X-Men: Series 2 Trading Cards

It's been a slow news week, so I decided to take a look in the Animated Superhero Archives and see what was there!

Who remembers these ten trading cards that were part of the X-Men: Series 2 trading card set? They were released in 1993 by Sky Box, shortly after the cartoon first aired on Fox Kids. All ten of the cards feature stills and briefly relate the plot of Night of the Sentinels.




















Back to X-Men Series Information

Labels: 1992 X-Men, News 2010 03

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  Where Strides the Behemoth


Season: 1
Episode Number: 4b
Season Episode Number: 4b
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: Paul Soles (Bruce Banner), Max Ferguson (Hulk), Paul Kligman (General "Thunderbolt" Ross), John Vernon (Major Talbot), Bernard Cowan (Narrator), (Tank Driver), (Kanda Khan), (Bandit), (Hakun Gantu).

Plot: The Hulk escapes his captors and travels a great distance to be alone, but once he calms down and turns back into Bruce Banner, he finds himself kidnapped by bandits!

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): More Hulk smashing action, this time from Tales to Astonish #67, is thrown our way as we get to see the Hulk take one a whole army!

There is not too much to this story, Hulk smashes his way to freedom, reverts to Banner, gets kidnapped again. The constant kidnapping is a familiar story in these early Hulk adventures. Since the Hulk's main character trait is his brute strength, Stan Lee often put Banner in situations that he couldn't escape from in order to make the Hulk necessary.

The pacing of this chapter is really good. While some tend to rush things in order to reach the next cliffhanger by the six minute mark, while others stretch things out due to not enough content.

But this episode took it's time telling the story, which is good because we want to see Hulk smash as much as he can, and didn't waste anytime moving on to the next dilemma.

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 2:54 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

  The Power of Doctor Banner!


Season: 1
Episode Number: 4a
Season Episode Number: 4a
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: Paul Soles (Bruce Banner), Max Ferguson (Hulk), Peg Dixon (Betty Ross), (Paul Kligman (General "Thunderbolt" Ross), John Vernon (Major Talbot), Bernard Cowan (Narrator), (Communist Military Commander).

Plot: Bruce Banner has been kidnapped and is suspected of treason by General "Thunderbolt" Ross. Bruce must unleash the power of the Hulk in order to escape.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): Continuing from the last episode, Bruce must face charges of treason. The original issue, Tales to Astonish #66, has Bruce called a communist several times, but those adapting the story for this episode felt that they should leave that out.

Another thing that was left out is a sub-plot about the Leader. In the previous episode, the Leader was pulling the strings and was in contact with the Russian ship's captain. But there is no mention of that anywhere in the episode. He just sort of disappeared.

This storyline wraps up in the third chapter, but the story in the comics continues and the Leader comes back to play a major role in the story once again.

This episode is full of Hulk smashing action, exactly how we love out Hulk cartoons!


Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 2:49 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

  When You Lie Down With Dogs


Season: 1
Episode Number: 4c
Season Episode Number: 4c
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: Arthur Pierce (Captain America), Bernard Cowan (Bucky Barnes, Narrator), (Dr. Cedric Rawlings), (Celia Rawlings), (Major Uberhart), (Soldier).

Plot: Captain America and Bucky must find a way to stop Dr. Rawlings from setting off his deadly rocket, and save Cap's Ranger Unit who have been ambushed by the enemy!

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): Finishing up this storyarc, Grantray-Lawrence Animation brings us a faithful adaptation of Tales of Suspense #71 with some stellar action sequences that are very welcome after a few ho-hum chapters.

But the highlight of this chapter, and the episode is the death of Cecilia Rawlings. Even with its limited animation, this scene is well-written and full of a whole range of emotions on the part of Celia's brother, Cedric.

It is the dynamic artwork from George Tuska and the solid voice work by people who remain unknown that bring out the passion of this scene. Not as good as something you'd see in today's cartoons, but definitely a highlight of this 1966 series.

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 10:40 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

  If This Be Treason!


Season: 1
Episode Number: 4b
Season Episode Number: 4b
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: Arthur Pierce (Captain America), Bernard Cowan (Narrator), (Sergeant Duffy), (Dr. Cedric Rawlings), (Celia Rawlings), (Major Uberhart), (Nazi Pilot), (Soldier).

Plot: While attempting to rescue Bucky, Captain America falls into a trap.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): While Jack Kirby still provides the layouts for Tales of Suspense #70, it's George Tuska who takes over penciling duties. Tuska's artwork really shines through in this episode with many great background and sets and excellent use of shadows. He does people really well too, and I especially like how he draws Dr. Rawlings.

As for the episode, it is a bit ho-hum. There is plot exposition here and there, but most of the episode consists of Cap performing one great feat after the next.

You'd think that would be a recipe for success for any action adventure show, but a lot of the action falls flat due to the very limited animation.

The next chapter, however, is a different story, so keep watching!

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 10:40 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

  Midnight in Greymoor Castle!


Season: 1
Episode Number: 4a
Season Episode Number: 4a
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: Arthur Pierce (Captain America), Bernard Cowan (Bucky Barnes, Narrator), (Sergeant Duffy), (Dr. Cedric Rawlings), (Celia Rawlings), (Saboteur), (Servant), (Nazi Officer).

