7.4

Earthworm Jim the Complete Series

Based on the classic video game Earthworm Jim, Via Vision have released the 1995 cartoon series on DVD that features our favourite bumbling computer game hero in a variety of comedic anecdotes. For those who are unaware of Earthworm Jim (Dan Castellaneta), Jim was once a normal earthworm and really couldn't tell his head from his tail. However Jim literally stumbled upon a super suit which transformed him into the superhero known as Earthworm Jim.

Fortunately for Earth, we have a new protector but unfortunately for Jim, the denizens of evil want his suit and these include Professor Monkey-for-a-head (Charles Adler) and Queen Slug-for-a-butt (Andrea Martin) plus Evil the cat (Edward Hibbert). But all heroes have sidekicks and Jim is joined by Peter Puppy (Jeff Bennett) and girlfriend Princess What's-Her-Name (Kath Soucie) who make up some of the characters of this ridiculous animated series.

Paying direct homage to the original video game, Earthworm Jim follows the standard superhero cartoon archetype that requires Jim to either save himself or someone else in each episode. However where Earthworm Jim shines as a cartoon is through its odd sense of humour that ranges from gut wrenchingly funny to downright horrible. Castellaneta (the voice of Homer Simpson) is perfectly cast as the witty Jim and just like the video game, Jim sometimes talks to the player... errr viewer.

The series is also narrated by Jeff Bennett who also lends more humour to this strange premise of an intelligent superhero worm. For fans of the video game, you're probably thinking where does the cow fit into all this antics and I can happily inform you that the cow makes an appearance in every episode which generally involves our hero being crushed at the end of each episode in classic South Park Kenny fashion.

With so many video game references that you can poke a stick, the creators of the animated series have also managed to expand the mythology behind this character but once again, it's the humour that stands out here. From Jim looking for a new sidekick when Peter messed up or Bob the Killer goldfish trying to steal Jim's suit, outrageousness is the key here like Jim accidentally photocopying himself to create an evil duplicate. It's classic over the top cartoon humour. With action, adventure and misfortune, the definitive Earthworm Jim series is here on DVD!

The only downside to this release is that that video quality is a little lacking but for purists like myself, this is a much needed release. Check it out if you were a fan of the original video game or wanting something a little left out of centre for your animated treat.

Recommended to all weirdos!