Until seeing this DVD set, I hadn’t realized just how much Ben 10 there is. Cartoon Network produced 4 series, 3 feature-length animated movies, and a reboot, none of which are currently available on HBO Max. Thus, the timing is absolutely right for Cartoon Network to release a comprehensive collection. Despite being subtitled “The Complete Collection,” it isn’t quite. The reboot isn’t included, but as my youngest resented an out and out reboot instead of a sequel series (vivid memory for me), the real fans get exactly what they want — everything else.
Created by the collective Man of Action, Ben 10 has a simple and irresistible premise. Ben Tennyson has become the keeper of the Omnitrix, an alien device that allows him to channel/become aliens, with all their associated abilities. Supported by his quirky grandpa Max and cousin Gwen Tennyson, Ben learns how to be a hero fighting both human supervillains and the aliens who want the Omnitrix. As the first series plays out, it’s also clear that Grandpa Max knows a lot more about what’s going on then he first appeared.
In subsequent series, Ben is allowed to age up, joining Alien Force and becoming an Ultimate Alien. Thanks to the last series, Omniverse, the door was opened for the reboot to eventually connect back. Again, that’s not on this set, nor are the 2 live-action films directed by Alex Winter — which are worth seeking out.
The premise was certainly inspired by DC’s Dial H For Hero and maybe a little of Marvel’s Darkhawk. Man of Action consists of several comics pros, after all. A few episodes were written by the late legend Peter David. It has comics in its blood, and even going back to the beginning that’s 20 years old as of this writing, it holds up. Ben 10 and its follow-ups are first and foremost fun.
Pro: Great series with almost TOO MUCH TO WATCH!
Admitted minor quibbles: Warner Bros. Home Video has GOT to figure out a better way to package multi-disc sets. Because you’ll probably want to buy extra jewel cases for storage on your shelf. Multi-layered holders in a thin case just cause frustration, and often snap. The discs are grouped together by series, but not in order of series.
And finally — this doesn’t have new content. In and of itself, that’s not a bad thing because again, hello, hours and hours and hours of episodes. But these discs carry over the original transfers from when the show was at the height of popularity, so you’ll see ads for tie-in toys and games that no longer exist. For some of us, that’s a nostalgia hit. But if you’re sharing this with a child, be prepared for them to want those. (To my surprise, there are still Omnitrix toys and Ben 10 figures around, which our household recalls as fantastic. From their product descriptions, though, I’m not sure they’re officially licensed.)
I started with the snarky reference to HBO Max not currently streaming what is allegedly Cartoon Network’s second most popular franchise, Yes, that just points to why physical media still matters. Whether you fondly remember the show and want to have it on your shelf or want to introduce it to a new generation, this is worth the investment. You’ll get hooked. Maybe even transformed. Just not into an alien.
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