Martin Mystery

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Scooby-Doo meets X-Files; tweens OK.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this show deals with aliens, the supernatural, and other strange, unexplained phenomena that young viewers may have questions about (and some may even be scared of). But the creepy subject matter is usually surrounded with enough silliness that it's not disturbing. The series is mostly action and goofy fun, with very little substance and no serious messages or moral lessons.

  • The group works together to complete missions; Martin is known for pulling immature pranks at school.
  • Fantasy cartoon violence; scary creatures and supernatural entities attack humans.
  • Not applicable.

What's the story?

In Nicktoons' animated adventure series MARTIN MYSTERY, Martin (voiced by Samuel Vincent) and his stepsister Diana (Kelly Sheridan) are 16-year-olds who work for The Center, a secret organization which protects Earth from extraterrestrial and supernatural threats, such as giant prehistoric insects, evil entities, or strange creatures that leave trails of green or purple slime. After getting an assignment from stern leader M.O.M., Martin and Diana are transported to the site of the current mystery. Aiding them in their missions are Java, a 200,000-year-old caveman provides much-need muscle to fight tough adversaries; and M.O.M.'s tiny alien assistant, Billy, who gives them valuable information. For extra protection and defense, Martin wears a wrist device that can summon an array of high-tech gadgets.


Is it any good?

 

The series' subject matter and Martin's goofy, immature character immediately call to mind Scooby-Doo and its lovable doofus, Shaggy. But Martin is a bit gutsier than Shaggy and, unfortunately, is more irritating than lovable at times. The characters aren't as developed as they are in Scooby, but the show is still reasonably entertaining with its silly humor and creepy, imaginative mysteries that rival those of The X-Files but are not as disturbing. Martin and Diana's working relationship even resembles that of Files' detective duo Mulder and Scully.

The show's anime style definitely keeps viewers on their toes, even if it's a bit distracting and distances you from the action. There's no deep moral message, just fast-paced adventure and mildly scary fun combined with everyday, lightweight issues that high schoolers face -- a mix that will no doubt appeal to tweens and teens. And for kids who, like Martin, are intrigued by green or purple goop, well, there's plenty of that to go around.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the mystery in each episode and what kind of creature or phenomenon was involved. How did Martin and Diana handle the situation? Do you think this kind of situation could happen in real life? How would you handle it, assuming you didn't have any special powers, weapons, or gadgets? Another discussion topic could be Martin's immature behavior at school versus his behavior on assignment. What do you think of his boyish pranks? Why does Diana get so frustrated with him? How does his irresponsible behavior compare with the way he handles himself on missions?


This review was written by Larisa Wiseman
Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
 
#1 Rated Show in Canada!
This show is great for both kids and adults. It is a very intertaining show, if it weren't for all the aliens, and monsters it would be like a cartoon based on real life! It always has a plot and a moral, I would recomend this show to people of ages 8 and up.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Fascinating!!
This is such an awesome show! It's so funny and hilarious! The graphics are really cool and the characters are unique. Great storyline, I definitely give it a 5/5. This show is appropriate for ages 8 and up.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Intellectual and Truly Fascinating, Though a bit too much Violence

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Too Subliminal
The first time I watched Martin Mystery with my 5 year old grandson I thought it was adventurous, but as we started to watch daily episodes I noticed strange under and over tones of chanting and demonic figures. I do like the main characters, (Martin, his sister and Java) I just don't get a good feeling about the monsters and how they are portrayed. And sometimes the characters themselves are transformed into evil and yes demonic foe.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
The Best Show in the Universe!
Martin Mystery is the most amazing thing I've ever watched! There are just so many interesting and entertaining stuff to find in it, it's totally unbelievable how awesome this really is. Everyone should at least give it a shot and I'm sure you'll love it ;)

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
THE BEST SHOW EVER
I LOVE HOW THE CENTER WORKS ON TECNOLAGY. MY BROTHER ALSO LOVES THIS SHOW. IT IS THE BEST SHOW MAROTHON HAS EVER DONE. HOW WHEN SCANER SAS MARTIN MYSTERY BUT THEN IT SAYS DIANA LOMBARD? THERE BROTHER AND SISTER BUT WITH LAST NAMES. I KNOW THERE STEPS BUT SHOULDENT DIANA BE CALLED Diana Mystery. MY FAVORITE EPISODE IS They came from the Gateway. If any of you seen YOU DO VODOO, Germs from beyond, any season 3 episodes of MARTIN MYSTERY ( IN THE UNITED STATES) Write a review and tell what chanel. AND TO FIND A BETTER SOUSE OF EPISODES OF MARTIN MYSTERY GO TO ZAP IT.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
One of the Best Cartoons Ever!
This show is truly Fascinating, it's got great Comedy, graphics and Storylines. It's a very Entertaning show and a must see for Children 10 or Older. Younger kids could watch it as well, but I would recommend them to watch it with their Parents/Guardians because some scenes might be a bit scary.

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Kid, 13 years old
February 8, 2009
 
An edge of your seat adventure filled with comedy.
What an awesome show! It's filled with action and comedy but if you think about it kids can learn mytholigy and stuff.

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This review was written by Larisa Wiseman
This review was written by Larisa Wiseman
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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