The 1994 effort to bring Iron Man to the public was possibly a hopeless cause, at least using the approach it did, but it was a treat for fans, and will likely find a new lease on life now that the films have given the public some exposure. Available now on DVD, the 3-Disc set brings you every episode of Iron Man The Animated Series.
A show that was pretty obviously put out with fans in mind, it doesn't give an origin accounting, and the first episode throws heroes and villains alike into the fray without explanation as to who they are. With Iron Man's entourage including Spider Woman, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, and more, and nemesis Mandarin leading a gaggle of evil-doers, the episodes often play out like He-Man in terms of general outline. While it's interesting to see a wide variety of characters making it to the stage, the inclusion of such baddies as Grey Gargoyle, Dreadknight, and MODOK, all without a hint of explanation, turns things slightly corny. The first episode throws Fin Fang Foom at you for crying out loud.
The series kicks off with the air of something that isn't really giving you a lot of effort, with fairly bizarre schemes and little interaction outside of battle. The characters don't really go anywhere, and you aren't meant to care. Things start picking up a little after a few episodes, and you get things like Origin of The Mandarin and Defection of Hawkeye, which aim to finally spin some story into things. Eventually, the series switches gears and starts becoming something that leans more toward comic books and looks less like Saturday morning.
To be honest, the series isn't worth much except as a nostalgia/collector piece, because it really demands that you be familiar with things to an absurd extent. On the other hand, I suppose all it really demands is that you play along with not knowing why a big head in a floating chair is scary and so on, but at some point that's a little much to ask.
Still, for those getting sucked into Iron Man, and certainly for the younger crowd being exposed to the marketing behemoth, this isn't a bad way to get another fix. Eventually, you even get to see The Hulk, and the last seven episodes are actually pretty solid, but you have to get to them.
Now, all that aside, this is a pretty cool choice for the appropriately young. With some interesting themes, and eventually a good effort at putting some tension together, and with sort of He-Man/G.I. Joe style violence, this is one to look at for the right kids. Don't expect to be able to field many of the, "Who's that?" questions, but they'll love it.
Ultimately, this is really a miss past a certain age, but I recommend it for kids.
Own it on DVD today!
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Leave a comment below and you are automatically entered to win your very own copy of the DVD release. U.S. only. Winner will be randomly selected May 25th.
Check out a couple of clips below.
From Stan Lee comes Marvel’s complete 1994 animated television series, Iron Man. Experience every thrilling moment – from the very first episode, to the final climactic battle – in this 3-disc collector’s edition. Witness the action-packed adventure from the very beginning as billionaire inventor Tony Stark dons his invincible suit of iron to battle the villainous Mandarin and the power of his ten deadly rings.
With fellow super heroes Nick Fury, War Machine, Scarlet Witch, Spider Woman and Hawkeye at his side, Iron Man faces off against a band of evil foes, including Whiplash…and confronts his own demons, as well. Go behind the armor and get to know the man under the powered suit. This complete Iron Man collection is a must-have for fans of all ages ! “Iron Man” stars voice talent Robert Hays (Superhero Movie), John Reilly (TV’s “General Hospital: Night Shift”), Jennifer Hale (Ariel’s Beginning – Voice) and is executive produced by Stan Lee (Spider-Man, Iron Man, The Fantastic Four, The Ultimate Avengers II), Avi Arad (Spider-Man 4, Fantastic Four, X-Men: The Last Stand) and Larry Leiber (Iron Man, Iron Man 2).
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About Marc Eastman
Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.
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