This is another in my series of under the radar gems. I was a kid from the 90's and of course one of the big things for me were the comic books/graphic novels. In the 90's the subculture of comics/graphic novels were no doubt on the rise mainly DC and Marvel which had some animated visual media adaptations from "Batman the Animated Series", "Spider Man and others which were highly successful. Including one new company "Image" which rose to ranks fast. They never really had much in the visual medium at the time, which is understandable they were still a new company and not everyone has bought or read their comics including myself as I was more focused on Marvel. But they did have a decent string of animated shows from "Wild C. A. T. S" (show I reviewed and another under the radar gem), "Spawn", and of course this show "Savage Dragon".
I really like the concept as it's sort of "Alien Nation" mixed in with Clive Barker's "Nightbreed" sort of. Instead of aliens it's monsters, what if monsters were real and became a normal accepted part of society and everyday life, but still with the same human problems mainly crime.
It's true that for anyone familiar with the comic series the animated show was toned down to fit the audiences it was going for which is why you may 'be disappointed in certain things missing. However, it's not toned down too much as it still has plenty to offer which helps it stay in the same spirit as it's predecessor despite wearing different shoes.
Really like the animation which is top notch 90's style which is fine with me I wouldn't want it any other way, and slightly accurate to the art from the comic series. From the Chicago backgrounds having that noir feel as we see some of the grit of the city from day to night. But mainly it's the monster character models that are the real attraction, there is just this corn o copia of monsters the whole city you can say could be aa horror/monster fans dream come true. But this also gives the whole place an unpredictability and shows that anything is possible.
Music is decent which I'll admit is a slight weak point for the series as there aren't many memorable tracks, but their listenable they get the job done.
The show also has a top-notch voice cast, most of them familiar voices you probably heard from plenty of other shows from the 90's.
Of course, the main man Dragon who is voiced well by one of my favorite voice actors "Jim Cummings". His voice I thought was a perfect fit, well at least for now until an animated revival is made. Whenever I read the comic series I always think about his voice. It's feels just right as it has the right balance, he has that Chicago blue collar charisma to him. He's got some of the best and memorable lines. He's one of those heroes that doesn't use a gun but doesn't need to as he's armed with his super strength and his best weapon of all his wits. And of course, despite his ability Dragon isn't bulletproof so he still has to be careful.
One of the things that make the show unique is how the show behaves like a regular detective/ noir show. Sure, there are superhero elements, but they are all second as we see "Dragon" and company doing some real detective work before the action begins. This is a good thing because it sort of helps in series keep one foot in reality, showing the hero/superhero actually doing some work which she they actually have and maintain a good work ethic which transitions into putting effort to what they do, but also helps give reason as to how the hero/superhero find things out and arrive on time when the chips are down, where sometimes in comics the story can take the easy way out where it seems like the hero/superhero is almost psychic or they called some hotline to get a tip on where to go next.
There is also this whole revolving plotline on Dragon's amnesia which was different for animation at the time because animated shows even live action TV shows didn't really have revolving plotlines. The revolving plotline is a little tribute to the noir films and stories, as most of their stories are usual about someone finding a truth that is so close but hidden in plain sight. And this is the second weak point of the show as this plotline isn't revisited enough and, we don't really get a payoff to Dragon's plotline, though that's probably because of the lifespan of show being prematurely cut.
And of course, I didn't forget about the action, and this show has some good action. The choreography is solid it's cool seeing Dragon and company going toe to toe against a lot of inhuman foes. Sure, most of those foes are usual just your monster of the week types but same can be said about a lot of shows, and if the monster of the week presents itself a dangerous threat and don't make things too easy, I'm fine with that. And it's true you can easily guess the heroes/superheroes are going to win (otherwise there would be no more show) but the suspense is wondering how they're going to win.
Though that also is the last weak point of the show as Dragon and company don't really have reoccurring villains to fight, we they kind of do which are Overlord and his monster mafia but they're not in the show that much; let alone we never see Overlord and Dragon have a physical one on one together. Which I'll admit was a minor disappointment for me because it seemed like the seasons were building up to that, but it never happened, mainly because the show's lifespan was prematurely cut.
It would be cool if they did an animated revival but mainly geared for the teen and adult audience as it was meant to be; and a side note can do that whole revolving plotline with "Dragon's" amnesia again like in the old animated series but actually have a pay off with it. Let alone include most of the other characters that weren't in the animated show and get those physical versus matches with Dragon and Overlord.
Or even a live action series, it would no surprise be on a streaming station possibly HBO Max. It can work by today's standards as we have the technology to make certain things in the comic possible but mainly, I'm hoping this property will be in the right hands, let alone the correct casting choices.
Overall, it's a good, animated comic series if not one of the best, it's at least a good easy introduction piece to the comic series which you can read latter if you want. For fans and nonfans of the comic series and comics in general this show is at least worth a try.
Rating: 3 stars.
