Boo on you Cartoon Network

  I just finished watching the first and only season of Sym-Bionic Titan. It was a brilliant cartoon series from the master Genndy Tartakovsky who created other greats like Samurai Jack and Dexter's Laboratory. I have to say that Cartoon Network REALLY missed the ball on this one. Letting this series go was a huge mistake.

 


 


  While I cannot for sure state as to why CN let this one go, it seems to have been because there was not enough merchandising potential. Not a lack of ratings. Which is beyond me as there are a hundred different things in show that would sell as figures or models, if not for kids then for the older fans.

  The show follows the three main protagonists, Princess Ilana, a member of the royal family of the world of Galaluna; Corporal Lance, a slightly insubordinate young solder; and Octus, an advanced machine not quite a robot but not human either. These three are sent to Earth to keep Ilana safe after a major betrayal and coup overthrows the king. Of course trouble happens, but that is where the real heart of the show shines.

   The main body of the show is primarily about how the three integrate into a local high school in  Sherman, Illinois. Each episode usually contains a problem on the Earth side of things, such as how to get along with a bratty cheerleader. But the action comes in when an alien monster, usually gigantic, is sent to Earth to kill Ilana. 

  The two Galalunans on their own each posses powerful fighting suits, which are mech-like. And Octus can project force fields around his central core to fight with; he can use this to great effect in battle. But together, these three can form a more powerful fighting machine, the Sym-Bionic Titan. It is the large form that tends to save the day.

  I wont spoil any more plot points, so on to the art. The artwork is fantastic, and unique, which I find a signature of Tartakovsk's work. The characters are beautifully drawn as are the many backdrops. And characters actually change clothes! I know, it sounds obvious, but if you look at many cartoons today, the characters always wear the same thing, IN EVERY EPISODE. It looks to me like someone really took time and lovingly created Ilana's wardrobe. A stylish one she is.

  The art can also serious be when needed and can be very silly too, both of which are used wonderfully in many points throughout the series. The fight scenes are gorgeous as are the poignant personal ones.

  I will say I would not consider it for younger children, as death is a common theme, but then again, it has just as much death in it as the original Johnny Quest did (which was for kids), so that may be just me.

   

  I cannot recommend this series enough. The ride took me up and down a roller-coaster of emotions from happy to the verge of tears. It was well crafted and extremely well put together. Which brings me back to my original point. Why-oh-why would CN cancel such a stellar show? As I don't have esp I can't give you a real good answer. I will say they do seem to have a habit of squandering the talent that is Genndy Tartakovsky. They truly did not fully appreciate what they had in him and now he's moved on to other projects. Maybe someone out there can get this show going again one day, I truly hope so.

Until then, here is my face. Cartoon network I'm looking at you.