, 1987. The program centers on a high-technology military helicopter, code named Airwolf, and its crew as they undertake various exotic missions, many involving espionage, with a Cold War theme. The show originally aired on CBS and after the original series was cancelled, a fourth season, with an entirely new cast and on a much smaller budget, was filmed in Canada for the USA Network.
ROM the Space Knight was originally a toy created by Scott Dankman, Richard C. Levy, and Bryan L. McCoy for Parker Brothers. After the toy was licensed to Marvel Comics, Rom became a character that debuted in the Marvel Universe in the eponymous American comic book Rom: Spaceknight (December 1979 – February 1986). And while the original ROM toy failed after only a year on the market, ROM the character went on to play a major role in 2 different connected comic book universes, one by Marvel and one by IDW.
Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs is an animated television space western, similar to the series The Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers and BraveStarr that aired 52 episodes from 1987 to 1988. The show was based on Star Musketeer Bismarck (星銃士ビスマルク, Seijūshi Bisumaruku), a Japanese anime series created by Studio Pierrot. Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs was brought over to the US in the hopes of replicating the success the company had with Voltron. It didn't work out that way.
Photon: The Ultimate Game on Planet Earth was a laser tag game released by Entertech using the same technology as competing brand Lazer Tag. But Photon came first and was subject to a media blitz for a very short period of time that included a Photon live action TV series, Photon action figures and even a video game released only in Japan for the FamiCom called Hikari no Senshi Photon: The Ultimate Game on Planet Earth. Photon was a 26 episode live action television show in the mid-1980s, which was tied into the Photon laser tag arenas and home game. It was produced by DIC Audiovisuel as a first run syndicated kids series which shown in various syndicated markets through most of the mid eighties.
Power Lords – The Extra-Terrestrial Warriors is a science fiction-themed action figure line designed by Wayne Barlow and produced by Revell in 1983. Each bizarre figure has an action feature and included a file card, which provided a brief dossier on the character and demonstrates how to initiate its special feature. DC Comics published a 3-issue Power Lords comic book series beginning in December 1983. A video game, board game, jigsaw puzzle and coloring book based on the characters were also released that same year. In 2012 Power Lords were brought back to life by Four Horsemen Studios with a new line of action figures released in 2014 and what was supposed to be a second wave in 2017.
A wild feud that lasted for decades caused the creation of Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad almost out of spite... allegedly. Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad (or, in short, SSSS) is a 53 episode American television series that ran from 1994 to 1995. It was produced by Tsuburaya Productions, Ultracom Inc. and DIC Productions, L.P. and was an adaptation of the Japanese tokusatsu series Denkou Choujin Gridman (or Gridman the Hyper Agent) in the same vein as the much more popular Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
Pole Position is a 13 episode 1984 animated series produced by DIC Audiovisuel that first aired on Saturday mornings on CBS. The name Pole Position was used under license from Namco, who held the rights to the name due to the video game Pole Position. The show sought to capitalize on the popularity of the video game. However, there is almost nothing in common between the game and the show. Pole Position came and went in the blink of an eye but was quite possibly the genesis of a much more popular property: M.A.S.K.
Mutant League was an animated series based on the video games Mutant League Football and Mutant League Hockey which aired from July 2, 1994 to February 24, 1996. The show ran for 2 seasons and 40 episodes in total and had a line of action figures and vehicles but seems to have been almost wiped from existence in the US.
Knight Rider is an American action crime drama television series created and produced by Glen A. Larson. The series originally rand for 90 episodes on NBC from 1982 to 1986. Knight Rider stars David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight, a high-tech, modern crime fighter assisted by KITT, an advanced, artificially intelligent, self-aware, and nearly indestructible car. Through the TV movies, spin-offs and sequels Knight Rider and KITT have endured to this day as a beloved icon of 80's TV.
Wild West Cowboys of Moo Mesa is a 1992-1993 American animated television series created by comic book artist Ryan Brown, known for his work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It aired as part of ABC's Saturday morning lineup. Like many TMNT copycats of the time, the Cowboys of Moo Mesa dealt with a mutation of some kind. In this case, an irradiated comet struck the late 19th century Western plains creating a miles high mesa shrouded in clouds. A toyline, a video game and all the merch you can shake a stick at wasn't enough to get the Cowboys of Moo Mesa past 2 seasons but their legacy, weirdly, live on in NFL.
Supernaturals is a line of action figures created by Tonka and released in 1987. It is one of the most visually striking toy lines of all time. Unlike anything else on the market except it’s direct competitor, Visionaries, released by Hasbro at the exact same time. Supernaturals and Visionaries gimmick was that they both used holograms which were huge for about 2 weeks. There is another weird chapter to the story of The Supernaturals involving the also short-lived comic and a story contained in it called "The Doll"
Star Blazers is an American animated television series adaptation of the Japanese anime series Space Battleship Yamato. Star Blazers was first broadcast in the United States in 1979 laying the foundation for shows like Battle of the Planets. It was the first popular English-translated anime that had an overarching plot and storyline that required the episodes to be viewed in order, but Star Blazers faced a lot of problems on the way to it's 3 seasons.
VR Troopers (Virtual Reality Troopers) is a syndicated live action superhero-adventure television series produced and distributed by Saban Entertainment from 1994 to 1996. The show tried to profit from the fascination with virtual reality in the mid-1990s as well as the success of Saban's other property, Power Rangers. Much like with Power Rangers VR Troopers was stitched together with Japanese stock footage from 3 different Metal Hero Series: Superhuman Machine Metalder, Dimensional Warrior Spielban, Space Sheriff Shaider
Bucky O'Hare is a furry green bunny and the hero of an eponymous comic book series as well as spin-off media including an animated TV series called Bucky O'Hare and the Toad Wars! that ran for 13 episodes in the US in 1991. Bucky O'Hare was created by comic book writer Larry Hama and comic book artist Michael Golden between 1977 and 1978.
Thanks to Hover for sponsoring today's video. Go to → https://www.hover.com/toygalaxy and get 10% off your first domain name! Dubbed during development as Knight Rider Jr., Viper is an American action-adventure television series about a special United States task force set up by the federal government to fighting crime in the fictional city of Metro City, California that is perpetually under siege from one crime wave after another. The weapon used by this task force is an urban assault vehicle that masquerades as a Dodge Viper. Originally developed in partnership with Chrysler for the CBS network, Viper faced a few challenges just getting to air and more challenges when NBC cancelled Viper after just one season.
My Pet Monster is a character that began as a plush doll first produced by American Greetings in 1986. Following on the gross out trend of the 80s that included stuff like Madballs, Boglins and Garbage Pail Kids, My Pet Monster was one of the few plush dolls marketed to boys at the time. Along with the plush there was also a My Pet Monster straight to video movie and a My Pet Monster animated series. Other characters were also created with brightly colored fur and unorthodox names like Gwonk, Wogster and Rark.
We didn't think we'd ever make another Robotech video but here we are. Besides the news about Harmony Gold's license from a few years ago, there was recently (as of April of 2021) a huge development in the world of Macross and Robotech, Harmony Gold and Tatsunoko that changes everything going forward.
Karate Kommandos (also known as Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos) is an American animated television series that originally aired in 1986 as a syndicated five episode mini-series. It was created by and starred Chuck Norris as himself, and produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises. Chuck Norris Karate Kommandos was fully supported with an action figure line and a slew of other merch.
Samurai Pizza Cats is a controversial American animated television adaptation of the anime series Kyatto Ninden Teyandee (キャッ党忍伝てやんでえ, Cat Ninja Legend Teyandee), produced by Tatsunoko Productions and Sotsu Agency. The series originally aired in Japan on TV Tokyo from February 1, 1990 to February 12, 1991 for a total of 54 episodes. Saban Entertainment picked up the North American rights to the series in 1991 and produced a 52-episode English adaption. But while 52 episodes were produced, initially only 40 aired in the US. Why? In a word... controversy!
Big Bad Beetleborgs (later Beetleborgs Metallix) is an American live-action television series by Saban Entertainment. Two seasons aired on Fox Kids from September 7, 1996, to March 2, 1998. The series adapted combat footage from the Metal Hero tokusatsu-series Juukou B-Fighter (first season) and B-Fighter Kabuto (second season). Big Bad Beetleborgs also had a cast of monsters as regular characters on the show including Flabber and Frankenbeans and helped to hasten the death of the show VR Troopers.
The A-Team is an American action-adventure television series that ran on NBC from 1983 to 1987 about former members of a fictitious United States Army Special Forces unit. All four members of the team were tried by court martial for a crime they had not committed. The A-Team starred Mr. T, George Peppard, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz and was a huge hit but was also famous for the fighting behind the camera.
Schoolhouse Rock! started as an American interstitial programming series of animated musical educational short films that aired during Saturday morning cartoons on the U.S. television network ABC. From Three is a Magic Number to Conjunction Junction to I'm Just a Bill, Schoolhouse Rock! has been helping kids learn for decades.
