Earthworm Jim (1995–1996)

I am a huge animation fan, and consider some animated films and shows some of my favourites ever. Earthworm Jim, the underrated gem it is, is no exception. Even as a child, I admired how bizarre it was but also how brilliantly written and animated it was. Revisiting it after goodness knows how long, I still do. The animation is truly excellent, with bold colours, audacious backgrounds and sharp and unique character designs. The music is a delight too, the main theme is well and truly memorable and the incidental music is cleverly and imaginatively composed.

The story lines are outstanding. They were well paced, being very brisk and original, a refreshing retread from being predictable and contrived. I also love the characters. Jim is a moron at times, but he is also very charming, likable and witty, while Peter Puppy is adorable, Jim's girlfriend doesn't fall into the trap of being clichéd and the villains are outrageously fun in their motives, how they're voiced and animated and even in their names.

What made Earthworm Jim in my opinion was in its writing. This is one brilliantly written show, not only in the dialogue which is superb and enthusiastically delivered but in the surreal gags and post modern humour and inspired spoofs. The voice acting consistently is top notch, especially Dan Castallenetta who is perfect as Jim. To conclude, Earthworm Jim is a gem, and deserves to be better known than it is. 10/10 Bethany Cox