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Hey guys, it's Towers-of-Obscure here, back again with another showcase of reviews!

#6 - Sons of Butcher - Let's clean the dust under the bed starting with these words: ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?! No, really, that's what I'm asking in terms of this 2005 adult comedy straight outta the Toronto voice pool. (Primarily, with Jeff Lumby and Ron Pardo as side roles.) If you're not familiar with them, Sons of Butcher aren't just a real life Canadian heavy metal band - they, like Psychostick, combine comedy into their rock music. (Already this can't end well... And this is coming from the mouth of a guy who loves They Might Be Giants.) They're comprised of Dave Dunham and the Ziebarth brothers, Jay and Trevor. In the cartoon, all of them are brothers (appropriately, with the last name of Butcher), and inherit their pops' low-end butcher shop (after their pops died) as a chance to adapt and start a new life in business, as well as one of the brothers finding himself as a hardcore guitarist. Not much to say about the plot, and the animation style's pretty unique on its own... excluding the three main characters. Since the show was the band's idea, the trio have their real life faces adapted into a CGI generator on a 2D body. It's an awkward method (not used much in animation nowadays), but hey, it's an awkward cartoon. What would expect from a 2000s Canadian adult saga? Not groundbreaking by any means, but could do a lot worse - and one more thing, this show, like Ed Edd n Eddy, has a recurring theme in episode titles. Episode 1's called "Buryin' the Past", followed by the next two episodes which are called "Huntin' the Legend" and "Livin' the Dream". Knowing that, I guess you can see the pattern here.

#5 - Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline - You ever type in random words into the WatchCartoonOnline search bar, and then stumble upon a cartoon or anime you might not have heard before? Yeah, I didn't know this was a half anime either! However, prior to Japan, France worked a lot on this as well for its forty episode run. France played a vital role since it's based off of a comic book series made by Jean-Claude Mezieres & Pierre Christin. Now, here's what it's about: Who are Valerian and Laureline, you might ask? He's from the year 2417 in a future in which Earth is no longer part of the Solar System. She's his tagalong, coming from the year 912, who's getting used to all of this... and more importantly, these two could be the last humans in existence! At least that was a good theory after the duo settled in the galactic capital of Point Central. And thus, they begin a new life as space mercenaries and adventurers, exploring the new space-time continuum while at the same time attempting to rediscover the Earth. Like with the previously mentioned Sons of Butcher, this series also follows an episode title pattern, using a phrase that has the word "Time" in each episode's title. It certainly fares much better, and is actually made for all ages considering, so feel free if you have the time to delve into this impressive 2007 saga!

#4 - Shadow of the Elves - This next fantasy-packed saga from 2004 was suggested by my close personal friend, Slangolator . Before we get into the synopsis, let's the big bads out of the way first. Remember when I reviewed MP4orce and Adventurers: Masters of Time? Yeah, it's made by the same German distributor as those cartoons, and on top of that, has the NYC voice pool with some of its actors who have also worked with 4Kids! Now, this doesn't necessarily make it a bad show to start, because the last time Slangolator requested a show to review for me, I tried my best not to disappoint him - looks like I'm doing it again, but unlike Pop Secret, this animation style's more... appealing. Now then, here's what it's about: Almost microscopic in size, there exists a world hidden within our own; the Meadowlands is a delicate world of flowers as large as redwoods and insects the size of dragons; where peaceful fairies take wing and comical trolls haunt the low land swamps and inhabit dark hidden caves. Without warning, a shroud of evil is creeping across the land… deep in the Dark Wood at the edge of the Meadowlands the Elves have built their citadel in a gnarled ancient tree. Their malevolent leader Lord Kann lusts after control of the entire fairy empire and has vowed to conquer every corner of this magical realm. The only two individuals who can stop him are Damon and Thalia. She's a fairy, and he used to be a general who worked for Kann until he met her. Ever since their encounter, Damon's life has changed, and now he must rebel against his former master to restore peace in the Meadowlands. You may think that with this being made by the same company that did MP4orce and Adventurers: Masters of Time that it would possibly suck just like them, right? Well, from the ONLY comment I found on the KimCartoon Disqus forum, the user said that it had a great story, surprisingly good animation, and interesting characters to the point he wished for a second season! But then again, that's his opinion - and one not to pass up on. If what he said is true, this could be the big adventure you were hoping for in one small world!

