'Tiny Toon Adventures' proved frequently that it could do episodes structured as (mostly three) segments very well. The quality in most may not have been consistent, with for example one segment being especially great and another only average, but all the show's segment-structured episodes have a huge amount to recommend. "Toons from the Crypt" is quite unique tonally, being more horror-inspired than all the other wackier episodes.
One might think that that sounds like a bad thing, because there are episodes from shows that attempt a change of pace and feel out of place and wrong within the show in question. Actually in "Toons from the Crypt" it's not a bad thing, it is creepier and a little more adult than most 'Tiny Toon Adventures' episodes but it still maintains the wackiness and sharpness. It is also not too creepy on the most part, apart from the segment that was banned by Fox and is one of the more controversial segments of the show.
A lot is great here. The animation has vibrant colour but also an ominous atmosphere. Especially in "Night of the Living Pets". The music is characterful and full of infectious energy and dynamic orchestration. The theme song is one of early 90s animation's catchiest. A vast majority of the characterisaion is spot on, especially Buster in the wraparound story and the chemistry between Hamton and Plucky. The only exception is Elmyra in the latter portions of "Night of the Living Pets", too cruel.
Furthermore, the writing is typically wacky and witty. Especially in "Wait Until Your Father Gets Even", which is the funniest and most consistently written of the three segments and the one that is closest to the wacky 'Tiny Toon Adventures' spirit. The storytelling on the most part is fine, there is a great energy and there is a suitably creepy atmosphere in the 'Tales from the Crypt'-inspired wraparound story and "Night of the Living Pets". The one exception was the for my tastes somewhat bland "Concord the Kindly Condor", which has always been a forgettable segment for me and the one that doesn't fit the theme.
Can't fault the voice acting all round, while it is tough following on from Charlie Adler John Kassir does a more than worthy job. This episode also fits him perfectly, with him bringing to the wraparounds what he brought to his work in the great 'Tales from the Crypt' series, the show that the wraparound story is inspired by. Cree Summer, Joe Alaskey and Don Messick et al are all very good.
Do feel though that "Concord the Kindly Condor" is rather bland. And while "Night of the Living Pets" is very creepy, very clever and the closest to the episode's horror theme, the latter portions of the segments went a bit overboard on the horror when Elmyra's getting her own back got too cruel and borderline sadistic. Actually think that it is the most interesting and atmospheric segment of the three but it's not going to appeal to all.
In conclusion, good but not great. 7/10.
One might think that that sounds like a bad thing, because there are episodes from shows that attempt a change of pace and feel out of place and wrong within the show in question. Actually in "Toons from the Crypt" it's not a bad thing, it is creepier and a little more adult than most 'Tiny Toon Adventures' episodes but it still maintains the wackiness and sharpness. It is also not too creepy on the most part, apart from the segment that was banned by Fox and is one of the more controversial segments of the show.
A lot is great here. The animation has vibrant colour but also an ominous atmosphere. Especially in "Night of the Living Pets". The music is characterful and full of infectious energy and dynamic orchestration. The theme song is one of early 90s animation's catchiest. A vast majority of the characterisaion is spot on, especially Buster in the wraparound story and the chemistry between Hamton and Plucky. The only exception is Elmyra in the latter portions of "Night of the Living Pets", too cruel.
Furthermore, the writing is typically wacky and witty. Especially in "Wait Until Your Father Gets Even", which is the funniest and most consistently written of the three segments and the one that is closest to the wacky 'Tiny Toon Adventures' spirit. The storytelling on the most part is fine, there is a great energy and there is a suitably creepy atmosphere in the 'Tales from the Crypt'-inspired wraparound story and "Night of the Living Pets". The one exception was the for my tastes somewhat bland "Concord the Kindly Condor", which has always been a forgettable segment for me and the one that doesn't fit the theme.
Can't fault the voice acting all round, while it is tough following on from Charlie Adler John Kassir does a more than worthy job. This episode also fits him perfectly, with him bringing to the wraparounds what he brought to his work in the great 'Tales from the Crypt' series, the show that the wraparound story is inspired by. Cree Summer, Joe Alaskey and Don Messick et al are all very good.
Do feel though that "Concord the Kindly Condor" is rather bland. And while "Night of the Living Pets" is very creepy, very clever and the closest to the episode's horror theme, the latter portions of the segments went a bit overboard on the horror when Elmyra's getting her own back got too cruel and borderline sadistic. Actually think that it is the most interesting and atmospheric segment of the three but it's not going to appeal to all.
In conclusion, good but not great. 7/10.
