"Transformers: Animated" (2008) TV series 2008-????

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

2008 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Action | Family | Sci-Fi

Plot Keywords:

Transformer | Robot | Transforming Robot

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

David Kaye	...	Optimus Prime / ... (42 episodes, 2007-2009)
Jeff Bennett	...	Prowl / ... (39 episodes, 2007-2009)
Bumper Robinson	...	Bumblebee / ... (39 episodes, 2007-2009)
Bill Fagerbakke	...	Bulkhead / ... (36 episodes, 2007-2009)
Tom Kenny	...	Isaac Sumdac / ... (36 episodes, 2007-2009)
Corey Burton	...	Ratchet / ... (35 episodes, 2007-2009)
Tara Strong	...	Sari Sumdac / ... (34 episodes, 2007-2009)

Country:

USA | Japan

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:PG | Singapore:G

Company:

Cartoon Network

Trivia:

Susan Blu is not only the voice director of the series, she also plays the role of the female Autobot Arcee, a role that she also played in the original "Transformers" (1984).

Movie Connections:

Version of "Transformers" (1984)

A solid entry in the Transformers multiverse -- my shortened review, thanks to the word limit

Let me start by declaring that I am a fan of 'Transformers: Animated', thus the following review is going to have a generally positive approach. And of course, this is my opinion, feel free to disagree with it, etc.

When the first shreds of information began to appear about the show (then called "Transformers Heroes"), I hoped that after several years of Japanese-imported, generally lacking Transformers cartoons, we would be treated to an all-round enjoyable series. The first promotional image managed to crush almost all of my hopes. That goofy-looking, deformed picture of Optimus Prime (which I still dislike), standing in a really awkward pose was enough to cause some serious "turbulence" not only in me, but also in the fan-community. Alienated at first, but I gradually warmed up to the new art-style. And when we got our first video clips, featuring among others characters like the Dinobots and Arcee, of whom we haven't seen a lot in cartoons in the last two decades... there was a lot of joy. And lets be frank, some still threw up.

Though I remained skeptical still. That is, until the actual broadcast began. The show won me over in minutes. Here is a short break-down of the various elements that I'd like to review separately (unfortunately, I can't comment on everything, some negative observations had to be neglected):

- The art-style: Undoubtedly the biggest "problem" of the show; I know of many fans who couldn't watch it simply because of this. Personally, I don't have any problems with the look. With an open mind, I tried to embrace this new art-direction, and succeeded. I consider art director Derrick J. Wyatt to be very talented at what he does, and generally enjoy his designs. He manages to translate the characters into this new, 'stylized' world without making them unrecognizable. The lean shapes and clean lines add fluidity to them, and the fact that there is less apparent detailing on the robots disturbs me not in the slightest. Whereas the fact that the toys could be made to look so close to the animation models astounds me. The over-sized chins deserve a mention, however. Thankfully the newer characters seems to have normal-sized versions.

- Animation: Okay, this is one aspect I wouldn't call great, but it's not bad either. While there certainly are some exceptionally well animated episodes, I usually find the movements to be mostly... pretty stiff. Higher frame-rates wouldn't hurt. Stock-footage of the robots transforming, as always, gets the best looking visuals. All things considered, though, the animation may be the only part I have a problem with, even if it's a minor one. Some animation errors can be spotted here and there, some characters may appear to be noticeably off-model in some shots... but these are nowhere near as serious as the beloved Generation 1 cartoon's terrible animation goof-ups.

- Writing and characters: This is where the show really shines. The robots and humans (at least the main cast) all have distinctive personalities and their prominent individual traits don't overshadow their full character. Even the line between evil and good is difficult to draw. Animated Megatron isn't the usual "evil for the sake of being evil" cliché villain – he sees the Autobots as oppressors, and although yes, he is really mean, his observation isn't that far from the truth as one might think. The Autobots clearly have their faults, and are not the boring, spotless, benevolent heroes they were in other cartoons anymore. In fact, they show pretty negative traits sometimes. Since the main cast consists of a small group of Autobots, they can all get their fair share of character development. I wish I had the space to elaborate.

Be warned, if you don't like human characters, you will probably have issues with Animated, as humans are an essential part of the cast and stories… though some are really… more than meets the eye?

The episode stories are well written, well paced, have a good balance of humor and action. The human villains may cause some overly silly moments, but those tend to go away as soon as the actual plot starts. I've read a lot of complaints that the stories are too kiddy to be enjoyed by teens or adults. Partially true, but mostly nonsense. For a kids' show, it definitely has some pretty mature moments, and can be enjoyed by children and adults both, even long-time Transformers fans. For you see…

- References & easter-eggs: Some fans call Animated „an insult to Transformers". All I have to say to that is: „No" Produced by fans, produced to the fans, it not only features characters and concepts taken directly from former Transformers media, easter-eggs and little nods can be found in almost every episode. The writers really did their homework, and I know of cases when these very elements turned haters into Animated fans – basically, if you don't appreciate all the nods you get, at least acknowledge them and stop calling the cartoon an insult. Heck, the first episode starts with clips taken straight out of the original show!

- Voice acting: Nothing to complain about. Corey Burton's presence ensures that some of the characters speak in the same voices they did back in the eighties. Tom Kenny makes a perfect Starscream, and former Megatron David Kaye plays the role of Optimus Prime well. Wreck-Gar is Weird Al Yankovic. If you don't know why, go back to Transformers school.

All in all (I hate this banality), I have to say Transformers: Animated is really worth a shot. Watch it with an open mind, put all your „G1 superiority" delusions away, bear in mind that it's a toy advertising kids' show, and enjoy it if you can.

Note that as of this writing, season 3 hasn't aired yet, but my review is positive as it is. Perhaps I will come back to edit it and give it a 10/10.