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Earthworm Jim the Complete Series
Based on the classic
video game Earthworm Jim, Via Vision have released the 1995
cartoon series on DVD that features our favourite bumbling computer game
hero in a variety of comedic anecdotes. For those who are unaware of
Earthworm Jim (Dan Castellaneta), Jim was once a normal earthworm and
really couldn't tell his head from his tail. However Jim literally
stumbled upon a super suit which transformed him into the superhero
known as Earthworm Jim.
Fortunately for Earth,
we have a new protector but unfortunately for Jim, the denizens of evil
want his suit and these include Professor Monkey-for-a-head (Charles
Adler) and Queen Slug-for-a-butt (Andrea Martin) plus Evil the cat
(Edward Hibbert). But all heroes have sidekicks and Jim is joined by
Peter Puppy (Jeff Bennett) and girlfriend Princess What's-Her-Name (Kath
Soucie) who make up some of the characters of this ridiculous animated
series.
Paying direct homage to the original video game, Earthworm Jim follows
the standard superhero cartoon archetype that requires Jim to either
save himself or someone else in each episode. However where Earthworm
Jim shines as a cartoon is through its odd sense of humour that ranges
from gut wrenchingly funny to downright horrible. Castellaneta (the
voice of Homer Simpson) is perfectly cast as the witty Jim and just like
the video game, Jim sometimes talks to the player... errr viewer.
The series is also
narrated by Jeff Bennett who also lends more humour to this strange
premise of an intelligent superhero worm. For fans of the video game,
you're probably thinking where does the cow fit into all this antics and
I can happily inform you that the cow makes an appearance in every
episode which generally involves our hero being crushed at the end of
each episode in classic South Park Kenny fashion.
With so many video game references that you can poke a stick, the
creators of the animated series have also managed to expand the
mythology behind this character but once again, it's the humour that
stands out here. From Jim looking for a new sidekick when Peter messed
up or Bob the Killer goldfish trying to steal Jim's suit, outrageousness
is the key here like Jim accidentally photocopying himself to create an
evil duplicate. It's classic over the top cartoon humour. With action,
adventure and misfortune, the definitive Earthworm Jim series is here on
DVD!
The only downside to
this release is that that video quality is a little lacking but for
purists like myself, this is a much needed release. Check it out if you
were a fan of the original video game or wanting something a little left
out of centre for your animated treat.
Recommended to all
weirdos! |
