This show stood out head and shoulders over all the other cartoons - and it always puzzled me as to why...until I recently saw them on DVD. This show has something 90% of other shows, both for kids and adults, do not. Great characters. Really great characters. Characters you remember all your life. I don't know of any other kids' show before or since that had such emotional realism. These kids really react the way a bunch of teenagers would if placed in the D&D world. They run the gamut of emotions: scared, selfish, cowardly, brave, helpful, sarcastic, amused, mean, arrogant, humble. The story lines are fast paced and even a little intense by other shows' standards. But that's part of what makes it so great. It has a moral message without being too preachy. My only problem was that Eric was the butt of a joke so often, but I believe that had more to do with the influence of self-appointed "parent groups" than the scriptwriters. Both as a kid myself and as an adult, I still love this show. Modern TV could learn a lot from this.
34 Reviews
A forgotten treasure.
Sleepin_Dragon24 March 2018
Dungeons and Dragons ranks as one of the best cartoons ever, it makes me glad I grew up when I did as there were so many fantastic shows. Fantastic animation, great stories, plenty of adventure, and some phenomenal vocal acting from all cast members. I can remember being miffed as a youngster to discover the show never had a concluding episode, I was surprised to learn it only spanned three series, I would have thought it had a huge following. So many wonderful characters and great episodes, the best for me being The Dragon's Graveyard, which is brilliant.
Now in my thirties, and not usually into animation, I'm stunned by how much I've really enjoyed watching the show from start to finish, great viewing for all ages. 9/10
Now in my thirties, and not usually into animation, I'm stunned by how much I've really enjoyed watching the show from start to finish, great viewing for all ages. 9/10
Saturday morning memories
SnoopyStyle2 May 2017
Six friends are riding the Dungeons & Dragons ride at the amusement park when they are sent to another world. They are befriended by Uni, the baby unicorn. Dungeon Master serves as their guide and gives them magical weapons. Hank is the Ranger given a bow. Spoiled rich kid Eric is the Cavalier given a shield. Sheila is the Thief given a cloak of invisibility. Her brash young brother Bobby is the Barbarian given a powerful club. Nerdy Presto is the Magician given a wizard's hat. Diana is the Acrobat given a staff. They must battle Venger, the Force of Evil, while trying to find a way home.
I did see this Saturday morning cartoon back in the day. I actually mostly remember the opening. A few of the creatures do come back to me like the giant weed creature Lukian. The show is episodic in nature and has a random adventure-of-the-week sensibility. It needs a road map for the show and the characters to follow. This is a good effort and one of the better cartoons of that era.
I did see this Saturday morning cartoon back in the day. I actually mostly remember the opening. A few of the creatures do come back to me like the giant weed creature Lukian. The show is episodic in nature and has a random adventure-of-the-week sensibility. It needs a road map for the show and the characters to follow. This is a good effort and one of the better cartoons of that era.
Liked this one, even tho I was older than the nostalgic age
richard.fuller116 June 2001
Nostalgia for cartoons for me will have to be the Hanna Barbera, Ruby and Spears, Sid and Marty Krofft period and Bugs Bunny, so to have this one tagged on is pretty rare for this child of the seventies, but its there.
It was different and unique. The voices were phenomenal, just now learned Adam Rich (Nicholas of 'Eight is Enough') was Presto and not Bobby as I always believed. Donny Most (Ralph Malph on 'Happy Days') and Willie Aames (Tommy on 'Eight is Enough') did the best thing for their careers by doing this cartoon. I managed to get about half or more than half of the cartoons on tape before Fox stopped showing them. Didn't get some I wouldhave liked to have, but I do have some treasures. None of htem ever really bothered me as being bad or less than average. Hands down, the direction in music and sound is what makes this fellow rare among eighties cartoons and cartoons in general, as well as the art and animation. Scooby Doo has a steady run of music with no pauses for effect or reflection, but D & D would get silent when Vengar entered or spoke or one of the kids was unhappy. the music would get gentle during thoughtful moments as well. The show strived to use all six kids evenly and not be dominated by Eric and Presto (Most and Rich) and did a good job doing this while keeping the shows upbeat and entertaining. The concept of a token will always bother me, but Diana did get a boyfriend in one episode and befriended a WW II German pilot in another. LIke Valerie in Josie and the Pussycats, she did often get stuck with the more interesting kids like Eric and Presto. Uni, too, had his moments and met his family of Unicorns. One that will always stand out to me from this show was when the kids decided they had enough of Vengar and wanted Dungeonmaster to tell them how to stop Vengar instead of telling them how they could get home. They meant business, and when DM told them what to do to stop Vengar, it was quiet, and he said "May I go now?" with such humility the likes of which I had never heard and have yet to hear again in a cartoon. Won't spoil how the showdown with Vengar went either. This show was a jewel.
