Taboo Television: Cartoons With Banned Episodes That Might Surprise You

Now that Pokémon is on Netflix, I was curious to see if any of the banned episodes made the cut.  There are a total of five Pokémon episodes from the Indigo League that, at one point, have been banned from airing in the United States.  Some where permanent bans, other temporarily.  There are a surprising number of banned cartoons for even more surprising reasons.  Here is a list of a few.  Have one I missed?  Please let me know!

Pokémon: Indigo League

Electric Soldier Porygon

The 38th episode in the original Pokémon series was banned from broadcasting in Japan, and subsequently prevented from ever airing in any other country.  There is apparently a scene where Pikachu thunderbolts some missiles, resulting in some very intense flashing blue and red lights.  The episode caused headaches, seizures, nausea, and numerous other ailments.  According to the voice of Meowth in the American dubbed version, there was an American version created, but after Japan banned the episode, it too was banned.

 Warning, the below video is known to cause seizures.

 

Beauty and the Beach

The 18th episode in the series was removed from airing in the United States initially, and re one time as a "lost episode special".  In this episode, a few female characters enter a beauty pageant.  James, of Team Rocket, wears a suit with inflatable breasts.  James tell Misty maybe someday she will have a chest like his!  There is also a scene where an old man is attracted to Misty in her bikini.

The Legend of Dratini

The 35th episode of the series was also banned from playing in the United States.  In this episode,  a character kind of jokingly aims a gun at Ash.  It has been banned in every country but Japan.

Tentacool and Tentacruel

 After 9/11 a couple different TV series had to change their rotations. In this episode, there is a character that uses military weapons as Tentacruel attacks a city.  There's a shot of Tentracruel attacking a building, which is probably the real reason this episode was banned, yet there is a clip of this episode in the opening that still remains.  This episode was banned again after Hurricane Katrina.

The Tower of Terror

This one just seem silly, but I guess they all do.  The 23rd episode in the series was temporarily removed around 9/11 because it features some ghost Pokemon scaring people in a tower...

Talespin

The final episode, number 65, of Talespin was for having terrorists in it.  The main character, Baloo, is tasked with delivery a package to some government official, but the package is actually a bomb.

I tried to upload the episode, but it was removed before I could even copy and paste the link here.  Disney doesn't want it going out.

Gargoyles

In the eighth episodes of Gargoyles, one of the Gargoyles, Broadway, is playing around with their cop buddy's (Elisa) gun and accidentally shoots her.

Ren and Stimpy

Superman Now Available on Netflix!

I recently got out of a screening of Man of Steel, and I have to say I was very impressed!  Finally a Superman movie I am proud to be a fan of!  It honestly was everything I expected and more, but this most isn't about the Man of Steel, it is about what all of you are going to watch after you get home from seeing it.

Justice League (2001)

I have talked about this show many, many times on this blog, and if you haven't watched it already, please do so.  While the show isn't entirely Superman, he certainly is featured regularly.  Typically, the show follows a few characters fighting off some super-villains, but occasionally there is a big enough threat to require them all.  This show has most the classic Superman villains, and while Superman typically has help from the rest of the Justice League, he does do work on his own from time to time!  Both seasons are currently available on Netflix!

Justice League on Netflix

Justice League Unlimited (2004)

This show is a continuation of Justice League, but includes a huge roster of characters.  With this huge amount of characters, Superman kind of has less screen time, but still plenty.  Notable villains include Lex Luthor, Brainiac, and even Doomsday in the second season!  Both seasons on Netlix now!

Justice League Unlimited on Netflix

All-Star Superman (2011)

All-Star Superman is based on the comic book of the same name.  I've never actually seen this, and I might need to watch it soon.  The book is very much critically acclaimed, so I'm sure this isn't bad.  The movie is more or less about Superman's last days.  He gets some kind of radiation from flying to close to the sun and has a few weeks to live.  He kind of have a dilemma, does he do everything he has ever wanted to before he dies, or just focus on saving the world like usual.  The movie itself got kind of mixed reviews, but it isn't going to cost you anything but an hour and fourteen minutes of your time.

