Hipster Hotline: Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears

You know what? I miss Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears. I rarely think of it but I enjoyed watching it centuries ago.

DAGB tells the story of a small band of talking bears living in a forest believed to be nothing but legends. They meet a human boy, named Cavin who changes their lives forever.

After re-watching the first episode I realized the show aged well. I think I know why. DAGB is treated like an animated fairytale. It takes place in a medieval world comprising of Ogres, wizards, monsters, etc. And, it has a timeless feel. It’s not bogged down by pop culture references or 4th wall breaking. Good, well-written storytelling is all you need and DAGB delivers.

I’m a fan of kids show not talking down to their audience and I never felt that watching DAGB. Again, well-written, and we even get character development and overall story arcs. I love any episode having to do with Great Gummi magic or technology, makes the world feel lived in.

The animation’s still good too. It’s fluid, cartoony but has weight. No CGI here, just well drawn animations. Not the greatest animation ever but not distracting and adds to the storybook nature of the show.

The only negative I can think of is Duke Igthorn, the series main antagonist. He’s too incompetent for my taste but he does get his crap together sometimes (most notably the series finale). Even then, I love his voice and his henchogre, Toady. Plus, the Gummies fight lots of different bad guys so its more of a nitpick than anything. Oh, and I wish we gotten a season seven.

DAGB is underappreciated compared to other, more popular Disney cartoons at the time (Ducktales, Darkwing Duck, Talespin, Chip & Dale, etc.) but it deserves love too. You like fairytales, world building, and wholesome adventure, give Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears a watch.

Side note: A little vodka mixed with gummiberry juice, woo baby! Gummi Bears won’t be the only ones bouncing around after drinking that.