It was different and unique. The voices were phenomenal, just now learned Adam Rich (Nicholas of 'Eight is Enough') was Presto and not Bobby as I always believed. Donny Most (Ralph Malph on 'Happy Days') and Willie Aames (Tommy on 'Eight is Enough') did the best thing for their careers by doing this cartoon. I managed to get about half or more than half of the cartoons on tape before Fox stopped showing them. Didn't get some I wouldhave liked to have, but I do have some treasures. None of htem ever really bothered me as being bad or less than average. Hands down, the direction in music and sound is what makes this fellow rare among eighties cartoons and cartoons in general, as well as the art and animation. Scooby Doo has a steady run of music with no pauses for effect or reflection, but D & D would get silent when Vengar entered or spoke or one of the kids was unhappy. the music would get gentle during thoughtful moments as well. The show strived to use all six kids evenly and not be dominated by Eric and Presto (Most and Rich) and did a good job doing this while keeping the shows upbeat and entertaining. The concept of a token will always bother me, but Diana did get a boyfriend in one episode and befriended a WW II German pilot in another. LIke Valerie in Josie and the Pussycats, she did often get stuck with the more interesting kids like Eric and Presto. Uni, too, had his moments and met his family of Unicorns. One that will always stand out to me from this show was when the kids decided they had enough of Vengar and wanted Dungeonmaster to tell them how to stop Vengar instead of telling them how they could get home. They meant business, and when DM told them what to do to stop Vengar, it was quiet, and he said "May I go now?" with such humility the likes of which I had never heard and have yet to hear again in a cartoon. Won't spoil how the showdown with Vengar went either. This show was a jewel.
The Quest Goes On...
anation-114 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Whenever me and friends talk about the high points of kids' television for us, this show is always near the top. When I was a kid, I remember loving it but being aware of what I disliked about it at the same time. Age has a funny way of changing the way you look at things. I remember being 7 years old and thinking "No Retreat, No Surrender" was a cinematic masterpiece. I watched it again 10 years later and thought "What the hell was I thinking?" or "Had someone spiked my Um Bongo when I was watching this crap?!" 10 years after that I still agree with my 17 year old opinion. So with this is mind, I took a bit of a gamble the other day. I saw the D&D box set on sale in my local HMV for £20. Before I knew it, I was at the till paying for it and skipping merrily home. Within 30 seconds of being home, I was sat in front of my t.v. with a bowl of Sugar Puffs for company. Did I regret it? Not in the slightest. It's still as good as I thought it was, if not better.
The plot follows the story of 6 kids who while riding the Dungeons & Dragons ride at their local theme park are transported into the mythical realm of Dungeons and Dragons. Here they quickly make enemies with Venger, the Vader-esquire Dark Lord of the realm but are aided (some might say hindered) by the help of the all knowing Yoda-esquire Dungeon Master who aids them in their quest by giving them magical weapons, which Venger also requires to be all powerful. The best thing about this series is the characterisation of the 6 kids. And this is where its make or break for the series. If you don't buy into the characters, then you won't buy into their quest and then you won't care whether they get home or not. With each and every passing episode, you get a little bit more insight into each character. What makes them tick, what drives them, what they each fear. This is that rarity of a cartoon. Although it's firmly a fantasy serial, it doesn't talk down on it's audience. Yes, it is dark. Darker than most. For example, the episode "The Dragon's Graveyard" had the kids almost turn to the dark side after another opportunity to get home ruined by Venger. After this incident, the kids set out to find a way to kill Venger once and for all. Near the end, they bay for his death. Good and clarity of thought win the day in the end, but it was a brave move for a kid's cartoon. Good people can be reduced to evil deeds. The endings are not big triumphs, they're always bittersweet tinged with hope. Kind of like an ongoing Empire Strikes Back.
The series ended prematurely, with the final episode, although scripted, never completed due to the series being cancelled. In a way, this, although annoying and saddening at the same time, is what helps push the series into legendary status. As it is, it ends with my favourite character, the cowardly, selfish cavalier, Eric, coming to terms with their predicament. The youngest of the group, Bobby, rues another missed opportunity to get home, but Eric usually the comedic foil for the group and the first to complain, tells him that it's okay and although they're no closer to home, they're no further either. With a hidden Dungeon Master saying to himself that they are closer than they think, that's how it ends. The most pessimistic character becoming the most hopeful. What saddens me as an adult watching back on it, is that these characters that I grew to love, never did make it home.
Overrall, the best thing I ever saw on Saturday Morning TV as a kid. Better than Thundercats. Better than He-Man. Better than anything before or after it.
Someone, please, make the last episode. I'm 28 years old for god's sake and I need closure on a cartoon.
The plot follows the story of 6 kids who while riding the Dungeons & Dragons ride at their local theme park are transported into the mythical realm of Dungeons and Dragons. Here they quickly make enemies with Venger, the Vader-esquire Dark Lord of the realm but are aided (some might say hindered) by the help of the all knowing Yoda-esquire Dungeon Master who aids them in their quest by giving them magical weapons, which Venger also requires to be all powerful. The best thing about this series is the characterisation of the 6 kids. And this is where its make or break for the series. If you don't buy into the characters, then you won't buy into their quest and then you won't care whether they get home or not. With each and every passing episode, you get a little bit more insight into each character. What makes them tick, what drives them, what they each fear. This is that rarity of a cartoon. Although it's firmly a fantasy serial, it doesn't talk down on it's audience. Yes, it is dark. Darker than most. For example, the episode "The Dragon's Graveyard" had the kids almost turn to the dark side after another opportunity to get home ruined by Venger. After this incident, the kids set out to find a way to kill Venger once and for all. Near the end, they bay for his death. Good and clarity of thought win the day in the end, but it was a brave move for a kid's cartoon. Good people can be reduced to evil deeds. The endings are not big triumphs, they're always bittersweet tinged with hope. Kind of like an ongoing Empire Strikes Back.
The series ended prematurely, with the final episode, although scripted, never completed due to the series being cancelled. In a way, this, although annoying and saddening at the same time, is what helps push the series into legendary status. As it is, it ends with my favourite character, the cowardly, selfish cavalier, Eric, coming to terms with their predicament. The youngest of the group, Bobby, rues another missed opportunity to get home, but Eric usually the comedic foil for the group and the first to complain, tells him that it's okay and although they're no closer to home, they're no further either. With a hidden Dungeon Master saying to himself that they are closer than they think, that's how it ends. The most pessimistic character becoming the most hopeful. What saddens me as an adult watching back on it, is that these characters that I grew to love, never did make it home.
