Yes!! So happy you did this one!! Thanks and safety to ya as always friend!! (At some point maybe hit up some old Saturday morning cartoons,I recommend Ultimate Muscle and Kirby Right Back at Ya! if you have the time!!)
Kappa Mikey was ahead of its time. Combining western cartoons and anime into a single show was a brilliant concept. Kappa Mikey needs to get a reboot. I have a feeling that Kappa Mikey would gain a lot more popularity since anime has become more mainstream in recent years.
From what I remember a lot of people in the anime forums back in the day regarded Kappy Mikey as an insult to anime, though this was back when Anime was very niche so there was a lot of gatekeeping.
It's been proven in shows like Avatar and Panty and Stocking that combining western styles with anime can create great shows, I want to see this show succeed some time
The series pilot was actually made as an adult cartoon for MTV and can still be found on RUclips (not to be confused with the episode “The Lost Pilot”). My dream is for this show to be rebooted and made for an older audience again. The jokes they could make about the current anime industry would be perfect!
I can imagine a mix of jokes about the current anime industry and its tropes, while also talking and joking about the new western cartoon tropes Imagine an episode joking about a coworker who looks like a kid but it's a senior, exploiting of animators and *also joking about shit like streaming services and adult comedy series?* one can only hope
It probably might have had a better chance on [adult swim] due to it's rather niche appeal and the fact that [as] has also became the anime destination on TV as of late
In spite of it's flaws and criticisms Kappa Mikey deserves a lot of respect. It was the first nicktoons series to be completely animated in house at the studio instead of being outsourced to Korea like the other shows. The amount of work that went into this gives it a special place at Nickelodeon and my heart as aspiring animator.
It’s was pretty enjoyable as well, seeing Western cartoon art style crossover with Japanese anime living in the same universe is pretty wild. It shows a big difference between them
No shade, my personal favorite part of the animation was how trash it is. 😂😂 Like I know they're playing on anime tropes, but it REALLY reminds me of when kids in the 2000s (me included) tried to draw anime characters that looked as nasty as those 😂. Hair all wonky~ nasty proportions~ GREAT MEMORIES...
"Why you barely remember Kappa Mikey" I never forgot it. I remember tuning in every new episode. Looking back it feels like a fever dream but Kappa Mikey is the shit
The weirdest thing was how exclusively mike’s character was consistent with how he’s animated. Everyone else morphs between chibi, exaggerations, or that early 2000s “how to draw anime” style
In Malaysia, the show is aired weekly on one of our free channels on repeat and I love it. The theme song slaps and memorable, engrained in the deepest part of my memory. This show deserve more love and i never knew about the director before so that was very interesting. Hope whoever going to reboot this series paid their respect to the director and grasp whatever idea he envisioned for this could be amazing reboot
Coming from a Japanese speaker, this show had a lot of funny hidden jokes if you were familiar with Japanese and Japan itself. For example, Mikey states he thought recycling bins were a place to put his pets. It's funny because it's random and he literally tries to put a Rhino in there, but it's even funnier if you understand that in Japan, plastic bottles are called PET bottles, which is commonly displayed on recycle bins there. Like, some of the writers did their homework. Haha
PET is specifically the plastic used for soda and water bottles. HDPE is the kind used for milk jugs and laundry detergent and such. Poly-ethylene something or other.
Can't really say I'm a huge fan of the series. It was weird to me, but hearing the voice of Goku (I'm surprised you didn't highlight that. Gonard's VA is literally the voice of Goku) in it was reason enough for me to watch it when I was younger. Taking a look at it, I think there were also cameo VA's sprinkled around (I swear I can hear Dan Green AKA Yugi) from time to time. I do however like the premise and would love to see it attempted again today. Maybe not as.... oddly animated as it was back then. It would be funny to see that mixed animation style again along with better writing. Instead of having it feel like what we thought anime was, having a show that could poke fun at both anime and western cartoons would be fun to watch. I also really like the fish out of water idea.
I just realized that the reason I don't remember much about this show from when I was a kid was because I didn't like it. I avoided it when I was a kid and I only left it on when there was absolutely no better alternative.
i don't remember this show.... cause i never knew it existed. i didn't really watch nick much growing up, and only watched a handful of shows from the network, mainly because i was just trying to avoid spongebob a show i didn't really like, probably because of the intro could never get past it as a kid. and i never saw anything for this show, or if i did i don't remember it.
The theme song of Kappa Mikey just unlocked the chest of past memories. And this made me think of that Sushi short segment and Purple and Brown stop-motion on Nick.
I felt like I was the only one who truly enjoyed this show. It was so awesome as a kid and is still pretty unique as an adult. It didn't feel cringe at all.
This shows deserves a remake with better animation. Maybe make it an actual collaboration with Western and Japanese animations. Have the Mikey be animated in the current cartoon style and have all the Japanese characters be anime. Also I would love Mikey to stickout like a sore thumb in a detailed anime world haha.
A Kappa Mickey reboot sounds so cool, updated with what current anime look while Mickey be based on a more updated of the current Western artstyle, so yeah
I loved watching Kappa Mikey! I was actually a big supporter of the show back in the day. Are used to do panels at other anime conventions with both good and bad support deal. Most of the questions fans at anime shows would tell me is, what does Kappa Mikey have to do with anime? I was such a loyal fan a big supporter that, animation collective the company that produce cup of Mikey gave me a cameo in the last episode entitled, live LilyMu and many people know my name as kappa Lizzy, also known as kappa mikey’s cheerleader
This show is so good, I absolutely loved it growing up. The opening was a banger, the comedy was great and as an anime fan I loved the references. Also Gonard is voiced by Goku and thats awesome
"Barely remember" Dude, this show was awesome! I've been into Japanese culture for years and years and I adored this show, and still do to this day. This show has stuck to me like glue, partially since my dad insists the show's name is "Captain Mikey". And yes, the theme song slaps. Always has and always will.
I adored Kappa Mikey as a kid (probably because it appealed to my inner-weeb); this and Wayside are the two Nick shows I have the most fond-but-few memories of. I plan to eventually give KM a proper watch after all these years, but until then I'm glad to see it getting some time in the spotlight!
I am actually fond with Wayside. Now, the episodes are on RUclips now. I actually remember that episode where everything round turns into cubes, and that Fluffy became a wig for the Principal. AND THAT PRINCIPAL STOLE THE SHOW.