#3 - Virus Attack - Okay, even if you have at least one ear, you should know that COVID-19 is still thriving. Fauci's trying his best to keep the virus contained now that Biden's in command, but that's his business. Always remember to keep the mask on to stop the spread, no matter where you go - it's a thing that everyone must know for their own good. And also be glad that COVID hasn't exceeded to its own sentient and extreme mutation, much like the infections that revolve around this next cartoon released by Mondo TV Spa, the creators of Angel's Friends, in 2011. Hundreds of years ago, the inhabitants of a pacific town were kidnapped by a supreme and evil mind to be transported to planets which were used as incubation machines, where they would be mutated into monstrous viruses in order to conquer the Earth. These viruses have the ability to transform themselves, multiply, and fuse to become more powerful. Earth doesn't know it yet, but these otherworldly infections are going to finish what they have started. Does that mean all hope is lost? Not exactly. Enter the protagonist, David Amaldi. Ever since his mom died, his dad, Professor Edward Amaldi, has been obsessing over his theory that the Earth's pollution and human negativity are somehow connected. A ridiculous idea to his former co-workers, and also an embarrasing theory to even David, his own son. The polluted conditions of Earth made it perfect for the viruses to make their move, which laid siege to David's father, but not before David sacrificed himself... or so it would seem. He didn't know it, but David had a unique type of DNA that suddenly activated, transforming him into an antivirus named Dyamer! It was a lot to comprehend for him, I know. And it also took some time to regain his father's trust, since both of them will never know when the viruses might strike next. But David's not riding in on this solo - his friends George and Alice also have similar DNA, which later they use to understand their antivirus powers as Goldor and Arghes, respectively. BUT! These three are merely part of a soon to be group of five that could vaccinate this threat for good. Earth's fate is now in their hands. After all, our planet's like a human body - even it needs disinfecting. Now, keep in mind, this was made by Mondo TV Spa, and its dubbing is always somewhat a bit off with their media. But does it matter? You got a whole deck worth of 52 twelve minute episodes coming out of this saga. Now I'd say that this won't extend quality as much as Angel's Friends... but it's still leagues better than Dinofroz. And if you're looking to watch it through, the most reliable place you can watch it is definitely on YouTube. I guess you could say it's one sick series! (accidental off-key rim shot) But still, here's the link to the episodes: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

#2 - Supa Strikas - "I'm finally here. My heart is pounding... fifty thousand fans screaming... I can't catch my breath... The whistle's sounding."

Soccer: the sport of legends... in practically everywhere that isn't the United States. Unless you're one of those noobs like me who played a lot of the Backyard Sports computer games put out by Humongous Entertainment as a kid. But that's besides the point - here's how this 2008 series primarily based in South Africa is played out: The Supa Strikas are known as the world's greatest soccer team. They start out with Big Bo in the goalkeeper spot, followed by the impressive team display of its members including Cool Joe, Blok, El Matador, and Twisting Tiger. All leading up to their two star players - young and prodigious legend-in-the-making Shakes, and the team's "never say die" captain, Dancing Rasta. (Seriously, it sounds like these soccer players were named by the same guy who came up with the names for the G.I. Joe figures.) For these men in red, being the best is only the REAL beginning of the challenge! Whether it's unrecognized sabotage by the opposing teams that want to dethrone them (such as FC Teknicali and Invincible United), or in-team struggles, finding the resolve to adapt in the upcoming situation is the only victory this team knows how. And of course, Shakes is along for the ride for every moment of it, since he's technically the protagonist. Like most of the cartoons in this showcase, the voice quality and writing is nothing to write home about, and could have underrated qualities to some. However, I have a confession about this series... WHEN DOES A SERIES THAT AVERAGE HAVE THAT EPIC OF A THEME SONG?! I know I said numerous times before that if a series' theme song is the best thing going for it, then it's getting nowhere, but this exception is worth it! If you haven't listened to the theme song for Supa Strikas, you'll thank me for it. (I even mentioned the first part of the lyrics earlier.) It's like a Linkin Park song with as much driving force to get you pumped of what to expect coming from each episode! And that alone definitely makes this series guilty pleasure tier for me! (Sure, I wouldn't say it's as much a guilty pleasure for me as say, The Rubbish World of Dave Spud, but I digress.) 65 episodes of on-field action and goals are waiting for you! But only on KimCartoon, since WatchCartoonOnline only has seasons 1-3 (Or the first 39 episodes). Don't ask why. As if that weren't enough, a prequel series called Supa Strikas: Rookie Season, is in the works, which tells how Shakes rose up to the challenge to become one of the legends in the best soccer team in the world, as well as some details revolving around Shakes' missing father. And for a prequel series, I can tell it's gonna be a wild ride! (Kamp Koral, no offense, but eat your heart out.) Scoring a goal with this series has never been better!

