05.05
I know what you're looking at, and I'm ashamed.
The short-lived animated series Immortal Grand Prix, a racing show co-produced by Cartoon Network, recently returned to screens to much fanfare. Much praise has been given to Toonami for this idea, with the consensus being this represents a return to the good old days. However, that contrasts with previous apathy for the show in favor of desire for shows like Sym-Bionic Titan or Teen Titans to return. In fact, the interest in bringing back IGPX seemed nonexistent in the months before the announcement. Nostalgia was sparked out of the return than memories of the actual show, and that asks a question: Was IGPX even good to begin with?
Aside from the CG racing sequences, the animation presents nothing notable or surprising. Sure, the design if usually on model, but points can’t be given for a basic expectation. Plots and characterization don’t go beyond the basic “sports anime” concept, with Takeshi, Amy, and Liz never going beyond their already flat archetypes. As their character interaction offer little chemistry and real flavor to the show, these scenes ends up detracting away from the supposed center of the show. While the casting is impressive for a Saturday night cartoon, which seems like the only distinction this series has from other anime. After all, Michelle Rodriguez is always welcome. But besides that, what’s there to make this series better than any other racing show? The plot moves at a pace contradictory to the show’s theme. While the series’ quality may have been must better than contemporary programs at its original airing such as Zatch Bell and D.I.C.E., does that say anything in the grand scheme of things?
Within the anime subculture, the show’s title seems as obscure as the Super Mario OVA. Search through any “Top 00s Anime” or “Shows To Get Nostalgic Over” lists, and I assure you that IGPX will seldom be on those charts. Hell, when was the last time you even heard of someone not into Toonami speak of the show? Yet, the show’s return brought cheers equivalent to the new Pope being announced. Exactly what is going on to incur this spur? When shows like Samurai 7 or even Soul Eater were announced, they only received a fraction of this anticipation. So what gives?
Perhaps this signals how the revival of Toonami has turned its fans rabid with anticipation over any kind of news. And what’s better than a return of Toonami’s first original animated series? Even if the series wasn’t actually good to begin with, getting a show from the previous era back on-air simulates the feeling of finally having the Toonami we knew and loved. But then that raises a further question: Do we want good shows or do we just want Toonami back?
Maybe I’m exaggerating and looking at a genuinely good show through biased eyes. There’s the possibility that the years have given IGPX a new generation to please. But looking onto the show with a personal view, I look with confusion as to what exactly makes this a victory in the eyes of action-animation fans. In a few years’ time, we’ll probably see Wulin Warriors come back and be viewed as a classic that deserved another chance. Hey, if Citizen Kane was mocked during its initial release, then surely a couple shows have gotten the same treatment?
Right?