Ah, I knew this one was coming after the likes of Making Fiends and Mr. Meaty. First thing’s first, that theme song is, ofc, still banging after all these years. Secondly, this show would be insanely popular if it released today instead of back when anime was still rather niche in the States. And lastly, just a fun fact, Goku’s most prominent English voice actor Sean Schemmel voices the blue-haired oaf Gonard! Loved finding that out as a kid. I definitely loved this show but didn’t find myself watching it nearly as much because I was way too into watching reruns of My Life as a Teenage Robot at the time. Kappa Mikey was, unfortunately, another show a bit too far ahead of its time that only people who actively had Nicktoons Network as children will likely remember.
I remember Goku's voice for sure, but the one I really love is titular Mikey. Voiced by Michael Sinterniklaas, also known as one Dean Venture. I def have a spOt in my heart for the cartoons I grew up with, but there's room for more, and Venture Bros. takes up a lot of it.
I think that anime being relatively niche really helped the show out actually. That as well as the timeframe. If it came out now, it would probably be a trashfire.
So many comments talking about the show, and I'm surprised no one even mentioned the musical special they did. I'm pretty sure it was meant to be a series finale, as the plot revolved around Mikey and the gang finding out Lilymu was being canceled and having to deal with the turmoil of that (though they do end up finding a way to save the show by the end). It had a whole bunch of original songs that the cast sang throughout the special, usually connected to what they were feeling at that moment. I don't remember most of them, but I remember I would repeatedly watch that special just to hear the songs. Guano's song, "Purple" is particularly memorable to me. Iirc, the song is about how Guano felt neglected amongst the cast, because of his short stature and his purple color scheme, a color that he felt was boring and didn't have the same iconography as everyone else on Lilymu, despite his role as both an actor and director for the show. He ends up having a mental breakdown by the end of the song. That's the most I really remember, but I recall really liking the other songs when I was younger.
I'm not ashamed to admit, here on RUclips with total online anonymity, that Kappa Mikey is what got me into anime in the first place as a kid. It was the gateway that led to Dragon Ball Z and eventually many other actual anime.
Lol, honestly CN, Kids WB and Toonami got me interested anime like DBZ, Yu Gi Oh, One Piece, Pokemon, Cowboy Beep and a lotta others to be honest as a kid.
When I first saw Kappa Mikey on TV, I felt like it was giving me permission to openly watch and like anime. I was a weird kid with strange rationale. It may have also allowed me to go overboard tho, as I proceeded to start the trend at my school to wear Naruto headbands.
I rewatched the whole show a couple years ago and was pleasantly surprised. It holds up extremely well, all the jokes about foreigners in Japan, Japan itself and Japanese show business hit the spot (I say that as someone who literally has a bachelor's in History of Japan). They even referenced Junji Ito in one episode, these madlads. The story itself is both funny and oftentimes touching. I love seeing casts consisting of deeply screwed up people (and, seeing how this is a cast full of people deeply immersed in all the dirt of show business from early age, how can they not be screwed up?) learning to work together and growing to care about each other, it's just... Aww. Mikey and Mitsuki slowly connecting into a possible relationship was one of the best parts, as well as Gonard being Gonard (this boy is the true star of the show and deserves all the love). I advise everyone to give this show a chance, especially if you love anime and Japanese pop culture in general. It's an underrated gem, I'm telling you.
@@scoopatwoop season 2, the train episode where Mitsuki gets kidnapped. After the main antagonist of the episode reveals themselves, they are drawn with the distinct Junji Ito look, dark lines down the face and all.
I loved the christmas one that had mikey going through “its a wonderful life” and ozu going through “a christmas carol.” My favorite part was that gonard was causing havoc and the only reason he went evil was because no one yelled “Cut”. It showed how much of a dedicated dope actor he was.
I always remembered and appreciated Kappa Mikey simply for the concept, but as I got older and ended rewatching the show, I saw how while I like the concept the execution left much to be desired. We don't really get an American cartoon cartoon meeting anime characters as much we do just a guy who meets other people who happen to look or act like anime cliches. Personally I always thought it would've made more sense if Mikey was more of a slapstick squash and stretch cartoon character since that probably embodies American animation far more than what he ended up being which honestly was more like a character in a newgrounds animation.
I think maybe it comes from only seeing one "caricature" of a western cartoon character opposed to multiple "anime" caricatures. Could have done with a few episodes involving Mikey's friends and family stateside maybe??
I loved this show as a kid. I still remember some iconic lines from this cartoon. Thank you for highlighting it. I liked ozu because he was constantly on Mikey Simon.
I forgot all about this! The randomness, animation and the humor poking fun at it was unique for me. As always I enjoy the nostalgia and learning from the awesome commentary. Random suggestions from our childhood: Super robot monkey team Get Ed Duck dodgers Kaput & zosky Angry beavers Action league The troop Supah ninjas Shuriken school Martin mystery and the entire Totally spies franchise Tiny toons Dave the barbarian Aaron stone
Always has been one of my favorite shows. Most people see it as a cheap knock off but it always manages to make me laugh and I love the characters and concept
I feel like the main reason I even remember this show was because of the Christmas special that implied Guano was actually Ozu's son. That stayed with for years but everything else about the show I kind of forgot.
Kappa Mikey's rocking intro is why it's still remembered. The show was pretty good for it's time with it's characters, but now with Japanese media becoming popular world wide, I say it perfect for a reboot. #KappaMikeyForAllStarBrawl.
It's hard to forget this one, if not for it's incredibly distinct style, and blend thereof. I still truly think it's an amazing concept. Having been an anime fan for pretty much all my life, the premise would be a dream come true. I also love how Mikey's bubbly and "simple" Western design makes him stand out in Japan, where everyone is an anime character, chibi, or anime character who readily morphs into chibi form whenever convenient (which Mikey can't do lol.) I ended up revisiting it a couple years back, and I was somewhat let down. I guess I wish there was a lot more substance to it. More to say on the states of animation in the West vs the East, or commentary on the cultural disparity of the two. It definitely has massive potential, and I would dearly love to see another attempt at it, or at least something like it. If not, I guess I could always take a crack at it myself someday lmao.