#1 - Rainbow Brite (2014) - Let's wrap this showcase up with a recommendation from my good friend shadowpump4567 . He briefly mentioned this in my Care Bears: Unlock the Magic review (before I got the handle of Eclipse's Literature function) that this was clearly a much better reboot, but... I wouldn't call this much of a "reboot" as it is more like some 45 minute OVA special. (Mazinkaiser SKL also had that similar fate.) Heck, the OG Rainbow Brite from the 80s exceeded it in episode time length AND episode quantity! But, you know me and cartoons from the 80s. But if I had to guess the cause of why this reboot was shortlived, I'd say that Hallmark lost interest in their old coloful flame of theirs. That, or the fact that bronies and pegasisters exist. The story begins when a boy named Brian finds a mysterious key, which then starts to glow. When the glowing stopped, he was riding a mysterious rainbow to an alternate world. There, he meets Rainbow Brite (as played by Emily Osment), and of course, since he's from Earth, it's a lot to take in for him, Rainbow Brite herself being part of it, even though most Earth people can't see her. As it turns out, it's got something to do with his key. But word on the rainbow-colored street is that a darkness is on the prowl. Her name is Dark Princess and she plans to bypass into Earth and turn it colorless. No color means no energy, and that's a bad thing! A bad thing, that's also a task reluctantly befallen unto Rainbow Brite's former friend, Stormy. Brian's key may now be in Stormy's possession, but he's not gonna turn a blind eye on Rainbow, can he? But that was only the beginning. Stormy's attack did what her mistress told her to do - and the breach in the Color Barrier was successful. Little did she know... Stormy had been lied to. Even though she had retrieved the Ring of Hallow Light from Brian's room (which was brought to Earth long ago to keep it safe from the wrong hands), one little question against Dark Princess meant immediate betrayal, sending her back to Rainbow Brite the way she should've been with her - as friends. The reunion leads up to the third and final episode, where at the end, the color is restored thanks to a new upgrade bestowed upon Brian. Overall, this reboot/45-minute OVA is basically everything you wanted to know about the original 80s Rainbow Brite concept, but couldn't give a damn to bother with it. On top of that, all three episodes had Rachel Vine as the head writer - and as we all know, she also wrote some episodes of The Owl House. It's certainly a must-watch definitely worth touring over the rainbow!

Description
Template by KingZanderSanchez-i

Hey guys, it's Towers-of-Obscure here, back again with another showcase of reviews!

#6 - Sons of Butcher - Let's clean the dust under the bed starting with these words: ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?! No, really, that's what I'm asking in terms of this 2005 adult comedy straight outta the Toronto voice pool. (Primarily, with Jeff Lumby and Ron Pardo as side roles.) If you're not familiar with them, Sons of Butcher aren't just a real life Canadian heavy metal band - they, like Psychostick, combine comedy into their rock music. (Already this can't end well... And this is coming from the mouth of a guy who loves They Might Be Giants.) They're comprised of Dave Dunham and the Ziebarth brothers, Jay and Trevor. In the cartoon, all of them are brothers (appropriately, with the last name of Butcher), and inherit their pops' low-end butcher shop (after their pops died) as a chance to adapt and start a new life in business, as well as one of the brothers finding himself as a hardcore guitarist. Not much to say about the plot, and the animation style's pretty unique on its own... excluding the three main characters. Since the show was the band's idea, the trio have their real life faces adapted into a CGI generator on a 2D body. It's an awkward method (not used much in animation nowadays), but hey, it's an awkward cartoon. What would expect from a 2000s Canadian adult saga? Not groundbreaking by any means, but could do a lot worse - and one more thing, this show, like Ed Edd n Eddy, has a recurring theme in episode titles. Episode 1's called "Buryin' the Past", followed by the next two episodes which are called "Huntin' the Legend" and "Livin' the Dream". Knowing that, I guess you can see the pattern here.

#5 - Time Jam: Valerian & Laureline - You ever type in random words into the WatchCartoonOnline search bar, and then stumble upon a cartoon or anime you might not have heard before? Yeah, I didn't know this was a half anime either! However, prior to Japan, France worked a lot on this as well for its forty episode run. France played a vital role since it's based off of a comic book series made by Jean-Claude Mezieres & Pierre Christin. Now, here's what it's about: Who are Valerian and Laureline, you might ask? He's from the year 2417 in a future in which Earth is no longer part of the Solar System. She's his tagalong, coming from the year 912, who's getting used to all of this... and more importantly, these two could be the last humans in existence! At least that was a good theory after the duo settled in the galactic capital of Point Central. And thus, they begin a new life as space mercenaries and adventurers, exploring the new space-time continuum while at the same time attempting to rediscover the Earth. Like with the previously mentioned Sons of Butcher, this series also follows an episode title pattern, using a phrase that has the word "Time" in each episode's title. It certainly fares much better, and is actually made for all ages considering, so feel free if you have the time to delve into this impressive 2007 saga!

