Notice, this is a revisited of my old review of Road Rovers in my account of DA "Mature915". And also with a help of MDTArtist83's ideas for the characters from fan-fiction and developments. Readers description advised.
Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to my Cartoon review.
Back in April 2015, i made a review of Road Rovers. Which i though it was great, but looking back, i wasn't as satisfy for this, because i made a few errors of my words, some that my thoughts wasn't too easy and some that i put too much emojis.
So, i better try it again, because not only make it better, but its also a 20th anniversary of Road Rovers, since it came out in 1996. And as in early 2015, Warner Bros finally decided to release a DVD, which means we're finally manage to buy the copy to bring us back in time.
Well, not for me, because i never seen this show, since i used to enjoy some cartoons in my childhood like Dexter's Laboratory, The Fly Tales, Inspector Gadget and even Pokemon Anime 1st Gen.
So for those you never heard of, Road Rovers is a 1996 to 1997 Warner Bros cartoon that was directed written by Tom Ruegger. As i said before, it only has 13 episodes in a single season. Which the show wasn't gain more promises because it has some edgy moments and some fan-service.
So, can this show holds up today, or is this show remains obscurity?
Lets find out.
The story
It begins in Socorro, New Mexico,with a professor name William F. Shepherd who works on a laboratory for the project of experimental transdogmafier technology, but then a main villain name General Parvo who wants the technology, but he can also exchange Shepherd's lost dog. But it was all Parvo's deadly trap to destroy the lab and steal his technology to creating mutants to taking over the world. But one year later, Shepherd who's rarely revived to call upon five dogs to become anthro dogs know as "Cano-sapiens" with Hunter, Colleen, Exile, Blitz, Shag and Muzzle(?) come to save the world from Parvo's threats.
If' you've seen or heard of this show, you're probably be like "Hey, its similar story elements of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.". I mean kinda sounds like it, but with dogs. The different is that in Ninja Turtles, it takes placer on sewer basement, while Road Rovers takes place on the underground basement the lab's destruction, but it feels rather puzzling for the basement, which il get to that later about it and Professor Shepherd.
Even though the story was the same as The Ninja turtles, but slightly creative for some parts.
The animation
I don't know what to say about the animation, its just a cool looking art of animation of 90's. Even its almost look like Batman animated series, but with dogs. The background is pretty cool and the character designs is interesting and badass. sometimes, the animation design might get changes that we though it was done by the same animators, but it may or may not didn't matter for the quality. Not to mention, the vehicles of Road rovers are pretty cool, Its almost like what if they release a merchandise of them. I wonder what if Hasbro do that.
Not much else to say, the animation is well done, for 96 to 97.
The characters
These characters are either good or even a mixed bag. Not to mention il talk about almost every characters on the show to wanna know who they are if you're not a huge fan of it.
First up is Hunter, the Golden Retriever from USA and the leader of the group. (Voiced by Jess Harnell, who's best known as a funny narrator of America's Funniest home videos and he's still doing it to this day.) He's rather a nice boss with carefree and a respect for the team. He has the ability of super-speed and he loves playing fetch with a tennis ball. But the downside is that the show is focusing too much about Hunter. He's just doing his mission all by himself than his partners. That is just absolutely shameful to considering that he's a Gary Stu. I mean he could've let his partners to do their mission whatever they want than doing it himself only.
He could be interesting, but he's rather a Gary Stu.
Next is the only female of the group name Colleen, the rough Collie from UK. (Voiced by Tress Macneille, aka Dot from Animaniacs) She's rather likable in the show, due to the fact that she's a martial artist and she has a sense of humor with sassy attitude. She's also a medic, i wonder what if her partners keep calling her as "Doctor" if they're injured. However, she has a temper problem whenever she was annoyed by Blitz, which no matter how many times she attacks him, she just acting like she didn't care for some reason. The most common thing about her, is that she's a love interest of Hunter, but the downside is that they could've add more development for their relationship.
Despite her temper problem from Blitz, but she's an interesting girl to kicking ass of martial arts.
The third member is Exile, a Siberian husky from... Well, Siberia. (Voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson) He's another likable character in the show. He's a heart-warming member of the group that he's even more nicer than Hunter. He has super strength, heat vision, cold vision and even night vision. Like Colleen, he also have a problem with Blitz, which no matter Blitz makes annoying or stupid, he always telling him with "Don't be a weird boy". But sometimes, he can be a bit immature for a judgement of their minds like saying that of the former member name "Sport" calling him a "losing his business of his mind".
Despite immature, but he's still a cool and strong husky.
