Title: Teen Titans: “Final
Exam” & “Sisters”
Starring The Voices Of: Greg
Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong, Hynden Walch, Ron Perlman, Wil
Wheaton, Clancy Brown, and Tom Kenney
Writers:
David Slack, Amy Wolfram, Rob Hoegee, Adam Beechen, Tom Pugsley, Greg Klein,
Rick Copp, and Marv Wolfman
Based On Characters From:
D.C.
Comics
Directors: Michael Chang,
Ciro Nieli, and Alex Soto
Story Editor: David Slack
Associate Producer: Kimberly
A. Smith
Producers: Glen Murakami,
Linda M. Steiner, and Bruce Timm
Executive Producer: Sander
Schwartz
Running Time: 42 minutes
without commercials
Media: Cartoon Network
Animated Series (NTSC VHS Screener)
Air Time: Saturday, at 9pm
(ET/PT)
Network: Cartoon Network
(Check your local cable/satellite listings for channel)
TV Rating: Not Available At
The Time Of Review
Reviewer: Mark A. Rivera
Formerly known as the boy wonder, Robin has moved beyond sidekick status and now serves as the leader of the “Teen Titans.” With no superpowers of his own, but lots of crime fighting experience from his days with the Dark Knight, Robin relies on his daring, intellect, and fully loaded utility belt to carry him through whatever challenges he and his comrades might face. Based in high tech command center tower shaped like a giant “T” in a sunny coastal Pacific Coast City, the Teen Titans are comprised of “Cyborg,” a human/robot hybrid with a vice like mechanical grip, enhanced sight, and a powerful sonic cannon that perhaps is only matched by his brute strength. “Raven” has powerful mental abilities that enable her to control inanimate objects. “Starfire” is from a far-away planet with little knowledge of Earth customs. While she is the most sensitive member of the group, she contributes to their crime fighting strength as a whole with her ability to fly and is able protect herself and the rest of the Teen Titans from opponents with powerful energy blasts. Finally the “Beast Boy” is a green skinned changeling and he can assume the shape of any animal.
“Teen Titans” debuted on the Cartoon Network on Saturday, July 19, 2003, at 9pm (ET/PT) and has since become one of the channel’s most popular series with a big viewing audience comprised of children, comic fans, and child in heart. Produced by Warner Brothers Animation under guidance of Emmy Ward-winner Glen Murakami, “Teen Titans” has an anime look to it complete with a catchy theme song performed by Puffy AmiYumi courtesy of Bar/None Records/Epic Records Japan Inc. In 2004, the series will also air as a part of Kids’ WB!
The two episodes I screened featured the introduction of “Slade,” voiced by Ron Perlman, a crafty supervillain bent on destroying the Teen Titans through any means he can. In “Final Exam” he sets three teenage villains “Gizmo,” “Mammoth,” and “Jinx” at the Teen titans, who nearly lose their base of operations as a result. The second episode “Sisters” explores the character of “Starfire” with the introduction of her polar opposite otherworldly sister.
The episodes are geared toward children, but they are entertaining enough for adults to appreciate and the artwork is very sharp. “Teen Titans” takes a little getting used to for those not accustomed to seeing anime interpretations of D.C. Comics characters, but one gets into it rather quickly. Personally I still prefer the more traditional look found in shows like “Justice League.” Like the Kids’ WB animated series “X-Men: Evolution,” the characters go through growing pains like any other teenager, which makes them more human and easier to identify with. Overall “Teen Titans” is a good animated superhero series suitable for children of all ages and it airs on the Cartoon Network on Saturdays at 9pm (ET/PT) so check it out.
© Copyright 2003 By Mark A.
Rivera
All Rights Reserved.