Cartoons From the 1980s That I Want On DVD, Part 2

Like Ratt, I’m back for more!

Chuck Norris: Karate Kommandos (1986)

With tongue firmly planted in cheek (Ooh, sounds scandalous!), Adult Swim aired all five, yes there were only five, episodes of this show a few years ago. With the pop culture phenomenon that is Chuck Norris, quite frankly, I’m extremely surprised we haven’t gotten a DVD release already. Make it so! I’m not sure why the show didn’t last or there weren’t more episodes produced. Usually a syndicated cartoon like this would’ve had tons of episodes already in the can in order to keep up the 5-days-a-week schedule. There was even a comic book and toy line to go along with it.

Chuck Fact: The show premiered the exact same day as Rambo and the Force of Freedom and both shows were produced by Ruby-Spears Productions.

Karate Kid (1989)

Consider this 12-episode NBC series the real sequel to Karate Kid III and forget that The Next Karate Kid garbage. This should’ve been released alongside the Karate Kid DVD re-releases from a few years ago. Again, what’s the deal here? Why so few episodes?

At least we can all catch it on Hulu, though it’s in the extremely annoying “minisode” format.

M.A.S.K. (1985-1986)

M.A.S.K. has been released on DVD just about everywhere in the world EXCEPT IN THE COUNTRY WHERE IT ORIGINATED FROM. God, I hate show business.

Teen Wolf (1986-1987)

To be honest, the only episode I remember is the one where the gang went to Transylvania. I had it recorded, but it cut off at the end. I want to know how that episode ended! Besides, anything involving Teen Wolf is always a win.

Pac-Man (1982-1984)

Seemingly the inspiration for the 1984 Pac-Land video game, we were also lucky enough to get Pac-Man Pasta about the same time. Wouldn’t it be something to be able to watch this show on your DVD player while eating a bowl of Pac-Man Pasta? Ah, to dream…

Dragon’s Lair (1984-1985)

The arcade game always confused me. I’ve always had slow reflexes and I just couldn’t do what the yellow arrow wanted me to do in order to survive. But nonetheless, swordy & sorcery cartoons are always good fun and Dirk the Daring was a lovable jerk. Ha, Dirk the Jerk!

Mister T (1983-1985)

Cartoon Network was running this show about 15 years ago or so, but it’s time for the show to fulfill its destiny and come home to roost in the cabinet of my entertainment system. I pity us all for not having a DVD of this. =(

It’s Punky Brewster (1985-1986)

The sitcom was okay, the cartoon was even better (and it featured the same actors!). Just don’t ask what the heck is going on with Glomer, the “leprechaun gopher”. I was always befuddled as to why he was in the cartoon, but not the TV show. Such an odd character addition, but for my money, it might as well been It’s Glomer, because I considered him the real star.

Shirt Tales (1982-1984)

The Shirt Tales had an origin similar to the Care Bears: they were originally a greeting card creation. C’mon, Hallmark, get your act together– the Care Bears have been launched and relaunched 15 times since the 80s, it’s time to bring the Shirt Tales back.

Superman (1988)

My memory is fuzzy on this short-lived CBS show, other than knowing that I liked it. From all accounts I’ve read online, it wasn’t particularly good, but I don’t care. It’s the 80s, it’s Superman, what’s not to like? With Warner Bros. releasing all over the old (and bad) DC animated shows, I think it’s only a matter of time before we see this one again.

I also think they showed amazing restraint with the title. It’s just “Superman”. Not The Adventures of Superman, not Superman Adventures, not Superman & Friends, not The Superman Show, not The Superman Half-Hour of Power, just “Superman”. Kudos to you all, CBS, Ruby-Spears and DC Comics.