The fourth member is Blitz, a Doberman from Germany (voiced by Jeff Bennett, aka Johnny Bravo). Unlike three members of the group, he's easily a downfall character of the show, he has no respect for his partners like Colleen and Exile and much as being an egotistic. But he did doing better, since he has sharp claws and teeth to cut or bite sharply, but thats just the beginning. Its as if he's trying way to hard to be a nice guy, failed miserably for his attitude problem. He's much as whiny and begging everytime for his life. I mean come on, there's no way to begging yourself in interrogation or in torture room.
But the same happens for the fandom like in fan-fiction, like in one fan-fiction, he calls for quit the group after many times being abused by his partners, its just plain harsh and depressing for him. I know its all part of a gag in the show, but its rather getting old over and over for being abused.
Personally, im not sure that i either like of hate him, because he always cause nothing but trouble for the team.
The fifth member is Shag, Tibetan terrier from Switzerland. (Voiced by the man withe the thousand voices, Frank Welker) He's probably the weakest member of the group with Blitz, but with cowardly attitude. He didn't have any chance to beating up the bad guys in the fight scene. Well, he did do his business like drinking in toilet or even being a cooker in the basement. For his ability? Well, he only has super strength like Exile, but maybe stronger than him? Either that or maybe he uses a rocket launcher in the wrong position. But not only being a coward, he can't take negative or insult with his anger. Sheesh, talk about a temper problem or other wise he could make a death threat, especially with Blitz, kinda...
So basically, he's like what if they mix between Scooby-Do and Courage the cowardly dog in the blender. But i hate to say that, he's pretty much unlikable in the show what so ever.
The sixth and final member of the group is Muzzle, Rottweiler from USA too. (Also voiced by Frank Welker) He's another likable character in the show, mainly because he's more like a weapon to kill anyone in off-screen (Yeah, its to far for his killing. ^^;). Even he may or may not have personality, since he's like a psychopath dog for violents. But other times he's absent in various episode. But he's the only member in dog form than into "Cano-sapien". But in most fan-fiction, he did turn into "Cano-Sapien" form to give him a voice. I was imagine his voice will be like Ian Hecox from Smosh but a bit deeper.
He's rather likable, but he could get more appearance with extra personality and more action.
For the final character of the good guys is Professor William F. Shepherd (voice by Joseph Campanella), he was also refereed as "The master" for the rovers. But he's one of the character that i don't know how. Like how did he survived as a god-like boss with white hairs, glowing eyes and a glowing room. Not to mention, how did her made basement and how did he calls five dogs on their country, is it supposed to be a satellite?? But no, it has no answers about The master, its just outright frustrating for the cryptic about his flippin life!
I apologize for my anger problem, which we know that he's much as being an unknown character.
There a few other goods in the show, like Professor Hubert, who's a scientist in the basement, but he only has a small appearance in one episode and yeah. Plus, Shepherd mentioned that there five more characters in the group that i think they're supposed to be missing in the episode of "Dawn of the Groomer". I don't who they are, but they're also remain unknown. Im pretty some fan made a fan-fiction for their character development.
So now we got the good guys out of the way, lets talk about the bad guys.
Our main villain of the show is General Parvo and his female assistant The Groomer. Only talking about them unlike three other guys like Captain Storm, Gustav and Donovan, The best way to say about them, they are super stupid (Storm), super lame (Gustav) and super boring (Donovan).
Anyway, back the main villains.
General Parvo is one villain that we like. (Especially he was voiced by Jim Cummings, aka Dr. Robotnik from Sonic Satam). As i mention before, he's goal is to create mutated animals like dogs, cats, crocodiles, bugs and others to taking over the world. When you first see him, you probably think he's a badass looking vilain with robot arm and leg with a similar look from Hulk Hogan. But not before he was revealed as a half-man/half-cat in "Dawn of the Groomer", which he said that he hates cats and dogs. Which its probably a cliche idea of cats vs dogs. Well, he did show his backstory about him in episode 10(?) "Reigning Cats And Dogs", but it was pretty complicated, because we don't know how did he has robotic arm and leg.
As for his assistant The Groomer (voiced by Sheena Easton), she's rather an interesting villainess. But she has a love and hate relationship from Parvo, due to the fact that she's a cat lover in "Dawn of the Groomer", which she creates her felomutants. Not to mention, she can be creepy, since she has her man-made scissors to scare the heck at Shag, but not before take rage at her.
However in the final episode of "A day in the life", they're being busted by Road Rovers, as Hunter summons Muzzle to attack them, but it was blackout for several hours later which is absolutely annoying. But many fans are debating if they die or survived. Personally, i'd say they're being killed off by Muzzle in off-screen.
