Thundarr the Barbarian

release year: 1980
genre: 1980s Saturday-morning cartoon fantasy/sci-fi
viewing setting: home DVD, 9/6/04

synopsis: The year 1994: From out of space comes a runaway planet, hurtling between the Earth and the Moon, unleashing cosmic destruction. Man's civilization is cast in ruin. Two thousand years later, Earth is reborn... A strange new world rises from the old: a world of savagery, super science, and sorcery. But one man bursts his bonds to fight for justice! With his companions Ookla the Mok and Princess Ariel, he pits his strength, his courage, and his fabulous Sunsword against the forces of evil. He is Thundarr, the Barbarian!

impressions: This was a staple of my childhood, and even now, more than two decades later, I see why: it offered a possible snapshot of a world where the ruins are actually the Earth of today. It's always cool to see people running through ruins when you can recognize NY skyscrapers. The plot was silly, of course, but it's entertaining for kids.

things to watch for: The ruins of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler building, and the Statue of Liberty.

something this movie has that no other movie has: Ookla, a big strong animal-guy with very little sense.

acting: n/a, it's animated

final word: entertaining classic sci-fi cartoon from times past

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