Speed Racer: The Next Generation

Contrary to what other reviewers may say, the sequel to the original cartoon/manga works out well.

The problem with sequels is that so many people hold the originals to such a high regard because the originals were usually executed at an early time in that viewer's life. It's hard for such viewers to admit that they weren't always as critical or as intelligent in their youth as they are today.

Going back, I re-watched some of the original Speed Racer cartoons, and having little previous memory of them I was able to watch them with a critical eye.

The original cartoon really was weak from a script, animation and direction standpoint. This isn't surprising since it was in an era where stock animated cells were used often in the industry (exactly how long are the hallways in Hanna-Barbara cartoons anyway?).

To say that the execution of the Next Generation is weaker than the original series really is like saying the special effects of original star trek were better than say in Next Generation, Deep Space Nine or Voyager.

I use the Star Trek comparison because I don't want people to think I'm bashing the original Speed. The original speed is unpolished, some scripts were fun, others weren't. Original Star Trek is unpolished, some scripts were fun, others were downright terrible. So, Maybe you don't like TNG for Speed or TNG for Star Trek, that's fine; but don't blame the script quality or the special effects for your dislike. Fact is Original Speed used quite a few stock scripts, generic stories of the time with no real originality. Same with original Trek (just take them out of space and put them on "Wagon Train", you'll see what I mean). SR:TNG mostly tried something new, same thing with ST:TNG.

One big plus to the series is unlike the movie, Speed Racer: TNG does NOT re-write speed racer history. It adds to it. Nothing changes a single episode of the original series.

Great show. season 1 might have disappointed but season 2 was a huge improvement. does not deserve 3.9

I found my interest of speed racer, after watching the movie. I then found out this animated series. I have recorded all of the episodes possible onto my TV. I'm waiting for this 1st season to come onto DVD, I will definitely buy it. I have strong hope that the show shall continue. The original series lasted five seasons, I hope that Speed Racer: Next Generation lasts at least that long. The characters in this show are both interesting and perfect for the show. I find it interesting that in this show racer X is the name of one of speed racers sons.I'm waiting for speed & lucy to hook up, become boyfriend & girlfriend. I'ts obviously that they both have strong feelings for each other. I definitely LOVE this show, it is my favorite show on TV. I give this show an absolute 10+ ranking!

The idea of Speed's own son going to a racing school work out nicely. If done correctly. Let's just list five of what I find disappointing from just seeing one episode.

1. The character designs, they look nothing like the original anime. If they weren't going to pay a Japanese animation company to do this series, they could of focused on how to draw anime books to make the characters of this and the predecessor look like they are in the same Speed Racer universe.

2. The animation, I'm guessing they had to make it as low budget as possible. Sure the original anime had stiffness but do that had to comply with this series as well. Cause it didn't look right for everyone to look like they have stiff joints.

3. Supporting cast, If they were going to include supporting characters, they can at least be more creative. Cause most of the racing students look like they came straight from a typical high school TV show.

4. lack of violence, that's what made the original so great to watch was the violence. But for this they removed all of the guns & heavy use of car crashes. I blame this on parents who think cartoons are better off without these.

5. lame villains, all we have is an almost evil business man who is after the gas-less engine of the Mach 6. The original had awesome villains including terrorists, mobs, assassins, & insane racers. Those guys made the anime a classic, you remove those from this show and then you're left with a boring segment with less appealing villains.

Peter Ferandaz appears as an Older Spritle, which is cool they actually got him to do the voice of an original character. But not even he was able to save the show.

Cause in the end they fail to make this a true sequel to the original anime. Those who want to see a sequel to original Speed Racer will be disappointed with this one.

Why else did this show get a low rating? I've yet to see an objective reason to why. Speed Racer: The Next Generation is worth a six at least, only adding a 7 because this was a big part of my childhood, and the original Speed Racer was a big part of many others' childhoods, so there.

Now, while this cartoon isn't much to write home about, it was made to help promote the 2008 live action film, and didn't have as much moeny going into it let's face it. So what good is this series? Well, if you want a little something different from Speed Racer this has you covered. You want a throwback to those anime-influenced shows from the mid-2000s? For the company that initially produced it they did a surprisingly good job.

There's nothing particularly hatable about this show, or its characters, it doesn't try to undermine the older shows, it's more earnest than you think. If you came to this expecting the same things over and over again, touch grass... or just keep watching the old cartoons over and over again.