Overall, these guys are great, even though some backstory of Parvo could've add more development.
Now lets talk about the mutants. If you've seen Ninja Turtles, you're familiar with mutated henchmen like Bebop and Rocksteady. Well, in Road Rovers, it has that, kinda...
Meet Fluffy and Spot.
These guys are the earliest example of Canomutants. Even though they may not have personality or even giving a name. (almost)
Well, one of the light brown with leotard one was named Fluffy, which he was given from the owner. And the dalmatian one has no name, thankfully he has a name called "Spot". It may sound like an obvious name choice for dogs, but maybe it fit well for his appearance.
However, they only appear two episodes. Well actually, Spot appeared three episodes specifically.
In most fan-fiction, they have personalities, they have spoken dialogues and they're portray as a comical bad guys with a gag of failure plans, kinda like Wile E Coyote from Looney Tunes.
I gotta say, they look pretty cool, i wonder what if they meet Bebop and Rocksteady.
The third mutated dog is a poodle name "Snuggles".
Like Fluffy, he only appeared two episodes and he only has a small appearances.
When i first saw a poodle for the test from Parvo's plan, i though that its female dog which i was expect to see a female mutated dog because of a female-like eyes. But when he was transformed for seconds, i felt that i changed my mind as if saying "Ok, il change my mind, i think its a male.". Either that or maybe il probably prefer to hear Parvo's quote "Get rid of him".
Once again, he has no name and personality. Thankfully he has a name "Snuggles". It may sound like a weird choice, but i think it fit well, since he's a poodle.
Like Fluffy and Spot, in fan-fiction, he has more development with personality and he has spoken dialogue with French accent, because most poodle come from France.
There a few other Canomutants in the show, which they have like three designs that Parvo created them. Which most of them appear small in less than 3 episodes and some of them appeared once.
For example, there's two Canomutants (Red and Blue) appear only at the beginning of "Still A Few Bugs In The System".
When i first saw them, they made me in curiosity like "Why these guys looks like a rejected wrestlers?", "Why did they wear them on purpose?" or "Whats with the fashion choice for them?"
These outfits like them is common in the most old comics and cartoons that some characters wear speedo or something. Its always a rare idea for this.
But to be honest, they could've make more appearance, since they're like a beginner enemies like in arcade games or RPG. They're rather handsome and interesting.
Final example is these other Canomutants.
These guys dressed up what if they stole from military basement of USA.
Silly imagination aside, they're also pretty cool in Platoon. Even they have a different heads since they're all transformed by Parvo and The Groomer.
These Canomutants are pretty cool, handsome and rather likable, since they only have small and single appearances.
The last one that im talking about is the Felomutants.
These mutated cats appeared only one episode of "Dawn of the Groomer" which they only made by The Groomer, cause like i said, she loves cats, but Parvo was unimpressed by her idea, because again, he hates cats, since he's also a cat.
Like Canomutants, they have no name and personality. But they have their development from the fans.
One of the brown with Mohawk name "Whisker". At first, i was convinced that its a female character, due to the obvious reason that she has a boobs and slim body. Also, i don't know how did she has a deep boyish voiced to introduce the empress to Colleen and Blitz.
The big white one named "Snowball". I think his name fits well for his appearance. Even though its strange that he's bottomless. I gueess the producer doesn't want to get more fan service with speedos like Red and Blue Canomutants had.
And the back one called "Midnight", also agreement to fit the name perfectly. However, he's the only one who never appear, i don't know, maybe he just walked away to get his own cat food.
Like Parvo and The Groomer's fate, when the temple is about to destroy, we didn't know what happen to them, did they die or survived? We don't know. Personally, i suggest they'll survive from the disaster and out there in unknown.
They're pretty interesting, but having cats are way to cute to be a creepy mutated creatures.
There a few other mutants, but if i have to pick one that i like, it will be a mutated bugs in "Still A Few Bugs In The System". Like Canomutants Red and Blue, they only appear once, but they're the main focus of the episode. They look pretty cool, creepy and disgusting if anyone who has a fear of bugs. They feel like what if they'r from Fallout series, it will be even more creepy in the game to be bigger than others. But im suprised there's no other bugs choice like cockroaches, mantis, moth or even Spider-- Oh wait, its not a bug.
So lets talk about the reasons of the show and others with my opinion.
For the reason why it was canceled, is that some parents felt that it felt rather edgy for kids like it has violence, some fan-service or maybe it was a bit similar to TMNT. Another mention is that show didn't gain popularity for the rating and opinion since they're planned to make their second season, but the project was flushed out. another fact about scrapping the project, is that rumor has it that there's a 14th episode that was nearly finished, but never release on TV, there's also rumor about Christmas special, but we don't know if its true.
