The Tick: A 90’s Cult Classic

Pop CultureThe 90'sTV ShowsMoviesCartoons

Mar 8

“Spppooooon” is what the kids are saying these days I hear…

Have you heard of "The Tick"?! A super hero with his own obscure cartoon series that aired in the mid-90s, based on a comic book by Ben Edlund. The character first appeared in a newsletter for New England Comics, a local comic book store where Edlund worked at the time. The character quickly gained popularity and Edlund continued to develop the character and his world in subsequent issues.

The show revolves around the titular character, an eccentric blue-clad superhero with a distinctive antennae on his head. "The Tick" had a short run, with only three seasons and 36 episodes, but it quickly gained a cult following among fans of superhero stories and offbeat humor.

The show features a wacky cast of characters, including The Tick's sidekick, Arthur, and their friends at The City's League of Superheroes. The Tick's primary nemesis is a supervillain named The Terror, but he also faces a variety of other foes, including Chairface Chippendale and The Breadmaster.

"The Tick" is known for its absurd humor, exaggerated action scenes, and witty writing. The show's creators were able to blend satire, comedy, and superhero tropes into a unique and entertaining package. The show has been praised for its irreverent take on the superhero genre and its willingness to poke fun at its own absurdity.

The Tick Video Game?

In addition to the TV show, "The Tick" also had a video game adaptation released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and Sega Genesis. The game, simply titled "The Tick," was a side-scrolling beat 'em up game that followed the show's storyline. Players took control of The Tick and Arthur, battling their way through hordes of enemies to defeat The Terror.

The game was well-received by fans of the show and video game enthusiasts alike. It was praised for its faithful adaptation of the show's characters and humor, as well as its fun and engaging gameplay. The game is still remembered fondly by fans of "The Tick" and retro gaming enthusiasts.

As for modern adaptations or spin-offs, "The Tick" has had a few. In 2001, a live-action television series adaptation was created and aired on Fox. However, it only lasted for one season. In 2016, Amazon Prime released a new live-action adaptation of "The Tick," which ran for two seasons before being cancelled. The new series starred Peter Serafinowicz as The Tick and Griffin Newman as Arthur. While not as popular as the original animated series, the modern adaptations have still garnered a dedicated following.

Overall, "The Tick" is a beloved cult classic that has earned its place in 90s pop culture. Whether you're a fan of superhero stories or just appreciate offbeat humor, "The Tick" is a show worth checking out. And for fans of retro gaming, the video game adaptation is definitely worth a playthrough.