I received a copy of KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERS™ – CREATURES UNLEASHED on DVD to watch and review. I didn’t ask for it and never had any inclination to watch the show on The Hub. But, the DVD appeared at my door so I gave it a look. This DVD has the first five episodes of the series and a bonus feature called A Look At Kaijudo: Rise Of The Duel Masters and a “Kenina” Trading Card as well. The Kaijudo: Rise Of The Duel Masters: Creatures Unleashed DVD comes out on December 4 but can be pre-ordered at Amazon.com.

The first episode sets up the series pretty well. We are introduced to our hero, Ray. Ray lives with his mom and grandfather. His dad is not in the picture and we’re not sure what happened to him (dead? missing?). Ray also likes to draw and he draws different sorts of creatures in amazing detail. We also learn that Ray has had some trouble with bullies.

We are also introduced to Master Chavez. While on the outside he is a popular martial arts instructor he is also a Master of Kaijudo “The Way of the Creature”. Master Chavez has been taking care of tears in “The Veil” which is a divider between worlds. Master Chavez saves Ray and his friends Allie and Gabe when Ray accidentally summons a creature to defend himself from a bully.

The episode also establishes what Ray stands for. He’s of mixed heritage and is proud of who he is, he tries to avoid bullies but is at the end of his rope with them. He also is quick to defend his friends and stick up for them even if this makes him more of a target for the bullies.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this show but it did win me over a bit. There was an actual story, a bit of mystery and the good voice actors. I have a few clips to share with you as well as some character bios and images and a press release. Continue reading Review: Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters Creatures Unleased DVD →