Digimon is a classic children and Family anime that was released in 1999. It is a series that changes frequently by season, so my review will first focus on the first 4 seasons individually, and then my thoughts on the show as a whole.
Digimon Adventure: When people think of Digimon, they think of the Adventure series. Adventure supported strong characters, great storytelling, and a nice focus on relationships the characters have with each other and their Digimon. Tai, Matt, Joe and TK's story lines were particularly memorable, because these characters grow so much individually by the end of the season. I also appreciate how this season covered serious family issues including adoption and divorce. These focuses were surprisingly mature for a children's television show. The story was at its strongest during the middle arc; giving the characters the opportunity to understand themselves more, and form stronger relationships with each other. It especially got dark in the final arc of the season. What didn't work about the season was the first 12 episodes. It had some interesting parts, but it was mostly very dull, with the series picking up with the arc finale. I also felt the show should've touched on romantic relationships as well as friendships. Overall its strong character development and great storytelling give it an 8.3/10.
Digimon Adventure 02: The sequel to the original Adventure, showing the original characters 3 years older, with a new set of Digidestined led by Davis Motomiya. TK and Kari also join the new Chosen Children as well. A lot works in this series. The characters are just as lovable as the original; especially Ken and Davis. It also expands on the Digital World, and how other children across the world are connected what happens there too. It's also pretty amazing to see our other favorite characters from Adventure as teenagers. You particularly see a lot of Tai, Izzy, and Matt. A surprise villain, as well as the phenomenal character development of Ken, are particularly memorable about the season. However, this season occasionally drags a bit, particularly during the Arukenymon/Mummymon arc, and the globalization of Digidestined takes away from the original idea of limited "chosen". Then there's the lame epilogue. Because of the nostalgia, continuing great characters, mostly good writing, but a slightly lower quality; this season receives a 7.7/10.
Digimon Tamers: This version introduces tamers Takato, Henry, Rika, and later Ryo as well as supporting characters Kazu, Kenza, and Jerri; in a different time line from the original. It also features changes to the Digital World's established rules, and Digimon as a card game. This series is the best incarnation of Digimon. The character development spans even greater than the original, especially among Rika and Jerri. This version of the show portrays much darker ideas than the original including death, depression, and the Digital World as an archetypal wasteland. Some of the best Digimon of the series are introduced including Terriermon, Renamon, and Beelzemon. The series also focuses more on Asian folklore more than the others, by introducing Deyvas and Spirits. This mature version of the series expands beyond what the original ever gave us, and provides a sad, realistic, and hopeful ending that actually left me bawling. The show never loses its original charm though; through the occasional childish Digimon, lame puns, and the strong grounding friendships. My only complaints are the large focus on Jerri at the end and the sudden and random entrance of Ryo. The card game idea also had to grow on me. Because of its many strengths, the show gets a 9.5/10.
Digimon Frontier: This incarnation of Digimon is a love-letter to the original; focusing on leader Takuya and his group that inhabit Legendary Warrior Spirits that allow them to become Digimon themselves. There are several things that work in this series, and several that don't. I love the characters, but their backgrounds could have been expanded much more. There is too much focus on the shared loneliness the characters face, rather than different issues that bring them together. The Kouji/Kouichi story was brilliant though. The idea that humans could become Digimon was great because it allowed the children to do something in the series other than cheer on their partners. The only thing missing from this was the strong bond between the Digimon/Human partners. However, the warriors did have a spiritual connection with the humans, an idea that was most expanded on with Takuya. But this idea should've been explored further. The series also portrays corruption, an archetypal wasteland, and features cameos of Digimon characters from the first 3 series. The villains were pretty boring though, with the exception of Cherubimon and Mercurymon. Lucimon would've been much more interesting if he didn't spend most of the series whining about needing more data. It also sucked to watch the characters lose and nearly give up so much towards the end. It was a downer, and happened too often for it to make an effective point in the story. I also loved the edition of Trailmon and the romantic tension between JP/Zoey. Takuya, Kouji, and Kouichi also had fairly decent character development. Even though this is the weakest incarnation of Digimon, it's definitely underrated; therefore a 7/10.
Overall, the series as a whole will forever be a beloved anime and children's classic. It has introduced many young people to anime, and acts as a transition to more mature television, movies, and adult ideas. The series' focus on friendship and love as the ultimate weapon against evil is a powerful message for children. The realistic portrayal of children and their problems make the show relatable. Overall the characters, story lines, and philosophies explored in the show are realistic but somehow light-hearted; making it a mature, smart, and funny children's classic. And it's completely underrated.