Overrall, the best thing I ever saw on Saturday Morning TV as a kid. Better than Thundercats. Better than He-Man. Better than anything before or after it.
Someone, please, make the last episode. I'm 28 years old for god's sake and I need closure on a cartoon.
Still awesome!
Paul_Rudd_has_a_sweet_ass20 October 2007
I decided to buy the box set of this, having memories of watching it as a child. Now as a 26 year old I have to say it's still great.
The animation is a little dated and it has that Captain Planet style 'moral every episode' theme but that to me is what makes it so classic and I just don't understand why more episodes weren't made.
The voice acting was superb and certain episodes had a dark element to them which makes it that much more appealing to me as an adult. Their struggle to get home drew some real emotions from the characters at times meaning even now I still rooted for them in every episode.
My favourite character is still Eric (as a kid I actually had a crush on him which is pretty sad), I think he acts just like I would if I was in that situation, making jokes to make light of a bad situation and running like hell when a huge monster appears.
Not only do I still love this but 2 people I work with want to borrow the set, 1 because she remembers it and the other because her kids love it. I don't doubt they will appreciate seeing it again as much as I have.
Its a shame there are no plans to make a movie of this like they're doing with other 80's classics but I can't imagine any actors bringing justice to the characters because I love this show too much.
Top marks!
The animation is a little dated and it has that Captain Planet style 'moral every episode' theme but that to me is what makes it so classic and I just don't understand why more episodes weren't made.
The voice acting was superb and certain episodes had a dark element to them which makes it that much more appealing to me as an adult. Their struggle to get home drew some real emotions from the characters at times meaning even now I still rooted for them in every episode.
My favourite character is still Eric (as a kid I actually had a crush on him which is pretty sad), I think he acts just like I would if I was in that situation, making jokes to make light of a bad situation and running like hell when a huge monster appears.
Not only do I still love this but 2 people I work with want to borrow the set, 1 because she remembers it and the other because her kids love it. I don't doubt they will appreciate seeing it again as much as I have.
Its a shame there are no plans to make a movie of this like they're doing with other 80's classics but I can't imagine any actors bringing justice to the characters because I love this show too much.
Top marks!
Brilliant Cartoon Dungeons and Dragons
lgascoigne-623-7391463 March 2013
This in my opinion is the best cartoon I have ever seen.
Everything about it oozes quality, the acting (especially the voice of Venger, Peter Cullen) the sound effects (wow) and the writing, is brilliant.
However they are a few mistakes in a couple of episodes, like in The Last Illusion where some of the speech is spoken in the wrong character. But this is only a minor mistake, in all you could say that its almost perfect programme to watch.
I watch this when it first came out, I was only about 12 or 13 and I watch it with my mother, brother and sister which we all were addicted to it.
It's such a shame the last episode (Requiem) wasn't released or produced, I loved to watch what happened to the characters and if they got home.
I really enjoyed this cartoon and I have recently watched all the episodes again on you-tube.
Brilliant.
Everything about it oozes quality, the acting (especially the voice of Venger, Peter Cullen) the sound effects (wow) and the writing, is brilliant.
However they are a few mistakes in a couple of episodes, like in The Last Illusion where some of the speech is spoken in the wrong character. But this is only a minor mistake, in all you could say that its almost perfect programme to watch.
I watch this when it first came out, I was only about 12 or 13 and I watch it with my mother, brother and sister which we all were addicted to it.
It's such a shame the last episode (Requiem) wasn't released or produced, I loved to watch what happened to the characters and if they got home.
I really enjoyed this cartoon and I have recently watched all the episodes again on you-tube.
Brilliant.
Role Playing
hellraiser716 July 2014
I was a kid from the 80's and I was really into the fantasy genre to me it just had everything, beautiful worlds out of the ordinary, magic, creatures, secrets, treasure, action, and most importantly adventures and possibilities that could come true. This was another cartoon that got me into that genre besides "He-Man". This also was a show that introduced me into the RPG subculture, since this show is loosely based on the board and book game; so this show is also to me one of the best game to visual medium adaptations done right and this was way before the concept of video game movie adaptations.
The animation I think is very good and I personally think holds up today, I like the character animation of the humans and creatures, but what really impresses me is the background animation which really give the fantasy world a sense of vastness and wonder; each episode I was always excited to wonder what the next place would be.
I really like the plot/set up which makes sense if you think about the principles of the game, in the RPG the characters in the books are all roles/archetypes you play which is why each of the characters are assigned their roles. And like all the roles each of them are assigned abilities which are both strengths and weakness but require a party to act together as many or one. It was also kinda a dream come true for me seeing kids having magical abilities and journeying into a fantasy world, that's the kinda of thing I always daydream about.
Each of the plots in the show are different, yeah their random but there's nothing wrong with that as long as there interesting and they are, just like in the RPG game each are a different quest which gives the show a sense of unpredictability and mystery; you just never know what they'll run into next and how they'll deal with it. And the episodes are memorable two of my favorites are "The Dragon's Graveyard" and "Child of the Stargaizer" which I'll admit still tugs at my heartstrings.
