Updated on December 10, 2021
This week’s minorities in cartoons entry is “BraveStarr,” a Filmation animated series that ran in syndication from 1987 to 1988.
Background
“BraveStarr” was a “space western,” taking place in the 23rd century on the distant world of “New Texas.” The series’ star (no pun intended) was Marshal BraveStarr, a Native American from Earth. As the law, BraveStarr kept the peace on New Texas alongside his sidekick/steed, a talking sometimes-bipedal horse named Thirty/Thirty.
Along with various sci-fi-style technological aids, the marshal also could call upon “spirit animals” for further assistance, who could grant the hero with superhuman strength, speed, hearing, and eyesight.
The series ran for 65 episodes. A prequel theatrical film was also released. Similar to the earlier Filmation series “He-Man,” a line of toys was produced.
“BraveStarr” is notable for being the final TV series produced by Filmation. The studio shut down soon after the show completed its run. It’s also one of the few American animated TV series starring a Native American character.
The entire series is available on DVD.
Voice actor
Pat Fraley voiced BraveStarr. Fraley also voiced Krang and other characters in the 1987 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” TV series.
Opening credits
Finally, here’s “BraveStarr”‘s opening credits.
(Updated 11/25/16)