All-Star Superman on Netflix

Superman VS the Elite (2012)

This DC animated movie is based on the story"What's so Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way?".  Superman goes against of new team of superheroes/vigilantes.  They are very violent, cruel "heroes".  Superman kind of has a big showdown with them to prove some points.  The movie has some morals to it, like violence isn't the answer and all that.  It's not bad, not my favorite DC Animated film by any means, but worth a viewing.

Superman VS the Elite on Netflix

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)

As more of a Batman fan than Superman, I am definitely going to recommend this.  It even has Batman the Animated Series and Arkham Series voice actor Kevin Conroy as Batman!  It is really a sequel to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, but that isn't on Netflix currently.  Regardless, this is still a good movie.  Despite the name of the movie, and the DVD cover, and the trailer...this film is really about Supergirl.  If you watch it expecting mainly Batman and Superman, you might be a little disappointed.  In fact, I fell asleep the first time I tried to watch this, but don't think it is bad because of that.

Superman/Batman: Apocalypse on Netflix

Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam (2010)

Technically, Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam is a 25 minute short film.  DC Animated does these little short films that act as special features on DVDs.  These are usually about characters who probably couldn't pull their own movie.  They just aren't popular enough apparently.  Anyway, on Netflix they have four shorts strung together as one movie listed as Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam.  I actually haven't watch any of them yet,  and I know very little about Shazam or Black Adam.  I know they are arch-enemies, and Shazam is just a guy (or kid I guess), that was chosen to wield this awesome power to fight Black Adam.  Shazam is also known as Captain Marvel, but don't confuse him with a certain Kree of the same name. 

Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam

Justice League: Doom (2012)

I saved the best for last.  Justice League: Doom is quite loosely based on "Justice League: Tower of Babel".  While I prefer the story in the book, this one of pretty damn good too.  As a safety pre-caution, Batman has a file that indicates how to take down every member of the Justice League, just in case somebody goes rogue.  That premise alone is pretty damn awesome, but get these files in to the hands of a super-villain, and you have a heck of a story.  In the film version, Vandal Savage and the Mirror Master get their hands on Batman's files indicating all the physical and emotional weaknesses of each Justice League member.  Savage puts together a team of villains to help him take down the Justice League once and for all.  I don't want to ruin it, but for example, they dig up Bruce's parents and when he goes to check it out, Bane takes advantage of his emotional well-being and beats him.  If you like the movie, I highly recommend reading it, it is really great!

Justice League: Doom on Netflix

That is pretty much it for Superman available on Netflix.  They are some really old Superman cartoons, but I really can't sit through them.  Maybe modern cartoons have destroyed my attention span.  Either way, they might be worth checking out!  Let me know if I forgot anything!

20 Years of Marvel Animated Series Streaming on Netflix

With the new Avengers Assemble series having kicked off this week, I figured I would take this time to review a list of Marvel animated series in the last 20 years.  I'm aware there have been many series prior to the '90s, but they never seemed to appeal to me.

X-Men (1992)

I realize it has been 21 years since this debuted, but it is close enough.  Probably considered the best Marvel series, in my opinion second best comic book series to Batman, it received many great reviews, and it is currently the longest running Marvel series ever with 76 episodes.  The show follows the X-Men which are pretty much identical to the second X-Men comic that came out in the early 1990s.  The shows follows Cyclops, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Jubilee, Beast, Storm, Rogue, Gambit, and Professor Xavier.  The show has had many, many more X-Men characters show up, just not as main team members.  The show covers have famous storylines, even though loosely followed.  The Dark Pheonix, Days of Future Past, the Phalanx Covenant and more.  I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys anything comic related.

X-Men on Netflix

Fantastic Four (1994)

This show came out a couple years after X-Men, and I'm sure was created due to the success X-Men had.  This show as part of a "Marvel Hour".  Each hour had one episode of Fantastic Four and one of Iron Man.  In no way does this series have the quality of X-Men.  It really is for Fantastic Four fans, I don't see non-Fantastic Four fans getting much out of it.  To be fair though, the second season is extremely better in every aspect than the first.  It is much more complex and less silly.  The show lasted two seasons and twenty-six episodes.  Both seasons were on Netflix recently, but apparently have been taken off since.  The entire series can be had on DVD for around $10 on Amazon though.