Cadillacs and Dinosaurs is an American-Canadian animated television series produced by De Souza Productions, Galaxy Films and Nelvana, which aired on CBS Kids in the United States from 1993 to 1994, lasting for one season of 13 episodes. Cadillacs and Dinosaurs was based on the 1987-1996 comic book known originally as Xenozoic Tales. The show was created by screenwriter Steven E. de Souza, who acquired the TV rights after producing the Capcom video game Cadillacs and Dinosaurs.
Taiyo Sentai Sun Vulcan (太陽戦隊サンバルカン Taiyō Sentai San Barukan, translated into English as Solar Squadron Sun Vulcan) is Toei's fifth entry to its Super Sentai series that ran in Japan in 1981/1982. While Sun Vulcan never came over to the US as so many other Super Sentai shows did under the Power Rangers brand, it almost beat them all to the punch thanks to Marvel Comics and Stan Lee. But it didn't, and in the process broke young Dan Larson's heart. It still hurts.
While fondly remembered now, NBC's Buck Rogers in the 25th Century wasn't on for very long and was cancelled in the middle of a season, partly because of the behind the camera fighting. Buck Rogers in the 25th Century is an American science fiction adventure television series produced by Universal Studios. The series ran for two seasons between September 1979 and April 1981 on NBC, and the feature-length pilot episode for the series was released as a theatrical film before the series aired. Buck Rogers was played by Gil Gerard, Erin Gray played Wilma Deering and don't forget Twiki, the robot voiced by Mel Blanc.
Skysurfer Strike Force is a 1995-1996 American superhero animated series that was featured on Bohbot Entertainment's Amazin' Adventures cartoon block and was produced by Ruby-Spears Productions. The show lasted two seasons in the mid-1990s and had 2 scales of toys but despite all that, remains pretty obscure. But why is this fairly obscure cartoon notable? If not for being a hit but for being the end.
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire is a 1996 multimedia project created by Lucasfilm. The idea was to create a story set between the films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, and to explore all commercial possibilities of a full motion picture release without actually making a film. Shadows of the Empire introduced an entire generation to Dash Rendar and the Outrider, told further tales of Boba Fett and the bounty hunters, had a soundtrack and, of course a video game for the N64. But what about now? Where does it stand? Is it canon? Does it matter?
Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog is an Irish/American fantasy-adventure television series set in a fantasy version of ancient Ireland, created by Saban Entertainment. It aired on the Fox Kids Network from September 12, 1998 and ending on May 7, 1999. There are a lot of weird things about Mystic Knights of Tir Na Nog but as an attempt to replicate the success of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers but do it completely in-house, it was a failure.
The Defenders of Dynatron City was meant to be a much bigger deal than it was in 1992. A Defenders of Dynatron City NES game was released, a 6 issue comic series from Marvel was released and a pilot episode for an animated series was broadcast. And then it all just disappeared.
Battlestar Galactica is an American science fiction television series created by Glen A. Larson that began the Battlestar Galactica franchise. It was very expensive, very short-lived and embroiled in lawsuits and controversy the whole way. And then they tried again with Galactica 1980. And it also went badly.
Ronin Warriors, known in Japan as Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers (鎧伝サムライトルーパー, Yoroiden Samurai Torūpā), is a Japanese anime series created by Hajime Yatate and animated by Sunrise somewhat riding the popularity of Saint Seiya. Ronin Warriors first aired on American television during the summer of 1995 and subsequently appeared through syndication, as well as the USA Network and later on Cartoon Network as part of Toonami. Besides being known as Ronin Warriors, Yoroiden Samurai Troopers and Legendary Armor Samurai Troopers in some parts of the world it was known as Samurai Warriors
Mobile Suit Gundam ( 機動戦士ガンダム, Hepburn: Kidō Senshi Gandamu, also known as First Gundam, Gundam 0079 or simply Gundam '79) was a ratings failure causing the episode count to be reduced and the story cut short. But it did introduce the world to RX-78-2. And then Bandai stepped in with their model kits and created what would eventually be known around the world as Gunpla. Mobile Suit Gundam was eventually imported to the US where it was again a ratings failure... twice!
Child World was an American chain of toy stores founded in 1962 known for their castle like store fronts. Child World once had 182 stores and revenues of approximately $830 million annually. From 1977 until its closure Child World also operated the Children's Palace chain of toy stores until it closed in 1992 as a result of some bad business decisions and maybe, just maybe, some sabotage!
The Legend of Prince Valiant is an oddly violent 1991–1993 American animated television series based on the Prince Valiant comic strip created by Hal Foster that ran on The Family Channel for 65 episodes. Set in the time of King Arthur, it is a family-oriented adventure show about an exiled prince who goes on a quest to become one of the Knights of the Round Table.
SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron is a 1993-1994 American animated television series created by Christian and Yvon Tremblay and produced by Hanna-Barbera Cartoons. The series takes place in the fictional metropolis of Megakat City, which is populated by anthropomorphic felines, known as "kats". But it was released at a turbulent time for children's entertainment and it's possible that with everything going on SWAT Kats was destined to fail.
Is Masked Rider being erased from history? Masked Rider is a 1995 live action television series produced by Saban Entertainment and Toei Company, Ltd. It is an American adaptation of the 1988 Japanese television series Kamen Rider Black RX, and also serves a spinoff of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Masked Rider is notable (infamous?) for taking the rather dark Kamen Rider Black RX and turning it into a pseudo sitcom complete with a furry puppet sidekick called Ferbus.
The Transformers: The Movie is a 1986 animated film based on the Transformers television series. It was released in North America on August 8, 1986 and arrived with a thud, sinking quickly at the box office. Hasbro's exclusively toy-focused agenda demanded a product refresh, to be contrived by the on-screen extermination of starring characters, at the protest of some creators of the film and TV series. The slaughter of characters, especially Optimus Prime, inadvertently upset the young audience. But a funny thing happened on the way to 2021.
Wizard or Wizard: The Guide to Comics was a magazine about comic books, published monthly from 1991 to 2011. Toyfare Magazine, focusing on action figure collecting, was eventually spun off from Wizard in 1997. It all started great and then Wizard Entertainment grew and then it all crashed taking Wizard Magazine, Toyfare Magazine a few other magazines and lots of jobs with it.
Tron, released in 1982, was a ground-breaking science fiction film that was also a box office disappointment for the then floundering Disney. From the movie to the Arcade game, Tron to all the merch and the action figures by Tomy all the way through to today and Tron's appearance in Kingdom Hearts. Tron's story is complicated, it's legacy less so. The mark it made on Hollywood, and movie-making, has been felt for decades.
V (or V: The Original Miniseries) is a two-part American science-fiction television miniseries, written and directed by Kenneth Johnson that first aired in 1983. It was followed in 1984 by V: The Final Battle and a short-lived weekly TV series, neither of which Kenneth Johnson was involved with. What happened as the battle for V was fought over these decades with the reboot and the Second Generation novel hitting at the same time and telling 2 different stories?
Choose Your Own Adventure Books are a series of children's gamebooks where the reader assumes the role of the protagonist and makes choices that determine the main character's actions and the plot's outcome. Choose Your Own Adventure Books were based upon a concept created by Edward Packard and were wildly popular throughout the 80's and 90's before kind of falling off the map. Choose Your Own Adventure Books are a part of pop culture, so much so that it has led to a few lawsuits, most notably against Netflix regarding Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
The Real Ghostbusters is a 140 episode American animated television series, a spin-off/sequel of the 1984 comedy movie Ghostbusters that aired from 1986 to 1991. As a Saturday morning cartoon and a daily series, behind the scenes of the Real Ghostbusters there was a lot more going on. From a disagreement over the name of the show with The Ghost Busters to ABC bringing in a consulting agency to make over some of the characters, The Real Ghostbusters story is so much more.
Beetlejuice is an animated television series that ran from September 9, 1989 to October 26, 1991 on ABC, and on Fox from September 9, 1991 to December 6, 1991. Loosely based on the American 1988 film of the same name, it mostly followed the friendship between Beetlejuice and Lydia Deetz. Beetlejuice was a breakout hit, like the film it was inspired by, surpassing expectations to become one of the most popular cartoons during the time it aired.
Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation is an American live-action television series produced by Saban Entertainment, which ran on the Fox Kids network from 1997 to 1998. Nina Turtles: The Next Mutation is noticeable for introducing many new elements to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, including a female mutant turtle called Venus (named after the famous statue) and new central antagonists, an army of humanoid dragons known as "The Rank" led by the vicious Dragonlord. But it is that female Ninja Turtle, Venus, that most people remember this blip in TMNT history for.
Saint Seiya (Japanese: 聖闘士星矢セイントセイヤ, Hepburn: Seinto Seiya), also known as Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac, Los Caballeros del Zodiaco, Les Chevaliers du Zodiaque or simply Knights of the Zodiac, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Masami Kurumada. Saint Seiya was also adapted by Toei Animation into a 114-episode anime television series which was broadcast on TV Asahi from 1986 to 1989, exported around the world as Knights of the Zodiac and then, eventually, to the United States 3 different times with 3 different names to varying success, including a brief run on Cartoon Network.
