Captain N: The Game Master

A pioneering animated series—one of the first to understand and exploit the vast youth audience of video game players—Captain N aired on NBC from 1989 to 1991. Featuring characters and themes from popular Nintendo games, the show revolved around the efforts of sinister Mother Brain, the leader of the Forces of Chaos, to conquer the peaceful universe of Videoland. Opposing the Chaos contingent at every turn is the “N Team,” comprised of such worthies as Princess Lana, Simon Belmont, Kid Icarus, Mega Man, and teenager Kevin Keene (i.e., Captain N, the Game Master). This four-disc boxed set is not really the “complete series,” as it only includes the first 26 of 34 total episodes, which were basically a promotional vehicle for Nintendo. While those who grew up playing Super Mario Bros. and other games may embrace the Captain N series as a nostalgic favorite, it's hard to imagine the show attracting new fans. DVD extras include character bios, a concept art gallery, and the original six-page Nintendo Power magazine “Captain Nintendo” short story. Optional. (E. Hulse)