Penn Zero: part-time hero

So, how good is this show? So far I've only seen the Christmas special and I found it just OK. I like the basic idea but it feels a bit simplified for kids (unlike, say, Steven Universe.) Should I give more episodes a check?

It feels...a bit formulaic, I guess? I get the feeling the show could be really great, but they need to get a real vision for where they want to go with it.

The artwork, at least, is great. They do a good job handling the various transformations of the characters while still keeping them recognizable.

For me? The show is... harmless. I mean, it doesn't do a good job at keeping me invested at times, but it does the trick for telling a decent story.

To be honest, I get Randy cunningham vibes.

Probably because Penn is voiced by the same guy as Randy. Shit, now I really want a Penn episode where he becomes Randy and fucks up his world so badly... it has to be a two hour movie event!

Wow, the actor doesn't even sound the same but I guess that means he's got versatility. As for Boone, I could've sworn he was played by Howard until I checked wikipedia.

Yeah, Randy Cunningham vibes just about sums it up.

Update: Penn is NOT voiced by Ben Schwartz(Voice of Randy).

I like this show and all so far, surprisingly more than Star Vs., I admit - however, I feel there's more potential here to be mined, if they stopped aiming to just please kids so much. This show doesn't aim all that high, hence its lack of popularity, IMHO - real shame, everything else is pretty good, otherwise.

Maybe they'll break the formula to explore more on the ideas posed within. Like the one in charge of the portal or why the villain owns a portal himself to begin with.

This is the second cartoon I've seen where the sidekick to the main villian is just so damn... likeable! Larry's so jovial and affable to the point that you wonder why he's a villain in the first place. Not only that, in the reality he and the others come from he's supposed to be the principal while the other guy is a teacher working under him.

The first instance of this 'likable sidekick thing' I've seen was Grim Gloom from The 7 D.

I really want to congratulate the show on keeping the focus on dimension jumping rather than school life. I do predict there will be a whole episode about the three having to avoid Rippen and get out of the school without being caught. Maybe like a detention episode.

Here's hoping they can at least make that somewhat interesting... Otherwise, I'd rather little to no time ever be spent in the school setting. So far, this show has shown to be too good for even that.

Deep down, I only talk this away, out of fear of disappointment, especially in a show I actually like like this one, so far.

So... is the whole thing about Rippen being their art teacher and Larry being their Principal All There in the Manual?

Actually, is everything about the characters and the premise (beyond the fact that Penn's family is stuck elsewhere) manual stuff? Cause I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode of this show and none of that ever comes up, but it's all there on the trope page so clearly its stated somehwere.

Is there a pilot or something that I missed?

edited 7th Mar '15 6:33:45 PM by KnownUnknown

Does the Christmas special not count as a pilot?

What Christmas special?

Did the Christmas special actually cover any of this stuff? Because unless it all happens in the first five or so minutes (the only part I haven't seen) I don't remember it.

This special

If it's the one where Penn becomes Santa Claus, no it does not. That episode only introduces what's going on with his parents.

edited 7th Mar '15 9:48:28 PM by KnownUnknown

Maybe it's just me, but I'd like a POV on Grippen and his sidekick. Epecially if they get a episode each. It'd be fun and explore more on their character.

Like with Lord Hater in the funk?

Sure, but with Hater, Mc Cracken and his writers actually show Hater doing his plans time to time. We don't even see how Grippen works before he does his work. How does he catch up with our heroes at the same time?

The new episode tonight was pretty good. And gives a slight humanizing moment for Rippen.

Also Larry's glasses function like Sashi's I see.

This new episode was exactly what I was hinting at!

I'm curious as to what you mean - like the fact that Larry and Rippen are part-time villains? I got that down pat, already, TBH...