Magi-Nation
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this fantasy cartoon series often evokes the feel of a video game (likely not a coincidence, since it was based on one). Characters engage in physical battles (which include punches, flashy/noisy collisions, and extensive falls) but are rarely injured, can summon specialized creatures to duel those of the enemy, and, when the altercation is over, can send them away to recover for the next time. All of that said, the series may spark kids' imagination as they watch the main character explore a new land and learn to use the powers he assumes once he arrives there.
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Do you guys pay ANY attention to the show?
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Created for learning turned into big battles
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What's the Story?
In MAGI-NATION, 15-year-old Tony Jones is summoned to the ancient, mystical realm of Magi-Nation, where he finds himself in the middle of a tense battle between the world's warring powers. A beautiful and peaceful place, Magi's Moonlands are being threatened by the Shadow Magi, a nefarious group bent on domination. Desperate to save their home, Magi warrior Orwin and his young trainees, Edyn and Strag, call on the fabled Final Dreamer, whom prophecies say is the land's last hope for the future. In other words -- Tony. With guidance from his new friends, Tony learns to use his new magical powers, including the ability to conjure Dream Creatures with his ring. Each creature has specialized talents and defenses that allow it to battle those summoned by the Shadow Magi and protect the humans from harm.
Is It Any Good?
Much like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh, Magi-Nation's format is reminiscent of video games in which fantasy violence rarely results in realistic injury and players have an unlimited source of ammunition (in this case, Dream Creatures) to use against each other. Kids may need to be reminded that in the real world, fighting can hurt living creatures of all shapes and sizes.
But, cartoon violence aside, there's little to worry about in this fantasy series, and grade-schoolers may enjoy letting their imaginations run wild as Tony explores his new powers in a far-away place.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence on TV. Kids: Do the battle scenes in this show seem real? Why or why not? If something like that happened in real life, would people get hurt? Do you watch shows that are more violent than this one? Does it ever scare you?
Ask kids how they think Tony feels about discovering he's connected to another land. How would they feel in his place? What big life changes have kids had to deal with (moving to a new school, a new sibling's arrival, etc.)? How did they feel?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 8, 2007
- Network: CW
- Genre: Kids' Animation
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Friendship
- TV rating: TV-Y
- Last updated: March 1, 2022
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