The Avengers: United They Stand Review

The Rise and Fall: Fox Kids and The Avengers

Once upon a nostalgic era, Fox Kids held the crown in superhero cartoons, captivating audiences across diverse demographics. Yet, competition soon encircled it. Disney absorbed and elevated ABC, Nickelodeon fortified its loyal fan base, and WB thrived by nurturing cartoons that once graced Fox screens. Amid this battle, an intriguing idea sparked at Fox Kids—to revitalize unused Marvel characters, granting them the spotlight. The result? A series some fans deemed the worst Marvel animated venture. But is this why "The Avengers: United They Stand" faded into obscurity?

An Uneasy Start for The Avengers

The year was 1999, and this cartoon, often shortened to "The Avengers," marked Saban Entertainment’s fourth collaboration in creating Marvel animations. Writers Robert N. Skir and Marty Isenberg, lauded for their work on other Fox superhero series, took the reins. They presented a robust series proposal, yet the network shifted gears, craving a Captain America-centric show. Yet, this was during Marvel’s financial saga, struggling with bankruptcy declarations in 1996. In the tumult, the original creators moved on, leaving a fresh team to fill the void. Enter director Ron Myrick (known for Sonic the Hedgehog) and story editors Eric and Julia Lewald, celebrated for their success with the 1992 X-Men cartoon.

Showrunner Shuffle and Changes

Names like Myrick usually signal promising outcomes, but "United They Stand" faced a rocky path. It suffered the influence of two distinct showrunner teams. The latter faced numerous constraints and a tighter timeline. Marvel icons Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor became sidelined in pivotal roles, causing major script rewrites. Yet, a team-centric narrative emerged as a potential strength.

Drawing inspiration from ‘80s West Coast Avengers comics, the series featured Ant-Man leading alongside the seasoned Wasp. The duo guided the likes of Hawkeye, Tigra, Scarlet Witch, and Wonder Man into action. Vision and Falcon soon joined them. The ensemble promised diversity and imperfection, living up to the Avengers’ legacy. While some characters stood out, others, like Wonder Man, barely resonated beyond his coma stint in early episodes.

Villains and Artistic Choices

On the villain front, an eclectic mix entertained viewers—Kang the Conqueror, Egghead, and more. However, Ultron, the central antagonist, struggled with consistency, oscillating between formidable and farcical with daddy issues. Meanwhile, the artistic direction employed bold lines and vibrant colors while falling short of visual appeal. Backgrounds, intricate but overshadowed, got lost amidst character dynamics, while CGI elements distracted more than delighted.

Armored Adventures in 2024

The Avengers wore armor, echoing popular transformation sequences from shows like Power Rangers. Though designed to stand out, the armor felt more like a toy marketing strategy than a narrative necessity. Set approximately 25 years in the future, in around 2024, the series mirrored elements of technological intrigue seen in Batman Beyond, albeit with inconsistent impact.

While relationships attempted to bring emotional depth, many plotlines fizzled out. Ant-Man’s leadership struggle paralleled Captain America’s legacy effectively. Yet, the strained bonds between characters like Ant-Man and Ultron left viewers yearning for more cohesive storytelling.

The Unfulfilled Potential

The show boasted enviable voice talent, capturing attention despite some mismatched roles. With notable performers from past Marvel and animated projects, the series held promise. Yet, the potential remained largely untapped, as ratings failed to justify its continuation. Though plans brewed for a second season, featuring anticipated guest stars like Thor and perhaps even the X-Men, time ran out for this iteration of the Avengers.

In retrospect, "The Avengers: United They Stand" experienced a mix of ambition and missteps. Awaiting its revival on Disney+ for curious viewers, it remains a quirky piece in Marvel history. But don’t expect it to feel familiar—or particularly memorable—as it tries to find its footing amid more successful superhero narratives from its past and future.