Kinnikuman is a great series about wrestlers from other planets protecting people. And it's funny, very funny. Sad to say, this was one of the 4kids' better dubs, but their mistake was focusing too much on the humor and less on the drama. Believe it or not, this series is very dramatic. In fact, you'll find yourself constantly feeling sympathy towards other characters rather than the Mantarou, the central character. Somehow, that makes this show great because every new character, even the villains, are likeable.
Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy
(Rated TV-Y7, Kids and animation, Starring Frank Frankson, Marc Thompson, Ted Lewis, Where to watch: Fox, DVD)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Muscle-bound superhero fights to save the planet.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 7 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy was written by Deirdre Sheppard
Parents need to know that this animated action series is all about vengeful duels and fights; consequently, cartoon violence is an integral part of the show. There's some iffy language, too -- no swearing, per se, but lots of name-calling along the lines of "idiot." It's hardly educational, but the series does offer a good message about accomplishing what you put your mind to.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about identity. How are all people like their parents? Is it necessary to have the same goals as your parents? How can you use what you learn from your parents to be the best person you can be? Is Kid Muscle like his father? Do the characters in the show spoil Kid Muscle because they compare him to his father rather than see him as his own person?
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More on Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy
What’s the Story?
ULTIMATE MUSCLE: THE KINNIKUMAN LEGACY chronicles the trials and tribulations of Kid Muscle (voiced by Marc Thompson), the spoiled son of Muscle Planet's reigning wrestling champion, King Muscle (Eric Stuart). After 28 years of peace, the planet's enemies have formed a new alliance to conquer and destroy Earth. The remaining muscle clan can't withstand this younger, stronger generation of adversaries, so it's up to Kid Muscle -- also known as Mantaro -- to take them on. He joins the Muscle League, whose other members include Kevin Mask (Ted Lewis), Terry "The Grand" Kenyon (Frank Frankson), Dik Dik Van Dik (Stuart again), Wally Tusket (Madeleine Blaustein), and many more.
Is It Any Good?
Like most other superhero programs, Ultimate Muscle relies on sometimes-questionable language and violence to create excitement. The characters don't swear, but they do call each other "idiot" on a pretty regular basis -- not exactly the best example. Also, while problems are usually resolved in the wrestling ring rather than with weapons, the matches can sometimes be pretty brutal (with robots occasionally getting torn to shreds).
That said, the show does help kids learn that you can do anything you set your mind to. Kid Muscle starts out as a lazy character, but it turns out that his lethargy is the result of low self-esteem. Once he starts believing in himself (and comes out from behind his famous dad's shadow a bit), he's always able to ward off his enemies.
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I rate this title iffy and give it
A good show, not exactly educational, but worth it
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