The Last Starfighter is a 1984 American science fiction film directed by Nick Castle and along with Disney's Tron, has the distinction of being one of cinema's earliest films to use extensive "real-life" computer-generated imagery (CGI) to depict its many starships, environments and battle scenes. One thing it has in common with Tron is that The Last Starfighter was a box office bomb upon initial release, killing plans for any sequels. Despite numerous comparisons to Star Wars here we are, 35+ years later still talking about it.
Fox Kids (originally known as Fox Children's Network and later as the Fox Kids Network; stylized as FOX KIDS) is a former children's programming block and branding for a slate of international children's television channels. Fox Kids was best known for airing the most-popular programs on the network, such as Bobby’s World and the Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers series, with the latter dominating the block’s schedule with increased ratings and creating a franchise. Other notable Fox Kids shows included Beetlejuice, Muppet Babies, X-Men the animated series, Batman the Animated Series, Godzilla and tons more. But the creation of Fox Kids can be traced all the way back to bad blood between executives over... Ducktales?
This might be our wildest video yet, from looking for old issues of Playboy magazine to trying to find newspaper articles on a mass murder this video has it all! Mouse Trap is a board game invented by Marvin Glass and Associates and first published by Ideal Toys in 1963 for two to four players. Over the course of the game, players at first cooperate to build a working Rube Goldberg-like mouse trap. Once the mouse trap has been built, players turn against each other, attempting to trap opponents' mouse-shaped game pieces.
Voltron: Defender of the Universe was an animated series that aired in syndication in the US from September 10, 1984, to November 18, 1985. The original intention was that it would be 3 seasons made up of 3 different imported Japanese cartoons. The 3 series were Future Robot Daltanious (未来ロボ ダルタニアス, Mirai Robo Darutaniasu), Armored Fleet Dairugger XV (機甲艦隊ダイラガーXVフィフティーン, Kikō Kantai Dairagā Fifutīn, "XV" read "Fifteen") and Lightspeed Electroid Albegas (光速電神アルベガス, Kōsoku Denjin Arubegasu). But a funny thing involving a different Japanese show called Beast King GoLion (百獣王ゴライオン, Hyaku Jūō Goraion) happened along the way. Voltron: Defender of the Universe was the top-rated syndicated children's show for two years during its original run, and it spawned three follow-up series, several comic books, and a line of toys. And for all the smart guys on the comments: we're aware Voltron Force exists. This video tells the story of the original series and Voltron Force has no significant relev
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing, also known in Japan as New Mobile Report Gundam Wing (新機動戦記ガンダムWウイング, Shin Kidō Senki Gandamu Wingu), is a 1995 Japanese mecha anime series directed by Masashi Ikeda and written by Katsuyuki Sumizawa. Gundam Wing aired on Cartoon Network's weekday afternoon after-school programming block Toonami, premiering on March 6, 2000 and almost immediately exploded in popularity. The Gundam franchise was finally big in America, ushering in all kinds of merch and Gunpla, making Gundam more mainstream in the US than it had ever been and paving the way for a broadcast of the original Mobile Suit Gundam and Wing's sequel Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz
He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special is an animated Christmas television special based on the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and its spin-off She-Ra: Princess of Power, originally broadcast in syndication December 1985. He-Man & She-Ra: A Christmas Special also served another purpose in Filmation and that was as a bridge between the already finished He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and the newly launched She-Ra: Princess of Power. And while there has been talk among creators to potentially bring Netflix She-Ra Princesses of Power together with Masters of the Universe: Revelation in a Christmas Special, the 1985 one remains the only one.
This is a collection of some of our past videos about Saturday Morning cartoons all bundled into 1 video making it easy to just put on in the background and watch the channel evolve over the years. Episode Chapters: 01:52 - The History of Saturday Morning Cartoons 16:16 - Captain N 25:39 - Dungeons & Dragons 38:37 - Mighty Orbots 48:55 - Reboot 1:04:22 - Dragon's Lair 1:18:45 - Turbo Teen 1:29:18 - Schoolhouse Rock 1:45:31 - The Real Ghostbusters 2:05:01 - Beetlejuice
Gordon "ALF" Shumway is the protagonist and title character of the 80's NBC TV series ALF and its animated spin-offs, ALF: The Animated Series, and ALF Tales. At the height of ALF's popularity he was a merchandising machine with dolls, stickers, the ALF telephone and, of course, ALF Burger King puppets. Due to some broken promises ALF also starred in the poorly received television film Project ALF for ABC, and eventually hosted the short lived talk show ALF's Hit Talk Show for TV Land. ALF was created and has been performed for his entire existence by Paul Fusco.
The Shogun Warriors were the main characters of a line of toys licensed by Mattel Inc. during the late 1970s. They were a series of imported Japanese toys based on several anime and tokusatsu shows featuring giant robots such as Gaiking, Mazinger, Combattra, Raideen and Godzilla. The Shogun Warriors were also the stars of a Marvel comic that ran until 1980 and were also kinda the stars of a cartoon called Force Five. Kinda. But for all they did right Shogun Warriors got a lot wrong but they did lay the groundwork for properties like Transformers and Masters of the Universe to succeed just a few years later.
Mister T is an American animated series that aired on NBC on Saturday morning from 1983 to 1985, featuring the popular actor Mr. T and produced by Ruby-Spears Enterprises. The cartoon stars Mr. T as a coach to a gymnastics team (with a specific emphasis on members Jeff, Woody, Robin, and Kim), travelling the world while becoming involved in and solving various mysteries similar to the Scooby-Doo franchise. But Mr. T, the man, was also Mr. T the brand. There was Mr. T cereal, Mr. T action figures, dolls, Colorforms, storybooks and his appearances in movies like Rocky III and DC Cab and his starring role on the A Team. Mr. T was everywhere.
The Far Side is a single-panel comic created by Gary Larson which ran from December 31, 1979, to January 1, 1995 when Larson retired and walked away from comics. The Far Side sold calendars, books, shirts, mugs and so much more Far Side merchandise. And during that time The Far Side, the comic, was also turned into The Far Side, the cartoon (Tales from the Far Side) and almost The Far Side, the live action movie?!
The story of Sailor Moon is a big complicated monster. The story of Sailor Moon in the United States is even more complicated. But that's kinda why we're here. Sailor Moon (Japanese: 美少女戦士セーラームーン, Hepburn: Bishōjo Senshi Sērā Mūn, originally translated as Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon[1] and later as Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon) is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi. It was eventually turned into an animated series called Sailor Moon and exported to the US but not before someone decided to remake the series in the US and thus was born Saban Moon. Sailor Moon survived multiple versions, multiple cancelations, the creation of Team Angel and so much more to become what it is today.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 1990 superhero film based on the superhero team of the same name. It is the first theatrical Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and the first installment in the original trilogy. It was also a struggle to get to the screen. Between running out of money and a potential backroom deal to get more getting the director fired, there was also the the perception that comic book movies wouldn't work after a string of misfires like Superman 4, Howard the Duck and more.
Double Dare is an American television game show in which two teams compete to win cash and prizes by answering trivia questions and completing messy stunts known as physical challenges. It originally ran from 1986 to 1993. Besides the slime, Double Dare's main claim is helping to put the fledgling kids network Nickelodeon on the map and dragging it out of last place in the cable ratings. There were also variations like Super Sloppy Double Dare and Family Double Dare and a tour called Double Dare Live that ran for a number of years.
Eagle Riders (also known as Saban's Eagle Riders) is an American animated television adaptation of the Japanese anime series Gatchaman II (科学忍者隊ガッチャマンII, Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman Tsū, Science Ninja Team Gatchaman II) and Gatchaman Fighter (科学忍者隊ガッチャマンF(ファイター), Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman Faitā, Science Ninja Team Gatchaman Fighter), which have been combined (kinda) into 1 story. Commonly mistaken as yet another adaptation of the original Gatchaman (科学忍者隊ガッチャマン, Kagaku Ninja Tai Gatchaman, lit. Science Ninja Squad Gatchaman) after it was imported in to the US first as Battle of the Planets and then as G-Force: Guardians of Space by Sandy Frank, Saban's Eagle Riders was handled by a different company entirely and based on Gatchaman's sequel shows.
Galaxy High (ギャラクシー・ハイスクール) is a science fiction animated series that premiered on September 13, 1986 on CBS and ran for 13 episodes until December 6, 1986. Taking some inspiration from the hit Japanese anime show Urusei Yatsura, Galaxy High was an attempt for TMS Entertainment to establish a presence in the US. It did not work. But it's amazingly famous pedigree and memorable characters like Booey Bubblehead have helped Galaxy High to gain a cult following all these years later despite its very short run.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie is a 1995 American superhero film and notable because it is was the first Power Rangers production from Saban Entertainment not to feature any archived footage from Super Sentai. But the behind the scenes on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie was a whole story in and of itself. From the director being replaced to part of the cast being replaced, from reshoots and cost overruns Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie was a fight to finish. But it would all be worth it once the movie was released and made a bunch of money, right?
Calvin and Hobbes is a daily American comic strip created by cartoonist Bill Watterson that was syndicated from November 18, 1985, to December 31, 1995. Calvin and Hobbes has enjoyed broad and enduring popularity, influence, and academic and philosophical interest. But besides it lasting legacy as one of the most beloved comics of all time is the curious nature of Calvin and Hobbes ending and the complete lack of merchandise, rare in modern society.