Plot: Bucky is kidnapped and taken to Greymoor Castle where he will be experimented on by the evil Dr. Rawlings.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): This Captain America tale, found in Tales of Suspense #69, takes us back to WWII, another clue that the episode order that I am following is not correct. Last episode, Cap was in the present reminiscing about his dead partner, Bucky Barnes, and now here he is, alive and well!

This is not a real problem. Just be aware that if you are watching these episodes, I think this one should be episode three.

Other than that, we have a fun Captain America adventure with some great art from Jack Kirby. My favourite scene is the dismembered arm (pictured to the left) 'bopping' Bucky on the head! Somehow, I don't think that is exactly what Kirby had in mind when he drew that panel.

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 10:37 PM 0 Comments Links to this post

  Weekend Round-Up - March 5-7

Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the US:

Sorry, nothing new this week!

Please note:

Batman: The Brave and the Bold will return March 26 with new episodes.

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Here is a list of new superhero cartoons debuting this weekend in the Canada:

Sunday, March 7, 2010
Teletoon, 12:00pm (ET/PT)
Iron Man: Armored Adventures - Don't Worry, Be Happy

Tony finally convinces Rhodey to take the Iron Man armor out for a spin, with disastrous results. Rhodey is terrible at flying and abandons the armor, only to have the worst person on Earth find it – Happy Hogan.

Please Note:

Super Hero Squad Show will return soon with new episodes.

Still no word on the second season premiere of Batman: The Brave and the Bold

Labels: 2008 Batman Brave and the Bold, 2009 Iron Man Armored Adventures, 2009 Super Hero Squad, News 2010 03

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  The End of the Quest


Season: 1
Episode Number: 3c
Season Episode Number: 3c
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: John Vernon (Namor), Peg Dixon (Lady Dorma), Bernard Cowan (Narrator, Lord Vashti), (Krang), (Robot Tank Driver), (Neptune).

Plot: Namor must save Lady Dorma from the Faceless Ones, but that would mean giving up his quest for Neptune's trident and the throne of Atlantis!

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): This chapter moves at an alarmingly quick pace, covering all the material in Tales to Astonish #74, #75 and half of #76! I really don't understand why the first chapter of this episode was so slow, but this one moves at lightning fast speed! Spreading the content out between the three chapter more evenly would have helped a great deal.

I have really enjoyed Namor's quest for Neptune's trident as it has taken him out of his role as ruler and advocate, simply making him an adventurer. I hope that Namor won't get back into his larger-than-life ego and need to rid the surface world of humans too quickly, but some how I doubt it.

I'm also guessing that we haven't seen the end of Lord Krang. I have no idea who is in Namor's rogues gallery, but Krang is a shoe-in to be at the top of the list.

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 10:29 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

  When Fails the Quest


Season: 1
Episode Number: 3b
Season Episode Number: 3b
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: John Vernon (Namor), Peg Dixon (Lady Dorma), Bernard Cowan (Narrator), (Krang), (Zantor), (Demon of the Diamonds), (Neptune), (Rebels), (Electric Eels).

Plot: Lady Dorma prepares to meet her fate at the hands of the Faceless Ones while Namor tries to resist the enchantment of the Diamonds of Doom.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): The pace picks up quite a bit in this chapter and covers the rest of Tales to Astonish #72 plus all of #73. A lot happens in this chapter, including Lady Dorma trapped in the Dome of Doom and Prince Namor trapped by the Diamonds of Doom! That's a lot of doom in one six-minute chapter!

I have to say that I really enjoy this less angsty, more adventurous Sub-Mariner. One of the main reasons that I have not been a fan of the character is because his brooding, angry, stubborn attitude makes me hate him.

But all throughout this quest Namor has been a lot of fun! He has been a thrill-seeker, a problem solver and a just ruler! I hope this Namor is retained throughout the series.

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 10:25 AM 0 Comments Links to this post

  Not All My Power Can Save Me!


Season: 1
Episode Number: 3a
Season Episode Number: 3a
Production Number:
Airdate:

Writer:
Director:

Voices: John Vernon (Namor), Peg Dixon (Lady Dorma), Bernard Cowan (Narrator), (Krang), (Atlantian).

Plot: In his quest for Neptune's trident, Namor must seek the Diamonds of Doom. Meanwhile, Krang attempts to make Lady Dorma his Queen to win over the affection of the Atlantian people.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): This episode is a continuation of the previous episode, but spends too much of its time talking. This chapter only covers six pages of Tales to Astonish #72, one of which is a splashpage.

Most of the episode is dialogue, mainly revolving around Lady Dorma. This bogged down this chapter quite a bit as most of the images we still for several seconds each save moving lips.

I'm sure they could have found a way to cut down on talking and move forward with the story a bit more. The next two chapters move at a much quicker pace, and spreading out the content between the three chapters shouldn't have been a hard thing to do, and I'm not sure why they didn't.

Back to Episode Guide  ¶ 10:22 AM 0 Comments Links to this post