A little bit of context
Groovy! A Look at Earthworm Jim and His Mezco Action Figure
Earthworm Jim! The name alone conjures up images of a wacky, irreverent, and undeniably groovy superhero unlike any other. This iconic character from the 90s, a humble earthworm who stumbled into a superpowered suit, has captured the hearts of gamers and cartoon enthusiasts alike. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the history of Earthworm Jim, exploring his origins, his adventures in video games and television, his friends and foes, and the Mezco action figure that brings this beloved character to life.
From Humble Worm to Groovy Hero: The Origin of Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim was once just an ordinary earthworm, leading a simple life of navigating the soil and evading hungry birds in the bustling metropolis of New Junk City. However, destiny had a surprise in store for this unassuming invertebrate. One fateful day, while fleeing from a flock of crows, Jim sought refuge in an abandoned super suit. This wasn’t just any suit; it was an ultra-high-tech-indestructible-super-space-cyber-suit, designed by the brilliant but eccentric Professor Monkey-For-A-Head for the villainous Queen Slug-for-a-Butt.
The suit had been stolen by rebels and lost in the ensuing chaos, eventually plummeting to Earth and landing on Jim. The suit’s advanced technology not only gave Jim the ability to walk, talk, and wield weapons, but it also imbued him with a quirky personality and a unique perspective on the world. It’s worth noting that the creation of Earthworm Jim was spurred by Playmates Toys, the company behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures. Seeking to establish their own video game franchise, they took a chance on the quirky earthworm character, a decision that would prove to be a stroke of genius.
Interestingly, Jim’s personality, a blend of flamboyant naiveté and unexpected heroism, draws inspiration from other beloved cartoon characters like Darkwing Duck and The Tick. This blend of slapstick humor and genuine heroism quickly propelled him into the role of an intergalactic savior. He soon found himself battling a variety of outlandish villains, including his arch-nemesis, Psy-Crow, a cunning bounty hunter with a fondness for extravagant headwear. Jim’s adventures led him to explore strange and wondrous planets, encountering eccentric characters and overcoming challenges that demanded both his newfound abilities and his unique brand of off-the-wall humor.
The creator of Earthworm Jim, Doug TenNapel, had a background in animation before venturing into video game design. He honed his skills working on projects like “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: The Animated Series,” which likely influenced the comedic sensibilities of Earthworm Jim.
Wriggling Through the Digital World: Earthworm Jim’s Video Game Escapades
Earthworm Jim’s debut in the digital realm occurred in 1994 with the release of “Earthworm Jim” for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was an immediate success, lauded for its smooth animation, engaging gameplay, and unconventional humor. It’s fascinating to note that the game’s developers drew inspiration from classic animation, with Jim’s idle animations being modeled after Looney Tunes characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
The game’s success can be attributed in part to its innovative use of hand-drawn animations, which were scanned into the game engine, a technique uncommon for games of that era. This resulted in fluid and expressive character movements, setting a new standard for animation quality in video games.
In “Earthworm Jim,” players took control of the titular hero as he traversed through diverse and imaginative levels. Jim could utilize his trusty blaster to dispatch enemies or employ his own worm body as a whip to strike foes and grapple onto hooks, allowing him to swing across gaps.
The original game’s popularity led to a sequel, “Earthworm Jim 2,” in 1995, which maintained the series’ signature quirky gameplay and outlandish humor. Subsequent installments included “Earthworm Jim 3D” (1999) for the Nintendo 64 and PC, and “Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy” (1999) for the Game Boy Color. While these later games may not have reached the same heights of acclaim as the originals, they solidified Earthworm Jim’s position as a memorable figure in gaming history.
The Earthworm Jim games were released on a variety of platforms, including the Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, Game Boy, Game Gear, Windows, MS-DOS, Master System, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Nintendo 64, PC, and Nintendo DSi. This wide availability ensured that Jim’s adventures could be enjoyed by gamers on various consoles.
It’s worth mentioning a special version of the original game, “The Great Earthworm Jim Race,” which was broadcast on the Sega Channel in 1995. This version featured increased difficulty and a secret room that, when reached by the first 200 players, revealed a password and a phone number. Those who called the number were rewarded with exclusive prizes, such as a book and action figures, as part of a short-lived toy line from Playmates Toys.
For those interested in revisiting the classic Super Nintendo version, the game was released as a physical cartridge with product dimensions of 8 x 7 x 8 inches and a weight of 3.2 ounces. It was first released on June 24, 2005, and published by Playmates Interactive.
Television Triumphs: Earthworm Jim’s Animated Adventures
Earthworm Jim’s popularity transcended the gaming world with the debut of “Earthworm Jim,” an animated television series that graced the screens of Kids’ WB from 1995 to 1996. The show, a co-production between Universal Cartoon Studios and Flextech Plc, was produced in the United States and South Korea, with dialogue in English and Portuguese. It was rated TV-Y7, indicating its suitability for children aged seven and above.
The animated series successfully captured the essence of the games, preserving the quirky humor, bizarre characters, and surreal settings that fans had come to adore. Dan Castellaneta, renowned for his portrayal of Homer Simpson, provided the voice for the titular hero, adding another layer of comedic brilliance to the show.