#4 - Shadow of the Elves - This next fantasy-packed saga from 2004 was suggested by my close personal friend, Slangolator . Before we get into the synopsis, let's the big bads out of the way first. Remember when I reviewed MP4orce and Adventurers: Masters of Time? Yeah, it's made by the same German distributor as those cartoons, and on top of that, has the NYC voice pool with some of its actors who have also worked with 4Kids! Now, this doesn't necessarily make it a bad show to start, because the last time Slangolator requested a show to review for me, I tried my best not to disappoint him - looks like I'm doing it again, but unlike Pop Secret, this animation style's more... appealing. Now then, here's what it's about: Almost microscopic in size, there exists a world hidden within our own; the Meadowlands is a delicate world of flowers as large as redwoods and insects the size of dragons; where peaceful fairies take wing and comical trolls haunt the low land swamps and inhabit dark hidden caves. Without warning, a shroud of evil is creeping across the land… deep in the Dark Wood at the edge of the Meadowlands the Elves have built their citadel in a gnarled ancient tree. Their malevolent leader Lord Kann lusts after control of the entire fairy empire and has vowed to conquer every corner of this magical realm. The only two individuals who can stop him are Damon and Thalia. She's a fairy, and he used to be a general who worked for Kann until he met her. Ever since their encounter, Damon's life has changed, and now he must rebel against his former master to restore peace in the Meadowlands. You may think that with this being made by the same company that did MP4orce and Adventurers: Masters of Time that it would possibly suck just like them, right? Well, from the ONLY comment I found on the KimCartoon Disqus forum, the user said that it had a great story, surprisingly good animation, and interesting characters to the point he wished for a second season! But then again, that's his opinion - and one not to pass up on. If what he said is true, this could be the big adventure you were hoping for in one small world!

#3 - Virus Attack - Okay, even if you have at least one ear, you should know that COVID-19 is still thriving. Fauci's trying his best to keep the virus contained now that Biden's in command, but that's his business. Always remember to keep the mask on to stop the spread, no matter where you go - it's a thing that everyone must know for their own good. And also be glad that COVID hasn't exceeded to its own sentient and extreme mutation, much like the infections that revolve around this next cartoon released by Mondo TV Spa, the creators of Angel's Friends, in 2011. Hundreds of years ago, the inhabitants of a pacific town were kidnapped by a supreme and evil mind to be transported to planets which were used as incubation machines, where they would be mutated into monstrous viruses in order to conquer the Earth. These viruses have the ability to transform themselves, multiply, and fuse to become more powerful. Earth doesn't know it yet, but these otherworldly infections are going to finish what they have started. Does that mean all hope is lost? Not exactly. Enter the protagonist, David Amaldi. Ever since his mom died, his dad, Professor Edward Amaldi, has been obsessing over his theory that the Earth's pollution and human negativity are somehow connected. A ridiculous idea to his former co-workers, and also an embarrasing theory to even David, his own son. The polluted conditions of Earth made it perfect for the viruses to make their move, which laid siege to David's father, but not before David sacrificed himself... or so it would seem. He didn't know it, but David had a unique type of DNA that suddenly activated, transforming him into an antivirus named Dyamer! It was a lot to comprehend for him, I know. And it also took some time to regain his father's trust, since both of them will never know when the viruses might strike next. But David's not riding in on this solo - his friends George and Alice also have similar DNA, which later they use to understand their antivirus powers as Goldor and Arghes, respectively. BUT! These three are merely part of a soon to be group of five that could vaccinate this threat for good. Earth's fate is now in their hands. After all, our planet's like a human body - even it needs disinfecting. Now, keep in mind, this was made by Mondo TV Spa, and its dubbing is always somewhat a bit off with their media. But does it matter? You got a whole deck worth of 52 twelve minute episodes coming out of this saga. Now I'd say that this won't extend quality as much as Angel's Friends... but it's still leagues better than Dinofroz. And if you're looking to watch it through, the most reliable place you can watch it is definitely on YouTube. I guess you could say it's one sick series! (accidental off-key rim shot) But still, here's the link to the episodes: www.youtube.com/playlist?list=…

#2 - Supa Strikas - "I'm finally here. My heart is pounding... fifty thousand fans screaming... I can't catch my breath... The whistle's sounding."