Also, I will say that I still *really* enjoy the musical special episode. 😂 As corny as it is, I genuinely found it fun, and some of the characters' songs were pretty good imo. As far as characters, I'd say Mitsuki is my favourite. Ozu and Yes Man have a lot of good moments too. Then there's Gonard, who I found could hit hard or miss hard comedically. I would actually like to see characters just like the main cast again, but with tighter writing, ongoing drama and interpersonal tension, and arcs. Lots of missed potential there for sure, but they were all memorable and amusing nonetheless.
I literally rewatched this on youtube a month ago. Ngl it was genuininly pretty much what i remembered yet, the final season really ramped it up big time though. Overall a strange hodgepodge that i am kinda glad i went back to. That whole era of nicktoons was weird.
This show was among those that actually pushed me towards watching anime alongside Western cartoons, mainly due to the art style. Didn’t really hurt that my childhood also included English dubs of anime over on KidsWB and Cartoon Network.
I just rewatched this show a couple months ago. It's super memorable and was hilarious when I was a kid. I'll admit it was less funny now that I'm an adult but it was still a pretty great show for kids. And I loved all the anime references.
Ah man, I could never forget about Kappa Mikey. That show was brilliant. I would watch it every evening on Nicktoons. I loved its unique animation, its music, its characters, and the writing. I actually haven't attempted a rewatch since its not any streaming service, so I may have to go sailing at some point and see how it holds up to me. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I always thought this show was amazing lol. Thoroughly enjoyed it as a kid even if I didn’t quite understand what was going on most of the time. This show also sits in a special place for me because my uncle actually worked on it! He even gave me a Kappa Mikey shirt lol. So it became my “my dad works at Nintendo” at school at the time
My nephew loved this show, I have seen like every episode so it really isn't barely remembered for me lol. Although I have to say this was one of the shows that he watched when he was little that I actually enjoyed, would even watch it on my own.
I legit just love this show's concept. Sure, its acting and animation is weird, but the characters are just...fun. I personally think this is just a western animation cartoon with anime elements, like Teen Titans or Avatar. The kappa episode is probably my favorite. And yes, Guano be makin' the big bucks. Gonard is actually voiced BY Goku too, AKA Sean Schemmel.
I do wonder if anyone else remembers Three Delivery because it came on around the same time as Kappa Mickey, aka when I definitely should have been asleep as a child
I'm so happy you finally made a video about this show. This is probably one of the few old Nicktoons that I just can't seem to forget. I loved its combination of animation styles and cast of quirky characters. I've actually been rewatching here on RUclips recently, and I'd be remiss not to mention that absolute banger of a theme song.
This video is making me realize that I had no idea how early Nicktoons network actually started! I didn't get a cable package that had nicktoons network in it until I was a teenager I beleive, but I'm now realizing that when I was a bit younger I went over to my friends house, he turned on what I thought was nickelodeon, and we watched Kappa mickey together. I just always assumed I was watching nick at the wrong time and never caught the show on after that, but I'm now realizing that it was on a station I didn't have till later! No wonder nicktoons network shows didn't get any views compared to the main network, Im sure allot of people where like me and didn't even know Nicktoons network existed because they just didn't have it!
I think it's funny how younger me picked up on the fact that the cast was done by a mix of actors from 4Kids and Funimation. Made this show so much funnier for some reason. Most of the actors are still working today, Mikey's VA was in the dub of Osomatsu-San, which for me as a fan felt like a warm hug when I saw him in the cast list for that dub, because this show helped me thru one of the hardest times in my life.
No lie, this is an interesting concept. I would honestly love to see a continuation or some other show like this with mixed animation styles. Too bad it got canceled.
You have no idea how happy I found this video and your channel. So many childhood memories flooded back and this was the one to beat. For years, I've thought about this show but could never remember it's name or the premise. All I remembered was a purple animal, an orange haired guy, and the old man. It was one of my first memories and after a while I gave up trying to find it, thinking I made it up in my head as some dream show. This may sound ridiculous but it's like an unresolved years long dream has finally been fulfilled and I can rest easy for now.
I LOVED Kappa Mikey back in the day! It was one of my favorite cartoons (right next to Teen Titans and Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi, which probably says a lot) and it still is! Y'know, with all the recent reviews done about Kappa Mikey, NO ONE ever seems to talk about how FUNNY the show is! Seriously, there is a lot of frantic humor and zany antics which is what made still appreciate and enjoy the show today!
Man recently I've been remembering some old animated show that was like a weird anime parody with a guy who looks like fry from Futurama with a lot of meat canyon vibes that's best compared to a fever dream. Glad to see my memory is spot on. I saw what this channel covers and I gave it a look and here it is. You cover all the weirdest shows I still remember, real nostalgia trip.
Listen to this theme song and then “get off my cloud” by The Rolling Stones, especially the chorus. I can’t separate the two in my head, and the thought has stuck in my head for years.
A few things of note: 1: Mikey's hair and "fish out of water" experience are often paralleled to Fry from Futurama, as with the crush on Lilly being similar to Fry's crush and constant rejection by Lela. I've heard some theories that perhaps similarities might have resulted in some sort of legal issues, or threat of legal issues. Though, now that many of the Kappa Mikey fans are older, it would be kinda cool to see some sort of goofy crossover. 2: Guano isn't a pikachu-like creature. He's a guy in a suit. And if the Christmas episode is cannon, Ozu's son. 3: Ozu seems to think very highly of Mikey, despite his tendency to mess up so much. Also, while he's often a strict boss, he's not exactly evil and is far-sighted enough to consider that letting them have some down-time will result in better quality acting, which results in more ratings, which results in more money.
In the latam spanish dub, for me the best exchange was: “Mitzuki mama invierno se llevó la cosecha” “No soy Mitzuki, soy su malvada gemela, Catherine, Catherine la grande” I’m not sure if it’s the same in english, but I loved the radomness of it, even with the context of being a joke about localization changes.
I started watching this show back when I was 6-7 around the time it came out, and I absolutely adored it. I don't have many specific memories from any specific episodes but all I remember is spending those days in the basement rec room, laughing my absolute ass off at this show. Brings back good memories seeing that show again here
No, I don't barely remember this show; I've been patiently waiting for you to do a video on it 🤩 Also, besides the theme, the recycling song still gets stuck in my head.
