 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Bakugan Battle Brawlers
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
So-so anime series has heavy marketing tie-in.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this anime-style action cartoon is very obviously tied to an extensive line of Bakugan toys, and young fans may quickly start begging their parents to buy them. Characters in the show frequently play the central tie-in card game, and, when they aren't playing, they spend most of their time discussing it. That said, other than the obvious commercialism and some cartoon fantasy violence involving the Bakugan beasts, the show is age-appropriate for tweens.
What's the story?
Dan (voiced by Scott McCord), the main character in BAKUGAN BATTLE BRAWLERS, has only one ambition -- to be the top-rated Bakugan player -- and most of this anime series focuses on his efforts. It shows him playing Bakugan (a complicated game that combines playing cards and small monster figurines that transform into huge creatures and attack each other), making plans for his next match, coming up with new strategies, and gossiping about other players. In fact, the entire show centers on the Bakugan game. The series tries to add another dimension to this fairly limited story by introducing a parallel plot about a different dimension, Vestroia, where an evil monster is trying to take power. Through a mysterious accident, the monster ends up on Earth as a Bakugan beast. His rival, Drago (Jason Deline), follows, hoping to foil the nefarious plan, and becomes the most powerful Bakugan creature in Dan's collection.
Is it any good?
Though many modern kids shows are tied to merchandising campaigns, the marketing message in Bakugan (which is associated with an extensive line of toys and other products) is much more overt than most other programs and will be obvious even to tweens. But young kids may not notice it, and those who like the show will almost certainly start clamoring for a trip to the toy store.
Bottom line? The show isn't much fun for anyone who realizes it's just a big commercial, and it's consumerism waiting to happen for anyone who doesn't.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the connection between entertainment and marketing. Do you think this show can be enjoyed on its own, or is it too much of a toy commercial?
How has connecting toys and TV shows two changed the way we choose what
shows to watch -- and what toys to buy?Do you think a TV network would want to air a show that didn't have any good toy tie-ins? Why or why
not?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
heavy marketing to younger kids
Hate it, but the heavy marketing is influencing my 4 and 6 years old. They beg me to buy the products and beg to watch the TV show. I have let them watched it, but with adult supervision.
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AGE
RIPOFF
This show is a stupid, pointless, ripoff of Pokemon and Yu-gi-oh
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AGE
Do you watch this show ? If so you socialy isolated by your parents
If your child watches this show and owns any of these "toys"
they probebly wear sweat pants and velcro shoes to school.
This show is absoloutly horrible unless you like to see cartoons on crack. Just another ripoff of pokemon. If your child watches this they have no friends and just play with there little magnetic toy balls all day at recess.
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AGE
perfect for kids and tweens
love it it is the best thing ever Pokemon is great to but some of my bakugan go everywhere with me i love them so much.
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AGE
pokemon is better
My 5 year old cousin watches this,it is quite possibly one of the worst shows on TV. This show sucks.
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AGE
Great for all
Good, Good. Except, I have never heard them say Dorkus, I think you mean Darkus, which is a Bakugan attribute.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 23, 2010
AGE
Fine for kids who are into predictable anime
I was pleasantly surprised by this show! I found it to be interesting. The violence is limited really only to the Bakugan, towards the second season though it's not so great.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 29, 2011
AGE
off for tweens but iffy for teenagers.
This show creeps me out but fun to play!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Jason Deline, Julie Lemieux, Scott McCord |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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