Redwall

Although there is a sudden proliferation of animated series, very few of them have been incredibly impressive. This is one of them.

The plot revolves around a young mouse named Matthais, who is a novice at Redwall Abbey. He begins to hear voices from the famous hero Martin the Warrior, and must save his abbey from the evil rogue Cluny the Scourge, a rat with a blade tied to his tail. As he listens to the voices, he is drawn farther and farther towards his destiny.

Perhaps the two things which impress me the most are the maturity the show demonstrates and the quality of the animation. Redwall is not a show for younger children; there is death around the abbey, even though there is no graphic violence. And once a character dies, s/he does not come back. As for the animation, the quality is incredible. Realistic shadows are cast on the characters, and the world around Redwall Abbey is lush and green.

This is definitely worth seeing, regardless of one's age.

I haven't read the book, but I am still looking out for it. I saw all the episodes on YouTube and I was very impressed, as I am consistently with Nevlana. The animation is clean, the characters are convincing and there is humour thrown into the mix. I loved the fact that the plot evolved over a whole series, very clever. I don't have a favourite episode because I loved it all. I loved the drama and the depiction of violence and adventure that enhances the story like Redwall did. The best character in my opinion is Slagar, voiced magnificently by the ever versatile Tim Curry. In the second episode, although he is a real villain, you feel sorry for Slagar, when you see his disfigurement. Another great character was Basil, he was hilarious, and Baby Rollo is so cute. The other voice talents are entertaining too, along with the endearing subplots. The music is so beautiful, it really takes you back to the medieval times. Overall, I loved it! 10/10. Bethany Cox

I am a literary woman. I love films (animated or live-action), theatrical shorts, and TV series based on books. I was quite shocked by the negativity I heard or saw on the internet. I've watched this show, and frankly, I find it awesome! The television series captivated me, and then I discovered the "Redwall" novels.

I love the original characters they've put on the show: Wild Ivy, the spunky, gypsy knife-thrower from a circus, and Farlo and his wife Glendel, the two dormice who sell spices; her name almost sounds like 'Gwendel' to me. The series also has an excellent musical score and top-notch voice casting. Anyway, it's a great TV adaptation of the novel.

I don't think it is quite as strong as Redwall and Mattimeo, which were both wonderful, but this is an excellent series and like its two predecessors well worth looking out for. The animation is of very good quality, with the colours especially audacious, while the music is once again beautiful. The writing is uniformly good, and the story is superb, while like Redwall and Mattimeo the violence enhances the drama rather than distracts from it. The characters are engaging particularly the title character who is easy to relate to, while the voice work once again is outstanding from all involved. In conclusion, Martin the Warrior is excellent and worth a look. 9/10 Bethany Cox

The original Redwall animated series distinguished itself as one of Nelvana's finest series with a magnificent adaption of Brian Jacques' first book.

Now this series does Jacques' third book even more justice. If anything, this series depicts more drama, starker perils, and a higher standard of artistic excellence for the company to follow. Correspondingly, the series has more violence which is handled with a care which enhances the story rather than distracting from it.

If you get an opportunity to see this series, don't pass up the chance to see just how good Canadian television cell animation can be!