Sealab 2020

Sealab 2020 is is distinguished from other Hanna-Barbera toons of the early '70s by its exceptional and fairly unique (for a toon) design. The character looks are typical of the work Alex Toth did for HB during the period and the animation is about par with Super Friends. The vessels and architecture actually show influences from Loewy, Neutra and other modern and futurist designers.

The show's concept, a team of scientists working at a large undersea research base, seems interesting enough, but the episodes themselves were fairly dull.It lacked the sense of adventure of Johnny Quest or the HB superhero shows of the period. At the very least, it wasn't another Scooby Doo or Flintstones knock off.

Fortunately, the show provides plenty of fodder for the Sealab 2021 parody that runs on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block of programming. Using remixed original footage from the show, animators have created a hilarious, original, and definitely adult-oriented program featuring some known actors (Erik Estrada) doing the voices.