Whether or not you've actually watched an episode, you've probably at least heard of Ben 10, Cartoon Network's smash hit sci-fi cartoon about a kid with an extraterrestrial device that lets him shapeshift into aliens. The show and characters have actually evolved since it debuted in 2005. Every few years, the show is re-branded with a new title, allies, villains, and plot arc. And on top of that, there have been numerous made-for-TV movies and video games, not to mention loads of toys!
This Saturday, Cartoon Network kicks off the latest incarnation with Ben 10: Galactic Monsters. And it looks interesting enough to at least get me to tune in again.
I was a big fan of the show since it started almost 9 years ago. Not only was it a great return to the Saturday mornings of my childhood but it had continuing plots, recurring characters and the main kids grew up over the years. But the most recent version, Ben 10: Omniverse, left me a little cold. After watching any show for 7 years, you've put in some time and want to see it through to the end. But after a few episodes, it felt too different, too....kiddie for lack of a better word. Odd thing to say about a cartoon for kids, I know. It was a sad day when I deleted my season pass for Ben 10.
Here's the official press release for the new series:
Monsters, mummies and werewolves may be taking over, but Ben has defended the universe from the worst of the worst. Now it’s hero time on Monster Planet! The spooky fun begins with “Something Zombozo This Way Comes,” when Ben and Rook must stop Zombozo and the Circus Freaks from turning everyone in Bellwood into zombie clowns. Tune-in to Cartoon Network every Saturday morning to see who comes out of the shadows next!
Other upcoming episodes are titled "Mystery, Incorpreal", "The Vampire Strikes Back", and "An American Benwolf in London". Ok Cartoon Network, you've got me at least for a couple more episodes!
Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteI saw it from the beginning because my son was just the right target audience age - and yes, we had all the toys ;) - but I liked 'Ben 10: Alien Force' best. I thought they were more interesting as older characters and I liked having Kevin on board as part of the team and as a love interest for Gwen. I haven't seen any of Omniverse.
ReplyDeleteOmniverse is a weird thing. They've split it up so the stories take place either when he's 10 or however old he is "now"...16-ish? Sometimes a story will start when he's younger and then pick up when he's older.
DeleteThey've all but gotten rid of Gwen & Kevin. She's gone off to college and he followed her. Ben has a new alien plumber partner he works with and the show is a little more kid-ified and comedic.
The one thing I cannot forgive them is what they did to Gwen in Omniverse: http://static4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130318134742/ben10/images/d/d5/Gwen_Tennyson_(Omniverse).png
Noooooooooooo! That is so wrong! It's bad enough that Gwen and Kevin aren't major characters anymore, but the way they've redrawn Gwen... well, that's just adding insult to injury.
DeleteOmniverse sounds similar to 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold' to me. My husband, son and I are HUGE fans of Batman, Justice League, Justice League Unlimited and Batman Beyond animated series, and I just couldn't cope with Brave and the Bold taking the light and campy route. And I say that as a fan of the original sixties TV series. ;)