Iron Man (1994)

Iron Man is probably worse than Fantastic Four.  Everyone seems to be an Iron Man fan after the films, but I still don't know if it is worth watching.  As with Fantastic Four, the second season is completely different and actually pretty decent, but damn that first season sucks.  The Mandarin has created a group of super-villains to take down Iron Man.  The combat this, Iron Man creates his own team: Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, War Machine, Century, and Spider Woman.  Most of these episodes are completely original, especially the first season.  Very little comic inspiration here.

Iron Man on Netflix

Spider-Man (1994)

This is probably the second best Marvel animated series.  I might like Avengers more, but it would be a close third place.  This show is somewhat similar to the previous Marvel shows, but it seems to have a bit higher production budget.  The show went over my head a little as a kid.  The storyline can be really complex, I still don't get the last two arcs of the series.  It also deals with some mature themes while still managing to be kid friendly.  Now go back and watch it, Spider-Man hardly ever punches anyone.  I swear he did more often, but I guess that was just implied.  Anyway, it is the second longest Marvel series, and I recommend it to any Spider-Man or cartoon fan.

Spider-Man on Netflix

Recommended Iron Man Reading, Watching, and Playing!

Clearly everyone who is an Iron Man fan knows about the movie coming out in a few weeks, but what if you can't wait?  What if you need more Iron Man right now?!  This is a list to hopefully keep you busy until May.

Comics

I know plenty of Iron Man fans who have never read a comic before in their lives, as a comic fan, I try not to be smug about it.  I give recommendations and usually get laughed at, but for those of you who haven't, read one!  Give it a try.  This recommendations list is found comic books subreddit's suggested reading.  I can't agree with it more, so why bother creating a new one?

Invincible Iron Man Volume 1: The Five Nightmares

This compiles the first six issues of the most recent Iron Man (not counting Marvel NOW) and it a wonderful read.  Obadiah Stone, the bad guy from the first movie, has a son named Ezekiel, and he wants revenge!  Ezekiel is described as Tony Stark's equal and opposite, younger, faster, smarter.  Besides all these things, he has the Iron Man tech!

Iron Man: Extremis

This book is actually had a re-release to go with the movie, as the movie takes some of its storyline from here.  This book compiles the first six issues of the 2005 Iron Man series.  A new technology is released and threatens all of man kind.  While I haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend reading this before you go watch it.

Iron Man: Armor Wars

This is a little less modern, but still good.  It collects Iron Man 225-232, and follows some deadly villains who get hold of the Iron Man technology and begin making their own. This is a very intense Iron Man story that is always remembered as one of the greats.

Iron Man: Demon in a Bottle

This is the classic Iron Man story.  It collects Iron Man 120-128, this one is about Justin Hammer, from Iron Man 2, arranging an entire army of super-villains to take Iron Man down.  Really should have been read years ago, but if you haven't, read it now!

Film

Do I need to discuss the Iron Man live-action films?  I'm not going to, I'm assuming the only reason people will be looking for more Iron Man is because they saw those films.  Let's cover some lesser known ones.

The Invincible Iron Man

This was a direct to DVD movie in the same style as Planet Hulk.  While probably the worst Marvel Animated movie, I think it does have some redeeming qualities.  This film involves Tony Stark in China working on some kind of underground resource thing, a dragon attacks that is preventing the return of the Mandarin.  Being as the Mandarin is the villain in the new movies, I would recommend giving this a watch before hand, but don't expect a whole lot.  Watch it while it is still on Netflix!

The Invincible Iron Man Streaming Options

Iron Man: Rise of the Technovore

This is the second Iron Man animated movie by Marvel Animation.  While I haven't seen it yet, it is apparently like the Iron Man Anime in style and story telling.  Norman Reedus of Boondock Saints and Walking Dead fame is voicing Tony Stark.  Weird.  Apparently it is about Ezekiel Stone developing a new bio-technology for Iron Man to take care of.

Iron Man: Rise of the Technovore Streaming Options

Television

Iron Man has been showing up on the TV for decades, I'm just going to cover what I have personally enjoyed honestly...

