Hopefully neither of these shows need much introduction; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) and Captain Planet and the Planeteers were both 1990s animated series. The shows were very different, yet equally ridiculous, so I know this will be a heated debate. Just for fun, let's review each series...
TMNT centered on a suppositious group of four turtles who had been genetically altered by a liquid mutagen (because why wouldn't that happen?). After growing to human size, they are taught the art of ninja by Master Splinter, a giant rat, also altered by the mutagen. They live in the sewers of Manhattan and battle evil-doers large and small.
Captain Planet involves 5 kids who have been given rings by the Earth's living spirit named Gaia. Each ring possesses a power that when brought together conjures the hero Captain Planet. Together, the team fights villains who intend harm to the environment.
So both of these shows had memorable theme songs and catch phrases (most likely designed to annoy parents). I still frequently use the phrase "turtle power", especially after a good workout. I also really like to talk myself up when I take out the recycling (recycool as CP would say) by remembering Captain Planet's wise words: "The power is yours". As far as theme songs go, CP's tried a little to hard to be hip; his eco-rap never impressed me and didn't make me want to be a Planeteer.
I didn't want to be a huge genetically altered reptile either, but I sure would have liked to hang out with the Ninja Turtles. They seemed to have a lot of fun, always eating pizza and what not. Of course, living in sewers off of junk food and not going to school probably wasn't a great message for kids, but TMNT did teach the hazards of being exposed to liquid mutagens. Captain Planet was designed to bridge the gap between children's entertainment and education, but who wants that? Kids have to sit in school and be lectured all day long.
TMNT also had more interesting enemies than Captain Planet. My favorite was Krang, that disturbing genius brain-creature (see right). Captain Planet's characters were uncreative and buffoonish- Verminous Scumm's goal was to spread filth and disease, Duke Nukem wasted resources (their names were pretty funny, though).
It should be no surprise... having better theme song, cooler characteres, storyline and villains... TMNT wins!
That's a rout. Captain Planet was super-lame; the Captain himself was a cheap Voltron knock-off, the show was a shill for the UN, and the "Heart" character was laughable.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, the Turtles were awesome.
What's a rout? I don't get it I'm not too smart.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree, TMNT in a blowout.
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