"Barely remember it" Honestly I looked to see if you made this because I started rewatching it a couple hours ago theme song specifically never left my head but was always one of my favourite shows since I've been heavily into anime since before I started school
Honestly, I loved how this show was a mix of western and eastern art styles. Mikey looked like your normal cartoon character while everyone else looked anime. it was like Who Framed Rodger Rabbit with two different worlds meeting. heck, Dexter's Lab once did this too when Dexter and Koosy fought with an elf like character who looked like something from an 80s anime.
I vividly remember an episode where the dude in the brown suit is searching for his family, goes back to his burnt down house to find that the purple furry character was his son the whole time
I remember this show very fondly, I was lucky enough to have NickToons as a kid. I don't really think I was into anime at the time of the show airing. I might have been watching Bleach but I was a big fan of Kappa Mikey and always watched it whenever it was on. Catching New Episodes were great for me. I didn't really understand the anime references at the time but looking back on it now I think I can appreciate the show even more now. I do personally wish that it kept going or was more popular. I would bring it up to friends or at school and no one would know or like the show. Maybe it's because I was in that time in school where only Family Guy was the cool animated show to watch.
I'm so glad to see that more people are talking abt Kappa Mikey. Been rewatching it this pandemic and its nostalgic. Kappa Mikey, along w/ Detective Conan and Pokemon, are what probably got me into anime lol
This deserves a reboot. Not because it was a great show, but because it was a great _idea._ If it wasn't lazily animated in flash and took cues from actual Japanese and American animation, then they would have had something special, rather than just dated stereotypes of both styles. Give it a good budget and allow it to be fluid and pretty.
I had kind of forgotten about Kappa Mikey, but after getting into Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad I've been violently reintroduced to it, because Beat Crusaders who did all the music for Beck also did the opening theme for Kappa Mikey. Their music is crazy good.
Kappa Mikey is a concept that requires more creative animation than what we got. It is hard to really sell the dramatic contrast when you use flash animation. I also feel it came out too early, if it came out today where anime is more widely viewed by the west and people better know the cliches and tropes of it, you'd have more jokes to pull from and end up with a funnier experience.
Fantastic video and thank you so much for covering this show it's been a while since I've heard anyone mention it . I never fully got to watch it all the way through but I have it on my list to rewatch
Thanks so much for watching! Let me know your thoughts on Kappa Mikey, the animation mixing and how well you remembered it all or not!
I watched this on Nicktoons Network & it’s was okay
Yes!! So happy you did this one!! Thanks and safety to ya as always friend!! (At some point maybe hit up some old Saturday morning cartoons,I recommend Ultimate Muscle and Kirby Right Back at Ya! if you have the time!!)
I have never heard of it but wished I had watch it in my childhood
My prayers have been answered.
I remember this show so well!
It's sad Kappa Mikey is associated with being "barely remembered". I loved this show so much I always remember it like it was yesterday.
Me too!! I don’t think any of my friends ever even heard of it though
Same, I remember it just as fondly as I did invader Zim at that time
Huge facts. This was such an underrated show. That and Ricky Martin Showbiz Boy
A damn shame indeed. I actually remember this show quite fondly.
This cartoon was part of my childhood, it's very memorable to be how strange it is.
Kappa Mikey was an actual underrated gem.
❗️❗️
Kappa Mikey was ahead of its time. Combining western cartoons and anime into a single show was a brilliant concept. Kappa Mikey needs to get a reboot. I have a feeling that Kappa Mikey would gain a lot more popularity since anime has become more mainstream in recent years.
Did you forget "Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi" existed?
@@spearmintpony7105 That was a great show too. Both of them need to come back.
From what I remember a lot of people in the anime forums back in the day regarded Kappy Mikey as an insult to anime, though this was back when Anime was very niche so there was a lot of gatekeeping.
Make it pg-13 on Netflix and you got something there. Lol
It's been proven in shows like Avatar and Panty and Stocking that combining western styles with anime can create great shows, I want to see this show succeed some time
The series pilot was actually made as an adult cartoon for MTV and can still be found on RUclips (not to be confused with the episode “The Lost Pilot”). My dream is for this show to be rebooted and made for an older audience again. The jokes they could make about the current anime industry would be perfect!
I can imagine a mix of jokes about the current anime industry and its tropes, while also talking and joking about the new western cartoon tropes
Imagine an episode joking about a coworker who looks like a kid but it's a senior, exploiting of animators and *also joking about shit like streaming services and adult comedy series?* one can only hope
Yes, please do it with a slightly older characters, and I'm hoping for Mikey and Mitsuki to be married with kids!
It probably might have had a better chance on [adult swim] due to it's rather niche appeal and the fact that [as] has also became the anime destination on TV as of late
That makes a lot of sense. It feels like a kiddy version of an adult swim cartoon (like Perfect Hair Forever) or Drawn Together
In spite of it's flaws and criticisms Kappa Mikey deserves a lot of respect. It was the first nicktoons series to be completely animated in house at the studio instead of being outsourced to Korea like the other shows.
The amount of work that went into this gives it a special place at Nickelodeon and my heart as aspiring animator.
It’s was pretty enjoyable as well, seeing Western cartoon art style crossover with Japanese anime living in the same universe is pretty wild. It shows a big difference between them
No shade, my personal favorite part of the animation was how trash it is. 😂😂 Like I know they're playing on anime tropes, but it REALLY reminds me of when kids in the 2000s (me included) tried to draw anime characters that looked as nasty as those 😂.
Hair all wonky~ nasty proportions~ GREAT MEMORIES...
"Why you barely remember Kappa Mikey" I never forgot it. I remember tuning in every new episode. Looking back it feels like a fever dream but Kappa Mikey is the shit
My favorite episodes include "Mikey Impossible" and "Splashomon."
I remember watching it it good show to watch and theme song was 🔥 missed those day's it needs to comeback
I think about this show every once in a while and hoping that the episodes are on sale cause I wanna own these episodes 😭 it cracked me up lol
hell yeah, one of the best shows aired 🤟🏼😎
@@kamentrainerhorn2073splashomon is a chef's kiss 👌🏼
The weirdest thing was how exclusively mike’s character was consistent with how he’s animated. Everyone else morphs between chibi, exaggerations, or that early 2000s “how to draw anime” style
He was the American
That's the central joke of the show, yes.