TV Guide describes the show as follows: “Jim was just your average Earthworm until he stumbled upon a supersuit that evolved him. It also gave…source (voiced by Jim Cummings), Professor Monkey-for-a-Head (voiced by Charlie Adler), and Queen Slug-for-a-Butt (voiced by Andrea Martin), as well as his comical escapades with his loyal sidekick, Peter Puppy (voiced by Jeff Bennett).
The show also delved into more mundane situations, such as Jim’s attempts to return a neighbor’s eggbeater or his quest to find a new power source for his suit. Some notable plotlines from the series include:
- Jim being mistakenly imprisoned while his evil duplicate, Evil Jim, wreaks havoc.
- Jim and Peter teaming up to prevent Evil the Cat from destroying the universe with a snow globe containing a monstrous but ultimately peaceful creature.
- Jim thwarting Queen Slug-for-a-Butt’s attempt to sabotage Princess What’s-Her-Name’s coronation ceremony.
- Jim and Peter joining forces with Bob the Killer Goldfish to stop the Anti-Fish, a cosmic entity that threatens the universe.
A recurring comedic element in the animated series was the “bloating” gag, where characters would inflate to absurd proportions, often with humorous consequences.
The complete “Earthworm Jim” animated series is available on DVD as a 3-disc box set with a runtime of 8 hours and 55 minutes. It was released on July 10, 2012. In the past, episodes of the show were also released on VHS tapes, with each tape typically containing two episodes and an animation featurette.
Friends, Foes, and Freaky Creatures: The Inhabitants of Earthworm Jim’s World
Earthworm Jim’s world is as eccentric and unpredictable as the hero himself, filled with a cast of characters that are both endearing and bizarre. His most loyal companion is Peter Puppy, a seemingly harmless puppy who undergoes a dramatic transformation into a monstrous beast whenever fear strikes him. Princess What’s-Her-Name, a stunning but somewhat scatterbrained princess, is the object of Jim’s affections and often finds herself in need of rescuing. Interestingly, her unusual name originated as a placeholder during the game’s development, a testament to the quirky nature of the Earthworm Jim universe.
Jim’s adversaries are just as memorable as his allies. His rogues’ gallery includes the aforementioned Psy-Crow and Professor Monkey-For-A-Head, as well as Queen Slug-for-a-Butt, a repulsive slug-like queen with ambitions of galactic conquest. Other notable foes include Evil the Cat, a feline antagonist with a fondness for cheese-themed weaponry, and Bob the Killer Goldfish, a seemingly harmless goldfish with a surprising thirst for destruction.
The animated series introduced Evil Jim, a malevolent doppelganger of Earthworm Jim created through a bizarre photocopier accident involving toxic waste. Evil Jim later made appearances in the games, notably as the main antagonist in “Earthworm Jim: Menace 2 the Galaxy.”
Playmates’ Take on Earthworm Jim: The Original Action Figures
Before Mezco Toyz released their Earthworm Jim action figure, Playmates Toys produced a line of figures based on the character in the mid-1990s. These figures were primarily inspired by the animated series, capturing the likeness of Jim and his companions in plastic form.
The Playmates Earthworm Jim action figure line included several variations:
| Variation | Accessories |
|---|---|
| Regular | Snott, Blaster, Bigger Gun |
| Battle-Damaged | Snott, Battle-Damaged Blaster, Battle-Damaged Bigger Gun |
| Underwater | Underwater Snott, Blaster/Spear-Launcher, Knife, Water-Spraying Gun |
The Playmates Earthworm Jim figures also had different paint variations. Some figures came with red accessories, while others had green accessories. Additionally, there were differences between the carded figures and those released on blister cards, with the latter having less paint detail.
Interestingly, a second wave of Playmates Earthworm Jim action figures was planned but never released. This wave would have included figures like Samurai Jim, Extendo-Arm Jim, Copter-Head Jim, Chuck and Fifi, the Hamsternator, Professor Monkey-for-a-Head, Evil Earthworm Jim, and Queen Slug-for-a-Butt. It’s a shame that these figures never saw the light of day, as they would have added even more variety to the toy line.
The Sounds of Earthworm Jim: Music and Sound Design
The Earthworm Jim games and animated series are known for their distinctive sound design, which perfectly complements the quirky visuals and offbeat humor. The music in the games, composed by Tommy Tallarico, is a blend of catchy melodies, quirky sound effects, and unexpected instrumentation. The soundtrack for the first game, in particular, is highly regarded for its originality and its ability to evoke the game’s bizarre atmosphere.
The animated series also features a memorable soundtrack, with its theme song, performed by William Anderson, Jeff Bennett, and Dan Castellaneta, becoming an instant classic. The show’s background music, composed by William Anderson and Patrick Griffin, effectively captures the show’s blend of action, comedy, and surrealism.
Mezco’s Masterpiece: The Earthworm Jim Action Figure
In 2012, Mezco Toyz released a remarkable 6-inch Earthworm Jim action figure that faithfully captured the spirit of this beloved character. The figure boasts eight points of articulation, facilitated by a ball-jointed neck, post/disc ball-jointed shoulders, pin elbows, cut wrists, cut forearms, and a cut waist. This allows for a wide range of dynamic poses, bringing Jim’s action-packed adventures to life on collectors’ shelves.
