We sometimes have cartoons and superhero shows that only show one alignment. The character is either pure good or pure evil, never in-between. However, there was one show that decides to take the concept further and make it interesting. And that, is the show called El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera and it was created by two people named Jorge R. Guitierrez and Sandra Equihua.
The show is centered around Mexico and Spanish descent. So, let's get this started and dive into El Tiger, amigos.
STORY
Our story begins in a place called Miracle City which is plagued by crime by many powerful supervillains ranging from an evil genius, a crazy grandpa and even the powers of the dead. It's downright insane. However, there is one boy, chosen to take up the mantle as El Tigre, like previous generations. Thanks to a magical belt and a tiger spirit within, Manny Rivera becomes El Tigre!
However... he has a problem. He's at a crossroads as to what he actually is. He's very indecisive about his alignment. He wants to help people and do good, but also cause a bit of pranks here and there like a villain would. It kinda flip flops all over the place. But when people and his friends and family are in danger, he goes into hero mode and saves the day.
Oh yeah, one half of the family is evil and the other is good. Which leaves Manny conflicted. And that's pretty much the setup. Unfortunately, like Invader Zim, it ran for one season and was cancelled. So we'll never find the answer to his moral dilemma. Oh well.
CHARACTERS
Manny Rivera is a musician who plays in some band along with his friend Frida who eventually becomes his sidekick. Manny is like every other kid, mischievous but kind hearted and he really loves his family. When he becomes El Tigre, he can be egotistical at times and can get cocky, but when push comes to shove, he always prevails. Even in the most unusual ways.
Frida Saurez is Manny's best friend and possibly girlfriend later down the line if the series ever continued. It's pretty obvious in the show they have a thing going on and it's developing. She finally becomes La Tigressa and helps Manny as his sidekick and kicking all kinds of supervillain ass.
The rest of the villains are just as crazy. One is a mistress of the dead and a leader of a skeletal mariachi band, it happens, and Manny's Grandpapi is a supervillain named Puma Loco, who is the defacto leader.
We also have Manny's father who is a superhero named White Pantera who wants Manny to walk down the path of a hero while his grandpapi wants to walk to the dark side. As you can imagine, Manny is conflicted and has no idea who to choose and stay with. Unfortunately, with every good and funny villain we get bad ones.
The Golden Eagle twins named Carlos and Carlotta. They're supposed to be hailed as heroes but turns out their frauds and are even worse villains than the villains themselves. They framed both parties from stuff they didn't commit and "conveniently" show up to save the day. They were even willing to destroy a park with all the civilians there to make their own playground!
And the worse part? They get away with it! Their plans failed, but Manny get's locked in jail at the end of the episode and we never see them again! So yeah, their horrible villains and characters. Good riddance.
ANIMATION
The animation is very good, very stylish and fits the Mexican culture and style of the show.
VOICE ACTING
Voice acting is great all around with Eric Bauza, Grey DeLisle and so on. It's pretty great.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, this was a show cut down in its prime and it's such a shame. These people had fun creating this and it certainly shows. The premise is interesting and it raises some questions and tension on what Manny will eventually choose at the end and what's really important. You should definitely check this show out and if it's not for you, then that's fine.
I liked it. So, I give my final score of the show...
8/10
Aside from the Golden Eagle Twins episode, the rest are pretty much fine. He even appeared in crossover games with the rest of the Nicktoons and had two tie in games that are... unfortunately terrible. One for DS and the other for PS2. It's a shame, there's a lot you can do here but they squandered it.
Will there ever be a revival? Who knows. That's entirely up to the creators if their still around. For now... we should deal with what we got.
Until then... adios.
(Also, Manny is a literal catboy when he transforms, how is there no porn of... Wait, it's not over? OH FU-)