The mystical weapons/tools are cool and they use them well. My favorite power of the bunch is Hanks Bow which can shoot unlimited mystical arrows, but most importantly you can make those arrows into anything with your mind like into a lasso, cage, or electro field. The action is solid for what it is, it's not exactly wall to wall but sufficient. The music is great, I really like the theme song at the end of the show it has a touching and adventurous tone.
And I really like the characters, there was actually a small sense of depth to them and they all had emotions which made you actually care and even feel sympathy for their desire to go back home. In a way it's kinda of a common feeling most heroes/superheroes have despite how far they go or how far away and what they do, theirs still that desire to water and grow personal needs. But most importantly I love the fact that this group of kids act and feel like regular kids, there not some stereotypical annoying all smiles or dumb their all smart human people with wants, needs, and feelings of their own.
My first favorite character if you can believe it is Eric (voiced well by Danny Most, yes I've seen "Happy Days"). He's kinda like Hudson on "Aliens", he's ill confidant but he can still do his job. Yeah it's true he's a spoiled rich kid, but I like that he's doesn't let that get to his head, he is a bit of an underdog because he's not a smooth guy, he doesn't get the girl, nor all the luck. You can at times laugh but at the same time emphasize a bit with his illconfidance which I think is a bit realistic; honestly how would you react if you were forced to encounter and fight demons or a six headed dragon. But to me what I like about him is that he does care about his friends and is borderline selfish/selfless which makes him capable of helping his friends in need and doing the right thing whether he wants to or not.
Second is Diana, I know a lot of kids had a crush on Sheila but me it was Diana. She did look great in the amazonian outfit, but I like that she's strong physically with her gymnastic skills and mentally, and has good charisma.
Third is Bobby, he's a bit like Young Pete from "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" he takes crap from no one and has guts. He's willing to beat the crap out of anyone or anything to help his friends or tees him off.
The villain Venture is cool, he's pretty much a straight forward villain nothing wrong with that, he's menacing from both powers and presence. But to me what makes him really stand out is the fact that he's voiced by Peter Cullen whom of course is well known for being Optimus Prime in the "Transformers" franchise. It's just cool hearing him in a villain role, that voice could almost make anyone nervous, it's a shame the actor didn't play the villain role often.
It would be awesome if there was another animated series based on this RPG franchise. It would be cool seeing more popular creatures, magic powers, and other roles which are in great abundance as the franchise has progressed to this day.
Just like the game this show is an journey you wouldn't want to end.
Rating: 4 stars
The animation I think is very good and I personally think holds up today, I like the character animation of the humans and creatures, but what really impresses me is the background animation which really give the fantasy world a sense of vastness and wonder; each episode I was always excited to wonder what the next place would be.
I really like the plot/set up which makes sense if you think about the principles of the game, in the RPG the characters in the books are all roles/archetypes you play which is why each of the characters are assigned their roles. And like all the roles each of them are assigned abilities which are both strengths and weakness but require a party to act together as many or one. It was also kinda a dream come true for me seeing kids having magical abilities and journeying into a fantasy world, that's the kinda of thing I always daydream about.
Each of the plots in the show are different, yeah their random but there's nothing wrong with that as long as there interesting and they are, just like in the RPG game each are a different quest which gives the show a sense of unpredictability and mystery; you just never know what they'll run into next and how they'll deal with it. And the episodes are memorable two of my favorites are "The Dragon's Graveyard" and "Child of the Stargaizer" which I'll admit still tugs at my heartstrings.
The mystical weapons/tools are cool and they use them well. My favorite power of the bunch is Hanks Bow which can shoot unlimited mystical arrows, but most importantly you can make those arrows into anything with your mind like into a lasso, cage, or electro field. The action is solid for what it is, it's not exactly wall to wall but sufficient. The music is great, I really like the theme song at the end of the show it has a touching and adventurous tone.
And I really like the characters, there was actually a small sense of depth to them and they all had emotions which made you actually care and even feel sympathy for their desire to go back home. In a way it's kinda of a common feeling most heroes/superheroes have despite how far they go or how far away and what they do, theirs still that desire to water and grow personal needs. But most importantly I love the fact that this group of kids act and feel like regular kids, there not some stereotypical annoying all smiles or dumb their all smart human people with wants, needs, and feelings of their own.
My first favorite character if you can believe it is Eric (voiced well by Danny Most, yes I've seen "Happy Days"). He's kinda like Hudson on "Aliens", he's ill confidant but he can still do his job. Yeah it's true he's a spoiled rich kid, but I like that he's doesn't let that get to his head, he is a bit of an underdog because he's not a smooth guy, he doesn't get the girl, nor all the luck. You can at times laugh but at the same time emphasize a bit with his illconfidance which I think is a bit realistic; honestly how would you react if you were forced to encounter and fight demons or a six headed dragon. But to me what I like about him is that he does care about his friends and is borderline selfish/selfless which makes him capable of helping his friends in need and doing the right thing whether he wants to or not.
Second is Diana, I know a lot of kids had a crush on Sheila but me it was Diana. She did look great in the amazonian outfit, but I like that she's strong physically with her gymnastic skills and mentally, and has good charisma.
Third is Bobby, he's a bit like Young Pete from "The Adventures of Pete and Pete" he takes crap from no one and has guts. He's willing to beat the crap out of anyone or anything to help his friends or tees him off.
The villain Venture is cool, he's pretty much a straight forward villain nothing wrong with that, he's menacing from both powers and presence. But to me what makes him really stand out is the fact that he's voiced by Peter Cullen whom of course is well known for being Optimus Prime in the "Transformers" franchise. It's just cool hearing him in a villain role, that voice could almost make anyone nervous, it's a shame the actor didn't play the villain role often.
