Earthworm Jim

The only time I ever got to see it, in all honesty, was on video, of which I only ever saw four 2 episode tapes out of about 25 or so episodes. There's a show that needs to be brought back. It was incredibly silly, but everyone needs silliness. But it was the Pythonesque quality of the comedy that I loved so much. What other show could host a megalomaniacal fish, a Princess named Whats-her-name, and a falling cow, and still be coherent? It's not just the jokes and gags, it's the delivery of them all. Not a dud in any of the episodes I've seen.

Put simply, "Earthworm Jim" was one of the funniest and most entertaining television programs on the air during the time of its run, and remains one of the most creatively humorous cartoons of all time.

The series takes several of the characters and scenarios from the video game it's based on and brings them to stunning life, including Princess What's-Her-Name, Peter Puppy (who'd always honor anything at all that impressed him with the "Better than..." comment), and a motley cast of rogues who helped keep things funny.

It's truly one of the most notable animated shows in history (and had a great theme song too), so here's hoping it's preserved on DVD.

The Super Mario Bros. Super Show was nothing super.

The Legend Of Zelda was no where near as good as the games.

Sonic the Hedgehog got canceled as fast as Sonic could run.

Viewtiful Joe lost the viewtifulness of the game.

Earthworm Jim... now where getting somewhere.

This show was witty, and downright hilarious. The series was based after the popular video game, and its sequel, Earthworm Jim 2 (creative, eh?). The series follows Jim (Dan Castanella, the same voice as 'Homer Simpson' from the 'Simpsons'), his pall Peter Puppy (who transformed when enraged into a hideous beast), Jim's precious princess girlfriend, and his adorable pet slime (yes, I think he's adorable. shut up). The writing and excellent voices spawned the Best Video Game Cartoon series. Ever! If you have a chance, give Jim a chance. Then play the game if you have a Sega Genisis or Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

I am a huge animation fan, and consider some animated films and shows some of my favourites ever. Earthworm Jim, the underrated gem it is, is no exception. Even as a child, I admired how bizarre it was but also how brilliantly written and animated it was. Revisiting it after goodness knows how long, I still do. The animation is truly excellent, with bold colours, audacious backgrounds and sharp and unique character designs. The music is a delight too, the main theme is well and truly memorable and the incidental music is cleverly and imaginatively composed.

The story lines are outstanding. They were well paced, being very brisk and original, a refreshing retread from being predictable and contrived. I also love the characters. Jim is a moron at times, but he is also very charming, likable and witty, while Peter Puppy is adorable, Jim's girlfriend doesn't fall into the trap of being clichéd and the villains are outrageously fun in their motives, how they're voiced and animated and even in their names.

What made Earthworm Jim in my opinion was in its writing. This is one brilliantly written show, not only in the dialogue which is superb and enthusiastically delivered but in the surreal gags and post modern humour and inspired spoofs. The voice acting consistently is top notch, especially Dan Castallenetta who is perfect as Jim. To conclude, Earthworm Jim is a gem, and deserves to be better known than it is. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Video game character Earthworm Jim gets his own cartoon series, and the only word to describe it is: FUNNY! There's Jim, who is a total moron, fighting those weird villains from the games, which truly are bizarre(c'mon, who could forget the likes of Prof. Monkey-for-a-head, or Queen Slug-For-A-Butt?). The guy who played Homer(I forget his name, Dan Castellentia or something like that) is brilliant as Jim, who is possibly even wackier than the Tick! No, he IS wackier than the Tick! The laughs and spoofs were great, but then stupid WB took this excellent show off, and it hasn't been on the air since(hey, Cartoon Network: are you paying attention here?). I would love it if this truly hilarious show came back. C'mon, I want to see that cow fall on someone again!

BOTTOM LINE: If you can find the old videos, GET THEM! This is one of the funniest cartoon shows ever.