While Dragon Booster has all the requirements to keep kids tuned in -- action-packed adventure, cool-looking dragons, and visually pleasing cell-shaded 3D animation -- it falls short, thanks to its hypocrisy. Dragon City serves as a metaphor for our chaotic modern life -- full of consumerism, celebrity, and corruption -- and the show clearly suggests that that life is harming the city's citizens. But considering that one of the main goals of Dragon Booster is to sell its extensive line of related toys, games, and cards, the heavy-handed metaphor leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Overall, Dragon Booster is an entertaining series with a unique story and interesting 3D manga style, but the aggressive marketing campaign surrounding the show detracts from its appeal. Kids probably won't really notice or care, unfortunately, since cartoons have a long history of pairing action with toys. Like it or not, Dragon Booster serves as a good example of how entertainment and merchandising can be irresistible to kids. But it doesn't hurt to educate your kids about their roles as television viewers and consumers.