Tuesday 8 December 2009

Danger Mouse - Cat-astrophe


Danger Mouse is, without a doubt, one of Cosgrove Hall's best-selling cartoons in the world, alongside Count Duckula and the TV Series of The Wind in the Willows. Before politic correctness, before the dumbing down on kids intelligence, before the dreadful reign of Hanna Montana and Fairly Odd Parents, shows like Danger Mouse ruled our British Screens, and it was all thanks to the brilliant wit of Brian Trueman - the writer and voice actor of many of CH's shows at the time - that DM and Penfold are still fondly remembered over 25 years later.

Out of all the villians DM has encountered - Baron Greenback, Prof. Crumhorn, J. J. Quark - I've always admired PAWS for being a true physical threat to DM - relying on his own strength and mine-reading skills against our hero whereas the mentioned villains relied on schemes, divertions and other creatures to destroy DM instead of doing their own dirty work. Plus, Paws has a kick-A voice that matches his appearance perfectly :D


Not only that but what I like about this episode is, whilst most of the series run relied on reused animation, ala Hanna-Barbera, the "new" animation scenes involved are so much more smoother and slightly different compared to how the characters were drawn in, say, the first 2 seasons. My favourite sequence starts from 3:36 in the video. Notice how slightly chubbier DM and Penfold appear before and during their encounter with Paws.

Although I'm especially fond of the animation style at 7:10 when Penfold finds Colonel K - for some reason, the movement and apperance of the characters here puts me in mind of Peter Maddocks' funny old style. While a little stiffer-looking, it stills upholds the quality DM look throughout the remainder of the episode.


....and if anyone's tired of me rambling at this point, then rejoice by watching the episode itself! ;)


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