Growing up in the 1980’s, no Generation Xer would forget the classic 1980’s cartoons. As a student of fiction at the university I, found that great characters make for great stories. The following three cartoons have a terrific cast of good guys and villains.
Voltron (TV Tokyo 1984) was created by Peter Keefe in 1983. The show stars five characters that pilot the five lions. The voices of the lions were played by Jack Angel, Michael Bell, Peter Cullen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Neil Ross, B.J. Ward, Lennie Weinrib, Tress MacNeille.
The five lions are light blue, black, red, orange, and green. The lion robots all join together into one gigantic robotic knight named, “Voltron.” In order to defeat the strongest enemies the five lions must always unite to form Voltron.
They battle their evil nemesis named, “Zarkon.” Zarkon’s voice is done well and keeps the viewers on edge. They constantly fight the evil forces of Zarkon, which consist of hideous mechanical monsters throughout the galaxy. The illustrations of these monsters are vivid, terrifying, and gruesome depictions of an evil presence in the universe.
This show balances serious action with humor from the characters; quirky characters keep the show light and funny for kids. The awesome music revs you up with enthusiasm for the transformation of the lions into the mighty, Voltron.
The show was produced by World Events Production and Toei Animation. The show aired from September 10, 1984 through November 18, 1985. The original show was owned by Japan: TV Tokyo. The United States had First-run syndication distributed by the Cartoon Network. The show ran for 124 episodes.
Beetlejuice (ABC 1989) was created by David Geffen and Tim Burton. The show stars Stephen Ouimette (Beetlejuice) and Alyson Court (Lydia Deetz).
The shows plot centers on the famous undead con-man Beetlejuice and his best friend Lydia. They have adventures in the Netherworld and in a New England town called Peaceful Pines. Lydia is a strange goth girl who enjoys everything weird.
Whenever she’s in a bind and in need of supernatural help she summons, Beetlejuice by calling his name three times. He unleashes a world of mischief upon the everyday world; Beetle juice is like an instant poltergeist. And yes he loves to eat beetles.
The show aired from September 9, 1989 through December 6, 1991. This television series was produced by Nelvana for The Geffen Film Company. Distribution is handled by Warner Brothers Television. The music was composed by Danny Elfman, Ray Parker, and Tom Szczesniak
The show is currently aired on Teletoon Retro (2009-present). The animation and music make for a very odd, psychedelic, gothic and macabre style of show. Beetlejuice ran for four seasons with 109 episodes total.
Thundercats (1985 Syndication) was created by Rankin/Bass and Ted Wolf. This show was developed and written by Leonard Starr. The show stars the voices of Earl Hammond, Earle Hyman, Larry Kenney, Lynne Lipton, Bob McFadden, Peter Newman, Doug Preis, and Gerrianne Raphael.
The show revolves around a group of humanoid cats from the planet Thundera. The main nemesis of the show is “Mumm-Ra and his Mutants of Plun-Darr,” which he has recruited to serve him.
The Thundercats get their power from a cat-like eye, “The Eye of Thundera,” which is in the hilt of a special sword. The Thundercats constantly fight their nemesis, Mumm-Ra who seeks to get control of this special sword and to destroy the Thundercats. With their joined forces the Thundercats are able to fend off Mumm-Ra and his cohorts.
The show aired from January 23, 1985 through 1990. The show was produced by Arthur Rankin, Jr., Jules Bass, Lee Dannacher. Bernard Hoffer created the music for the series.
The show is currently distributed by Warner Brothers Television Distribution. Thundercats is a great show with lots of action, awesome music, and fun storylines. No one can forget the catchy, show stopping, opening theme music, “Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! Thundercats!” The show had 130 episodes.
References
Anonymous. Wikipedia. “Voltron.” Accessed: January 12, 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltron
Anonymous. Wikipedia. “Beetlejuice.” Accessed: January 12, 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beetlejuice_(TV_series)
Anonymous. Wikipedia. “ThunderCats.” Accessed: January 12, 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ThunderCats
