Common Sense Media Review
So-so anime series has heavy marketing tie-in.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the series has both passionate fans who appreciate its unique plot and character development as well as critics who feel it lacks originality compared to similar franchises. While younger viewers generally enjoy the show for its excitement and relatable characters, some older audiences find it too loud and mean-spirited.
- unique characters
- younger views
- loud and mean
- originality issues
- enjoyable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Dan (voiced by Scott McCord), the main character in BAKUGAN BATTLE BRAWLERS, has only one ambition -- to be the top-rated Bakugan player -- and most of this anime series focuses on his efforts. It shows him playing Bakugan (a complicated game that combines playing cards and small monster figurines that transform into huge creatures and attack each other), making plans for his next match, coming up with new strategies, and gossiping about other players. In fact, the entire show centers on the Bakugan game. The series tries to add another dimension to this fairly limited story by introducing a parallel plot about a different dimension, Vestroia, where an evil monster is trying to take power. Through a mysterious accident, the monster ends up on Earth as a Bakugan beast. His rival, Drago (Jason Deline), follows, hoping to foil the nefarious plan, and becomes the most powerful Bakugan creature in Dan's collection.
Is It Any Good?
Though many modern kids shows are tied to merchandising campaigns, the marketing message in Bakugan (which is associated with an extensive line of toys and other products) is much more overt than most other programs and will be obvious even to tweens. But young kids may not notice it, and those who like the show will almost certainly start clamoring for a trip to the toy store.
Bottom line? The show isn't much fun for anyone who realizes it's just a big commercial, and it's consumerism waiting to happen for anyone who doesn't.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the connection between entertainment and marketing. Do you think this show can be enjoyed on its own, or is it too much of a toy commercial?
How has connecting toys and TV shows two changed the way we choose what shows to watch -- and what toys to buy?
Do you think a TV network would want to air a show that didn't have any good toy tie-ins? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : February 24, 2008
- Cast : Jason Deline , Julie Lemieux , Scott McCord
- Network : Cartoon Network
- Genre : Kids' Animation
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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