Tranzor Z is another adaptation in a long line of popular Japanese characters reformatted for the US market, diluting so much of what it made it popular in the first place. In this case Tranzor Z, which aired in the United States in 1985, is an adaptation of Mazinger Z (マジンガーZ, Majingā Zetto) by a mysterious company that cut Mazinger Z down to 65 episodes and then, mostly disappeared. But Tranzor Z wasn't the first attempt at importing Mazinger Z into the United States and that story is just as strange.
Mantech: Robot Warriors was an extremely short-lived goofy looking weird toyline from Remco whose whole gimmick was interchangeability, like Centurions. Remco managed 6 Mantech figures and a few vehicles and a playset before cancelling the line. There was no Mantech cartoon but the was lore and it's definitely some kind of something. We get asked about Mantech a lot, even though the people asking don't know what Mantech is.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is a 1991 martial arts superhero film based on the superhero ninja team Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990), it is the second theatrical Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and the second installment in the original trilogy. There was also a lot of behind the scenes changes and a shift in tone that helped make Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze not as much of a success as the first, sitting right at the edge of failure.
Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters from Beverly Hills is an American children's television series produced by DIC Entertainment. It aired on USA Cartoon Express from 1994 to 1995. Riding the success of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters From Beverly Hills sought to do it cheaper and have a little more fun with the formula. But it's probably most remembered as a punchline to a joke in Dragonball Z Abridged that lots of viewers thought was made up for that episode. Tattooed Teenage Alien Fighters From Beverly Hills does exist.
Battletoads is a video game media franchise by Rare that began with the original beat 'em up game Battletoads in 1991. The series was created to rival the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games series and cash in on some of TMNT's success. The original Battletoads game for the NES was renowned for its difficulty, but still received a cult following, spawning sequels for various platforms including a crossover with the Double Dragon series and a modern reboot after a 25 year gap in releases. But big media success has always alluded the Battletoads.
You Can't Do That on Television is a Canadian sketch comedy television series that first aired locally in 1979 before airing in the United States in 1981. Each episode had a specific theme normally relating to pop culture of the time. During its original run, You Can't Do That on Television was seen as one and the same with the cable network Nickelodeon in its early years on the air, achieved high ratings, and is most famous for introducing the network's iconic green slime. They tried to repeat the success again and again but none of the other versions were as successful as You Can't Do That on Television.
The Greatest American Hero is an American comedy-drama superhero television series that aired on ABC from 1981 to 1983. The Greatest American Hero chronicles Ralph's adventures after a group of aliens gives him a red and black suit that grants him superhuman abilities. Unfortunately he immediately loses its instruction booklet, and thus has to learn how to use its powers by trial and error, often with comical results. The original series didn't last very long but there have been repeated attempts to get another version of The Greatest American Hero off the ground again but to no avail. These days the series is probably more known for its theme song, Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not), than anything else.
The New Adventures of He-Man is an animated series which ran in syndication in the fall of 1990 while Mattel released the toy line He-Man, an update of their Masters of the Universe line. But to get to that point, there were a lot of versions (and a lot of He-Ro's) before He-Man put on pants and pulled his hair back into a cool 90's ponytail. The New Adventures of He-Man evolved from many other versions, shaped by Filmation going out of business.
The Black Cauldron is a 1985 American animated dark fantasy adventure film produced by Walt Disney Pictures. A massive box office bomb at the time of release The Black Cauldron is also notable as the first animated Disney movie to use CG and the first to be rated PG. The Black Cauldron also has a longer, more intense cut that has never been seen by the public except for a few glimpses here and there.
The Zeta Project is an American science fiction animated television series produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It first aired on Kids' WB in January 2001. It is a spin-off series based on the character Zeta from the Batman Beyond episode of the same name and the sixth series of the DC Animated Universe. Despite running for 2 seasons The Zeta Project is mostly forgotten but, as with lots of other shows, it still has many fans to this day.
The Daicon III and IV Opening Animations are two 8mm film anime short films that were produced for the 1981 Daicon III and 1983 Daicon IV Nihon SF Taikai conventions as a way to introduce the conventions and celebrate every character and vehicle and robot in pop culture at the time. They were produced by a group of amateur animators known as Daicon Film, who would later go on to form the animation studio Gainax. Notably Hideaki Anno who went on to create Neon Genesis Evangelion and direct such films as Shin Godzilla worked on both films The Daicon III and IV Opening Animations are also known for their unusually high production values for amateur works and for including numerous references to otaku culture, as well as the unauthorized appropriations of the Playboy Bunny costume.
Batman is a 1989 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name that was such an anomaly at the time by completely redesigning and reimagining whole parts of Batman's established canon. The film was directed by Tim Burton and stars Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, and Jack Palance. 1989's Batman laid the groundwork for the modern superhero film and all of the marketing surrounding them but also set off a number of other comic book movies to be made at the time.
Chex Quest is a non-violent first-person shooter video game created in 1996 by Digital Café, originally intended as a Chex cereal promotion aimed at children aged 6–9 and up. Chex Quest is a total conversion of the more explicitly violent video game Doom by Id Software and it is known today for having been the first video game ever to be included in cereal boxes as a prize. While Chex Quest was, initially, released on CD-ROM via cereal boxes it has since taken on a life of it's own with sequels (Chex Quest 2: Flemoids Take Chextropolis and Chex Quest 3) and a remake, Chex Quest HD plus comics and a whole ton of fan projects.
Monster in My Pocket is a media franchise developed by American company Morrison Entertainment Group or MEG Toys. A sort of spiritual successor to M.U.S.C.L.E. Monster In My Pocket were also primarily tiny unpainted figures but there were also trading cards, battle cards, board games a Monster in My Pocket Nintendo game and an animated pilot. There was also controversy regarding the eventual introduction of Pokemon which led to lawsuits and, more recently, a minor controversy regarding the South Korean band BTS.
The Secret of NIMH is a 1982 American animated fantasy adventure film directed by Don Bluth in his directorial debut and based on Robert C. O'Brien's children's novel, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Originally brought to Disney The Secret of NIMH became Don Bluth Studios first film after the Disney animator mass exodus and became a point of contention for Disney to defeat, a fight involving The Black Cauldon, Tron and The Fox and the Hound. Oh, and there was also a sequel, Secret of NIMH 2... Restore the SONCU!
Technozoids (テクノゾイド, Tekunozoido), or simply Zoids (ゾイド, Zoido), is a Japanese science fiction media franchise created by Tomy that feature giant robots (or "mecha") called "Zoids". A Zoid is essentially a large mechanical animal, with designs being based on animals; including dinosaurs, insects, arachnids and mythological creatures. The franchise started with a model-kit-based toy line and includes five main anime TV series (Chaotic Century, New Century, Fuzors, Genesis and Wild) as well as several video games and manga products. From Zoids World to Zoids: Chaotic Century and New Century to the mystery of Zoids: Genesis, the comics, the video games and reboot after reboot. Zoids is big. But how could it be anything less than the most successful toy line and media franchise today?
Despite being kind of a last minute replacement for another series and taking a few tries to get it right Darkwing Duck still has a large fanbase always looking for more Darkwing. Darkwing Duck is an American animated superhero comedy television series produced by Disney Television Animation that first ran from 1991 to 1992 on both the syndicated programming block The Disney Afternoon and Saturday mornings on ABC. A total of ninety-one episodes were aired. It features the adventures of Darkwing Duck, who is the superhero alter-ego of ordinary suburban duck Drake Mallard living in an unassuming suburban house with his adopted daughter Gosalyn and often accompanied by his sidekick Launchpad McQuack While it definitely it uses some characters from Ducktales it is definitely NOT a spin-off of Ducktales... or is it?
How did The Garbage Pail Kids Movie even come to exist? Who's idea was this and why did the final film turn out so poorly? The Garbage Pail Kids Movie is a 1987 American comedy film and an adaptation of the then-popular children's trading cards series of the same name. The cards were a parody of the popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls and each card featured a character that typically had a gross habit, an abnormality, or suffered a terrible fate. The film depicted seven of the Garbage Pail Kids interacting with society and befriending a regular boy. The film was universally panned by critics and audiences and is widely considered to be one of the worst films ever made. It was a box-office bomb, earning just over $1.6 million on a $1 million budget.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry. It originally aired from September 28, 1987 to May 23, 1994 in syndication, spanning 178 episodes over seven seasons. Star Trek: The Next Generation proved that the Star Trek brand could thrive without the original cast but the fights and the firings almost derailed it before it got going... Star Trek: The Next Generation was a landmark in TV history not just for the quality of the show but for how it reshaped the landscape.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III is a 1993 superhero film based on characters created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. The sequel to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, it is the third theatrical Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and the final installment in the original trilogy. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III also had some behind the scenes changes that caused the movie to maybe not be looked at as favorably all these years later. In this video we'll go into how Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III saved Dan's life and why this movie is or isn't called Turtles in Time.