It would be awesome if there was another animated series based on this RPG franchise. It would be cool seeing more popular creatures, magic powers, and other roles which are in great abundance as the franchise has progressed to this day.
Just like the game this show is an journey you wouldn't want to end.
Rating: 4 stars
Dungeons & Dragons (1983 - 1985) The controversial ending
claszdsburrogato9 July 2023
Perhaps what is best known in the entire "Dungeons & Dragons" series is the ending, where it does not end the story and leaves it open to many theories. My big problem with this last season is not the fact that it didn't finish the story, since there is a dialogue at the end that really leaves it open and in my opinion is very interesting. But the big problem is how this season is full of ups and downs. The first episode is very good and soon after that we get several other episodes that are much weaker, until we reach episode 5 which is the worst of the entire series. This is a series that has aged badly in terms of animation, but in story and world creation it remains great and it's really sad to see a final season so far below the rest.
I like a lot! But hated just one thing.
Jetset97128 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Loads of fun, is the best way to describe D&D! Even though it was a little too tame, due to the fact it was a kids show, it still kept me enthralled. People who are against Dungeons and Dragons never understand that it is pure escapism. Only 1 thing bothered me about this show, that was the character of "Eric" the cavalier. Talk about your text book A-hole!I never understood why a group of these good hearted kids would even look at this jerk let alone let him hang out with them. It seemed to be a habit in the 70s and 80s to have a group of kids in some awkward situation and have one of them so arrogant and obnoxious that you wanted the others to get together and beat the crap out of them! I actually found myself rooting for "Venger", the main bad guy, to rip the holy hell out of that putz Eric! Alas, still a great show, too bad it was so short lived.
A charming animated adventure left sadly unfinished
Elvis-Del-Valle14 April 2023
The series starts straight to the point and how it starts is only explained through the introduction, it really is a quite entertaining children's animated series. It has a certain charm in terms of its characters and stories. At first it offers a start without continuity, but once you get to know the characters, you understand what the thing is about. As you progress, the level increases and most episodes become more and more emotional, generating more empathy towards the characters. The rhythm does not change, but little by little it focuses more on the odyssey of the characters and on the protagonists themselves. The excitement increases more and the difficulties also as the last episodes are reached, where the series manages to reach its greatest climax, offering more exciting adventures, preparing the protagonists for the end. There are some continuity errors that become noticeable in the animation in the later episodes, but the plot continues without losing its tone or rhythm. It's a fun and fantastic ride that starts off well, doesn't disappoint later on and pushes you deeper. Unfortunately, they decided to cancel the series just as the final episode was already being worked on, which is a shame and even somewhat unfair. Without a doubt, this series of "Dungeons & Dragons" has been an enjoyable series and another eighties gem with a certain charm that unfortunately was left unfinished and deserved to have had an ending. My final rating for this series is an 8/10.
One Of The Great Animated Series Of The 80's
Disco-J29 April 1999
I grew up watching this back in the 80's and since I've been in college I've had the privilege of getting the series through a collector basis. This is arguably one of the greatest animated series of the 80's, I refuse to call it a cartoon because it is so much more than that! It had great voice actors like Willie Aames(Charles In Charge) and Don Most(Happy Days) providing life to the characters. The theme of the series was that a group of young teenagers and little Bobby go on a rollercoaster ride called Dungeons & Dragons it transforms them to another land in a different time. They try to get home with the guiding wisdom of Dungeon Master(Sidney Miller) and fight off various antagonists along the way, mainly the evil Venger! The characters had much depth to them and the reason I say it was the best because it's competition was Strawberry Shortcake and The Get Along Gang. No Contest! It was on from 83-86.
For the fans of all ages!!!!!!
undrtakr2217 May 2014
OK, I have been a major fan of this series, since I watched it, while I also played D&D/AD&D, with my older brother, since I was like 5yrs old, and he and I started playing with the 1st and 2nd editions, and since, now, if you want the complete set(27 episodes), they have it on the shelves at Wal-Mart, BUT, I noticed, they have it in my Wal-Mart, in an off-the-way shelf, but in the same area, as the other movies/shows, so, if you want it, it cost me just under $10.00, for the complete set!!!! PS The series in its original state, no cuts, and no commercials and etc, so, no worries, and yes, the panties scene IS in it, I noticed it, before I read on here, how so many are having such a big deal about it......LOL
Cartoon memories from childhood
nightroses20 August 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best animated series on TV, even today. It tops. A shame that modern kids haven't seen it but they can watch it through DVD or online. I watched it as a kid, and I loved it so much. I've been watching it again as an adult, and love each episode. The stories are awesome. The characters are exactly what I remember them to be like.
The characters are kids from Earth who are at a fairground, and go on a magical dragon ride, then transported to another world. I wonder, sometimes now but never back when I was a kid, if the world they ended up in is from "A Song of Ice and Fire"? lol. As in, pre-Valyria times. Its a wild notion here at just pure fantastic cross over thinking.
Hank is just the leader of the group, he's strong, blonde and a handsome hunk. He's the archer like Robin Hood. Eric is the cavelier who becomes a knight, but he's the funniest character of them all. Presto is the Harry Potter look-a-like who has a magical hat. There is a barbarian kid, the toughest and meanest of the pack. The two girls Sheila and Diane are pretty and the most feminine girls in cartoons since Betty Boop. They're either being touched up by the lads Hank and Eric, or one of them shows her underwear beneath a very short skirt. You would never see women potrayed like this today. Now female characters in animations are always tough and boystrous, macho and unfeminine. As if being feminine is a crime.
