A Critique of Ben 10: Omniverse

So last week a friend of mine asked me if I've been watching the newest Season / Chapter of the Ben 10 Animaited Series. "Ben 10: Omniverse" I told him "Of course I am!" I've been watching Ben 10 since it's inception and have been watching it religiously. I wasn't too fond of it in the beginning except for the fact he could turn into my favorite Alien they had created at the time. "Humongasaur!

As episodes passed the story got really good and as seasons passed we got the progression of Ben and his friends growing up. Something you don't see very much of in cartoons these days. Cartoon characters don't usually just grow up. I got really into Ben 10: "Alien Force" and then of course "Ultimate Alien". It was just getting better and better. Each of the next chapters got a bit more serious, the animation style changed to a more mature way of making the characters appear like young adults, and Ben was acting older himself.

New Ben looks different, and not in a good way

Which brings us now to Omniverse. I was excited to see it, but was then shocked at the animation style. I was like, "wait what's going on?" And it showed Ben young again, I was like 'Oh it's just a flashback." Flash forward and the animation style hadn't changed. Ben was the same age but appeared younger looking like his child counterpart, everything was super confusing. I was thinking "why did they go back to the old style? I'm so confused!"

This is the new Kevin? "Are you serious?" 

The new styles of Gwen and Kevin were horrible looking, I liked it better when they looked like real college age kids. Now Kevin looks like a high school Punk and Gwen a book nerd. They even went as far as to change her look yet again mid way through the season to make her look even younger and nerdier. I just didn't get it.

The new Omitrix is a lot like the old one, it even looks less impressive on looks alone. It looks like a regular digital watch. The new aliens although cool looking are far from impressive and some are just modified abilities of other pre existing aliens. Not to mention some of the new animation styles of aliens past are not good. The aliens can't evolve either. I was most disappointed with the new look of "spider monkey". They were ruining everything I grew to love. Why would you abruptly change back to your old ways if fans love the changes you already made?

Not to mention, now that Ben was going to be on his own in this one, he was more immature than ever and dressing it too. No more Ben 10 jacket, back to the t-shirt and yes, as if he wasn't trendy enough he has a hoodie now lol.

Also, they introduce Rook as his new partner. A grad of the plumber academy and an alien as well. I thought "oh no, not a new character, what else could go wrong?" He's essentially Ben's babysitting and taking up most of what was Grandpa Max's screen time or the time Kevin and Gwen were with them. Writing them out of 99 percent of the season was a bad idea. They were just beginning to solidify as a team.

Apparently this is what college does to young girls

Speaking of changes, did you know Gwen has an alternate form now like her grandma? When did she learn that in college? Would have appreciated a bit of back story on that one.

Anyway, back on topic about Rook. As much as I disliked him at first he's really grown on me and probably become my favorite character, probably because all other characters have suffered so much through all these back peddling changes.

Rook has a truck that turns into a ship. Which reminds me, I miss "Ship" the little dog like alien that could turn into anything.  Rook also has a weapon that can turn into just about anything he needs at the present moment. It's the swiss army knife of weapons. I want one!

Despite all of Omniverse's poor changes, Rook is a win!

Also, the great thing about Rook is the humor that he unintentionally delivers. He doesn't grasp earth sayings and therefore will often respond in some hilarious way or mispronounce what he is supposed to say in the situation.

I was told this is the final evolution of Ben 10 but I'm sure if they wanted to, they could take it a step further, especially because they've gone backwards so much this time around.

I'm seriously hoping there is a point to the back peddling, maybe Ben gets turned back into a kid or something? Does he get sent back in time? Your guess is as good as mine.

Anyway, I have to say story wise, with the exception of Rook, this evolution of Ben is a de-evolution and I don't like it very much. But I keep watching to see what Rook will do next, if any twists pop up in story or anything story wise in general that might be vital to know shows up.

So that's my breakdown of Ben 10: Omiverse. What do you think of the show? Leave a comment or Tweet Me :)

Until next time, this has been a Geek Critique.

-Paul