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Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy (Fox)

common sense media says

Muscle-bound superhero fights to save the planet.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Kid Muscle isn't always a good role model (he settles problems by fighting and calls people names), but he does set a strong example when it comes to believing in himself.
Violence & scariness: Cartoon wrestling matches, which sometimes involve breaking robots into pieces.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: No actual swearing, but words like "idiot" dominate the dialogue.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Fox
Cast: Frank Frankson, Marc Thompson, Ted Lewis
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: Fox
This review was written by Deirdre Sheppard
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

yoby2012
kid, 12 years old
8
 
very very funny
its very fun to watch you will end up tuning on it every week
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
nduns
adult
 
A good show, not exactly educational, but worth it
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.
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helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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