8.1/10
Digimon Adventure: When people think of Digimon, they think of the Adventure series. Adventure supported strong characters, great storytelling, and a nice focus on relationships the characters have with each other and their Digimon. Tai, Matt, Joe and TK's story lines were particularly memorable, because these characters grow so much individually by the end of the season. I also appreciate how this season covered serious family issues including adoption and divorce. These focuses were surprisingly mature for a children's television show. The story was at its strongest during the middle arc; giving the characters the opportunity to understand themselves more, and form stronger relationships with each other. It especially got dark in the final arc of the season. What didn't work about the season was the first 12 episodes. It had some interesting parts, but it was mostly very dull, with the series picking up with the arc finale. I also felt the show should've touched on romantic relationships as well as friendships. Overall its strong character development and great storytelling give it an 8.3/10.
Digimon Adventure 02: The sequel to the original Adventure, showing the original characters 3 years older, with a new set of Digidestined led by Davis Motomiya. TK and Kari also join the new Chosen Children as well. A lot works in this series. The characters are just as lovable as the original; especially Ken and Davis. It also expands on the Digital World, and how other children across the world are connected what happens there too. It's also pretty amazing to see our other favorite characters from Adventure as teenagers. You particularly see a lot of Tai, Izzy, and Matt. A surprise villain, as well as the phenomenal character development of Ken, are particularly memorable about the season. However, this season occasionally drags a bit, particularly during the Arukenymon/Mummymon arc, and the globalization of Digidestined takes away from the original idea of limited "chosen". Then there's the lame epilogue. Because of the nostalgia, continuing great characters, mostly good writing, but a slightly lower quality; this season receives a 7.7/10.
Digimon Tamers: This version introduces tamers Takato, Henry, Rika, and later Ryo as well as supporting characters Kazu, Kenza, and Jerri; in a different time line from the original. It also features changes to the Digital World's established rules, and Digimon as a card game. This series is the best incarnation of Digimon. The character development spans even greater than the original, especially among Rika and Jerri. This version of the show portrays much darker ideas than the original including death, depression, and the Digital World as an archetypal wasteland. Some of the best Digimon of the series are introduced including Terriermon, Renamon, and Beelzemon. The series also focuses more on Asian folklore more than the others, by introducing Deyvas and Spirits. This mature version of the series expands beyond what the original ever gave us, and provides a sad, realistic, and hopeful ending that actually left me bawling. The show never loses its original charm though; through the occasional childish Digimon, lame puns, and the strong grounding friendships. My only complaints are the large focus on Jerri at the end and the sudden and random entrance of Ryo. The card game idea also had to grow on me. Because of its many strengths, the show gets a 9.5/10.
Digimon Frontier: This incarnation of Digimon is a love-letter to the original; focusing on leader Takuya and his group that inhabit Legendary Warrior Spirits that allow them to become Digimon themselves. There are several things that work in this series, and several that don't. I love the characters, but their backgrounds could have been expanded much more. There is too much focus on the shared loneliness the characters face, rather than different issues that bring them together. The Kouji/Kouichi story was brilliant though. The idea that humans could become Digimon was great because it allowed the children to do something in the series other than cheer on their partners. The only thing missing from this was the strong bond between the Digimon/Human partners. However, the warriors did have a spiritual connection with the humans, an idea that was most expanded on with Takuya. But this idea should've been explored further. The series also portrays corruption, an archetypal wasteland, and features cameos of Digimon characters from the first 3 series. The villains were pretty boring though, with the exception of Cherubimon and Mercurymon. Lucimon would've been much more interesting if he didn't spend most of the series whining about needing more data. It also sucked to watch the characters lose and nearly give up so much towards the end. It was a downer, and happened too often for it to make an effective point in the story. I also loved the edition of Trailmon and the romantic tension between JP/Zoey. Takuya, Kouji, and Kouichi also had fairly decent character development. Even though this is the weakest incarnation of Digimon, it's definitely underrated; therefore a 7/10.
Overall, the series as a whole will forever be a beloved anime and children's classic. It has introduced many young people to anime, and acts as a transition to more mature television, movies, and adult ideas. The series' focus on friendship and love as the ultimate weapon against evil is a powerful message for children. The realistic portrayal of children and their problems make the show relatable. Overall the characters, story lines, and philosophies explored in the show are realistic but somehow light-hearted; making it a mature, smart, and funny children's classic. And it's completely underrated.
8.1/10