G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: Series 2, Season 1 (DVD)

The theme song for this series is particularly ridiculous ... but it's infectious nevertheless! And although the animation is not as good as the original Sunbow series, there's still some decent episodes out there ... notably the Operation Dragonfire 5 part mini-series that kicks things off on the first disc of the set. The storyline was compelling and it's good to see Cobra Commander return ... and it's particularly interesting to learn of Serpentor's fate as well. Chris Latta (credited as Christopher Collins) voices Cobra Commander once again, which was a personal treat for me. But most of the voice cast from the original series aren't present in this particular incarnation, just so you know. One thing that was surprising on this DVD set was a lack of "special features." I'm hoping this will be addressed when the second season of this series comes out, although I'm not sure what the release date will be. There are some over-the-top cheesy episodes ... but even the original G.I. Joe and Transformers episodes had some of those as well. If you're a fan of the original G.I. Joe animated series, this series is a must-own!

As a child of the 80's G.I.Joe was one of the big cartoons of years past. For some time we've had the original ARAH series from Sunbow available. The classic series while having it's flaws had some character. DiC's attempt at the series, well it's hard to recommend to anyone who wasn't watching it at the time it originally came out. This set starts strong with the first disc being the 5 part mini series Operation Dragonfire. It takes place immediately after the End of the G.I. Joe animated movie which ended Sunbows run with the series. Cobra Commander returns, there's an interesting subplot about a cobra spy in the Joes ranks and it follows the pattern of the Original MASS Device plot. It works. Then the series starts with the 2nd disc and then its a nonstop comedy show it seems. Plots ranging from a Cobra henchman's Grandma believing he's in charge of Cobra, to Cobra Commander and Pathfinder running in a jungle from a Lion that wants to tear them to shreds and a lovesick Gorilla wanting to make out with the Commander. Plus most of the memorable Joes from the previous series are gone. If they didn't have a toy in 1990 they weren't included in this season for the most part. Joes still have Sgt. Slaughter for the celebrity status, and other than that Lady Jaye becomes the token girl on the team, General Hawk gets a crazy Jet Pack suit, and Duke shows up on the last disc. Cobra isn't much better. The biggest plus is this is the season where the Commander gets his Battle Armor. But returning Cobra members included Gold Headed Destro, the Baroness, and Zarana. Serpentor has a role in Operation Dragonfire but isn't seen after words. Really I would avoid the set if you hadn't watched it as a kid before. The original series which is also out is much better.