Extreme Ghostbusters is an American animated television series based on the Ghostbusters franchise. It is a follow-up to the animated series The Real Ghostbusters. The series aired in 1997, and features a team of younger college-level Ghostbusters who are led by veteran Ghostbuster Egon Spengler. Extreme Ghostbusters is notable for it's attempt to move away from the original Ghostbusters (Ray, Peter, Winston and Egon) and to move the franchise in a more inclusive direction, predating Ghostbusters (2016) by a number of years but causing far less outrage. It failed, just like that subsequent attempt and has, at this point, been largely forgotten. Can Ghostbusters be more than The Real Ghostbusters?
She-Ra: Princess of Power is an American animated series produced in 1985 by Filmation. A spin-off of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe series, She-Ra: Princess of Power was aimed primarily at a young female audience to complement He-Man's popularity with young males. At the time He-Man was still reaching a mostly male audience and Filmation and Mattel decided to target a whole new audience by creating She-Ra: Princess of Power. Did it work? Depends on who you ask.
Mobile Fighter G Gundam, also known in Japan as Mobile Fighting Legend G Gundam (機動武闘伝Gガンダム, Kidō Butōden Jī Gandamu) (and commonly referred to as simply G Gundam), is a 1994 Japanese animated television series produced by Sunrise and the fifth installment in the long-running Gundam franchise. An English-language version produced by Bandai Entertainment aired in the United States on Cartoon Network's Toonami block beginning on August 5, 2002. It's place in Gundam history is more as a turning point than anything else as G Gundam was the first Gundam show to stray from the original established timeline and help establish a formula that would allow Gundam to thrive into the future.
G.I. Joe: The Movie (also known as Action Force: The Movie in the UK) is a 1987 American direct-to-video animated military science fiction film based on the original Hasbro toyline. Serpentor, the almost death of Duke, Cobra La, Cobra Commanders different origin, the next generation of GI Joe, all included, all intended to be seen on the big screen. While GI Joe: The Movie was originally intended for a theatrical release the failure of the My Little Pony and Transformers movies changed that plan and what happened with the GI Joe franchise immediately after altered a lot of what the future held.
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is an American animated television series based on the 1978 film Attack of the Killer Tomatoes and its 1988 sequel Return of the Killer Tomatoes. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes had a 2 season run as well as a line of action figures and assorted other merchandise along with 3 sequels, including Return of the Killer Tomatoes starring a very young George Clooney. But how did we get from Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, a low budget parody movie in the 1970's to Attack of the Killer Tomatoes, a cartoon airing every week on Fox Kids? And how do the Muppet Babies factor in?
The monster cereals are a line of breakfast cereals produced by General Mills Corporation in North America. The line was introduced in 1971, and at various times has included five brands, each featuring a cartoon version of a classic movie monster: Count Chocula, Franken Berry, and Boo Berry, as well as Fruit Brute and Fruity Yummy Mummy. There hasn't been a ton of controversies in the monster cereals history but it's a bit weird that there were any at all, especially involving pink poop and Dracula's medallion. The monster cereals started as a year round product but in recent years have switched to a seasonal release every year for the Halloween season.
In 1985, the iconic Japanese monster Godzilla returned to the big screen in an American version titled "Godzilla 1985" which was a re-edited version of the 1984 Japanese film "The Return of Godzilla." But the production of Godzilla 1985 was plagued with problems, that also led to a bizarre marketing campaign involving Dr. Pepper soda. In this video, we explore the strange history of "Godzilla 1985", from its troubled production to its almost-lost status in the years following its release. We'll also take a closer look at the odd partnership between the New World and Dr. Pepper, which included a unique promotion that saw the soda company release a limited edition can featuring Godzilla himself and an amazing music video. Join us as we delve into the bizarre failure of "Godzilla 1985" and discover the strange story behind this cult classic.
In this video, we explore the history of this groundbreaking TV show, from its creation by David Lynch and Mark Frost, to its lasting impact on pop culture. From the small town setting and surreal storytelling, to the iconic characters and memorable quotes, we delve into all the elements that made Twin Peaks a cult classic and a cultural phenomenon. Initially the "Who Killed Laura Palmer" phenomenon was everywhere and Twin Peaks was a huge hit praised for breaking away from conventional TV storytelling but audiences eventually tired and the rating sank. Whether you're a fan of the original series or the revival, this video is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Twin Peaks.
In this video, we'll take a deep dive into the fascinating history of the beloved animated series DuckTales. From its origins as a Disney comic book to its transformation into a hit TV show in the late 1980s, we'll explore how this classic tale of adventure, friendship, and family captured the hearts of viewers young and old. But that's not all - we'll also explore the risky decision made by Disney to invest a whopping $20 million into the production of Ducktales, at a time when many in the industry thought that animated TV shows were on the decline. We'll look at how this bold move paid off, not just in terms of ratings and merchandise sales, but in the lasting impact DuckTales has had on pop culture, including the fight it caused between Fox and Disney that led to the creation of Fox Kids.
Join us as we explore the history of Encyclopedia Brown, the beloved children's book series written by Donald J. Sobol. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s, to its lasting impact on generations of young readers, we delve into the world of Encyclopedia Brown and his sidekick Sally Kimball. With clever mysteries and brain-teasing puzzles, these books have captured the hearts and minds of readers for decades. Along the way there were lawsuits possibly keeping Encyclopedia Brown from becoming a more recognized property and an HBO TV series that was mysteriously cut short. And its influence on modern media in the form of movies like Mystery Team and The Kid Detective.
The NeverEnding Story (German: Die Unendliche Geschichte) is a 1984 fantasy film co-written and directed by Wolfgang Petersen, and based on the 1979 novel The Neverending Story by Michael Ende. Michael Ende hated the movie The NeverEnding Story. He hated it so much he sued to get them to stop making it but we all know how that turned out. Despite the popularity and the reignited interest, partly as a result of Stranger Things, The NeverEnding Story remains dead. Why? How? And will we ever see a return to Fantasia? Do we need to?
Fraggle Rock (also known as Jim Henson's Fraggle Rock or Fraggle Rock with Jim Henson's Muppets) is a children's musical fantasy comedy puppet television series about interconnected societies of Muppet creatures, created by Jim Henson. In the US Fraggle Rock ran for 5 seasons on HBO from 1983 to 1987. After the end of The Muppet Show, Jim Henson had some very lofty expectations for Fraggle Rock. Too much? Maybe a bit. Contribute to the fall of communism? Maybe a bit?
James Bond Jr. is an American animated television series based on Ian Fleming's James Bond franchise. It follows the adventures of James Bond's nephew, James Bond Jr. The series debuted in September 1991 and ran for 65 episodes before ending in March 1992. There was also a toyline and Nintendo games. James Bond Jr. was the product of a number of lawsuits lasting decades in a tangle of rights that also resulted in the film "Never Say Never Again". It was a mess.
The Rocketeer (released internationally as The Adventures of the Rocketeer) is a 1991 American period superhero film from Walt Disney Pictures and Touchstone Pictures starring Bill Campbell and Jennifer Connelly. Opening in a challenging summer, The Rocketeer didn't do the kind of business Disney had hoped for, failing at the box office and killing any plans for a franchise. Somehow, over the years, the movie has made a comeback but there have still been many setbacks in getting a proper sequel to The Rocketeer made...
In 1995, Disney released "A Goofy Movie" which followed the character Goofy as he embarks on a cross-country road trip with his son, Max. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and adventures, including a run-in with Bigfoot. This vacation is Max's worst nightmare, and it couldn't have happened at a worse time- his original plan was to escort his dream date Roxanne to her friend Stacey's end-of-year-party to see a Powerline concert in Los Angeles. The film was a minor box office success and praised for its heartwarming father-son story and catchy soundtrack including the Powerline songs i2i and Stand Out. It also spawned a sequel, "An Extremely Goofy Movie," in 2000. To this day, "A Goofy Movie" remains a beloved classic among Disney fans. The behind the scenes drama at Disney involving Katzenberg, Eisner and Wells caused some release problems but A Goofy Movie quickly found an audience on it's way to becoming a true Disney classic.
Join us on a journey through the history of Rankin Bass, the iconic animation studio known for classic holiday specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman and Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. From Rankin Bass early stop-motion films to their collaborations resulting in films like The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn and animated series like Thundercats and Silverhawks, we'll explore the evolution of Rankin Bass and their impact on popular culture. Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering their work for the first time, this video offers a fascinating look at the history of one of the most beloved animation studios of all time.
Lego Bionicle was a line of construction toys created by the Lego Group that became wildly popular in the early 2000s. But did you know that Bionicle played a key role in saving Lego from bankruptcy? In this video, we explore the history of Bionicle and how it helped save Lego from bankruptcy and where it fit with Ninjago. From its creation as a way to appeal to older children to its eventual discontinuation, this is the complete story of Lego Bionicle. Whether you're a fan of Bionicle or just interested in a brief history of Lego, this is a must-watch video.
