Aaahh!!! Real Monsters

The studio Klasky Csupo was responsible for numerous shows, like Rugrats, and The Wild Thornberrys, over the years. However, with such a popular back-catalogue at their disposal, it is quite obvious to over-look certain shows that didn't have its tremendous share of popularity- does anyone else here remember shows from them, such as Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, or Duckman?

Aaahh!!! Real Monsters was another show made from Nickelodeon's legion of Nick Toons, which gave this channel the edge for Saturday morning cartoons, until Cartoon Network nicked this new show format. First transmission of this was in 1994, when we were introduced to 3 high-school monster misfits known as Ickis, Oblina, and Krumm, as they try to make the grade by scaring fellow humans, with some disastrous consequences.

However, with such an entertaining concept to entertain the kids, this show ended in 1998 despite its variety of guest stars since the second episode in its first series, like Tim Curry (who, ironically, went on to voice the father figure in the Wild Thornberrys.) Also, the show's resonance remains coherent with some weak referencing in the Pixar's ever-popular film Monsters Inc- well the concept of monsters having to scare humans sounds familiar, if you ask me! Its departure can only be explained with the arrival of Nickelodeon's latest shows at the time: The Wild Thornberrys, Rocket Power, As Told by Ginger, Fairly OddParents, and the cult-followed Spongebob Squarepants (there was also a revamp of the Rugrats, who will eventually have a more "grown-up" spin-off later on.)

Further bemusement into Nickelodeon's decision to axe the show includes the fun making each episode, especially during the opening credits; this was where its flamboyant, high-heeled wearing, headmaster figure, the Gromble, says something different from every episode, one of his lines, like "you make me sick". Also, after the ending credits, memorable dialogue was muttered ounce again from that episode. This wasn't new, as the Rugrats have been doing this gimmick throughout their transmission, so re-inventing something from a more popular show shows the struggle. Also, from their more popular counter-parts, this show had a dark feeling to it, with the overall design of the show (and some of the episodes relied on famous people to be traumatised from these novices at work!)

Personally, I remember quite a lot of this show, especially when it first transmitted on US television around Halloween (29 October 1994 to be precise). So, from the beginning, I know from the start that this was going to be a show with a creepy undertone. Also, one thing I found enjoyable was this concept of monsters of going to school to learn how to scare was quite inventive; it made the Tiny Toon Adventure's concept of going to university to become a cartoon star makes that premise childish. Alas, I need to mention Gravedale High at this point, as this was another monster high school format, only that took the "throw in a human in with them for some laughs" approach. Another key thing I remember is that projector that projects an image from their eyes- I did mention was darker than other kid's shows, at the time; didn't I? The voice acting was memorable, with Charles Adler (whose voice can be heard for the Bigheads in another Nick Toon, Rocko's Modern Life) and Christine Cavanaugh (the original voice for the Rugrats' Chuckie)- well, with them on board, it got appeal if you enjoyed the other shows at the time on Nickelodeon.

So, what can I say, this was an enjoyable series from start to finish of every episode, but the dark over-tone wouldn't have made this everyone's cup of tea. Overall, this was one of those shows from Klasky Csupo that deserves another look, if given the chance of a re-run.

The quality of this series is further proof that pop culture was a lot more going on before 2000, especially before the 2010s. Creative pitches, high-quality drawings and original stories went hand in hand with the confidence in the thinking and feeling of younger viewers. Although "Aaahh !! Monsters" was a Nickelodeon series, viewers of all ages were trusted to deal with real horror, grotesque characters and a good sense of humor. Warmth and kindness still have their place in this series, just without being arrogant, pampering or patronizing. Qualities that you almost have to look for with a magnifying glass in current pop culture. This series is just wonderful and a great tip for the Halloween season. Just sit down or, better still, cuddle up in warm blankets, sip a hot chocolate and enjoy this series. Timelessly good, funny and with the right amount of horror.

This was actually one the better shows to come out before Nickelodeon began it's decent into idiocy. It's about three monsters: Ickis, a monster that is often mistaken for a rabbit; Oblina, the only female monster in the trio who is shaped like a candy cane and often reaches down her throat to pull stuff out of her stomach; and Krumm, a monster who uses his unbearable stench to scare humans. They go to some sort of monster school where they learn to scare humans. They are often the subject of ridicule by their cruel head monster, The Gromble, who has four legs and wears high-heel shoes.

So what the hell happened to this show? I mean why did the dumb-asses at Nickelodeon take it off the air? Is it because this show is more adult-oriented or did they feel this show may have been too scary for 7-year old kids? I think it was the first reason. I think they took it off the air because they felt the show was more directed towards older kids, which for some reason, I think, in their opinion is bad. So that's why I think they keep making these idiotic shows because they're targeting younger ages which is why they piss me and a whole lot of other people off so much now. Besides, no one under the age of ten actually watched this show anyway. So they should have left it on the air for the older kids to watch. Nickelodeon has really lost it. These stupid shows they're producing now are getting worse and worse with every new cartoon they decide to air.

Please come back Monsters!!! 10/10

This is definitely one of the most unique 90's cartoon ever made. Although this show does have a good bit of gross humor in it but the show is still very funny. The show has really good characters and is for the most part a very enjoyable show to watch. Why couldn't they make "Secret Mountain Fort Awesome" as good as this show?

As a kid, I used to love this show. I haven't seen it for at least 2 years, maybe 3 so it's hard to really remember everything about it. I remember the three monsters, Ickis, Oblina and Krumm were very funny. I also remember The Gromble, who if I recall correctly wore red shoes. It was a very humorous well-written show with very well developed characters who were voiced and animated brilliantly. I miss this show very much and know that even now, not a little kid anymore I will still enjoy this show.