If you want to get away from the introspective side of Marvel Comics' output...

"The absolute ‘must see everything’ fan will enjoy appearances from the likes of heroes Nick Fury, Ms Marvel, Captain America, Punisher and others"

It’s time to hero up again this month as Marvel release volume two of the Super Hero Squad. Continuing the story established in volume one, this installment sees Iron Man and his team take on Dr Doom in the ongoing battle for the Infinity Sword.

Still shattered into tiny pieces, the sword remains Doom’s ultimate goal as a means to take over the world. Unable to tackle Doom and his minions alone, Iron Man leads his team of Wolverine, Hulk, Silver Surfer and Falcon into battle with the metal-clad cape wearer.

Spanning five episodes, this month’s release offers nothing new or different from volume one, but when the format’s not broken, why fix it? Still one for the kids, The Super Hero Squad continues with the fast-paced fun and gag-a-minute episodes, as the accident-prone heroes stumble from one disaster to the next, only to somehow scupper Doom’s plans at the last minute.

Though probably not one for the older Marvel fan, the absolute ‘must see everything’ fan will enjoy appearances from the likes of heroes Nick Fury, Ms Marvel, Captain America, Punisher and others. Adding a splash of super villainy to Doom’s evil schemes are Loki (Thor’s evil brother), Egghead, and Ringmaster.

The Loki episode in particular will prove worthwhile to the die-hards out here, as Thor takes us to Asgard, dwelling place of the Norse gods and where the long-haired hammer wielder gets his butt whopped by brother Loki. There are other treats in store, including a Simpsons’ Hulk, as well as a numerous in jokes for the more media savvy.

As mentioned, this Marvel outing is definitely one for the kids. With heroes and villains dwelling in their respective forts, Super Hero City and Villainville, this is classic comic book territory of good v evil, albeit in a very infantile depiction. The stunted artwork of the characters remains, as does the over the top storylines and crude as you can comedy.

That’s not to say the show isn’t funny, it is, or that it’s not entertaining, it’s that too. Its just story and subject are sacrificed for quick gags and obvious slapstick, with little or no respect paid to much-loved characters. And what’s wrong with that? Absolutely nothing if you’re 5 years old and your biggest chuckles come from Hulk doing a fart.

At the end of the day it’s all good fun, and something that will keep the kids entertained and enthralled for a few hours, which is what animation has always excelled at. So, while it’s not your usual Marvel fare, it’s entertainment enough, and it does progress the story established in volume one.

Happy viewing.

R.R.P.: £12.99
FORMAT: Single DVD
CERT: U
RUNNING TIME: 1hr 51 mins

The Super Hero Squad – Hulk Smash is out now.

See also:

The Super Hero Squad Show – Hero Up! DVD review

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