Join us as we explore the exciting world of Beast Wars: Transformers, from Transformers: Generation 2 to the classic '90s cartoon and toyline to the recent Netflix series Transformers War for Cybertron and the blockbuster movie Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. Along the way, we'll delve into the rich history of this beloved franchise, featuring iconic characters like Optimus Primal, Megatron, and Rattrap. We'll also take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative team behind the show, including Mainframe Entertainment the company behind the 1994 animated series ReBoot, and the enduring appeal of Beast Wars along with showing a bunch of Beast Wars commercials. Whether you're a longtime fan of the toys, cartoon, and movies or just discovering the world of Beast Wars, this video has something for you. So transform and roll out as we journey through the past, present, and future of Beast Wars: Transformers.
Welcome to our video on the history of Fox's Peter Pan and the Pirates, the animated series that aired in the 1990s and captivated audiences with its unique take on the beloved story of Peter Pan. In this video, we'll explore the creation of the show, and it's ballooning budget. We'll also take a look at the talented team behind the show, including Margaret Loesch and stars Tim Curry and Jason Marsden. But this video is not just about the show, it's also about the context of the time, the early 90's, when Fox and Disney, two of the biggest entertainment companies were in a fierce rivalry and in the middle of that, Fox Kids Network and Ducktales. We'll dive into the behind-the-scenes drama of how Fox's Peter Pan and the Pirates came to be, including the Fox-Disney conflict of the early 1990s and how it shaped the show. So join us as we take a trip down memory lane and explore the making of a 90s classic, Fox's Peter Pan and the Pirates.
Welcome to our video on the history of 90s OVA Mutant Turtles: Legend of the Super Mutants aka Mutant Turtles Superman Legend aka The Japanese Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Cartoon. This animated series, known as "Chōjin Densetsu Hen" in Japan, is a kind of spin-off of the popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series that ran in the US for 7 seasons beginning in 1987. Not only that but we will also explore the toy lines that inspired this series, and how it expanded the TMNT franchise, including the "Super Mutants" toyline. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this video is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of this iconic 90s cartoon. So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of 'Mutant Turtles: Legend of the Super Mutants' and discover the story behind the toy lines and Japanese episodes they inspired.
Join us as we take a journey back in time to uncover the history of American Gladiators, the iconic TV series that captivated audiences in the 1990s. From humble beginnings amongst horse manure to Gladiator Arena to the pop culture phenomenon it became, this video will explore American Gladiators legacy and rise to fame through steroid controversy. The merchandise! The action figures! The NES video game! Relive the excitement as we revisit this classic game show where athletic contestants competed in physically challenging competitions and celebrities made appearances. We'll also touch on the UK version, "Gladiators," which also left a lasting impact on the world of action sports. Discover some of the most memorable American Gladiators such as Nitro, Blaze, and Thunder, and learn about their impact on the sport and on pop culture as a whole. This retrospective look at American Gladiators is a celebration of its timeless legacy and its place in the annals of TV history.
In this video, we explore the reasons why the 2011 Thundercats reboot animated series was a failure. Despite high hopes Thundercats failed to live up to expectations and was met with disappointment from fans. Some blamed poor writing and character development. Some blamed low ratings. Some blamed low toy sales. And all of that was a factor but there was another reason involving Lego that isn't talked about as much. Whether you're a fan of the original Thundercats or just curious about the 2011 series, we attempt to provide a look at why it was a failure. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into the reasons behind the failure of the 2011 Thundercats series.
In the 1980s and 90s, Chuck E. Cheese and Showbiz Pizza were household names, known for their animatronic shows, arcade games, and pizza parties for kids. But what happened to these beloved family entertainment centers? In this video, we take a deep dive into the sad rise and fall of Chuck E. Cheese and Showbiz Pizza Place, exploring the business strategies, competition, bankruptcy, and rebranding efforts that led to their downfall. We also examine the role of Nolan Bushnell, the founder of Atari who played a key role in the development of Chuck E. Cheese. Join us as we explore the nostalgia, consumer trends, and pop culture behind Chuck E. Cheese and Showbiz Pizza Place, and learn why they were unable to keep up with changing times and consumer tastes. If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, or are interested in the history of the entertainment and restaurant industries, order yourself a Pasqually's Pizza and watch!
Are you a fan of science fiction TV shows? If so, you've probably heard of Babylon 5 and Deep Space Nine, two beloved space operas that aired in the 1990s. In this video, we explore the history and controversy of Babylon 5 and its impact on the sci-fi genre, as well as the Deep Space Nine controversy. From J. Michael Straczynski's innovative use of serialized storytelling, we examine how Babylon 5 paved the way for modern TV shows like Game of Thrones and The Expanse. We also touch on the similarities and differences between Babylon 5 and Deep Space Nine. And we explore the controversy surrounding allegations of plagiarism, as well as the ways in which both shows have influenced sci-fi TV in the decades since their respective premieres. So if you're a fan of Babylon 5, Deep Space Nine, or just great sci-fi storytelling, be sure to check out this in-depth look at the history of Babylon 5 and the show that ripped it off (maybe).
In the 1990s, superhero cartoons were all the rage, with X-Men: The Animated Series leading the pack. But when Jim Lee's WildCats (sometimes rendered WildCats or WildC.A.T.s) arrived on the scene as a potential competitor, it failed to measure up. In this video, we talk about how the WildCats cartoon failed to capture the same audience as X-Men: The Animated Series, and how it struggled to find its place in the crowded superhero animation landscape. Additionally, we'll delve into the WildCats toyline and the Super Nintendo game along with some of the other merchandise. And finally, we'll touch on the role of Image Comics in the broader context of the animation industry in the 1990s and what that meant for Savage Dragon, Spawn and Gen13. So join us as we explore the rise and fall of Jim Lee's WildCats, and how Nelvana was hoping for an X-Men competitor.
After the video game crash of 1983, video gaming was taking the world by storm, and Nintendo was at the forefront of the industry. One of the most iconic aspects of Nintendo's early dominance was their magazine, Nintendo Power shepherded by Howard Phillips and Gail Tilden. For years, this publication was the go-to source for news, reviews, and tips about all things Nintendo. It was a beloved part of gaming culture, and many fans have fond memories of reading each issue cover to cover. In this video, we'll take a deep dive into the rise and fall of Nintendo Power. We'll explore the impact that this iconic publication had on gaming culture, and we'll examine the factors that ultimately led to its decline along with it's legacy lasting through today. If you're a fan of retro gaming, nostalgia, or gaming history, this video is not to be missed.
Welcome to a deep dive into the controversies surrounding "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie." Released in 1997, this film was the follow-up to "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie" and marked the transition to a new cast and storyline for the beloved franchise. While some praised the film's action-packed adventure and impressive special effects, others criticized the plot, script, and overall quality of the production. In this video, we dive into the controversies surrounding the film and its reception, both at the box office and among fans. We take a behind-the-scenes look at the production and cast members. We also discuss its legacy within the Power Rangers franchise and among '90s nostalgia. Whether you're a die-hard Power Rangers fan or just curious about the controversies surrounding this particular movie, join us as we take a deep dive into "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie".
Join us on a thrilling adventure as we explore the story behind Fireball Island, the classic board game that captured the hearts of gamers everywhere in the 1980s. From its rise to popularity to its eventual decline, we'll dive into the nostalgia and examine the game's unique mechanics that made it such a beloved addition to family game nights. But the story of Fireball Island doesn't end there. With the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign, the game has risen from the ashes and been restored to its former glory thanks to Restoration Games. We'll take a look at how the game's mechanics and gameplay experience have been updated for a new generation. We'll also explore the legacy of Fireball Island and how it has influenced the gaming industry over the years. From classic games to modern tabletop adventures, the impact of Fireball Island can still be felt today.
In the mid-1980s, Domino's Pizza introduced a quirky new mascot known as The Noid, created by the same company behind "The California Raisins". This mischievous character quickly became a cultural phenomenon and the face of the pizza chain's advertising campaigns. And while many people know the story of the tragic incident involving a hostage situation and a man named Kenneth Lamar Noid, the order of events over the years has been distorted. In this video, we explore the rise and fall of The Noid, examining the impact it had on Domino's Pizza and the wider world of advertising and marketing. We delve into the history of the character, from its inception to its ultimate demise, and the cultural significance of The Noid as an iconic figure of the 1980s. We also discuss the broader implications of branding and commercialism, as well as the role of failed marketing campaigns in shaping consumer perception and brand image.
In the 1980s, Super Mario Bros became a cultural phenomenon thanks to the hit Nintendo video game series. In 1989, the beloved characters Mario and Luigi made their way to television screens with the DIC created series "The Super Mario Bros Super Show," a live-action/animated series that featured Lou Albano as Mario and Danny Wells as Luigi, a big year for Nintendo with Captain N: The Game Master also airing. In addition to the main series, we explore the mystery of Super Mario Bros Super Show lost media, such as the elusive "King Koopa's Kool Kartoons" and the cringe inducing "Club Mario". Join us as we revisit the colorful world of the Super Mario Bros Super Show and uncover some of its secrets.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the short-lived GI Joe reboot, GI Joe Extreme, a retool that promised to take the iconic action figure line to new heights of excitement and adventure. Unfortunately, the reality fell far short of the Extreme hype, as fans were left with a lackluster animated series that failed to capture the imagination of viewers following the success of GI Joe: A Real American Hero and GI Joe: The Movie and the even quicker failure of Sgt. Savage and His Screaming Eagles. We'll explore the show's many shortcomings and examine how these flaws impacted the wider GI Joe toyline. Despite the best efforts of the show's creators, GI Joe Extreme failed to gain traction with audiences, and ultimately served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to reinvent a beloved brand.
