 | 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. |
Fantastic Four
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Predictable superhero tales riddled with violence.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series is brimming with fantasy violence -- including hand-to-hand battles, laser shooting, and objects getting ignited -- even if the heroes never suffer lasting injuries as a result. Although one of the four main characters is very smart, his intelligence is dismissed by the others, and the team relies on fighting to solve problems. Scary alien and robotic enemies and concepts like vaporizing and abducting other characters rule this one out for the youngest viewers. The show makes an attempt to teach about impulsiveness and accepting responsibility for poor judgment, but the good messages are lost amid the flashy violence.
What's the story?
FANTASTIC FOUR follows the superheroic efforts of four friends and family members to rid the world of evil. When scientist Richard Reed flew his inadequately shielded space ship through cosmic rays, he had no idea of the lasting effects that were in store for him and his wife, brother-in-law, and friend. In no time, the four developed extraordinary abilities, adopted new names, and took it upon themselves to protect Earth from enemies of all kinds. Richard's new abilities allow him to stretch to great lengths, so he dubs himself Mr. Fantastic (voiced by Hiro Kanagawa). His wife, Susan Storm -- The Invisible Woman (Lara Gilchrist) -- can disappear and create protective shields around her friends. Her brother, Johnny, is known as The Human Torch (Christopher Jacot) and uses his body to generate flames that propel him into the air. But it's Richard's buddy, Ben Grimm, who suffers the most noticeable changes from the accident, which leaves him massive, muscular, and covered with the rough, orange skin that inspires his alias -- The Thing (Brian Dobson).
Is it any good?
Fantastic Four -- which is based on comic book characters originally introduced in the 1960s by Marvel -- follows the well-cut groove of most superhero cartoons: There's a rotating cast of enemies, the good guys always win, and although the teammates' personality differences often lead to bickering, viewers get (repetitive) lessons in teamwork and responsibility.
The show's relatively high level of violence puts it on the older end of the superhero spectrum. Parents may want to preview a few episodes before deciding whether their kids are ready for the violence, frightening characters, and sometimes-questionable behavior that make Fantastic Four an iffy choice for the littlest viewers.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about being part of a team. What traits are important in teammates? How does a team work to get stronger as a whole? How can every member contribute his or her individual talents? How do the Fantastic Four combine their abilities to be a strong team?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Not too good!
This series is the worst marvel cartoon ever!
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Kid, 5 years old
November 16, 2011
AGE
Good in moderation
My son is five watches the Fantastic Four series. While it does have cartoon violence, and there is some unpleasant rivalry between two of the characters, I find it generally inoffensive and less violent that most cartoons.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 31, 2011
AGE
Great show!
It should never have been canceled in the US. It's not too violent, the lines aren't cheesy, and the artwork is amazing!
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, superheroes, adventures |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Christopher Jacot, Hiro Kanagawa, Lara Gilchrist |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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