Ben 10: The Complete Season 1

Would you put a devastatingly powerful piece of alien technology into the hands of a 10-year-old boy? Of course not, but that premise has made this Cartoon Network entry a hit among boys aged 6 to 11. After grade-schooler Ben Tennyson stumbles across the “omnitrix” on a summer camping trip—don't ask how, it doesn't matter—he's able to transform into 10 different alien creatures, ranging from monsters to robots. Naturally, Ben embarks upon a life of fighting crime, while also using his new superduper powers to advance the typical 10-year-old agenda, such as the acquisition of a rare trading card and the regular insulting of his icky girl-cousin Gwen. With its straightforward plots, simple villains, and abundance of playground humor, Ben 10 is hardly must-see TV; still, the 13 episodes from the 2005 first season collected here are sure to appeal to the young action-adventure crowd. DVD extras include episode commentaries, drawing lessons from the show's creator, and a sneak peek at Ben's further adventures. A strong optional purchase. (M. Johanson)