Hellboy Toon!

By: Brian Thomas
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2006

HELLBOY: SWORD OF STORMS premieres tonight on the Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. The 70-minute animated feature is not exactly a sequel to Guillermo del Toro’s 2004 feature film, since it doesn’t really pick up on much of the narrative themes and dramatic arcs of the live-action version. However, Ron Perlman and Selma Blair continue on in their roles from the movie. SWORD OF STORMS is more like an episode in a Hellboy TV series than a movie. The plot has Hellboy going to Japan with Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense boss Kate Corrigan (Perri Gilpin) to investigate a supernatural attack in the home of a noted professor. The prof is possessed by demons trapped within a magic sword in his collection, and his spells cause tectonic and meteorological disturbances worldwide, while awakening huge dragons. Meanwhile, touching the sword transports Hellboy to a feudal Japanese landscape full of yokai demons, and the only way back for him is to break the sword, which will also release the two storm demons trapped within.

As expected, animation is able to better match creator Mike Mignola’s artwork – Hellboy has a tail! – though the designs are a bit brighter and more cartoon-like, avoiding Mignola’s trademark chiaroscuro shading. The animation and layouts are impressive, and the adventure is well plotted with interesting twists. However, the project has a lightweight feeling to it. Aside from a brief introduction, there isn’t much introduction to the lead characters. And other than a bit about Liz Sherman learning to better control her flame powers, there’s not much character growth or conflict.

There are some really nice touches, however. The opening sequence, in which Hellboy, Liz and Abe Sapien (Doug Jones, ably providing the voice for the character that was dubbed over in the movie) destroy the undead cult of a Mayan bat god, projects a sense of empathy for the monsters. And some of the menaces facing Hellboy in the past are really creepy, though also handled with good humor. The next Hellboy anime movie BLOOD AND IRON promises to be even better, as it reunites our heroes with Professor Broom closer to home as they battle the more traditional vampires, werewolves and witches of legend.

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

In theaters next weekend:

(O) FLUSHED AWAY (DreamWorks) This new feature from Aardman Animation, creators of CHICKEN RUN and WALLACE & GROMIT, opens November 3 and promises more of their trademark fun. Hugh Jackman voices posh London rat who has an adventure and learns about life on the other side of the toilet from streetwise Kate Winslet.

NEW DVD RELEASES

Here’s a rundown of the constant stream of anime comin’ at ya on DVD from around the world:

(O) JAKERS!: Sheep on the Loose (Paramount) The pig and his friends – a cow and a duck – herd sheep. Isn’t that slavery or something?

(O) KIRAMEKI PROJECT Volume 1: Robot Girls (Media Blasters) Three lovely, mostly innocent princesses and the power of technology rule beautiful kingdom of Genes. Born with a special knack for robot technology, Kana and her android companion Rincle are the last line of defense when a giant robot threatens to invade. Delayed from July.

(O) SAIYUKI Complete Collection (ADV) A Japanese reinterpretation of the great Chinese classic JOURNEY TO THE WEST. Now in a thinpak set.

(O) SONIC X Complete 5th Season (Funimation) Season five of Sonic X kicks it into high gear, as he returns home, but not before all of the Chaos Emeralds are released into space. A mysterious and ruthless Metarex lands on Earth, destroying everything in its path in search of all the Planet Eggs, which is the heart of every planet that sustains life. Joining Sonic and his friends to stop the Metarex and recover the Chaos Emeralds is Cosmo, an Alien who meets them when her spaceship crashes right before their very eyes! Contains 13 episodes.

(O) SPEED RACER Volume 5 (Lionsgate) The final eight episodes of the original TV series reach DVD, including the World Racing Championship. Includes mini license plate.

(O) SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: Whale of a Birthday (Paramount) The Bob of Sponge in seven episodes from season 4, plus featurettes and game demo.

(O) THE SUPER MARIO BROTHERS SUPER SHOW Volume 2 (Shout Factory) Nintendo game TV spinoff continues. 28 episodes on 4 discs, plus featurettes and more.

(O) TALES OF THE RAT FINK (Shout Factory) The landmark artwork of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth finally reaches animation in this new DTV feature produced by Ron Mann with the voices of John Goodman, Ann-Margaret, Jay Leno, Brian Wilson, Matt Groening, Tom Wolfe and the Smothers Brothers. Includes interviews, featurettes, deleted footage, music video and more.

(O) TIME WARP TRIO Volume 2: Past, Present & Future (Funimation) Fred, Joe and Sam are at it again. During a class trip to the Natural History Museum, an incredible adventure unfolds that pits them face-to-face with Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte and their own great-granddaughters from the future. As seen on Discovery Kids.

Hey, see y’all over at Mania.com next Saturday for another Anime Avalanche! And check in every Tuesday for the latest DVD Shopping List!

Questions? Comments? Let us know what you think at DVDShoppingList@cinescape.com.