Super Duper Sumos

Super Duper Sumos is an animated television series produced by Cookie Jar that ran from 2001 to 2003. The show consists of traditional Japanese sumo wrestlers, supersized into larger-than-life characters and modernized to fit perfectly into the 21st century. It presents a unique blend of comedy, action, and adventure, making it a family-friendly program loved by viewers of all ages.

Super Duper Sumos is centered around the lives of three sumo wrestlers; Mamoo, Kimo and Booma, who hail from a faraway land. The trio of sumos are not just ordinary sumos, they are the superheroes of the show with remarkable fighting abilities, dedicating their lives to defending Generic City from various harmful elements and villainous characters.

Mamoo, the oldest and wisest of the three, is the leader of the group. He may not be the brightest, but his determination and bravery more than make up for it. Kimo, the philosopher of the gang, is a calm and composed individual with a somewhat poetic language. Then we have Booma, the youngest, who possesses great strength and a big heart, but isn't necessarily known for his intelligence. Though they have different personalities and attributes, their shared belief in the "Way of the Fat," a parody of philosophic and martial arts ideologies, unifies them. This philosophy extols the virtues of peace, courage, wisdom, and large volumes of physical mass.

These sumos live under the supervision of their wise and somewhat quirky steward, Wisdom San, who provides the sumos with wisdom, guidance, and a base of operations. Wisdom San also provides the comic relief for the show with his hilarious escapades and timid nature, making him a favorite among viewers.

The main antagonists of the Super Duper Sumos are Ms. Mister and her henchmen, such as Genghis Fangus and the humanoid general, Bad Inc. They are committed to plotting against the sumos and seizing control of Generic City. A recurring gag in the series involves the villains creating various monstrous machines to carry out their diabolical plans – including everything from gigantic robots to sea monsters, only for their plans to be thwarted by the mighty Sumos.

The underpinning theme of the show revolves around the idea of good vs. evil. The series uses the perspective of these large, comical sumo wrestlers to show that no matter our size, we all have the power to stand up against evil. Another underlying message is the importance of teamwork, friendship, and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

The art style of Super Duper Sumos is quite distinctive with vibrant color palettes and appealing designs that grip the attention of viewers. Each episode is beautifully illustrated, with the combination of modern cityscapes and ancient Japanese culture adding a unique aesthetic appeal. This amalgamation of worlds presents a captivating contrast that makes the show visually appealing.

Every episode of Super Duper Sumos is filled with delightful humor, taken from classic sumo wrestling tropes and running gags throughout the series. The sumos' decidedly exaggerated body proportions and their physics-defying wrestling moves are a constant source of laughter. The comedic element, coupled with the exciting action sequences, provides a rich entertainment experience that keeps the audience coming back for more.

Super Duper Sumos seamlessly combines elements of multiple genres. The show incorporates the adventure of superhero stories, the excitement of action-packed wrestling, the charm of comedy, and the mystical elements of ancient ideologies. This mix of genres ensures that the show has something for everyone and caters to a broad audience.

In conclusion, Super Duper Sumos is an engaging animated series that combines comedy, action, and life lessons into a captivating spectacle. Its contrast of modern life with traditional sumo culture and its visually appealing art style make it a must-watch for animation lovers and a noteworthy inclusion in the list of shows produced by Cookie Jar.