The Superhero Squad Show: Review of the Cartoon Network Series

Okay, I confess, I like watching the "The Superhero Squad Show" on Cartoon Network. I mean, I can say that I lwatch it because it lets me bond with my seven year old son who is going through a superhero phase, but the truth is that more often than not, I end up asking him to watch the latest recorded episode with me.

So what is "The Superhero Squad Show?" It's a cartoon series by Marvel Animation that's based on the cartoonish looking action figures put out by Hasbro. For those of you who have not run across this line of action figures, go over to the toy section of your local Target store and browse around the shelves. You can't miss the two to a box ,or three to a box packs of 3" Marvel Superheroes that are a hit with kids across the country.

But hey, why stop at just a line of action figures? Beyond the toy figures and the cartoon show, Marvel also features The Superhero Squad in its own line of comic books (currently by issue #3 as of March, 2010). But I digress here, since this is a review about the kid's television show.

Theseries still has the same tried and true plot of pitting villains against heroes, only done exceptionally well. The villains, led by Dr. Doom are of course set on world domination (or is it universal domination?). To do so Doom has assembled a collection of villains known as the Lethal Legion. Trying to stop the Legion is the Super Hero Squad which is led by Iron Man and who is based in the S.H.E.I.LD Helicarrier (a giant flying aircraft carriers that is kept afloat by four great big helicopter engines).Joining Iron Man are series regular Hulk, Silver Surfer, Falcon, Thor, and Wolverine, though other superhero's like Captain America and Ms. Marvel make frequent appearances.

According to my seven year old, Hulk is by far the funniest character (check him out in the 4th show of Season 1 "Hulk Talk Smack!" when he turns into a Gray Hulk, a smarter but much whimper version of the regular Hulk) due to the odd way he talks and funny situation he gets himself into. Also popular with him is Reptil, one of the newest members of the Marvel world. Reptil (aka Humberto Lopez) is a school age kid with the ability to turn himself, or at least some of his body parts, into parts of dinosaurs (and what seven year old would not like that ability?).

In any case, the series is far cooler than the stiff looking Spiderman and Super Friends cartoons I grew up watching. The animation is first rate, and the writing is about as witty as this type of cartoon can get (given the age group it targets).

If you have kids in the 5-10 year old age bracket, this show is definitely worth checking out. Marvel Animation completed a total of 26 shows for Season 1, and is now working on a follow up season to the series. Currently on at 8:30 AM on the Cartoon Network, it's worth checking it out.

　

Sources:

http://marvel.toonzone.net/news.php?action=fullnews&id=207

http://tv.yahoo.com/the-super-hero-squad-show/show/42981