Sunday, July 10, 2016

Cartoon Network vs. Nickelodeon Part 3/10

Battle 3: Invader ZIM vs. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy
The following is a request from a friend.
Invader ZIM Poster
Invader ZIM was a short-lived Nicktoon about an alien who wants to take over the world. It was basically a cross between Pinky and the Brain and Courage the Cowardly Dog. It ran from March 2001 to September 2002, and one of the reasons why it was cancelled so quickly was because of its mature themes and scary images, and I don't blame them. One episode had two of the characters slowly turning into bologna!
The more satirical, but sometimes controversial Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy was about two kids: a huge-nosed egg-headed idiot named Billy and a pessimistic noseless brat named Mandy. When Billy's pet hamster Mr. Snuggles nearly dies on his birthday, the Grim Reaper, who apparently has a Jamaican accent, comes to take the hamster's soul. Billy and Mandy challenge the Grim Reaper to a limbo contest and win, forcing the skeleton to become their best friend. The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, or 'Billy and Mandy' for short, is basically South Park for kids. It's filled with pop-culture references and parodies, surreal and sometimes gritty plots, a character who gets either left behind or killed in each episode, and at least one racial/religious stereotype. At the end of 'Billy and Mandy Save Christmas', Billy says "And Happy Hanukkah, too! That's what we have at our house, so we get more presents!"
Which of these do I think is the better show? I know some people will hate me for this, but I'd rather choose Billy and Mandy, because it's not as inappropriate, but sometimes it can be creepy, disgusting, or disturbing. Also, I remember enjoying it more. See you tomorrow when I compare Jimmy Neutron to Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends!

No comments:

Post a Comment