This show is another under the radar gem. This show is based on a comic book series from Image comics. It was part of a line up from the early years of the company, back then the company was a breakout hit as they had comic series after series that became instant phenomenon's, and this series was one of them. Though as time when on and the company grew more, most of Image's early comic line up has been forgotten much like this show.
I was a kid from the 90's and do read and collect comic books, though I'll admit I haven't really collected any from the Image company at the time. Not that they were bad, I was just more highly focused on other comic book series. But I always love watching animated programs and this show caught my eye and was how I heard about the comic series.
Yeah, it's true the series does take its cues from "X-Men" and "Agents of Shield" though same can be said about a lot of other comic series out there. This series isn't really on the same level as several other comic book based animated series sort of on the B list in my book; let alone a series the reinvents the wheel but it's still fun and functional all the same.
Really love the theme song which is one of my favorite theme songs of all time. It's just really catchy and exciting, just from those first lyrics and the rocking tunes just really grab you and let you know your in for some hard-hitting action. Also, the animation is spot on as it's true to it's comic book series predecessor, which is fine as I wouldn't want it any other way.
Plotline is good if nothing special, sort of a fun mix of both "X-Men", "Agents of Shield" and the movie "They Live" as it's an alien invasion on nasty aliens that are in disguise and possess people which makes them hard to detect and track, and you have a covert team to stop them.
But what I do like is that there actually is some plot progression where wasn't common in animated shows let along live action TV shows at the time. There is solid super hero action which is well choreographed, from seeing everyone use a mix of superpowers, shoot outs and even some martial arts which I like so the action doesn't feel bland.
I even really like that there is some character drama, each episode is always focused on a specific character and in each of them we have some depth as to who they are which was interesting as that was something that hasn't been done in animated shows at the time. And the character dynamics and chemistry with the team is there, so you really buy these guys as a team.
There are some characters that stand out, two that I really like are Maul, whom is pretty much like Beast from "X-Men" as he's super strong and can increase it by growing gigantic, built like a house, but has an intellect and heart that matches and surpasses his super strength.
Though my favorite is Griffith whom is like Gambit from "X-Men" though also a little like "Deadpool" with that mask he has which looks suspiciously similar to "Deadpool" mask. Like both he's pretty much the Scaundrel with a heart of gold. He character doesn't have superpowers or none that I really know. But his character is cool all the same as he is using guns. His slickness in stealth infiltration and has plenty of ammo for charisma and wit.
Though if there is one scratch on this show are the super villains aren't really memorable. There cool looking like the head honcho whom has this flaming skull similar to "Ghost Rider", have slight menace and they do have some personality but we never really get to know them as their not all that well developed. This aren't broken super villains as they still serve their functions but they could be better.
It would be cool if they did a revival, though on a streaming channel, and the program aimed more for teens and adults, as a little closer to the story line from the comics. Elaborate more with the alien invasion plotline, could put a Lovecraftian spin where there are cyclopean ruins bring more depth to them and deepen the motives on the takeover, may 'be it's for one of their ancient old one's gods to appease. Also bring some depth to the super villains so their just as memorable as the superheroes.
If it's animated again with the same style though would have a few more graphic details. For the voice cast may 'be some of the cast from "Smallville" like Tom Welling could voice Spartan, Michael Rosenblum the character Griffth. Or if they want a live action series which would be cool if the effects are on par and they cast just right.
I know long shots and grasping straws but still thoughts to consider. Though sadly this idea probably might not likely happen as it's hard to reprint and revive comic series long gone but then again sometimes live action comic movies and TV series have occurred for the most unlikely picks so who knows.
"Wild C.A.T.S." is a wild fun time.
Rating: 3 stars
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