@@AlexR2648 I’m just saying it’s inconsistent with the timing of the show
@@RickyRiceBwhat do you mean?
It was exstremely intentional. Mikey wasnt the only one animated like that, any western person in the show was.
In Malaysia, the show is aired weekly on one of our free channels on repeat and I love it. The theme song slaps and memorable, engrained in the deepest part of my memory.
This show deserve more love and i never knew about the director before so that was very interesting. Hope whoever going to reboot this series paid their respect to the director and grasp whatever idea he envisioned for this could be amazing reboot
Coming from a Japanese speaker, this show had a lot of funny hidden jokes if you were familiar with Japanese and Japan itself. For example, Mikey states he thought recycling bins were a place to put his pets. It's funny because it's random and he literally tries to put a Rhino in there, but it's even funnier if you understand that in Japan, plastic bottles are called PET bottles, which is commonly displayed on recycle bins there. Like, some of the writers did their homework. Haha
A bottle of pets
You guys have PET too?
PET is specifically the plastic used for soda and water bottles. HDPE is the kind used for milk jugs and laundry detergent and such. Poly-ethylene something or other.
The main character is also named after the kappa maki role sushi. And that blew my mind a few months ago, as a weeb that doesn’t eat sushi. Lol
And they took the time to write real Japanese! I couldn't read it as a kid but I'm having fun going through it now.
This show has just always worked for me. One of the shows I missed the most when I didn't have Nicktoons anymore.
This show is absolutely godly the most rememberable thing about this is it’s opening godly
rememberable
It's so good and I don't know why.
@@sagetheassassin3192 the timing of its humor. Its not forced down like most shows today
Don't you see this man?! He's kappa Mikey!!
I listen to it all the time. The Beat Crusaders are awesome.
Can't really say I'm a huge fan of the series. It was weird to me, but hearing the voice of Goku (I'm surprised you didn't highlight that. Gonard's VA is literally the voice of Goku) in it was reason enough for me to watch it when I was younger. Taking a look at it, I think there were also cameo VA's sprinkled around (I swear I can hear Dan Green AKA Yugi) from time to time.
I do however like the premise and would love to see it attempted again today. Maybe not as.... oddly animated as it was back then. It would be funny to see that mixed animation style again along with better writing. Instead of having it feel like what we thought anime was, having a show that could poke fun at both anime and western cartoons would be fun to watch. I also really like the fish out of water idea.
I just realized that the reason I don't remember much about this show from when I was a kid was because I didn't like it. I avoided it when I was a kid and I only left it on when there was absolutely no better alternative.
Dan Green was part of the show voicing background characters.
I watched a few episodes of this show a year or two back and the animation just looks....cheap.
Don't forget that Mikey's VA (Michael Sinterniklaas) also does a lot of anime voices.
i don't remember this show.... cause i never knew it existed. i didn't really watch nick much growing up, and only watched a handful of shows from the network, mainly because i was just trying to avoid spongebob a show i didn't really like, probably because of the intro could never get past it as a kid. and i never saw anything for this show, or if i did i don't remember it.
The theme song of Kappa Mikey just unlocked the chest of past memories.
And this made me think of that Sushi short segment and Purple and Brown stop-motion on Nick.
I had no idea their even was a spin-off about the sushi
Lol, man that theme song was literally one of the most kickass, and recognizable cartoon theme songs during that time.
@@slickyami1877 Lol, those Sushi shorts were kinda zany, and surreal honestly 😂
I remember those little blobs XD
@@slickyami1877 I just found it yesterday and it's called "Dancing Sushi".
I felt like I was the only one who truly enjoyed this show. It was so awesome as a kid and is still pretty unique as an adult. It didn't feel cringe at all.
This shows deserves a remake with better animation. Maybe make it an actual collaboration with Western and Japanese animations.
Have the Mikey be animated in the current cartoon style and have all the Japanese characters be anime. Also I would love Mikey to stickout like a sore thumb in a detailed anime world haha.
I wonder if Mikey would be drawn in that beanheaded cal arts style most toons have today.
@@sissysovereign1294 I just want thick lines to make a comeback.
A Kappa Mickey reboot sounds so cool, updated with what current anime look while Mickey be based on a more updated of the current Western artstyle, so yeah
I've always wanted this even back when Kappa Mikey was on air!! haha
@@sissysovereign1294 dude calart is not a real style lol
I loved watching Kappa Mikey! I was actually a big supporter of the show back in the day. Are used to do panels at other anime conventions with both good and bad support deal. Most of the questions fans at anime shows would tell me is, what does Kappa Mikey have to do with anime?
I was such a loyal fan a big supporter that, animation collective the company that produce cup of Mikey gave me a cameo in the last episode entitled, live LilyMu and many people know my name as kappa Lizzy, also known as kappa mikey’s cheerleader
that's awfully sweet
awwwww
This show is so good, I absolutely loved it growing up. The opening was a banger, the comedy was great and as an anime fan I loved the references. Also Gonard is voiced by Goku and thats awesome
Glad someone else knew that too.
Wait the voice actor was Goku? 🤔 I didn't know that
@@theultimateflame7092 yep. Gonard and goku is played by the same person.
@@Kagringames Sean schemal to be exact
Man, i still love this show since the old days in 2014!!
And it's a shame that it got cancelled but not forgotten.
2014 is a year that feels both not-that-old and ancient at the same time
I never forgot Kappa Mikey. Glad you're reviewing this.
"Barely remember" Dude, this show was awesome! I've been into Japanese culture for years and years and I adored this show, and still do to this day. This show has stuck to me like glue, partially since my dad insists the show's name is "Captain Mikey".
And yes, the theme song slaps. Always has and always will.
I adored Kappa Mikey as a kid (probably because it appealed to my inner-weeb); this and Wayside are the two Nick shows I have the most fond-but-few memories of. I plan to eventually give KM a proper watch after all these years, but until then I'm glad to see it getting some time in the spotlight!
I am actually fond with Wayside. Now, the episodes are on RUclips now. I actually remember that episode where everything round turns into cubes, and that Fluffy became a wig for the Principal.
AND THAT PRINCIPAL STOLE THE SHOW.