Iron Man

To fit in with the popularity of X-Men and Spider-Man, Fox began airing numerous Marvel cartoons in the 1990s.  One of these was Iron Man.  The shows follows Iron Man and his friends, which are pretty much the West Coast Avengers.  These include War Machine, Century, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Woman, and Hawkeye.  The first season is pretty atrocious  but the second reason really started to get great before it was cancelled.  The show had a few crossovers with other shows like Spider-Man and the Hulk.  Worth watching if you are a huge 1990s Marvel fan.  Currently available on Netflix!

Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes

Don't let the fact that this is a modern cartoon fool you, I've enjoyed this more than the Marvel Cinematic Universe so far.  While not solely an Iron Man show, Iron Man is obviously a prominent character.  The show is great for so many reasons, it might need it's own post.  Just watch the first few episodes and tell me I'm wrong.  Both seasons are currently on Netflix.

Iron Man Anime

I've never been an anime fan, I've tried so many times and never really found something I thoroughly enjoy.  I did, however, like most of the Marvel Anime available.  Iron Man is in Japan to build an arc reactor when the evil organization Zodiac intervenes he has to stop them.  I sat down and watch this entire series from start to finish.  It's not perfect, but certainly better than any other standalone Iron Man series.  It was streaming for free on Crackle recently, but appears to be off of that now.  I'm sure it will be back.

Video Games

There really haven't been too many Iron Man video games, especially ones that don't suck.  While he has made very notable appearances, he is rarely the main character.  He is a playable character in X-Men Legends II, both Ultimate Alliance games, and has been playable in all Marvel VS Capcom games to date.

Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects

This game kind of sucks, but Iron Man is a prominent character.  The game is about some aliens that come crashing down to Earth, and begin infecting everyone.  The game is a fighting game with level in between that involve fighting footsoldiers.  It's not great, but there are not many Iron Man games, so I'm listing it.

Iron Man 2

Sega has released two Iron Man games that coincided with the release of the films.  The first one was horrible, and the second one isn't much better, but still better.  I really felt like Iron Man during this game.  The game takes place after the events of Iron Man 2 and stars Iron Man and War Machine as playable characters.  The game takes place in the air for the most part, and has a huge selection of weapons to choose from.  It is far from perfect, but at this point it is the best Iron Man game we can get.

Disney Cartoon DVDs $8.99 Each! Darkwing Duck, Duck Tales, and More

Duck Tales

Originally airing from 1987-1990, Duck Tales follows Scrooge McDuck and his great nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie because their uncle Donald has joined the Navy.

So far, three volumes have been released containing the first 75 episodes, and currently they are all $8.99 a piece on Amazon.  The fourth volume is on the way.

1. Duck Tales Volume 1
2. Duck Tales Volume 2
3. Duck Tales Volume 3

Chip 'N Dale Rescue Rangers

Only airing the original run from 1989-1990, this show managed to pump out 65 episodes!  The show focuses on a rodent ran detective agency, the Rescue Rangers.  They solve mysteries and stop evil cats.

Two volumes containing the first 50 are available for $8.99 each.

1. Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Volume 1
2. Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Volume 2

Darkwing Duck

A personal favorite of mine, Darkwing Duck ran from 1991-1992, but had 91 episodes in its three season run!  The show is a direct spin-off of Duck Tales and features Darkwing Duck, and crime-fighter extraordinaire.  The show parodies many golden age comic heroes, notably Batman and The Green Hornet.

The first 52 (there's that number again) episodes are available on DVD for $8.99 each.  No word of future volumes, but I would assume two more are on the way eventually.

1. Darkwing Duck Volume 1
2. Darkwing Duck Volume 2

TaleSpin

TaleSpin is a strange adaption of the characters from Disney's 1967 Jungle Book.  It ran from 1990-1991 and had 65 episodes.  The show is about Baloo the Bear and his air cargo service.  The show kind of plays like an Indiana Jones thing to a degree, with some Cheer's themes as well.  It's different, but good.

54 episodes are available on DVD, with another volume containing the last eleven on the way.

1. TaleSpin Volume 1
2. TaleSpin Volume 2

Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Robot Chicken, and more Adult Swim now on Netflix!