The next character is a baby unicorn who happens to be like a My Little Pony sweety landed there. But no, wait... there are unicorns native to Dungeons and Dragons world. Uni is just totally cute. They could've made her talk though instead of baa'ing and bleating!
Dungeon Master is supposed to be the "kindly wise old man" who helps them in their journey. Instead, he comes across as manipulative and puts them all in danger. He's got the power to send them home at once. I often as a kid wondered why he never sent them home.
The baddies are Venger, Shadow and Tiamat the dragon with many heads. They comes across more baddies and goodies. Its a fun cartoon and not like the fantasy movies that were released more than a decade later.
The fantasy elements are wonderful and I love all of the monsters. The
The fantasy elements are wonderful and I love all of the monsters. The
Final episode Requiem was made and is on YouTube
maybashforever22 October 2023
The final episode 'Requiem' of d and d was made by fans you can find it on YouTube and it's actually Really good it wraps up the story of the series. For Christmas my brother got me the box set of DVDs and it is fun to binge. It was a great series that still holds up. I think I like the episode 'The Box' the best. The episode 'The Dragons Graveyard ' is awesome and would never hold up in today's PC culture. The final episode 'Requiem' of d and d was made by fans you can find it on YouTube and it's actually Really good it wraps up the story of the series. For Christmas my brother got me the box set of DVDs and it is fun to binge. It was a great series that still holds up. I think I like the episode 'The Box' the best. The episode 'The Dragons Graveyard ' is awesome and would never hold up in today's PC culture.
Great Early Example Of An American Isekai Cartoon
jeremycrimsonfox3 May 2022
One of the more controversial cartoons of the 1980's, Dungeons & Dragons is a cartoon based on the at the time controversial tabletop role playing game. In the intro, six kids, Hank, Eric, Diana, Presto, Sheila, and Bobby, are riding the new Dungeons & Dragons-themed roller coaster at a theme park (because product placement? I don't know) when suddenly, they are teleported (or as I like to call it, Isekaied) to another world, where their clothes change to armor. After meeting Uni, a unicorn, they meet Dungeonmaster while fleeing from Tiamat, who gives the six magical items to use to attack and escape, only to meet Venger, the Force of Darkness. Now the kids travel the world of Dungeons & Dragons, with Dungeonmaster's guidance, to fight Venger and find their way back home.
This is a good cartoon from the 1980's that is one of the controversial ones due to its level of violence (one episode, The Dragon's Graveyard, was almost shelved for being dark, as it had the kids thinking about killing Venger). Each of the characters makes up a personality seen in such cartoons (Hank, who takes the role of the ranger, being the leader, Eric, who is the cavalier, being the whiner and coward,which.series developer Mark Evanier said was done because it was mandated by parental groups who want pro-social morals in cartoons, and Bobby being the kid of the group, is the reckless one, as he acts before thinking). Each episode has them solving a problem, either caused by Venger or another villain, or even one created by one of heroes, be it either because they got tricked by Venger or something else), which helps teach a good moral.
As for voice acting, it is a good choice, as we have legends like Willie Aames, Don Most, Katie Leigh, Sidney Miller, Frank Welker, and Peter Cullen. Also, the series has a good mix of action and humor, and the writing is top notch.
This is a good cartoon from the 1980's that is one of the controversial ones due to its level of violence (one episode, The Dragon's Graveyard, was almost shelved for being dark, as it had the kids thinking about killing Venger). Each of the characters makes up a personality seen in such cartoons (Hank, who takes the role of the ranger, being the leader, Eric, who is the cavalier, being the whiner and coward,which.series developer Mark Evanier said was done because it was mandated by parental groups who want pro-social morals in cartoons, and Bobby being the kid of the group, is the reckless one, as he acts before thinking). Each episode has them solving a problem, either caused by Venger or another villain, or even one created by one of heroes, be it either because they got tricked by Venger or something else), which helps teach a good moral.
As for voice acting, it is a good choice, as we have legends like Willie Aames, Don Most, Katie Leigh, Sidney Miller, Frank Welker, and Peter Cullen. Also, the series has a good mix of action and humor, and the writing is top notch.
Great show
yesjp197020 November 2019
Fantastic Fantasy
ericgoldberg-5015910 April 2023
This show is amazing. It has excellent animation, stories and characters. Venger is one of the greatest cartoon villains and used to scare me when I was little. The stories are epic and very original. The monsters, dragons and all kinds of creatures are great. Each character in the team of heroes has their own unique personality that makes them entertaining to watch. This is fantasy at its finest. There have been other iterations of Dungeons and Dragons that never measured up to this show's quality. The show's magic is still as potent as it was back in the 80's. This is one of the absolute best cartoons of all time.
Quite possible the best fantasy cartoon ever
Garrett-1919 May 2001
Warning: Spoilers
It's hard *not* to love this show-so many nuances about it (a good number being spoilers, actually) that enrich the experience of watching this show. While the animation isn't always the best (as this is one of the last cartoons of the Stock Footage Era of US animation), it does its job very well on many occasion.
While all 27 episodes are enjoyable, the episodes to seek out (preferably as aired on CBS, as the Fox versions have edits of varying intrusiveness in order to fit in with the need for more commercials) include "The Dragon's Graveyard", "Treasure of Tardos", "Dungeon at the Heart of Dawn", "The Hall of Bones", "Servant of Evil", "The Girl Who Dreamed Tomorrow", and "Child of the Stargazer". Plus, once you see the 27 episodes, go to Michael Reaves' (writer of many of the best episodes) website and read the third season finale that CBS approved-but never allowed to enter production.