I remember that show when I was like four or five used to come on early in the morning on when nicktoons was called nicktoons Network
Ah, I knew this one was coming after the likes of Making Fiends and Mr. Meaty.
First thing’s first, that theme song is, ofc, still banging after all these years. Secondly, this show would be insanely popular if it released today instead of back when anime was still rather niche in the States. And lastly, just a fun fact, Goku’s most prominent English voice actor Sean Schemmel voices the blue-haired oaf Gonard! Loved finding that out as a kid. I definitely loved this show but didn’t find myself watching it nearly as much because I was way too into watching reruns of My Life as a Teenage Robot at the time. Kappa Mikey was, unfortunately, another show a bit too far ahead of its time that only people who actively had Nicktoons Network as children will likely remember.
Yes it would. It would have been huge if it was today. It came out a bit ahead of its time in terms of jokes and just style.
I remember Goku's voice for sure, but the one I really love is titular Mikey. Voiced by Michael Sinterniklaas, also known as one Dean Venture.
I def have a spOt in my heart for the cartoons I grew up with, but there's room for more, and Venture Bros. takes up a lot of it.
I agree, if this show came out later it would have done so much better.
I think that anime being relatively niche really helped the show out actually. That as well as the timeframe. If it came out now, it would probably be a trashfire.
So many comments talking about the show, and I'm surprised no one even mentioned the musical special they did. I'm pretty sure it was meant to be a series finale, as the plot revolved around Mikey and the gang finding out Lilymu was being canceled and having to deal with the turmoil of that (though they do end up finding a way to save the show by the end). It had a whole bunch of original songs that the cast sang throughout the special, usually connected to what they were feeling at that moment. I don't remember most of them, but I remember I would repeatedly watch that special just to hear the songs.
Guano's song, "Purple" is particularly memorable to me. Iirc, the song is about how Guano felt neglected amongst the cast, because of his short stature and his purple color scheme, a color that he felt was boring and didn't have the same iconography as everyone else on Lilymu, despite his role as both an actor and director for the show. He ends up having a mental breakdown by the end of the song. That's the most I really remember, but I recall really liking the other songs when I was younger.
That's correct. It was the finale as the show ended after it aired and I remember it persisted in reruns for a bit before it was pulled altogether.
I'm not ashamed to admit, here on RUclips with total online anonymity, that Kappa Mikey is what got me into anime in the first place as a kid. It was the gateway that led to Dragon Ball Z and eventually many other actual anime.
@@pleaseshutup7053 why? Goku was in this show.
Nothing to be ashamed of here.
Lol, honestly CN, Kids WB and Toonami got me interested anime like DBZ, Yu Gi Oh, One Piece, Pokemon, Cowboy Beep and a lotta others to be honest as a kid.
When I first saw Kappa Mikey on TV, I felt like it was giving me permission to openly watch and like anime. I was a weird kid with strange rationale.
It may have also allowed me to go overboard tho, as I proceeded to start the trend at my school to wear Naruto headbands.
How is dragon ball z not an “actual” anime?
This show absolutely takes me back to a time I would literally watch Nicktoons Network at 2 to 3 in the morning, just so I could watch this show.
I rewatched the whole show a couple years ago and was pleasantly surprised. It holds up extremely well, all the jokes about foreigners in Japan, Japan itself and Japanese show business hit the spot (I say that as someone who literally has a bachelor's in History of Japan). They even referenced Junji Ito in one episode, these madlads. The story itself is both funny and oftentimes touching. I love seeing casts consisting of deeply screwed up people (and, seeing how this is a cast full of people deeply immersed in all the dirt of show business from early age, how can they not be screwed up?) learning to work together and growing to care about each other, it's just... Aww. Mikey and Mitsuki slowly connecting into a possible relationship was one of the best parts, as well as Gonard being Gonard (this boy is the true star of the show and deserves all the love). I advise everyone to give this show a chance, especially if you love anime and Japanese pop culture in general. It's an underrated gem, I'm telling you.
@@scoopatwoop season 2, the train episode where Mitsuki gets kidnapped. After the main antagonist of the episode reveals themselves, they are drawn with the distinct Junji Ito look, dark lines down the face and all.
I loved the christmas one that had mikey going through “its a wonderful life” and ozu going through “a christmas carol.” My favorite part was that gonard was causing havoc and the only reason he went evil was because no one yelled “Cut”. It showed how much of a dedicated dope actor he was.
@@mlpfanboy1701 true method actor through and through...
I remember this show for sure and the theme song, "IT'S KAPPA MIKEY"😁
Loved this show so much. There's just something about "person in a new world" that I enjoy
I remember loving this show so much. I’d go to my buddy’s house after school and we’d watch this together
This youtuber is criminally underrated.
I always remembered and appreciated Kappa Mikey simply for the concept, but as I got older and ended rewatching the show, I saw how while I like the concept the execution left much to be desired.
We don't really get an American cartoon cartoon meeting anime characters as much we do just a guy who meets other people who happen to look or act like anime cliches.
Personally I always thought it would've made more sense if Mikey was more of a slapstick squash and stretch cartoon character since that probably embodies American animation far more than what he ended up being which honestly was more like a character in a newgrounds animation.
I think maybe it comes from only seeing one "caricature" of a western cartoon character opposed to multiple "anime" caricatures. Could have done with a few episodes involving Mikey's friends and family stateside maybe??
I loved this show as a kid. I still remember some iconic lines from this cartoon. Thank you for highlighting it. I liked ozu because he was constantly on Mikey Simon.
I forgot all about this! The randomness, animation and the humor poking fun at it was unique for me. As always I enjoy the nostalgia and learning from the awesome commentary.
Random suggestions from our childhood:
Super robot monkey team
Get Ed
Duck dodgers
Kaput & zosky
Angry beavers
Action league
The troop
Supah ninjas
Shuriken school
Martin mystery and the entire Totally spies franchise
Tiny toons
Dave the barbarian
Aaron stone
Always has been one of my favorite shows. Most people see it as a cheap knock off but it always manages to make me laugh and I love the characters and concept
I feel like the main reason I even remember this show was because of the Christmas special that implied Guano was actually Ozu's son.
That stayed with for years but everything else about the show I kind of forgot.
