Years after "Pokemon" first hit the scene, it still remains on the air, though its impact is far less now than at its peak. "Digimon" fell victim to ratings in Japan after four seasons, though it has continued to hang on cable in America in reruns, and finally has brought out the remaining mini-movies. "Monster Rancher" of course was canceled several years ago and remained only in limited release on VHS and DVD, but recently had a new deal for another release on DVD.
Aside from these trailblazers, the "mon" genera has been pretty dormant, "Moncolle Knights" appearing briefly several years ago before pretty much sinking from sight. Now at last, it seems we may have another show with aspirations of becoming the next "Pokemon"--"Mix Master".
With 39 half-hour episodes marketed at October's MIPCOM, "Mix Master" is based on a hot on-line role-playing game in Korea, Japan and China. Sunwoo Entertainment has been working on the show since 2003, and is working in partnership with KBS, Xai, Omni, and NA. According to the Sunwoo Entertaiment USA president, "Mix Master": A) is 2D with 3D elements, B) tells the story of kids who love the monster-mixing game find themselves using their skills from the card game when the game world enters the real world, C) has the monsters actually participate in the show's storylines, D) is supposed to emphasize plot and story, filled with action and humor, and not be mere reeactments of game play E) is to go from being an on-line game, cards and TV show to eventually expanding to game consoles, mobile and computer as well.
The show is being promoted by KIPA (a non-profit organization established by Korea's Ministry of Information and Communication to promote Korean animation), and used a writing team of both Japanese and Americans in order to create international appeal, and yet not lose the base of game players in Korea, Japan and China. I must say the designs of the monsters and kids look rather colorful and interesting. Obviously the show had to be looking for American buyers at MIPCOM, and given that it is aimed at age 7-12, my guess is that if the show does cross the pond, most likely it'll end up in a time block like Miguzi, Kids WB, Jetix, Nickelodeon, 4KidsTV, DIC Kids, etc.
From the sounds of things, it doesn't appear like it's another "Yu-Gi-Oh", but that the monsters of "Mix Master" are actual characters in the true tradition of the "mon" genera. 1 I'm hoping that the creators have taken a look at what worked and what didn't in "Pokemon", "Digimon", and MR; and have come up with some new ideas to take the genera to another level.
Aside from these trailblazers, the "mon" genera has been pretty dormant, "Moncolle Knights" appearing briefly several years ago before pretty much sinking from sight. Now at last, it seems we may have another show with aspirations of becoming the next "Pokemon"--"Mix Master".
With 39 half-hour episodes marketed at October's MIPCOM, "Mix Master" is based on a hot on-line role-playing game in Korea, Japan and China. Sunwoo Entertainment has been working on the show since 2003, and is working in partnership with KBS, Xai, Omni, and NA. According to the Sunwoo Entertaiment USA president, "Mix Master": A) is 2D with 3D elements, B) tells the story of kids who love the monster-mixing game find themselves using their skills from the card game when the game world enters the real world, C) has the monsters actually participate in the show's storylines, D) is supposed to emphasize plot and story, filled with action and humor, and not be mere reeactments of game play E) is to go from being an on-line game, cards and TV show to eventually expanding to game consoles, mobile and computer as well.
The show is being promoted by KIPA (a non-profit organization established by Korea's Ministry of Information and Communication to promote Korean animation), and used a writing team of both Japanese and Americans in order to create international appeal, and yet not lose the base of game players in Korea, Japan and China. I must say the designs of the monsters and kids look rather colorful and interesting. Obviously the show had to be looking for American buyers at MIPCOM, and given that it is aimed at age 7-12, my guess is that if the show does cross the pond, most likely it'll end up in a time block like Miguzi, Kids WB, Jetix, Nickelodeon, 4KidsTV, DIC Kids, etc.
From the sounds of things, it doesn't appear like it's another "Yu-Gi-Oh", but that the monsters of "Mix Master" are actual characters in the true tradition of the "mon" genera. 1 I'm hoping that the creators have taken a look at what worked and what didn't in "Pokemon", "Digimon", and MR; and have come up with some new ideas to take the genera to another level.