Why ‘The Pirates of Dark Water’ Deserves a Comeback After All These Years!

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In simpler terms, my retrospective review is about “The Pirates of Dark Water,” a fantastic 90’s Saturday morning cartoon produced by Hanna-Barbera. It was filled with imaginative settings, interesting characters, striking visuals, and a captivating art style that continues to impress me today. Sadly, the show ended prematurely due to high production costs and poor ratings, which led Hanna-Barbera and ABC to conclude the story prematurely.

What they managed to deliver in its short run still holds up well in my opinion.

Originating from the minds of David Kirschner and initially broadcast on Fox Kids followed by ABC, the animated series “The Pirates of Dark Water” is centered around the thrilling escapades of Ren (George Newbern), the young prince of Octopon, as he embarks on a mission to retrieve the lost 13 Treasures of Rule. These treasures are crucial for safeguarding their world against the destructive advance of the Dark Water, a sinister black substance that appears determined to swallow the planet’s surface and taint its life with darkness. With his final breath, King Primus entrusts Ren with this monumental task and assembles an eclectic group of misfits who ultimately prove themselves to be indispensable allies on this perilous journey.

Each character possesses unique reasons for pursuing the treasure. Among them is Ioz, the greedy and dashing pirate mercenary; Tula, who transforms from a pirate to a geomancer and eventually becomes Wren’s romantic interest; and Niddler, a monkey-bird who befriends Wren and has an insatiable appetite.

Pursuing the hidden treasures becomes an arduous task, as the overweight and malicious pirate chief Bloth (Brock Peters) also seeks them for his own gain, earning him a notorious reputation as the dread of the seven seas. His colossal flagship, the Leviathan, is so massive it can engulf smaller vessels whole and serves as a home to Bloth’s monstrous pet, the Constrictus – resembling a creature designed by H.R. Giger, similar to a Rancor yet more terrifying. Not only does Bloth and his crew present a threat, other dark forces worshiping the ocean’s depths strive to hinder Ren in his quest.

The TV series boasted a talented writing crew and wasn’t afraid to tackle intense visuals, considering the limitations of American television in the 90s. It delved into themes like the wickedness of slavery, the consequences of vanity and greed, as well as traditional heroic escapades. At that time, I only watched this show and Batman: The Animated Series. Let me tell you, as a child, I was petrified by scenes where characters’ faces seemed to dissolve! This series primarily revolved around the classic hero’s journey, portraying Ren’s initial innocence, his growth through adventures, and even demonstrating character development among his companions along the way.

The program boasted an exceptional voice cast, featuring seasoned actors such as Frank Welker, Peter Cullen, Jodi Benson, Tim Curry, Jim Cummings, Brock Peters, and Hector Elizondo, who graced it with their remarkable skills. Tim Curry’s portrayal of Konk, Bloth’s clumsy minion, was consistently hilarious. In terms of animation quality, it stood out for its time, as it received contributions from animation studios in Japan and the Philippines.

Experienced viewers can easily identify the studios behind each episode due to their distinct qualities. However, it’s possible to notice some recurring scenes or outdated animations that haven’t held up over the years. The show’s synthesized soundtrack featured many memorable themes, composed by veterans Steve Rucker and Thomas Chase Jones, who have previously worked on shows such as Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls. To add to its popularity, the series even spawned a Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis game, and a comic book adaptation through Marvel Comics.

Unfortunately, due to a high production cost and declining viewership, the show was not renewed for another season. By the conclusion of its run, Ren’s team found eight out of thirteen treasures, similar to other series such as Firefly that didn’t get a proper ending. There’s still plenty of enjoyment to be had in the 21 episodes, despite the unfinished storyline.

This project could benefit from a fresh start, and I’d support it if Kirschner was involved again. However, considering today’s debatable storytelling choices, I’d proceed with caution. If they were to release a high-definition remaster on Blu-ray, I’d be willing to invest in it. Originally, the entire production could be found on YouTube, but now individual episodes can be rented on Amazon. For those who prefer physical copies, the 4-disc DVD set is available for purchase on Amazon as well.

Give this one a shot! I highly recommend.

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2025-02-24 21:47