In the dark memories of my childhood, there was always a soft spot for Kappa Mikey & it’s creative humor. 🙏🏾💯
I can hear the theme song in my mind already
Kappa Mikey's rocking intro is why it's still remembered. The show was pretty good for it's time with it's characters, but now with Japanese media becoming popular world wide, I say it perfect for a reboot. #KappaMikeyForAllStarBrawl.
Overbearing boss, and a yes man. Sounds like a Japanese workplace.
I remembered loving this show back in the day. Good times.
I actually never forgot about this show, mainly because of its bop of a theme song
Man I loved this show so much. Even better, my dad really liked the theme song and would sing a long when it came on, RIP Dad.
The inspirations they're "drawing from", I see what you did there.
Side note, I'm very apathetic about what logo you use, you do you, man.
It's hard to forget this one, if not for it's incredibly distinct style, and blend thereof.
I still truly think it's an amazing concept. Having been an anime fan for pretty much all my life, the premise would be a dream come true. I also love how Mikey's bubbly and "simple" Western design makes him stand out in Japan, where everyone is an anime character, chibi, or anime character who readily morphs into chibi form whenever convenient (which Mikey can't do lol.)
I ended up revisiting it a couple years back, and I was somewhat let down. I guess I wish there was a lot more substance to it. More to say on the states of animation in the West vs the East, or commentary on the cultural disparity of the two. It definitely has massive potential, and I would dearly love to see another attempt at it, or at least something like it. If not, I guess I could always take a crack at it myself someday lmao.
Also, I will say that I still *really* enjoy the musical special episode. 😂
As corny as it is, I genuinely found it fun, and some of the characters' songs were pretty good imo.
As far as characters, I'd say Mitsuki is my favourite. Ozu and Yes Man have a lot of good moments too. Then there's Gonard, who I found could hit hard or miss hard comedically.
I would actually like to see characters just like the main cast again, but with tighter writing, ongoing drama and interpersonal tension, and arcs. Lots of missed potential there for sure, but they were all memorable and amusing nonetheless.
I literally rewatched this on youtube a month ago.
Ngl it was genuininly pretty much what i remembered yet, the final season really ramped it up big time though. Overall a strange hodgepodge that i am kinda glad i went back to. That whole era of nicktoons was weird.
This show was among those that actually pushed me towards watching anime alongside Western cartoons, mainly due to the art style. Didn’t really hurt that my childhood also included English dubs of anime over on KidsWB and Cartoon Network.
I just rewatched this show a couple months ago. It's super memorable and was hilarious when I was a kid. I'll admit it was less funny now that I'm an adult but it was still a pretty great show for kids. And I loved all the anime references.
Ah man, I could never forget about Kappa Mikey. That show was brilliant. I would watch it every evening on Nicktoons. I loved its unique animation, its music, its characters, and the writing. I actually haven't attempted a rewatch since its not any streaming service, so I may have to go sailing at some point and see how it holds up to me.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Kappa Mikey mains rise up! This show is a huge part of my childhood and I will bring it up whenever possible.
I remember this from my teenage years where I was a turbo weeb. I remember liking it and having a brief crush on Mitsuki
Heh heh. Turbo weeb. But yeah, Mitsuki was adorable.
i remember heading to my next class, wandering the halls, with this theme song in my head all day.
I always thought this show was amazing lol. Thoroughly enjoyed it as a kid even if I didn’t quite understand what was going on most of the time. This show also sits in a special place for me because my uncle actually worked on it! He even gave me a Kappa Mikey shirt lol. So it became my “my dad works at Nintendo” at school at the time
Ahh, I remember catching glimpses of this on Nickelodeon.
Good thing the series is still on RUclips last time I checked!
Is it really?
I loved Kappa Mikey and definitely remember it! I loved those dancing sushi and used to draw them all the time.
I tweeted the va of kappa Mikey years ago and he liked it and that was the highlight of my life
Kappa Mikey was probably one of my first introductions to anime/Japanese culture. And I love it for that (plus I remember it being pretty funny).
8:52 In an alternate universe, on The Japanese Amanda Show:
"BRING IN THE DANCING SUSHI!"
My nephew loved this show, I have seen like every episode so it really isn't barely remembered for me lol. Although I have to say this was one of the shows that he watched when he was little that I actually enjoyed, would even watch it on my own.
An underrated show I watched as a kid. I was the only one in my family who liked the cartoon. I would to see this series to be brought back.
I legit just love this show's concept. Sure, its acting and animation is weird, but the characters are just...fun. I personally think this is just a western animation cartoon with anime elements, like Teen Titans or Avatar. The kappa episode is probably my favorite.
And yes, Guano be makin' the big bucks. Gonard is actually voiced BY Goku too, AKA Sean Schemmel.
I do wonder if anyone else remembers Three Delivery because it came on around the same time as Kappa Mickey, aka when I definitely should have been asleep as a child
I remember
I'm so happy you finally made a video about this show. This is probably one of the few old Nicktoons that I just can't seem to forget. I loved its combination of animation styles and cast of quirky characters. I've actually been rewatching here on RUclips recently, and I'd be remiss not to mention that absolute banger of a theme song.
This video is making me realize that I had no idea how early Nicktoons network actually started! I didn't get a cable package that had nicktoons network in it until I was a teenager I beleive, but I'm now realizing that when I was a bit younger I went over to my friends house, he turned on what I thought was nickelodeon, and we watched Kappa mickey together. I just always assumed I was watching nick at the wrong time and never caught the show on after that, but I'm now realizing that it was on a station I didn't have till later! No wonder nicktoons network shows didn't get any views compared to the main network, Im sure allot of people where like me and didn't even know Nicktoons network existed because they just didn't have it!
kappa mikey was a heavy influence on my love for tokusatsu and it will always hold a special place in my heart
I love how the person you call halfway through is named "Susan" and your avatar is drawn in the Regular Show style. Reminds me of... that episode.
Yeah, it’s his Regular Show “hobo” avatar
I thought it was referencing Susan (Insert difficult name to say and spell) the head boss lady of RUclips 😂
Nickelodeon needs to air this again one day honestly
I think it's funny how younger me picked up on the fact that the cast was done by a mix of actors from 4Kids and Funimation. Made this show so much funnier for some reason. Most of the actors are still working today, Mikey's VA was in the dub of Osomatsu-San, which for me as a fan felt like a warm hug when I saw him in the cast list for that dub, because this show helped me thru one of the hardest times in my life.