Finally!  Since I got Netflix a few years back, I have been patiently waiting for some Adult Swim.  Literally the only thing I miss about cable is Adult Swim and its mid commercial break messages.  While this doesn't exactly fill that gap, I've still got a bunch of shows to watch again!

Aqua Teen Hunger Force (1 Season)

Frylock, Master Shake, and Meatwad are finally here.  While only the first season, it's nice to relive it.  I forgot they actually tried to have them be detective for a few episodes.  Ha.  Also the narrations are hilarious and seem so out of place now!  Even if you have seen this season in the past, watch it again.  It's great.

Aqua Teen Hunger force on Netflix

Robot Chicken (1 Season)

In case you didn't know, this show is a critically acclaimed stop-go animation show.  While most of the show is done with eighties action figures, some of it is custom clay-mation among other things.  The show consists of poop joke and eighties movie and TV references at first, but it really has a deeper, more intelligent blend of humor once you really start paying attention.  The detail that goes into this show is unbelievable.

Robot Chicken on Netflix

Squidbillies (2 Seasons)

This show is well, different.  As the title kind of implies, this show is about squids who are hillbillies.  Their daily life consists of chewing tobacco, making moonshine, hunting, and getting out of trouble with the local police.  It so very strange, and sometimes honestly too much for me, but I haven't seen at episode that didn't make me laugh.

Squidbillies on Netflix

Why You Should Try South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play!

South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play is an Xbox Live Arcade title.  The game is obviously a tower defense game, but there is a slight spin on it.  You control one of the four main characters: Stan, Cartman, Kyle, or Kenny.  Each character is capable of building towers, and they all throw snow balls which deal damage to the advancing enemies.  In addition, each character also has a special move which I'll get to later.

The first few levels start out very basic, but it does get fairly difficult.  As you kill enemies, they drop money that you need to pick of to build and upgrade towers.  The towers are all fairly South Park themed, ranging from "normal" things like baseball shooters to tied up cats that "cheese" the advancing foes.

The story advances after each completed level.  It is told through stylized anime like sequences, with full voice acting from the few original actors that do most the voices.  Something terrible has happened in South Park, and now waves and waves of all sorts of people and creatures are stopping at nothing to get through!

As you progress through the story mode, you go to many South Park inspired locations.  The school, sixth grade hangout, junkyard, even the top of a mountain for an epic confrontation with the half man, half bear, half pig itself.

Justice League, Batman Beyond, Adult Swim and more Cartoon Network now on Netflix!

Netflix has just added a plethora of wonderful Cartoon Network shows!  Most of these seem to be from early 2000s, but there is some newer stuff here too.  Definitely something for everyone! 

Justice League (2 Seasons)

This show ran from 2001 until 2004 and is considered one of the greatest super hero cartoons in existence.  Personally, I've always preferred Marvel cartoons, but this show really does shine.  It's no Batman the Animated Series, but it sure is good.  Netflix has both seasons for a total of 52 episodes.  I know it is coincidence, but DC sure does like the number 52!

Justice League on Netflix

Justice League Unlimited (2 Seasons)

To me, this always seemed like a bit of a forced sequel to Justice League.  I don't mean that in a negative way though.  Justice League Unlimited picked up in 2004 where Justice League left off.  It features a huge cast of Justice Leaguers, and is really worth watching, but watch Justice League first.  Netflix has them both, no need to watch them out of order!  The last episode aired in 2006.

Justice League Unlimited on Netflix

Batman Beyond (3 Seasons)

From Paul Dini, Batman Beyond is a kind of continuation of Batman the Animated Series.  You don't necessarily have to have seen Batman the Animated Series to understand this, it's kind of it's own thing.  The story follows Bruce Wayne as a senior citizen, still trying to fight crime, but beginning to realize he is getting too old.  A kid named Terry proves himself and Bruce eventually begins training him as a new Batman.  It's not as good as Batman, but it's certainly good.

Batman Beyond on Netflix

Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2 Seasons)

This show is essentially DC Team Up.  Each episode features Batman teaming up with somebody in the universe to stop somebody else.  The show can be hit and miss, but overall I would give in a whopping "okay".  Maybe Batman the Animated Series has raised my expectations so high I'll never enjoy another Batman cartoon.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold on Netflix