Revival of the D&D Cartoon Through a New Comic Book Series**
The beloved Dungeons & Dragons animated series from the 1980s is making a comeback in the form of a fresh comic book series courtesy of IDW, a publisher known for reviving nostalgic animated shows such as Transformers, G.I Joe, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in comic book form**.
Titled Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures, **this four-issue miniseries is set to debut in March 2023, reconnecting fans with the original cast of characters like Hank the Ranger, Eric the Cavalier, Diana the Acrobat, Presto the Magician, Sheila the Thief, Bobby the Barbarian, and their trusty sidekick Uni the Unicorn (ah, the simplicity of the 80s).
“Saturday Morning Adventures” Writers Excited to Bring Back Childhood Classic
Writer David M. Booher expressed his excitement about working on “Saturday Morning Adventures” by recalling his childhood memories of watching the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon. He mentioned the irresistible opportunity to help the D&D party confront Venger once again.
Reviving a Cult Classic with Enthusiasm
Co-writer Sam Maggs, a lifelong D&D fan, described the project as a dream come true to revive a childhood favorite. Working with IDW and Wizards of the Coast, Maggs highlighted the joy of bringing back the beloved characters for a new series of adventures, particularly mentioning Uni’s return.
Artist’s Thrill and Apprehension
Artist Kambadais, overwhelmed by the opportunity to work on the project, shared his mix of excitement and anxiety. He expressed gratitude for the chance to bring characters like Presto and Sheila back to life in the immersive universe of Dungeons & Dragons.
Exploring the Legacy of The Dungeons & Dragons Cartoon
The 1980s marked a significant period for Dungeons & Dragons, despite negative publicity during the “Satanic Panic.” The animated series based on Dungeons & Dragons played a crucial role in changing public perceptions and bringing the game into the mainstream.
Produced by Marvel Productions, TSR, and Toei Animation, the cartoon aired on CBS for three seasons from 1983 to 1985, totaling twenty-seven episodes. Although an unreleased final episode intended to conclude the series and set up a fourth season exists, the show was canceled before its production. However, the script is now available online and has been performed as an audio drama for a special DVD feature.
The storyline follows six friends who are transported into the Dungeons & Dragons universe via a magical roller coaster at an amusement park. Upon arrival, they encounter the enigmatic “Dungeon Master,” who equips each companion with a mystical weapon.
Together, they embark on a quest to return to their world while encountering various adventures and facing the series’ main antagonist, the malevolent wizard Venger. Iconic creatures like the five-headed dragon Tiamat and the Spider Queen Loth, alongside numerous D&D monsters, classes, and magical items, appear throughout the show.
Dungeons & Dragons: Saturday Morning Adventures is set to debut in March 2023 in comic book form, featuring covers by Kambadais and Brenda Hickey, including a special retailer incentive cover by Tim Levins.
For those who are feeling particularly sentimental, why not indulge in a bowl of sweet cereal while watching the initial episode of the series?