Dungeons & Dragons is a true classic, and is unfortunately forgotten by many, even though it aired on the dominant network (CBS) for Saturday mornings at the time. But those of us who remember, remember it with very fond memories.
While all 27 episodes are enjoyable, the episodes to seek out (preferably as aired on CBS, as the Fox versions have edits of varying intrusiveness in order to fit in with the need for more commercials) include "The Dragon's Graveyard", "Treasure of Tardos", "Dungeon at the Heart of Dawn", "The Hall of Bones", "Servant of Evil", "The Girl Who Dreamed Tomorrow", and "Child of the Stargazer". Plus, once you see the 27 episodes, go to Michael Reaves' (writer of many of the best episodes) website and read the third season finale that CBS approved-but never allowed to enter production.
Dungeons & Dragons is a true classic, and is unfortunately forgotten by many, even though it aired on the dominant network (CBS) for Saturday mornings at the time. But those of us who remember, remember it with very fond memories.
Although it's quite underated, this is one of the best cartoon series of the 80s
David_Habert16 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
During the 80s, there were two cartoon series I have fond memories of.
The first was "Spiderman and His Amazing Friends" and the second was "Dungeons and Dragons".
The main story centered on six children who take a ride on an enchanted fairground ride, but end up being transported to the realm of Dungeons and Dragons. The good thing about this TV series is that you don't have to be a fan of the board game and to be honest, the board game doesn't interest me at all.
To help them in there adventures and quests in the realm is Dungeon Master, who most of the time speaks to them in Riddles. (except in the episode "The Dragons Graveyard", because the children have lost their patience being in the realm)
Then you have Venger, who according to Dungeon Master is the force of evil, but there is a very interesting twist in the fan made episode called "Requiem". You can see it on YouTube and it's worth watching.
Then you have Tiamat, who is Venger's arch rival. However the children and Venger do there best to stay out of her way, because she is very dangerous and very bad tempered, as seen in "The Dragons Graveyard". However having said that, she is the only dragon that prevents Venger having full mastery of the realm.
As for the children, you have Hank the Ranger, who has a magical bow.
Diana the Acrobat, who has a magical pole.
Eric the Cavalier, who has a magical shield.
Shelia the Thief, who has a special cape that makes her invisible.
Bobby the Barbarian, who has a magic club (he also happens to be Shelia's little brother).
Presto the Magician, who has a magical hat.
You also have a baby unicorn called Uni. She is like a pet to Bobby.
Even if you didn't grow up in the 80s, I think you will love the animation and the stories of this series and I strongly recommend that you take the time to watch this series (even on YouTube). It was brilliant then and it's still brilliant now.
The first was "Spiderman and His Amazing Friends" and the second was "Dungeons and Dragons".
The main story centered on six children who take a ride on an enchanted fairground ride, but end up being transported to the realm of Dungeons and Dragons. The good thing about this TV series is that you don't have to be a fan of the board game and to be honest, the board game doesn't interest me at all.
To help them in there adventures and quests in the realm is Dungeon Master, who most of the time speaks to them in Riddles. (except in the episode "The Dragons Graveyard", because the children have lost their patience being in the realm)
Then you have Venger, who according to Dungeon Master is the force of evil, but there is a very interesting twist in the fan made episode called "Requiem". You can see it on YouTube and it's worth watching.
Then you have Tiamat, who is Venger's arch rival. However the children and Venger do there best to stay out of her way, because she is very dangerous and very bad tempered, as seen in "The Dragons Graveyard". However having said that, she is the only dragon that prevents Venger having full mastery of the realm.
As for the children, you have Hank the Ranger, who has a magical bow.
Diana the Acrobat, who has a magical pole.
Eric the Cavalier, who has a magical shield.
Shelia the Thief, who has a special cape that makes her invisible.
Bobby the Barbarian, who has a magic club (he also happens to be Shelia's little brother).
Presto the Magician, who has a magical hat.
You also have a baby unicorn called Uni. She is like a pet to Bobby.
Even if you didn't grow up in the 80s, I think you will love the animation and the stories of this series and I strongly recommend that you take the time to watch this series (even on YouTube). It was brilliant then and it's still brilliant now.
Everyone needs to watch this show
ezovanada21 November 2021
So, I was bored with modern cartoons and decide to check out some 80s shows. I'm kinda interesting in Dnd so when I found out that there was a cartoon which loosely based on DnD I immediately searched it on YouTube. Was I disappointed? NO! Is this cartoon almost genius? YES! When I watched first episode I wasn' t really impressed, but after first season I understood that I can't live without this cartoon anymore.
Jokes in this cartoon are really funny and I love all this movie references. Though characters are pretty cliche but they are charming and have character development throughout the series. Every episode give me emotions. Somebody thinks that 3rd season is the worst, but i don't think so. The whole plot of the 3rd season leads to the last episode which was never been oficially produced. Good for us, we have Internet where we can find script of "Requiem" or fan-made videos. I've watched "Requiem" and this cartoon really deserves that type of ending. I'm not a fan of open endings but for this cartoon it was the best way to end. I think its gonna be one f my favourite cartoons all the time. Totally must watch!
