Manic Expression

Cream Corn IS the Runnin' Thangs Man!

[Originally posted on http://obsessive-geek.blogspot.com/]

So, my first impressions article on the Black Dynamite Cartoon series seems to be going over pretty well with people. So, in my life goal criticize an critique all that comes my way (and a mercenary attempt to up my blog's popularity) I've decided to review Black Dynamite cartoon series one episode at a time. So let's put our ankles in episode 1, JUST BEAT IT OR JACKSON FIVE ACROSS YO' EYES!

The episode opens with a "Previously On" segment, where ninjas start terrorizing the community under the leadership of Fiendish Dr. Wu. The community's pimps (lead by Cedric Yarbrough's Chocolate Giddy Up, who I pray becomes a supporting character) call BD in to handle the problem. Wu leads a rally for "NINJA POWER!!!" and we cut to opening credits.

Oh yeah, and ninja is used a a replacement for... well, what word do you think it's replacing, antidisestablishmentarianism? I never thought a something would share a motif with Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood.

BD, Bullhorn and Honey Bee are at the ninja's hideout setting explosives. The hideout blows up, the three run to the car and Cream Corn drives them away. Or he would if he was, you know, actually there. In reality, CC's dancing in the Soul Train Line and seeing the Jackson Five in concert. Everyone looks like they've had whippin' from Big Bad Joe Jackson,  save for Michael himself. (Jermain even has a bandage over his afro.) Backstage, CC's trying to see Mike. Bu there seems to be some trouble as the lesser Jackson siblings leave under a curtain. CC peaks under it and sees Joe about to shoot Michael dead! Thankfully, he's able to jump in front of the shot and take a the bullet. In his ass. Now this episode shares something in common with Bad Boys II. Weird.

So, Micheal's saved and CC's become his new best friend in the whole wide world. Which is extremely bad news. For you see, Michael will make all you dreams come true...and kill your ass if you do him wrong.

Just like poor Jamone.

Oh, also, he's a half-human, half-mammasaymammasawmamacoosa alien hybrid bent on killing humanity. Another downside to being Michael's friend, he'll plan to impregnate you with thousands upon thousands of alien babies.

On the plus side, those babies will dance like nobody's business

So yeah, BD's dealing with alien invasion and ninjas. And he as to get CC back since he up an split for the Neverland Ranch. How will he stop this madness? Only one thing to do really: ninja/alien battle royale! Which bring us to the most awesome scene of the episode. BD punching out a giraffe!

SUEY!!!!

Black Dynamite, I love you.

So the battle ends, Michael saves CC from a stray laser blast. Alien apocalypse averted and BD gives little Mike some advice. Like making the children his #1 passion project. The End.

Now, this episode is a pretty solid opener for the series as a whole. Everyone's pitch perfect in their roles and the action very well animated. Michael basically steals the show with his mixture of childlike innocence and genuine menace.

Some of the fun of this is all the references towards Michael's career. From Neverland Ranch, to child Mike wearing his Thriller suit, and the moonwalk Michael does. There's a feeling of anachronism in the references, but that's just a minor thing. Overall, a good start.

Bonus Analysis!: BD's Abandonment Issues

 We get some insight about Black Dynamite's abandonment issues with this episode. His jealousy  at CC getting a new friend is obvious from the start, but the best scene was BD's dream sequence. It casts Michael as Peter Pan, flying all the whores and orphans of the Whorephanage away to Never Never Land. This also gives us the first "Take That, Dynamite!" line: "YOu shoulda took the check, motherf*$%^!!"