 | 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. |
Zatch Bell!
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Kids' Animation
Common Sense Media says
Demons + kids = violent and scary for youngsters.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that each and every episode of this anime series includes fight scenes involving weapons, physical contact, and life-threatening spells between demons and their human accomplices. As with most adaptations of Japanese manga series, many of the battles include wham-bam flashes of light. Demons and humans often fall down in pain. Some characters also experience inner turmoil over figuring out their own roles and deciding whether they can trust others.
What's the story?
Every 1,000 years, one hundred mamodos (demons) come to Earth to fight other demons as part of an ongoing battle to reign as king. ZATCH BELL follows one such demon, who, while he was unconscious, was discovered by a man and sent to mentor the man's son, Kiyo Takamine. Zatch has no memory of the demon world, how he arrived on Earth, or any characters from the past. But since mamodos can't work alone, Zatch gets help from Kiyo, an aloof 14-year-old middle schooler who isn't well-liked at school; the pair learn that working together isn't easy, since they come from different worlds and react differently to situations. Joining Zatch and Kiyo are Sherry Bellmont, a girl who can't forget her difficult childhood and wants to keep a particular demon from dominating her best friend; Tio, a tomboy demon who has trouble finding trust in others; Umagon, a demon searching to find a human partner; and many more.
Is it any good?
The show's focus on relationships and the ability to trust a partner distinguishes it from many other anime adaptations. The series isn't just about violence -- although there's plenty of that, with constant battles involving spells and weapons -- but also about the relatable challenges and questions of identity that the characters face. Characters often think aloud about painful experiences in their past, and related flashbacks and evocative music add to the drama. Each character has his or her unique problems -- problems that aren't too unlike what kids face today.
The "battles" seen in some episodes can use dramatic visuals, language, sound effects, and music that becomes gratuitous, drawn out, and, at times, difficult to watch. There are also mild flirtations between characters, which lead to blushing and stammering. Overall, with its graphic violence, the characters' internal struggles, and the occasional eyelash-batting, parents may find Zatch Bell inappropriate for kids under 10.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the challenges the two main characters face when it comes to working together. They don't always like or understand each other, but they still have to work together as a team. What strategies can kids use when paired with others? How does communication help in these situations? Families can discuss the appeal of anime in general. Is the violence necessary for the story? How could anime series be less violent and still interesting? Since it's clearly dubbed in English, this series provides an opportunity to discuss Japan's history and culture.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Not that bad for youngsters!
I think this show isn't that bad. The only concern is the fantasy violence, but it's fantasy and even my 3-yr-old sister isn't frightened by it. And I love it! It doesn't have much crude humor. SpongeBob SquarePants has a lot more crude humor than this! It's also a great show that kinda teaches friendship. So I think this is appropriate for all ages.
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Kid, 12 years old
May 2, 2010
AGE
dialogue/innudeno
f``k,b```tch
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Kid, 11 years old
May 2, 2010
AGE
dialogue/innudeno
f``k,b```tch
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AGE
Kool
Zatch bell is awsome and its fine for anyone 6 and up
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AGE
Appropriate for 10+
I LOVE this show! The only concern is the violence but big deal because it was only TV-Y7 on Cartoon Network.
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AGE
most awesome show ever!
I love zatch bell! The whole "every episode has violence" is a lie! Zatch fights to stop violence because of a momodo girl named Kolulu. the last thing she wanted to do was fight. And in the episode that I think was called "Zatch Vs. Kio!?" the only battle is "kick the can" and the entire episode is about friendship.
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AGE
Iffy, even for 10 year olds.
Some episodes will really make you cry. I cried when Kalulu and Danny died. And Rops. My sister wanted to see that episode with him! :( I also cried in the episode about Sherry. How terrible for that to happen to Koko! Another bad thing is there was a song called "Groping Breasts" and the lyrics were "Breasts, breasts, and boobies!" (NOTE: In the dub, it was changed to "hey, hey, let's dance all day")
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AGE
Awesome show....
This show has lots of violence but it it is a good show that teaches about friendship. Commonsense wasn't exactly accurate about the tobacco thing though, because in one episode someone put a cigarette in their mouth. I love this show a lot!
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Kid, 12 years old
May 2, 2010
AGE
dialogue/innudeno
f``k,b```tch
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, adventures, friendship |
| TV rating: | TV-Y7-FV |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Debi Derryberry, Leslie Carrara |
| Genre: | Kids' Animation |
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