I was unnaturally obsessed with this show when I was 16.
No lie, this is an interesting concept. I would honestly love to see a continuation or some other show like this with mixed animation styles. Too bad it got canceled.
You have no idea how happy I found this video and your channel. So many childhood memories flooded back and this was the one to beat. For years, I've thought about this show but could never remember it's name or the premise. All I remembered was a purple animal, an orange haired guy, and the old man. It was one of my first memories and after a while I gave up trying to find it, thinking I made it up in my head as some dream show. This may sound ridiculous but it's like an unresolved years long dream has finally been fulfilled and I can rest easy for now.
I LOVED Kappa Mikey back in the day! It was one of my favorite cartoons (right next to Teen Titans and Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi, which probably says a lot) and it still is! Y'know, with all the recent reviews done about Kappa Mikey, NO ONE ever seems to talk about how FUNNY the show is! Seriously, there is a lot of frantic humor and zany antics which is what made still appreciate and enjoy the show today!
Seeing you post this video just unlocked a memory in my brain. I miss my childhood
I’ll always remember Kappa Mikey. It’s part of my youth.
Also, Mitsuki is best girl of that show imo.
Man recently I've been remembering some old animated show that was like a weird anime parody with a guy who looks like fry from Futurama with a lot of meat canyon vibes that's best compared to a fever dream. Glad to see my memory is spot on. I saw what this channel covers and I gave it a look and here it is. You cover all the weirdest shows I still remember, real nostalgia trip.
Oh dear lord jordan finally did it. My absolute favorite nicktoons show. The karaoke episodes was one of my favorite episodes
Listen to this theme song and then “get off my cloud” by The Rolling Stones, especially the chorus. I can’t separate the two in my head, and the thought has stuck in my head for years.
I loved this show, used to watch it all the time back then
A few things of note:
1: Mikey's hair and "fish out of water" experience are often paralleled to Fry from Futurama, as with the crush on Lilly being similar to Fry's crush and constant rejection by Lela. I've heard some theories that perhaps similarities might have resulted in some sort of legal issues, or threat of legal issues. Though, now that many of the Kappa Mikey fans are older, it would be kinda cool to see some sort of goofy crossover.
2: Guano isn't a pikachu-like creature. He's a guy in a suit. And if the Christmas episode is cannon, Ozu's son.
3: Ozu seems to think very highly of Mikey, despite his tendency to mess up so much. Also, while he's often a strict boss, he's not exactly evil and is far-sighted enough to consider that letting them have some down-time will result in better quality acting, which results in more ratings, which results in more money.
In the latam spanish dub, for me the best exchange was:
“Mitzuki mama invierno se llevó la cosecha”
“No soy Mitzuki, soy su malvada gemela, Catherine, Catherine la grande”
I’m not sure if it’s the same in english, but I loved the radomness of it, even with the context of being a joke about localization changes.
I started watching this show back when I was 6-7 around the time it came out, and I absolutely adored it. I don't have many specific memories from any specific episodes but all I remember is spending those days in the basement rec room, laughing my absolute ass off at this show. Brings back good memories seeing that show again here
No, I don't barely remember this show; I've been patiently waiting for you to do a video on it 🤩
Also, besides the theme, the recycling song still gets stuck in my head.
This show never went away in my memories. I absolutely love the back then and I still do
This show still lives in my head due to that 🔥 ass theme song
I'm so glad this show wasn't a fever dream and actually exists. Anyone else just used to watch this non stop
I'm glad we can all come together and agree that the Kappa Mikey theme song is a banger
"Barely remember it" Honestly I looked to see if you made this because I started rewatching it a couple hours ago theme song specifically never left my head but was always one of my favourite shows since I've been heavily into anime since before I started school
Honestly, I loved how this show was a mix of western and eastern art styles. Mikey looked like your normal cartoon character while everyone else looked anime. it was like Who Framed Rodger Rabbit with two different worlds meeting. heck, Dexter's Lab once did this too when Dexter and Koosy fought with an elf like character who looked like something from an 80s anime.
I would stay up super late to see the new episodes. My fav show as a kid
I vividly remember an episode where the dude in the brown suit is searching for his family, goes back to his burnt down house to find that the purple furry character was his son the whole time
SO THAT WASN’T A FEVER DREAM 😂😂
That was the Christmas special.
I actually remember this show greatly. My friends and I were obsessed with it and taped it every time it came on Nick.
I remember this show very fondly, I was lucky enough to have NickToons as a kid. I don't really think I was into anime at the time of the show airing. I might have been watching Bleach but I was a big fan of Kappa Mikey and always watched it whenever it was on. Catching New Episodes were great for me. I didn't really understand the anime references at the time but looking back on it now I think I can appreciate the show even more now. I do personally wish that it kept going or was more popular. I would bring it up to friends or at school and no one would know or like the show. Maybe it's because I was in that time in school where only Family Guy was the cool animated show to watch.
The theme song just randomly comes into my head, I've been singing all day.
Great video! Did you realize though that rather than just being based on Goku, Gonard was also voiced by Sean Schemmel (Goku's VA) as well?!
I'm so glad to see that more people are talking abt Kappa Mikey. Been rewatching it this pandemic and its nostalgic. Kappa Mikey, along w/ Detective Conan and Pokemon, are what probably got me into anime lol
This deserves a reboot. Not because it was a great show, but because it was a great _idea._ If it wasn't lazily animated in flash and took cues from actual Japanese and American animation, then they would have had something special, rather than just dated stereotypes of both styles. Give it a good budget and allow it to be fluid and pretty.
I had kind of forgotten about Kappa Mikey, but after getting into Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad I've been violently reintroduced to it, because Beat Crusaders who did all the music for Beck also did the opening theme for Kappa Mikey. Their music is crazy good.
Kappa Mikey is a concept that requires more creative animation than what we got. It is hard to really sell the dramatic contrast when you use flash animation.
I also feel it came out too early, if it came out today where anime is more widely viewed by the west and people better know the cliches and tropes of it, you'd have more jokes to pull from and end up with a funnier experience.
Fantastic video and thank you so much for covering this show it's been a while since I've heard anyone mention it . I never fully got to watch it all the way through but I have it on my list to rewatch