The figure is meticulously sculpted, with attention to detail evident in every aspect of its design. From the wrinkles and folds on his super suit to the textured “wormy skin” and sculpted irises, the figure is a faithful representation of Earthworm Jim’s iconic appearance.
The figure comes with Jim’s trademark plasma blaster, a game-accurate accessory that perfectly complements his heroic pose. It also includes an alternate “bendy” worm body, allowing collectors to display Jim both in and out of his super suit.
Mezco also released a special San Diego Comic-Con 2012 edition of the figure, featuring a metallic finish on Jim’s super suit. This limited-edition variant has garnered significant attention from collectors, with figures being reviewed by prominent YouTubers and commanding high prices on online marketplaces.
Here are the specifications of the Mezco Earthworm Jim action figure:
- Height: 6 inches (15.24 cm)
- Packaging Height: 3 inches (7.62 cm)
- Packaging Width: 8 inches (20.32 cm)
- Packaging Length: 11 inches (27.94 cm)
- Weight: 0.35 lb
- Country of Origin: China
A notable feature of the Mezco figure is the ability to remove Jim’s head, allowing collectors to recreate the “whip” move from the games, where Jim uses his own head as a weapon. This adds an extra layer of playability and authenticity to the figure.
Where to Buy and What the Future Holds
While the original Mezco Earthworm Jim action figure is no longer in production, it can still be found through various online retailers and marketplaces. eBay is a reliable source for both new and pre-owned figures, with listings often including the standard release, the metallic San Diego Comic-Con variant, and even bundles with other figures from the Mezco line. Entertainment Earth is another online retailer that may have the figure in stock, and it’s always worth checking their website for availability. Additionally, some collectors have reported finding the figure at Target stores, so it might be worth checking your local Target if you’re lucky.
For those interested in exploring the wider world of Earthworm Jim collectibles, eBay offers a treasure trove of vintage action figures from the 1990s Playmates toy line. These figures, while less articulated than the Mezco release, offer a nostalgic glimpse into the early days of Earthworm Jim merchandise.
Looking ahead, the future of Earthworm Jim appears bright. Interplay Entertainment, the company that owns the rights to the character, has been actively involved in reviving the franchise. They have reactivated their website, announced a new animated series, and relaunched Black Isle Studios, a development studio known for its role-playing games. There’s even speculation about potential involvement from Microsoft in these endeavors, which could lead to exciting new possibilities for Earthworm Jim games.
Interplay has also partnered with GOG.com for digital distribution of their games, making it easier for fans to access classic titles like “Earthworm Jim” and “Earthworm Jim 2.” They have also co-published a remaster of “Kingpin: Life of Crime,” demonstrating their continued commitment to the gaming industry.
A new animated series, “Earthworm Jim: Beyond the Groovy,” is currently in development, with writer and director Michel K. Parandi at the helm. While details are still under wraps, the series promises to introduce a new generation to the zany world of Earthworm Jim, with a focus on exploring a galaxy filled with anthropomorphic animals and Jim’s quest to find his true home among the stars.
Additionally, a new Earthworm Jim video game, “Earthworm Jim 4,” was announced in 2019 for the Intellivision Amico console. The game is expected to feature a mix of new content and elements from previous games, with the return of beloved characters like Princess What’s-Her-Name and Peter Puppy.
Beyond Earthworm Jim: Doug TenNapel’s Other Creations
While Earthworm Jim remains his most well-known creation, Doug TenNapel has also contributed to other notable video games. He was involved in the development of “The Neverhood,” a claymation adventure game known for its unique visuals and quirky humor, and “Armikrog,” a spiritual successor to “The Neverhood” that employed a similar stop-motion animation style. These games, while less commercially successful than Earthworm Jim, showcase TenNapel’s distinctive artistic style and his talent for creating imaginative worlds.
Conclusion: The Groovy Legacy of Earthworm Jim
Earthworm Jim has undoubtedly left an enduring legacy in the world of video games and animation. His unique blend of slapstick humor, surreal settings, and surprisingly heartfelt heroism has resonated with audiences for decades. The character’s enduring appeal can be attributed to several factors:
- Unique Character Design: Jim’s transformation from an ordinary earthworm into a superpowered hero in a quirky suit is inherently appealing and memorable.
- Offbeat Humor: The games and animated series are filled with bizarre situations, witty dialogue, and unexpected twists that keep audiences entertained.
- Memorable Villains: Jim’s rogues’ gallery is a collection of some of the most outlandish and entertaining villains in gaming history, from the feather-headed Psy-Crow to the cheese-obsessed Evil the Cat.
Despite facing challenges with later installments in the video game series, Earthworm Jim has maintained a dedicated fan base. The recent revival efforts from Interplay Entertainment, including the new animated series and the upcoming video game, demonstrate the continued potential of the franchise. With new adventures on the horizon, it’s clear that Earthworm Jim’s groovy legacy is far from over. Groovy!
…