Parents' Guide to Metal Hurlant Chronicles

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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Sci-fi stories highlight choreographed fight scenes.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

Based on the popular French anthology comics Metal Hurlant (known in the United States as Heavy Metal), METAL HURLANT CHRONICLES features science fiction stories about a range of planets and their inhabitants, linked only by a traveling asteroid. Each self-contained episode features a different planetary civilization that is in some way impacted by the presence of the Metal Hurlant, the remaining fragment of a long-lost planet making its way through the universe. From warriors of a once great technologically-driven society competing to the death to become king to a human civilization being overtaken by a cyborg-like army, each tale offers a unique out-of-this-world experience.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

The Franco-Belgian live-action series (which airs in English in Europe) stays true to the science fiction genre thanks to its range of fantastical stories and mythological characters. Adding to the fun is each episode's individual cast, which features renown actors like Buffy The Vampire Slayer's James Marsters, Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse's Michael Jai White, Dutch actor Rutger Hauer, and Joe Flanigan, known for his work in Stargate Atlantis.

Those who enjoy action-packed adventures will like the show's frequent and highly choreographed fight scenes, many of which are offered in slow motion to highlight the drama. But sci-fi fans will enjoy the series' commitment to fantasy, adventure, and dramatic twists, which range from surprising to just plain warped.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about science fiction. What are the characteristics of a science fiction TV show or movie? Why are fantasy and strange-looking characters major parts of the genre? Is it just to entertain audiences, or do they offer something more?

  • What are some the differences between TV shows created in and out of United States? Do some types of shows (like science fiction) appeal to different audiences more than others?

TV Details

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