If there’s one thing the geek-chic community knows, it’s how to keep a franchise going against all odds. When the critically-acclaimed, viewer-deprived Futurama was cancelled, die-hard fans cried foul. Though they couldn’t bring the show back the way DVD sales resurrected Family Guy, their passion for the show was rewarded with the creation of merchandise and four original feature-length films, released direct-to-DVD: Bender’s Big Score (2007), The Beast with a Billion Backs (2008), Bender’s Game (2008) and Into the Wild Green Yonder (2009).
The most recent premiered at the New York Comic Con, where it was met with all the praise it deserves (not only for its inclusion of 250 beloved Futurama characters in a single scene) and some bittersweet recognition of the fact that the movie seems to be the true finale for the show. Nevertheless, it’s a fast-paced, surprisingly action-packed flick that should be saved for after you’ve seen the other three films. Obviously, the writers have made it just as hilarious as the other entries and the ending is a satisfying one even if you’re clamouring for more. One of the great strenghts of the show was always their ability to balance laughs, incisive social commentary and some genuine emotion and they’re at their best. Definitely one to check out if you’re a fan.
As further fanservice, the folks at Toynami are still releasing Futurama figures, albeit slowly. You can already buy series 1 through 5, and we’ve got series 6 available for pre-order now. Take a look!
