NOT THE ORIGINAL AND NOT BAD EITHER! TAKE A LOOK.
Jedi Learner | Texas, Planet Earth | 09/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Transformers Energon on DVD shows the first nine episodes (minus episode 5) of this the newest Transformer series. I see that some argue that it is not like the original Transformer series of the 1980s. The new Energon Transformers uses cool computer animation along side of Japanese animation (Anime) and the result really works well for the robots (it looks a lot like the Zoids cartoon of a couple of years ago. For Transformers this is a great mix and a new twist - just like the Beast Wars Transformers computer generated shows were). The Transformers in the show look like the figures in the toy stores (unlike most of the original Transformer figures). The first episodes introduce some main characters and the voice acting is very good. Voice talents from Beast Wars and Gundam Wing are on board for the series and are way above average. The resurrection of Megatron episode (DVD number 2) and his battle with Scorponok are great. If you (or your children) try out the Energon DVDs and like these first episodes then most likely you will be hooked for the series (which is continuing on Cartoon Network this year). I like it because it is like seeing updated characters from Transformers The Movie (Megatron, Optimus Prime, Unicron, Rodimus and more). The new Megatron in my opinion is the best Megatron ever - no matter which series (if you liked Transformers the Movie I bet you will like this character a lot). Scorponok and Unicron are awesome. Optimus is still large and in charge and cool. Well done even compared to the original series. This is something new and fresh. Not the original and not bad either. Remember this series will be the first generation of Transformers to new fans today. Not a bad legacy. With the announcement that Steven Spielberg will do a live action Transformer moive in 2006 I think Transformers titles will only become more popular. I think this is one of the better ones now. Hope this is helpful."
A rocky first few episodes but potential
Ironman | Carmel, IN USA | 11/01/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Like the early episodes of Armada Transformers Energon has potential to behold quality. The idea is that it is now 20 years since the destruction of Unicron and the Autobots and Decepticons (Minus Megatron) have formed an alliance and are living peacefully. They have teamed up with Omnicons who search for Energon. However they soon become attacked by a new threat of Terrorcons who seek out energon to revive Unicron. The leader of the Terrorcons is a quinteson by then name of Alpha Q and his pawn Scorpanoc (Origionally introduced in the final Season of the Origional Transformers).
Meanwhile so it's not all about Robots and so the Transformers have some Human help there is now a kid named Kicker who has a form of ESP that allows him to sense Energon and other strange Energies. The series also tries to revive Classic Favorite Ironhide as young rookie who becomes somewhat reluctant friends with Kicker.
There are complaints about this however. The Early episodes suffer from weak villanous characters and the Terrorcons are just robotic Hawks and Wolves. Scorponac is an annoying villian who is no Megatron, or even Starscream for that matter.
However with a little fine tuning this series could last a few seasons and hold a special place in fans hearts (as I recall similar gripes were made about Beast Wars and now it is recalled fondly by many). Overall and I am saying this as a Transfan, give this series some time, the current style in animation for all series trying to reach a large audience is Anime style and for most it has become the norm. Armada hit gold with the final set of Episodes and this one will hopefully this one will have a nice succesful run for this young Generation (which is the Target Audience)"