Beaming onto television screens across the land is Phantom 2040, a wild futuristic twist on the original Lee Falk comic that has been running in newspapers for more than 50 years. Masquerading as just another laser-shootin', Spandex-sportin', superhero cartoon, 2040 is a brilliant animated rendition of a futuristic dystopia.
Taking the classic hero from his jungle roots and throwing him into the future, the story arc has 18-year-old biology student Kit Walker Jr. stepping into his dead father's shoes and fulfilling the family destiny by becoming the 24th Phantom. Yet unlike the Phantom of old, a warrior in the heart of the African jungle, this Phantom's battle is to preserve biological diversity and stop the growth of Cyberville, pet project of evil corporate overlord Maximum Inc.
With hip references to cyberspace and virtual reality, and a clever mix of biology and technology, 2040 presents a convincing version of a world in which natural resources have lost out to technology. Not simply another merchandising scam, 2040 is spectacularly written with smart dialog, an intricate story line, and animation to match.
Phantom 2040: Half-hour series produced by Hearst Entertainment Inc. Check your local listings.
STREET CRED
Hot SpotChannel Surfer's Guide
REAdME On the bookshelves of the digerati
Straight outta the Jungle