Jokes in this cartoon are really funny and I love all this movie references. Though characters are pretty cliche but they are charming and have character development throughout the series. Every episode give me emotions. Somebody thinks that 3rd season is the worst, but i don't think so. The whole plot of the 3rd season leads to the last episode which was never been oficially produced. Good for us, we have Internet where we can find script of "Requiem" or fan-made videos. I've watched "Requiem" and this cartoon really deserves that type of ending. I'm not a fan of open endings but for this cartoon it was the best way to end. I think its gonna be one f my favourite cartoons all the time. Totally must watch!
The series most needing a sequel!
cyberknight8 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This review contains spoiling information on "Dungeon & Dragons: Honor among Thieves" (2023). If you haven't watched it yet and intend to, stop right now!
SPOILER ALERT (on both 1983's and 2023's features!)
D&D: HaT (eh!) has absolutely nothing to do with the 1983's "Dungeon & Dragons" cartoon series... Except for six cameos that show up in one of the scenes in the 2023's live action. Yes, Diana, Sheila, Bobby, Hank, Eric and Presto are shown in a fast paced maze sequence (and are listed in the end credits!) There's not much shown of them, but what is, brought a lot to think about.
The gang got older, and looked tired. They came in without Uni, and without the magical weapons the Dungeon Master had given them. Evidently, knowing how powerful those weapons were, they'd never find themselves going into that maze.
Another important point is that the producers didn't forget the 1983's series, so, there's hope. Maybe, if the 2023's film is an enough box office success, they'd risk producing a sequel or spin-off of the 1983's series...!
SPOILER ALERT (on both 1983's and 2023's features!)
D&D: HaT (eh!) has absolutely nothing to do with the 1983's "Dungeon & Dragons" cartoon series... Except for six cameos that show up in one of the scenes in the 2023's live action. Yes, Diana, Sheila, Bobby, Hank, Eric and Presto are shown in a fast paced maze sequence (and are listed in the end credits!) There's not much shown of them, but what is, brought a lot to think about.
The gang got older, and looked tired. They came in without Uni, and without the magical weapons the Dungeon Master had given them. Evidently, knowing how powerful those weapons were, they'd never find themselves going into that maze.
Another important point is that the producers didn't forget the 1983's series, so, there's hope. Maybe, if the 2023's film is an enough box office success, they'd risk producing a sequel or spin-off of the 1983's series...!
Unironically Awesome 10/10
jbchildr20 September 2020
Okay maybe a little ironically but, wow, what a great watch.
The terrible 80's kids dialogue is, frankly, completely hilarious but the themes are consistent throughout the episodes, the plots from episode to episode are genuinely interesting and fun PLUS the characters are actually fun to watch.
I did not expect to enjoy this show but, wow. It is free on youtube so, if you have 20 min to spare, I say do it.
I grew up playing pathfinder and play 5e now so, coming for someone who isn't super familiar with AD&D or grew up while this show was running, who only started watching for the memes, i can say yeah, it's really hammy, but also absolute G O L D.
The terrible 80's kids dialogue is, frankly, completely hilarious but the themes are consistent throughout the episodes, the plots from episode to episode are genuinely interesting and fun PLUS the characters are actually fun to watch.
I did not expect to enjoy this show but, wow. It is free on youtube so, if you have 20 min to spare, I say do it.
I grew up playing pathfinder and play 5e now so, coming for someone who isn't super familiar with AD&D or grew up while this show was running, who only started watching for the memes, i can say yeah, it's really hammy, but also absolute G O L D.
Well aged and fun to watch 80's cartoon
Artemur19 February 2023
I vaguely remember this cartoon from my childhood and I only watched one or two episodes back then and I enjoyed it so much therefore I decided to watch it on YouTube recently. Even though I'm an adult now, surprisingly, I'm still enjoying watching this. This is basically a Saturday morning cartoon, and it is almost 40 years old right now, but I can say it is well aged and still fun to watch. All characters but one are quite likeable, and every character has different personalities and powers. There is some better than average writing in some episodes, like "The Dragon's Graveyard" and the final episode "Requiem." This is essentially a RPG in cartoon form with a fantasy setting. I just dislike Eric, the Cavalier character and useless baby unicorn who acts and sounds like a lamb. Eric is arrogant, coward and selfish, but writers sometimes use him for comedic effect and make him a clown. Unicorn is only here as a mascot for the group; he is mostly uselles, and he occasionally finds himself in damsel-in-distress situations. Otherwise, all other characters are quite likeable, different, and sympathetic, and their adventures in every episode are quite exciting and intriguing. I recommend this cartoon to everyone, regardless of age.
This show was good
Rovin20 May 2000
I just caught an episode of Dungeons and Dragons after viewing a preview of the cgi series Action Man on the Fox network. I was a bit surprised to see this show listed since I remember it from almost 20 years ago! Shadowdemon was my favourite character.
At first the crude animation seemed a bit jarring, but after the first ten minutes I was hooked(again). Its a wonderfully imaginative and memorable series.
In addition to the comments already made by others I have to highlight the fantastic musical score by Robert J Walsh and Johnny Douglas. I remember their rousing music for Gi Joe and the Transformers. I had forgotten their work on D & D and now wish i could get in on tape!
Those shows from the 80s were so much better in story and execution than the sterile cgi shows pushed on saturday mornings these days.
At first the crude animation seemed a bit jarring, but after the first ten minutes I was hooked(again). Its a wonderfully imaginative and memorable series.
In addition to the comments already made by others I have to highlight the fantastic musical score by Robert J Walsh and Johnny Douglas. I remember their rousing music for Gi Joe and the Transformers. I had forgotten their work on D & D and now wish i could get in on tape!
Those shows from the 80s were so much better in story and execution than the sterile cgi shows pushed on saturday mornings these days.
See also
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