Title:
Krypto The Superdog: Cartoon Network Original Series Premiere Episode:
“Krypto’s Scrypto”
Starring
The Voices Of: Sam Vincent, Alberto Ghisi, Tabitha St. Germain, Scott McNeill,
and Brian Drummond
Writers:
Alan Burnett and Paul Dini
Based on
D.C. Comics Characters
“Superman”
Created By: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster
Director:
Scott Jeralds
Executive
Producer: Sander Schwartz
Running
Time: 23 minutes without commercials
Media:
Cartoon Network Original Series (NTSC DVD Screener)
Premiere:
Monday, April 4, 2005, at 9am (ET/PT)
Network:
Cartoon Network (Check your local cable/satellite listings for channel)
TV
Rating: Not Available At Time Of Review
Reviewer:
Mark A. Rivera
Cartoon
Network has consistently delivered original animated series based on D.C. Comics
characters like “Justice League”, “Justice League Unlimited” and “Teen
Titans” and each of these series has a unique visual style and core audience
appeal. The two “Justice League” animated series are pretty much for kids,
teenagers, and adults of all ages while “Teen Titans” is geared toward a
younger audience with an anime look to the characters. Truth be told cartoons
appeal to everyone. I was at the dentist the other day and we were chatting with
his assistant about the “Thunder Cats.” On primetime broadcast network
television “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” are two of the funniest shows
being aired and both happen to be animated programs. Animation has grown so much
in the last twenty years and Cartoon Network in my opinion has been a huge
driving force in its evolution as a medium for both entertainment and education
by expanding the canvass for artists to create.
The latest animated series to debut from Cartoon Network based on a D.C. Comics character is none other than “Krypto The Superdog.” Now this series is really geared toward young children, but if one fills in the blanks as an adult, I think the show can be very enjoyable and definitely cute to watch. The characters are drawn in a style reminiscent of Hannah Barbara, but much more refined with a beautifully bright color palette too. In the series premiere episode entitled “Krypto’s Scrypto” we see young Krypto within a prototype rocket that presumably is being tested by Jor-El for his son’s eventual exodus to Earth. (Please note that we never see any of the characters on Krypton so this is conjecture on my part.) The launch is a success, but while Krypto is playing antigravity catch with a ball aboard the ship, he accidentally damages something and the ship’s computer immediately puts the dog into hypersleep and heads off on a preprogrammed course to Earth. When the ship crashes, Krypto finds himself to be an adult and with the family “S” logo on his collar, he is able to communicate with other animals though to us human they just sound like a lot of barks etc. Discovered by young Kevin, he takes Krypto to his home in the suburbs of Metropolis where he becomes the new family dog and Kevin’s best friend. Kevin can understand Krypto because Krypto gave him an intergalactic communicator that strengthens their bond of companionship.
While
Superman is out on some space mission, a boat capsizing endangers the animals
aboard. Since Krypto essentially has all of the powers Superman has, he saves
the ship and the animals too. The media automatically assumes he is Superman’s
dog because of the familiar “S” on his collar and cape, but without them, no
one seems to notice that he is not an ordinary Earth dog. Seeing the love they
have for each other, Superman allows Krypto to stay with Kevin so they look
after each other. After all, Superman is out saving the universe and doesn’t
have too much time to take care of his beloved childhood pet. Thus we have the
origins of “Krypto The Superdog” in this truly delightful Cartoon Network
animated series that will air Mondays through Fridays at 9am (ET/PT) beginning
April 4, 2005. Future episodes will introduce other superhero inspired animal
characters to assist Krypto. These include Ace, the Bathound – Batman’s
canine ally, the alien Dog Star patrol, and Streaky the cat for comic relief.
Targeted specifically at children ages 4 to 6, I think “Krypto The Superdog”
is another great addition to Cartoon Network’s ever expanding menu of quality
animated programming for the whole family.
©
Copyright 2005 By Mark A. Rivera
All Rights Reserved.