The show ends up remaining obscurity in the early millennium, not even a plan of merchandise like toys, comics, VHS, video games, costumes nor any other stuff what fans like to get. Its very sad end what it could've make a rivalry with Ninja Turtles, a similar story elements with dogs saving the world from a hybrid villain creating mutants taking over world to make a favorite show in late 90's, and then they're all vanished.
But several years later, it became a cult favorite for the childhood experience back in the late 90's, which it became a small fandom in internet like DeviantArt. You know, even though i like the show because of the fandom, but i was likely enjoy some bigger ones like My little pony or even Steven Universe, but they came out in 2010 era. I respect to the fans that we like some cultures of cartoons in childhood or even in modern age, but i understand why it was sad that some of them are short-lived for the lack of rating, quality or any other problems, i can respect their sympathy to anyone who misses the old gem from the past. If maybe, some shows will coming back for a sequel, a spin-off or a reboot.
It was pretty shallow for the obscurity, which we always want back for Warner Bros. I mean for example, there's Young Justice that was started in 2011, but quickly ended in 2013. But don't worry, they will be back for their third season in the future, its as if they promised to the fans to bring it back.
As for Road Rovers? it didn't happened at all... But not before WB admitted that fans really miss the show, as they took their promise that they release a DVD of the show in early 2015. Its really nice to bring it back for the fans, even though they could've release it in this year for the 20th anniversary, but thats their decision.
Finally, lets talk about same fact times of the show that you'll find something that you've never seen.
In episode 3 called "A Hair of The Dog That Bit You", there's one female character name Princess Diana who appeared in cameo. This show came out 1996, one year before her widespread tragic death in Paris with a fatal car crash.
Another cameo in the show is the former president of USA name Bill Clinton, who's been in 1993 to 2001 which he was replaced by a shameful president George W. Bush. Even though this show was made in the 90's, it makes sense to have Mr. Clinton on the show that he was referenced. If Road Rovers coming back, im not sure if they'll using a real life president again, i hope its gonna be a fictional character who will be a president of USA unlike what we have here in 2016. (Goddamn you Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump!!!)
The show was referenced from other cartoons that they're also made by Warner Bros.
For example, in one episode of "The Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries", there's a statue of Hunter in the museum. But i never seen this show...
Another referenced is show called "Histeria!", which there's a dog name Fetch (voiced by of course, Frank Welker), who looks a bit similar to Hunter. Which many people theorized they're a lost twin brothers, but for me, its just a silly imagination.
In the last episode of "A day in the life" there's a song sequence about Russian names. But it was quickly cut out, which i think that is just plain racism for Russia. Don't know how,
But some theories doesn't make any sense at all, one theory said that show is a ripoff of one that was called "Wing Puppies" that was made by Blumenfeld, which they sued Warner Bros for stealing their ideas. I searched around on Google for the information. But as i agree, this is just nothing but a non-sense of hoax. I mean, who ever wrote this theory is absolutely stupidest i've heard since a multiple of weird theories about mysterious disappearances.
Ok, its time for my final opinion of this underrated show.
Overall, Road Rovers is probably an interesting show that i gave a shot last year. If maybe il rewatch it to looking back.
It has creative story (Even though its a same elements of TMNT), good animation for the 90's and its now wonder why it considered as a cult favorite. Even though some of the characters that are mixed, some that are good and some that are... lackluster.
If you're asking which episodes i like, it will be Episode 1: Let's Hit The Road, Episode 3: A Hair of The Dog That Bit You, Episode 6: The Dog Who Knew Too Much, Episode 7: Hunter's Heroes, Episode 8: Dawn of The Groomer and Episode 9: Still A Few Bugs In The System. but some episode that i don't like, it will be Episode 2: Storm From The Pacific, Episode 10: Reigning Cats And Dogs, Episode 12: Take me to your leader and Episode 13: A day in the life.
Like i said, i understand you miss your fav underrated show in the 90's, but they're back for the DVD release, so you can get it in internet store to looking back.
If you like this gem, this one is for you.
Now, i though i gave it a 9/10, which like i said, i wasn't as satisfy for my thoughts of my review.
So, il decided change my rating to 8/10.
It may have some problems, but its always great to looking back to your childhood experience. Well ,not for me, because i was curious about it before i watched it.
So this ends of my review, if you have your thoughts of any suggestions, let me know at the comments bellow.
Thanks for reading and im Anthony signing out. ;)
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