Martin Mystery

Monsters and sympathy in a cartoon that is very distantly inspired by an Italian comic of a completely different kind. Although the episodes are totally self-contained and there is no evolution of the characters, this cartoon manages to stand perfectly on its own legs. It is interesting and manages to scare you when you work hard. Martin is a silly, funny but likeable protagonist while Diana and Java are shoulders that work perfectly with their interactions and reactions.

I used to watch this show, and I am personally very happy that the people at the Nicktoons Studio decided to stick it on Nick Toons Network. I think that it has all the makings of the classic Scooby-Doo episodes, except the monsters aren't guys, in rubber masks messing with people.

This show invokes creativity and tickles almost any cartoon lover's fancy. Unless of course it isn't your thing.

So watch Martin Mystery and give it a chance. Unless of course, narrow-minded-ness is your thing...

Then I'm gonna be wondering why you're even WATCHING cartoons.

The animation is a bit like anime meets the old Spiderman but somehow it works. Sometimes simpler is better. My teenage son and daughter get a big laugh out of every episode and the Martin/Diana relationship is so much like my kids it is creepy! Martin is all teenage boy with girls on the mind and an overactive imagination (er.. think "sock gnomes" being responsible for missing socks). He jumps to conclusions based on limited knowledge and has an unshakable faith in his own opinions; he also has absolutely no clue about acceptable social interaction. He can be a total pain but when it counts he stands up for his step-sister and his friends. Diana is all about doing the right thing and making sure the rules are followed... but the teenage girl in her manages to get out anyways.

Martin and Diana often act like 2 year olds when fighting with each other, and to emphasize the point they get redrawn as immature kids. The effect can be hilarious and my kids love their childish arguments. I don't point out to them how much it matches reality around our place.

The comment someone made about Martin/Diana being incestuous is just totally out to lunch. There really is nothing offensive about this show. Just fun with slime, aliens, weird monsters attacking quiet rural towns, and cursed objects that are found by innocent people. No one is hurt in the end, and Martin usually saves the day despite being such a doofus. And sometimes his bizarre theories ARE correct.

Not sophisticated but provides surprisingly satisfactory entertainment.

BTW: Martin's closet contains several outfits that all look the same. He changes his clothes but not his look.

The show I personally feel is wonderful. I hit on it one day on Nick purely by accident and fell in love with it. I've always been into the paranormal stuff and I am pleased that this show is showing that stuff as real instead of the made up lame stuff on Scooby Doo. True the animation is a bit laughable, but it is well worth it to see the unique take on monsters, ghosts, vampires, zombies...you name it. If it's paranormal and often coats our beloved heros in slime it's on the show. I look forward to watching this show more and more and if it does become avaible on DVD I will purchase it for my children to enjoy as well.

This show is actually pretty cool. Every episode is short and right to the point. As for DOUG and other old Nick shows, I'm sure many viewers can rehearse every episode line by line. Let NICK air some new cartoons and try something different for a change. Martin Mystery is on late night and does not interfere with any of the Nicktoon network show line-up schedule. This cartoon has very interesting plots and ideas. Its based on an old comic book series with a few differences. (character relationships, Name Changes) I here that it is a big hit in Europe and has many great reviews, with many die hard fans. I myself TiVo all the late night Martin Mysteries, and enjoy the show for it's sometimes corny but interesting stories. I suggest this Cartoon series for any Nick Toons lover, its not a new show, but since it hasn't been aired in most areas of the United States, its new to all of us. So make the decision for yourself and check out an episode or two, its better than watching a million time played over episode of DOUG or any discontinued NickToon.