Browsing through the Hanna-Barbera catalog of animated series, one will find numerous timeless classics, likeJohnny Quest,Wacky Racers,The Flintstones,Yogi Bear, etc. And within the expansive line-ups of cartoons created by the company, many have become lost to time or mostly forgotten; whether it beThe SnorksorJabberjaw, not all of them hold the same iconic status. However, within the forgotten catalog that hosts 249 stand-alone series, a few gems deserve to be revisited, or better yet — remade.
Pirates of the Dark Water, running for three seasons from 1991-92,is one such title. Set on the alien world of Mer, the fantasy/adventure cartoon series follows Ren, who is preordained to save the world from destruction. Ren and his companion swashbucklers face various challenges, including constant clashes with the villainous pirate lord Bloth. It is an exciting premise for a cartoon series that boasts a longer plot than many cartoons at the time, while still maintaining theslight cheesiness of the erathat gives us nostalgic vibes.
While this ’90s series certainly had its problems and ended abruptly, we think it is time forPirates of Dark Waterto get a needed remake. We will look at the show’s history and outline how best to turn the tale of pirates into a modern cartoon fans will love.
The Story Behind Pirates of the Dark Water
David Kirschner createdPirates of the Dark Water. Kirschner was no slouch when it came to animated works, and it was not the first time he had worked with Hanna-Barbera Productions, for which he also acted as the company’s chairperson. BeforePirates of Dark Water, he had worked on such series and TV movies asMonster in My Pocket: The Big Scream, Wake, Rattle & Roll, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventures,andGravedale High.
However, his most recognizable credit in animation comes from outside his work with the iconic cartoon company, with the classic epic adventure movieAn American Tail.At the opposite end of the spectrum, horror fans might recognize the name as Kirschner played a key role in building theChild’s Playfranchise, creating the original doll and acting as the producer of five moviesand the most recent acclaimed TV showChucky.
Related:14 Best Kids Shows That Adults Can Enjoy Too
While Kirshner has not spoken about his inspiration behind crafting the series beyond its release to tie in with a line of Hasbro toys, the fantasy epic seemed like a logical jump for the talented creator. Given his previous track record, Kirshcner and the team behindPirates Dark Wateralso put a lot of faith into the series, hiring such voice talents as Roddy Mcdowell to play the monkey bird hybrid Nibbler for the initial five episodes, andbeloved actor Tim Curryto play Conk. The cast was a venerable who’s who of voice acting talent at the time, showing the dedication and money invested in the project.
Another element that made the show unique was the continued story structure, giving children the benefit of the doubt that they would want to tune in to an ongoing adventure instead of segmented TV action. However, this structure did lead to unexpected delays in the programming schedule. Adding in poor sales on the merchandise and lower-than-expected numbers, and the show soon fizzled out.
Why Should Pirates of the Dark Water Get a Remake?
While the initial commercial failure may leave some questioning its viability in the modern era, the series may still have kept its sea legs after all these years. Thanks to the more story-oriented structure that required viewers to follow along, the show gained a moderate cult following after its disappearance. It may not be an instantly recognizable property, but it exists in that complimentary space of fond childhood memories, and also does not have that rabid fanbase that will scrutinize any changes — looking at you, Kevin Smith’sHe-Man.
Related:The 10 Best Anime TV Shows for Kids
What also works for the series is the renewed interest in swashbuckling tales since the program’s release in the ’90s, withPirates of the Caribbean, theOne Piecelive-action show, andOur Flag Means Deathoffering potential inspiration for the series.One Pieceis the most ideal show to model from, asPirates of the Dark Watercould find that balance of action and adventurewonderfully realized in the Netflix original.
In general, new animated series are becoming few and far between, given the production costs of bringing new properties to the forefront. There is ample original content and ideas withinPirates of The Dark Waterthat can be explored by a creative team while still using the semi-recognizable name to ensure funding and interest in the project would be more viable. This is a sad truth about the animation industry, but embracing it and creating something that can tickle that nostalgia while still offering room for reinvention is an ideal approach.
What Should the Remake Look Like?
There are two ways to go with the adaptation. The first way is to embrace the campiness of the era and characters and make something similar toThe Venture Bros.-type comedy, but set on the open seas. This could be an entertaining option, but at that point, it would be so far removed from the original that it seems pointless to carry over the name.
Related:10 Best Movies Based on Books for Kids
The better option would be to modernize and polish it up, keeping the primary story with a few tweaks and updating the animation style. Unfortunately, poor old Nibbler may need a serious revamp, or should be kicked to the curb. The goofy monkey/bird hybrid is a product of the time that can’t be brought back (he would be no one’s favorite character) as it is without instantly turning the tone comedic.
There is also an option of a live-action remake, but this would be an even greater risk for a property that has not proved itself in some time,like theOne Piecelive-action. Either way, seeing this hidden gem of the ’90s get a second shot would be great. Until then, if you want to consider giving this one a revisit, you canrentThe Pirates of Dark Wateron Apple TV or Prime Video.