Mummies Alive! was a beloved animated series produced by DIC Entertainment that premiered in the late 90s, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, adventure, and Egyptian mythology. The show followed the adventures of four ancient Egyptian guardians - Ja-Kal, Rath, Armon, and Nefer-Tina - who were brought back to life in modern times to protect the reincarnation of their former pharaoh from the evil sorcerer Scarab. However, despite its initial popularity, the series was abruptly cancelled after only one season, leaving fans to wonder what could have been. In this video, we'll explore the fascinating history of Mummies Alive!, from its conception to its cancellation, and delve into the factors that ultimately led to its demise. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Ja-Kal, Rath, Armon, and Nefer-Tina, or simply curious about this short-lived classic, join us on a journey to uncover the story of Mummies Alive!.
n this video, we delve into the fascinating world of Sonic the Hedgehog cartoons in 1993. Specifically, we'll be exploring the story behind why two Sonic the Hedgehog cartoons that aired that year, and the role that DIC played in their production. Following Sonic the Hedgehog's debut Sega game for the Genesis in 1991 Sonic was huge. We'll take a closer look at the classic Sonic the Hedgehog (SatAM) animated series that debuted in 1993. We'll discuss how this show captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide, thanks in no small part to its memorable characters, exciting action sequences, and catchy theme song. We'll also explore the lesser-known Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon that also began airing in 1993. This series took a very different approach to the Sonic mythos, and we'll examine how it differed from the other Sonic show of that year.
In the mid-1980s, Silverhawks burst onto the animation scene as the latest offering from the same team behind the wildly successful Thundercats. With a similar premise of heroic humanoid animals fighting evil, this time in outer space, Silverhawks seemed poised for greatness. But despite its high-flying action, flashy visuals, and star-studded voice cast, the show never quite took off in the way its creators had hoped. In this video, we'll look into the reasons why Silverhawks failed to capture the same cultural zeitgeist as Thundercats and the other attempts to reboot the franchise and bring it back to life with varying levels of success. Silverhawks retains a devoted fanbase to this day, with many fans nostalgic for its unique blend of sci-fi and animal heroes. So join us as we take a closer look at the fascinating history of Silverhawks, and try to uncover the secrets behind its enduring legacy.
Join us as we delve into the untold messy history of the iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003) series. Strap in for a nostalgic journey filled with hidden tales, dramatic shifts, and unexpected turns that shaped the beloved green heroes we all know and love. From their humble comic book origins to the groundbreaking animated series of the '80s, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have captured the hearts of fans across generations. But in this deep dive, we'll focus specifically on the fascinating and often messy history of the 2003 adaptation. Discover the vision behind the revitalization of the Turtles in the new millennium and the challenges faced by the creative team as they reinvented the franchise for a new era. From the Turtles' intense battles against old foes to the introduction of new allies and the exploration of darker themes, this retrospective will reignite your passion for these pizza-loving heroes.
Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through the colorful history of Sectaurs, a unique toy line that combined action figures with insect-inspired creatures and bug puppets. From their memorable TV commercials to the intricate world-building, Sectaurs captured the imaginations of children and collectors alike. However, despite its initial success, the franchise ultimately struggled to compete in an ever-evolving toy market with the likes of He-Man, GI Joe & Transformers. We delve into the challenges faced by the brand, such as limited distribution, fierce competition from other toy lines, and changing consumer preferences. We also discuss the impact of technological advancements during that era and how they affected Sectaurs' ability to maintain relevance along with the attempts to reboot the line. So, if you're a fan of retro toys, a collector seeking to understand the rise and fall of Sectaurs, or simply curious about the history of toy franchises, this video is a must-watch.
In this video, we delve into the intriguing story behind the notorious failure of Disney's animated film, "The Emperor's New Groove," which originally started as "Kingdom of the Sun." Join us as we explore the turbulent journey of this ambitious project and the documentary that exposed its tumultuous production, known as "The Sweatbox." Discover how the initial vision for a grandiose musical epic set in ancient Peru drastically morphed into a lighthearted buddy comedy filled with comedy and slapstick humor that is "The Emperor's New Groove". Witness the ambitious vision of directors Roger Allers and Mark Dindal clash with the demands and expectations of Disney executives. We also shine a spotlight on the controversial documentary that Disney doesn't want you to see, "The Sweatbox," directed by Trudie Styler (Sting's wife), which inadvertently captured the chaos surrounding the film's production.
Welcome to our video exploring the numerous failures of the beloved animated series, "Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors"! Join us as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane to revisit this iconic 80s show, its fondly remembered theme song and uncover the reasons behind its unfortunate shortcomings.
Join us on a nostalgic journey as we dive into the forgotten history of Sonic Underground, a weird chapter of Sonic the Hedgehog's animated adventures!
In this video, we delve into the history and the many reasons behind the cancellation of the beloved animated series, Teen Titans, and the unexpected revolution it sparked in the world of animation. Join us as we explore the lasting impact Teen Titans had on fans and the industry.
Unleash the power of nostalgia as we embark on a captivating journey through the fascinating history of "Transformers: The Headmasters" (トランスフォーマー ザ☆ヘッドマスターズ) and its intertwined connection with the legendary Battle Beasts!
In this episode, we explore the intriguing story of "The Flash" TV series from 1990 and how its unfortunate fate contrasts with the soaring success of "Batman" (1989) on the big screen.
Join us on an exciting journey through the captivating world of "Spider-Man: The Animated Series" as we delve into its rich history and explore the challenges it faced during its iconic run.
Welcome to a journey down memory lane as we delve into the captivating history and perplexing vanishing act of one of the most beloved animated shows of all time – Muppet Babies!
Dive deep into the eerie world of "The Inhumanoids". Join us as we journey back to the '80s and explore the origins, impact, and spine-chilling elements of this mostly forgotten animated series.
Get ready to dive into the fascinating evolution of Nerf, from its humble beginnings as soft foam toys to the exciting array of blasters that have taken the world by storm! In this captivating video, we explore the journey of Nerf, tracing its transformation from innocent playtime to epic battles.
In this deep dive, we're peeling back the curtain on one of television's most beloved and bizarre shows. From its humble beginnings to its status as a cultural phenomenon, join us as we explore the incredible evolution of Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
Join us as we journey back to the 1980s to explore the fascinating history behind Captain EO, the groundbreaking sci-fi musical experience from Disney. Discover how the creative minds of George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, and Michael Jackson came together to bring Captain EO to life.
Step into the fascinating world of the 1985 series, MacGyver! Journey with us as we explore the origins of the show as a different show called "Hourglass" for Henry Winkler and a bit of the casting process that landed Richard Dean Anderson in the role.
In this video, we delve into the ill-fated revival of the beloved He-Man & The Masters of the Universe franchise in 2002. With high hopes and a dedicated fanbase, this reimagining aimed to breathe new life into Eternia and its ongoing battle between He-Man and Skeletor. However, despite its initial promise, the series faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its downfall.
In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of "The Monster Squad," a 1987 film that went from box office disappointment to a beloved cult classic. Join us as we uncover the behind-the-scenes struggles, the dedicated fanbase, and the enduring legacy of this 80s gem.
In this fascinating video, we dive deep into the rich history of Clue, one of the most iconic board games of all time. From its humble beginnings as "Cluedo" in 1949 to its evolution into a VCR game in the '80s, and even a film in the '80s, this game has left an indelible mark on popular culture.
A horror thriller based on the board game Clue... but not really.
Welcome to our deep dive into the history of the beloved Super Friends cartoon series! Join us as we journey through the different iterations and versions of this iconic animated show, spanning from its debut in 1973 to its modern adaptations. From classic characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to the introduction of new heroes like the Wonder Twins and formidable villains like Darkseid, we'll uncover the evolution of this legendary superhero ensemble.
Dive into the prehistoric world of television as we unravel the fascinating history behind the iconic series "Dinosaurs" (1991). Join us on a nostalgic journey back to the early '90s, when this groundbreaking show took the small screen by storm, at least for a bit of time.
Embark on a thrilling voyage through the cosmos as we delve into the captivating history of Farscape, the groundbreaking science fiction series that took viewers on an unforgettable ride through the Uncharted Territories.
Join us on a trip back in time as we dive into the awesome world of Superman: The Animated Series (1996). Ever wondered how this classic animated show shaped the Man of Steel's legacy?
Embark on a nostalgic journey as we delve into the failure of "The Karate Kid" cartoon!
A few years ago we did a "History of X-Men: The Animated Series" video and we definitely touched on the Pryde of the X-Men pilot that failed to make it to series from a few years before but there was more to the story that we thought needed another separate video.
Following up Batman (1989) was always going to be tricky. Making a Tim Burton Batman movie even more Tim Burton was, at the time, not the best course of action. With Michael Keaton back and Danny Devito as The Penguin, Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman it seemed like a sure thing. And then the parents complaints rolled in.
