 | 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. |
Blue Dragon
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Video game-inspired anime is heavy on action.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this action-oriented anime series is based on (and makes subtle references to) a video game, so tuning in may pique kids' interest in playing. The show's frequent battles are presented as the only solution to conflict -- plus, this prevalent violence lacks consequences. The show also has a noticeable lack of positive role models; the few adults who exist are villains plotting the heroes' demise, and the kids' level-headed female mentor dresses in scanty clothing that accentuates her curves and shows her cleavage.
What's the story?
When a nefarious king wages war on a small village, young Shu (voiced by Yuri Lowenthal) fights back with a surprising talent -- the ability to call on the ancient powers of a Shadow called Blue Dragon (Lex Lang). As Shu learns more about his ability, he joins forces with Jiro (Sam Riegel), Kluke (Michelle Ruff), mentor Zola (Cindy Robinson), and their own Shadows to hone his skills and help rid the world of evil. But when the enemy's got Shadow wielders of their own, these young heroes are in for a tough fight.
Is it any good?
Not only is this anime-style cartoon based on a video game (making it a virtual commercial for the product), but the plot and dialogue make subtle references to the game. In one scene, for example, two kids summon their Shadows to spar for practice; when the scrimmage is over, they say "game over" to zap them from sight. What's more, the show relies solely on violence for conflict resolution and entertainment. But rather than participate in battles themselves, the kids summon their apparently invincible Shadows to do the dirty work. Despite that, they often suffer the same fate as their Shadows, so there's plenty of falling, crashing, and banging around that gives way to unrealistically short-lived injuries.
In the end, there's little redeeming quality to BLUE DRAGON, which makes no attempt at teaching positive messages and lacks notably strong adult role models. Moreover, astute anime fans may grow bored with the show's plot, which bears strong similarity to that of the long-lived Pokemon franchise. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to direct your kids' attention elsewhere.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes someone a hero. Kids: Do you consider the characters in this show heroes? Why or why not? In what ways are their actions heroic? Do all heroes use violence to achieve their goals? What other methods of solving problems can be used instead of fighting? Who are some of your favorite heroes?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Not bad
The 4kids version is lame (the version reviewed), and the Japanese version is much more violent and "sexy". There is a lot of cleavage and a girl strips completely to turn invisible. All of this is edited by 4kids, and ultimately ruined it. Overall though, I didn't like either version that much but it is exciting.
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Kid, 12 years old
September 5, 2010
AGE
Fine for tweens who aren't afraid to see a realistic battle.
The show is actually amazing! The violence though can get a little scary. One character is hurt so badly she goes in to a coma. And the fight with King Nene leaves them half dead. Many non-essential characters die. Other than that it's not that bad at all. It is extremely epic in more ways than one. I'll give a review on it soon at my blog when I'm done watching the series: myreadbooker.blogspot*
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Kid, 11 years old
April 18, 2010
AGE
okay
I think it is pretty good. The role models are a tad bit iffy. The violence is limited to hand to hand combat and robots getting sliced up. By the way, you can watch the edited version at *dubhappy*
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AGE
Bad beggining.
This show started out like Pokemon and Bakugan, but as the series goes on, it gains a more intricate plot involving betrayal. The art is pretty good.
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AGE
its PRETTY good
this show is okay the game is fun though(i think =P
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AGE
It's better than the site says
Though the show does in fact show violence as an answer to conflict, the show has not at all gotten more than 3 episodes into the series thus far on American television channel, Cartoon Network. some of the Villains are indeed adult-aged, abut there are younger rivals as well. It could be best compared to pokemon of the late 90's era, with some social resolutions to conflict. It should also be noted that the show has been censored somewhat in comparison to the looser original japanese version, though not quite so much as Naruto, which plays on the some network and usually at a later time.I suggest it for all kids who are allowed to stay up at the late times it's on (or wake up early enough to see it, depending on the schedule) but the issue of heroism and "moral conflict" should be ignored.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7 |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Lex Lang, Sam Regal, Yuri Lowenthal |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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