Soccer: the sport of legends... in practically everywhere that isn't the United States. Unless you're one of those noobs like me who played a lot of the Backyard Sports computer games put out by Humongous Entertainment as a kid. But that's besides the point - here's how this 2008 series primarily based in South Africa is played out: The Supa Strikas are known as the world's greatest soccer team. They start out with Big Bo in the goalkeeper spot, followed by the impressive team display of its members including Cool Joe, Blok, El Matador, and Twisting Tiger. All leading up to their two star players - young and prodigious legend-in-the-making Shakes, and the team's "never say die" captain, Dancing Rasta. (Seriously, it sounds like these soccer players were named by the same guy who came up with the names for the G.I. Joe figures.) For these men in red, being the best is only the REAL beginning of the challenge! Whether it's unrecognized sabotage by the opposing teams that want to dethrone them (such as FC Teknicali and Invincible United), or in-team struggles, finding the resolve to adapt in the upcoming situation is the only victory this team knows how. And of course, Shakes is along for the ride for every moment of it, since he's technically the protagonist. Like most of the cartoons in this showcase, the voice quality and writing is nothing to write home about, and could have underrated qualities to some. However, I have a confession about this series... WHEN DOES A SERIES THAT AVERAGE HAVE THAT EPIC OF A THEME SONG?! I know I said numerous times before that if a series' theme song is the best thing going for it, then it's getting nowhere, but this exception is worth it! If you haven't listened to the theme song for Supa Strikas, you'll thank me for it. (I even mentioned the first part of the lyrics earlier.) It's like a Linkin Park song with as much driving force to get you pumped of what to expect coming from each episode! And that alone definitely makes this series guilty pleasure tier for me! (Sure, I wouldn't say it's as much a guilty pleasure for me as say, The Rubbish World of Dave Spud, but I digress.) 65 episodes of on-field action and goals are waiting for you! But only on KimCartoon, since WatchCartoonOnline only has seasons 1-3 (Or the first 39 episodes). Don't ask why. As if that weren't enough, a prequel series called Supa Strikas: Rookie Season, is in the works, which tells how Shakes rose up to the challenge to become one of the legends in the best soccer team in the world, as well as some details revolving around Shakes' missing father. And for a prequel series, I can tell it's gonna be a wild ride! (Kamp Koral, no offense, but eat your heart out.) Scoring a goal with this series has never been better!

#1 - Rainbow Brite (2014) - Let's wrap this showcase up with a recommendation from my good friend shadowpump4567 . He briefly mentioned this in my Care Bears: Unlock the Magic review (before I got the handle of Eclipse's Literature function) that this was clearly a much better reboot, but... I wouldn't call this much of a "reboot" as it is more like some 45 minute OVA special. (Mazinkaiser SKL also had that similar fate.) Heck, the OG Rainbow Brite from the 80s exceeded it in episode time length AND episode quantity! But, you know me and cartoons from the 80s. But if I had to guess the cause of why this reboot was shortlived, I'd say that Hallmark lost interest in their old coloful flame of theirs. That, or the fact that bronies and pegasisters exist. The story begins when a boy named Brian finds a mysterious key, which then starts to glow. When the glowing stopped, he was riding a mysterious rainbow to an alternate world. There, he meets Rainbow Brite (as played by Emily Osment), and of course, since he's from Earth, it's a lot to take in for him, Rainbow Brite herself being part of it, even though most Earth people can't see her. As it turns out, it's got something to do with his key. But word on the rainbow-colored street is that a darkness is on the prowl. Her name is Dark Princess and she plans to bypass into Earth and turn it colorless. No color means no energy, and that's a bad thing! A bad thing, that's also a task reluctantly befallen unto Rainbow Brite's former friend, Stormy. Brian's key may now be in Stormy's possession, but he's not gonna turn a blind eye on Rainbow, can he? But that was only the beginning. Stormy's attack did what her mistress told her to do - and the breach in the Color Barrier was successful. Little did she know... Stormy had been lied to. Even though she had retrieved the Ring of Hallow Light from Brian's room (which was brought to Earth long ago to keep it safe from the wrong hands), one little question against Dark Princess meant immediate betrayal, sending her back to Rainbow Brite the way she should've been with her - as friends. The reunion leads up to the third and final episode, where at the end, the color is restored thanks to a new upgrade bestowed upon Brian. Overall, this reboot/45-minute OVA is basically everything you wanted to know about the original 80s Rainbow Brite concept, but couldn't give a damn to bother with it. On top of that, all three episodes had Rachel Vine as the head writer - and as we all know, she also wrote some episodes of The Owl House. It's certainly a must-watch definitely worth touring over the rainbow!