As the credits rolled on Return of the Jedi, George Lucas and the people at Lucasfilm were already trying to figure out how to extend the Star Wars brand. Among the many things tried were 2 made for TV movies starring The Ewoks: Caravan of Courage and The Battle For Endor. How do these movies fit into the story of Star Wars, if they do at all?
We've covered the history of Robotech on this channel before. A LOT. This is a compilation video of all of those Robotech videos remastered and re-edited into 1 long saga, and even this is basically incomplete. This video does cover Robotech, Battletech, Exo-Squad and has an additional 2024 update at the end. Enjoy!
Digimon or Digital Monsters is a long running media franchise that started life as the "male" version of Tamagotchi and grew to encompass cartoons, comics, card games, toys and movies. But there's one thing that Digimon could never shake and that's it reputation as a Pokémon clone or rip off, especially here in the United States.
TEDDY RUXPIN was a talking animatronic... NOT bear introduced in the mid 1980's that quickly became the hottest toy on the market. Buoyed by that success WORLDS OF WONDER, the makers of Teddy Ruxpin, went all in on tech with Lazer Tag and a host of other tech driven toylines. And then the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES, came along and changed everything for both World of Wonder and Teddy Ruxpin.
In the early to mid 1980's, during the burger wars, Wendy's, Burger King and McDonalds all realized they needed to shake thing up. Wendy's had "Where's The Beef" and McDonalds, partly inspired by Max Headroom, introduced Mac Tonight, a singing moon-headed mascot intended to alert customers that anytime was the right time for McDonalds. Mac Tonight blew up in popularity, rolled out nationally and went on to become a cult icon who was fondly remembered. But the internet eventually got hold of him and tarnished all of that. This is the story of Mac Tonight.
Did you know that at the absolute height of their popularity the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a rock band and went on tour? The called it the "Coming Out of Their Shells" Tour and it traveled all over the US and even went international a little bit. They released an album of songs that included "Count on Us", "Pizza Power" and "Cowabunga" that was sold in Pizza Hut. And, of course, there was that stop at the Oprah Winfrey show.
Nintendo was big. The biggest! And Super Mario Bros was the marquee name. So the time was perfect to turn the Super Mario Bros Nintendo game into Super Mario Bros: The Movie (1993). Hire some writers, hire the people who created Max Headroom. How hard can it be? Super Mario Bros The Movie didn't turn out how anyone that worked on it hoped it would. This is the story of chaos. This is the crazy story of The Super Mario Bros (1993) failure.
When Todd McFarlane left Marvel Comics to form Image Comics his first title was Spawn and it was huge. Naturally that drew the attention of toy companies, tv and movie studios and everyone else. But Todd had a very particular style he wanted if he was going to do a Spawn cartoon and along came HBO at just the right time with the right answers to his questions. Premiering in 1997 and lasting for 3 seasons this is the story of Todd McFarlane's Spawn: The Animated Series
In 2001 the Transformers franchise was at a crossroads. Beast Wars was coming to an end an the next version of Transformers (Armada) was not ready. But Hasbro didn't want to have NO Transformers on TV. So what to do? Look to Japan, where they had an entirely different continuity going, pinch one of their shows, put the Power Rangers guys on it and transform it into Transformers: Robots in Disguise! Easy money!
Back in 2018 we release episode 1 of The History of Robotech and in that video we alluded to all kinds of behind the scenes drama that led to the creation of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross animated series that led to the creation of the Robotech animated series. This is that story of all the behind the scenes drama that led to the creation of The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, the Macross franchise at large, Robotech and how and when you can watch Macross in the United States.
ore than anything GI Joe exists as a series of reboots and nowhere in it's history is that more illustrated than in the time between GI Joe: A Real American Hero and the first GI Joe live action movie where it seemed like Hasbro was rebooting GI Joe every few years. One of those reboots was called GI Joe: Sigma 6 and it was an attempt to move away from war as entertainment and go in a more anime direction with a smaller team. Did GI Joe: Sigma 6 succeed? What do you think...
Reboot and Transformers: Beast Wars were all the rage and World Events had one of the biggest properties of the 1980's, VOLTRON, just sitting on a shelf. What seemed like a fairly safe bet, VOLTRON: The Third Dimension was anything but, although it did break some ground and help introduce VOLTRON to a whole new generation.
After Thundercats ended in 1989 they tried again in 2011 and it did not go well at all. Maybe 3rd time is the charm? Announced in 2018 Thundercats Roar was the 3rd try at Thundercats and a wild departure from what came before. The reaction to Thundercats Roar was overwhelming and immediate. And terrible.
Back in the 1990's, in search of the next big thing, producers in the US grabbed a Tokusatsu show from Japan, reshot and repackaged it for American audiences and made history with The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers. Being copycats, suddenly everyone was trying to replicate the formula and there was a rush of shows trying to capitalize on the Power Rangers success.
Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers was an expensive gamble the ultimately paid off as another piece in the Disney Afternoon puzzle following the huge success that was Ducktales. Fondly remembered Chip N Dale started out very differently at Disney before being drafted into Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers with an enduring legacy that has made it all the way to modern day with a movie having been recently released.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was huge but, as a result of it's reliance on previous footage couldn't last forever in it's initial form. A change needed to be made. An entire established identity needed to be left behind. After a brief Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers detour we got POWER RANGERS ZEO, the 4th season of Power Rangers and a template for the future of the Power Rangers. But the transition to ZEO was not without it's bumps including a fan perpetrated hoax.
Phantom 2040 was a 2 season animated series that took place in the far future of 2040. Following on from King Features other recent animated show "Defenders of the Earth" and using The Phantom as the star this time, Phantom 2040 was an ambitious show with a great cast that partly fell victim to regulation and just never really found its audience.
After the original Battlestar Galactica went off the air and Galactica 1980 failed to catch on a devoted fan base kept the property alive. So much so that various creatives tried a few more times to get Battlestar Galactica back on TV. One of those attempts finally made it to air. Battlestar Galactica hit the air in 2003, lasting 4 seasons and bringing with it much controversy, first from casting and then from tone but went on to be one of the top series of the 2000's.
In the early 1980's, with a hit on their hands in Strawberry Shortcake, Kenner approached American Greetings about reimagining the Teddy Bear so they could take a bite out of the plush market. What American Greetings came up with was not only a reimagining of the Teddy Bear but Care Bears were a full out assault on the marketplace in the United States with every kind of merchandise imaginable. The Care Bears were everywhere and on everything.
Labyrinth was released in 1986 starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, directed by Jim Henson hot off The Dark Crystal and produced by George Lucas. What could go wrong? Unfortunately Labyrinth hit the box office with a thud, poorly reviewed, poorly attended. But if we're making a video about it in 2024 then something happened in the years since turning Labyrinth into a beloved classic.
Street Fighter 2 exploded into arcades back in the early 90's and changed gaming forever. Ken, Ryu, Chun-Li and Guile were suddenly household names. The Street Fighter 2 roster of characters were even added to the GI Joe line of action figures. The brand was so hot and so well-known that a movie seemed inevitable. And it was but a funny thing happened on the way to the movie theater. Street Fighter starring Jean Claude Van Damme and Kylie Minogue opened in 1994 and did... okay. But the Street Fighter brand? It's done just fine.
Fruit Stripe gum was the butt of many short-lasting flavor jokes in its history, including a few in this video, but it's discontinuation is another marker on the passage of time. Another indicator that you're getting old and that eventually we'll all be dead. Enjoy!
We've made a lot of videos about The Transformers over the years and some other form-changing robot guys. Enjoy this compilation of those videos and know there are still some gaps in the history of The Transformers. We're working on it.
Animation on TV was undergoing a bit of a revolution in the 90's as the children of the 80's grew up. Enter MTV's Liquid Television, a show made to push the boundaries and appeal to the 90's sensibilities. Looking around the industry, Liquid Television enlisted animator Peter Chung to create a segment from them. Born from that was AEON FLUX. So weird and sexy and popular that AEON FLUX was first renewed for a 2nd set of segments and then spun off into her own half hour animated series and, eventually... unfortunately, a movie called AEON FLUX.
Blockbuster video was founded in the mid 80's on the back of the VHS revolution that reshaped the entire movie industry. Blockbuster grew fast, swallowing up smaller stores at a voracious pace but the fall, influenced by a number of factors including bad management, was just as fast.
Back in the early 90's, the fledgling FOX Network thought they had a sure hit on their hands on Friday nights. THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY, JR. had everything going for it with a charming lead, wit, charm and a clever premise. Being branded as the bloodiest show on TV by the government sure didn't help. FOX was right. They did have a hit on Friday nights only it wasn't THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY, JR.
In the early 1980's John Badham made a gritty, ambiguous movie about surveillance and the militarization of the police called Blue Thunder. As a result of the success of Knight Rider, ABC took that movie , stripped out the message and made a TV show about a kick ass helicopter called Blue Thunder that made it to air BEFORE Airwolf. History shows that out of BLUE THUNDER and AIRWOLF, one was way more successful than the other.