Parents' Guide to

Duel Masters

By Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Anime parody is OK for most kids.

TV Cartoon Network Kids' Animation 2004
Duel Masters Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Holly R.
Holly R. Parent of baby-year-old
November 28, 2017
age 8+

More Parody than Rip Off

Lots of "4 wall breaks" and nerdy humor that can only be appreciated if you have watched more serious series that the show parodies though you might end up triggered by the humor instead. I actually loved it because I got the jokes and wasn't offended that it's making fun of mostly Yu-Gi-Oh cards but I know not everyone likes having their favorite animes poked at so I give it a 3 because it's not for everyone especially if you are sensitive to a joke series that parodies successful franchise in a wall breaking self deprecating fashion. I like it now but I used to get "triggered" by the jokes but now that I'm grown I can laugh at and even enjoy the stupidity.
Al Jackson
Al Jackson Adult
April 20, 2012
age 11+

Awesome show!

This is some great Anime! The animation is nice and the voice acting is also great!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

With so many anime series on television today, it can be hard to distinguish between them. Not so for DUEL MASTERS, which manages to both carry the storyline and poke fun at the over-the-top drama found in many of its anime siblings. Shobu Kirifuda is a school-aged kid who aims to be a champion, like his father, of the game Duel Masters, in which monsters are brought to life to battle each other. Shobu wants to win and, at times, seems pretty full of himself, but he's also brave, strong, reliable, and loyal to his friends.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (7 ):

Even with its humor, Duel Masters has its share of battles between larger-than-life monsters who use weapons and their own bodies to destroy each other. Characters are flung about while dueling, sometimes landing on the ground in pain. Characters are also captured and tied up while their friends must duel for their freedom.

But unlike other anime series, there's levity here, and many of the characters are very relatable. Sho's friend Mimi Tasogare, who initially appears ditsy, inept, and clumsy, is actually a martial arts expert who is strong and a great problem-solver. And one evil villain, Kyoshiro Kokujo, is a self-proclaimed evil genius with rock-star hair and black-leather duds. Clearly, the animators are having fun with this show -- pop-culture references abound, including a character named Boy George, and there are "yo momma" jokes and comments about Hammer-time moves. While kids may not understand all the jokes, the humor breaks up the scary moments. It's a good entry into the world of anime.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the influence of Japanese anime on American television and why anime series are so popular. What is it about the artistry, characters, and plot that's so appealing? For this particular series, what sets it apart from other anime programs? Why is it funny? Also, how can kids relate to the main character, who desperately wants to master this game? How is Shobu disciplined to further his skills, and how is he challenged?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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