Reviews
Episode #26: Scavenger Hunt
Original Airdate: TBC
An alien scavenger called Terminus has come to Earth looking to steal the planet’s resources and technology for himself, and the only thing standing between him and the end of the world is the Fantastic Four. And while the FF have always found a way to beat their foes and save the day, they begin to realize that Terminus may just be unstoppable.
Credits
Story By Craig Kyle
Written By Paul Gicaoppo
Directed by Franck Miohel
Music by Noam Kaniel
Animation By Sunmin/ The Animation Studio/ Fantasta
Voices
Mr. Fantastic - Hiro Kanagawa
Invisible Woman - Lara Gilchrist
The Thing - Brian Dobson
Human Torch - Christopher Jacot
Dr. Doom - Paul Dobson
Review
Arsenal - Ugh, Doctor Doom again. It seems like every third episode we see the Fantastic Four fighting Dr. Doom. That would be fine if this version of Doom were interesting, had original ideas, or a far-reaching goal that required a series arc; but he doesn’t.
FF: WGH did to Doom what The Batman did to Joker. It took the heroes’ best villain, gave us a subpar version and then inundated most episodes with him.
That’s a major problem. Due to what was the impending Fantastic Four 2 movie when this series debuted, the creators could not use Galactus. (I’m assuming.) Doom and Galactus are the Fantastic Four’s best villains, bar none, along with Thanos. So out of the top three villains, two are missing and one was botched.
That leaves a huge void where all the best villains should be. Sure, the creators did some cool stuff with Puppet Master and Namor. The Skrulls and Mole Man are funny, but for spine-tingling, rip-roaring action, this show doesn’t have a villain that can deliver. Doom could have been that guy, but he always seems like he’s a step behind Reed. He doesn’t feel like a threat.
When Johnny goes, “Ugh, doombots again,” I have to agree with him.
And that’s the main problem with this episode. Even when Doom has the most effectual two of the Fantastic Four captured, you never think the heroes are in any danger. Doom was “jobbed” so thoroughly in his first episodes, it’s hard to think of him as a brilliant, conquering dictator.
Not to say there isn’t a whole lot to like about this episode. If you want comedy, “Doom’s word” has it. Ben adopts a thinking doombot, and we get some great scenes out of it.
For example, Ben teaches the doombot, which he named Bruiser, how to play Lollipop Island.
Bruiser: Go back three spaces. Destroy! (Bruiser lifts his mechanical arm to smash the board.
Ben: Look, Bruiser, clobbering things ain’t always the answer.
Bruiser: It is clobbering time.
Ben: Lots of times, sure, but not always.
Herbie’s insecurity at Bruiser’s technological advancement is funny too, so are Johnny and Ben’s spats. If this were a sitcom, it would be great. But it’s not. It’s an action cartoon, so eventually the funny stuff is interrupted, so the four and Bruiser can fight Doom.
The best action cartoons have a little bit of everything: action, comedy, drama, romance, characterization, robots, explosions etcetera. But FF: WGH only has the comedy and the characterization down. That may be enough for some. Most times, it’s enough for me, but I can understand fans who wanted more.
Media
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