Blackstar Explored - Forgotten Epic Sci-fi Sword & Sorcery Cartoon From '80s, A True Hidden Gem

[@user-vo5kv9qi6k]

One of the last great Sat Morning Cartoons. I was 17. Gods Blessings to all

[@censorshipsucks9493]

I loved Blackstar. I always wished there were more episodes.

[@benhill4real]

story of his life lol

[@mikevivian3648]

so did I!

[@rreason9611]

Galtar, Thundarr, blackstar... Make sure name ends with ar✅Impressively powerful and smart villain but somehow only feels comfortable around dumb henchmen ✅Come up with an apocalyptic or otherworldly sci-fi fantasy backstory. ✅Make sure the sorceress lady or valkyrie is a pin-up model.✅ Weapon has to be able to level up. ✅=80s Hit! Good ol' days.

[@sidneyd.dacosta4361]

I remember there was a indigenous space sheriff called Brave Star too hehe

[@rreason9611]

@@sidneyd.dacosta4361 lol the'80s fantasy formula is real!

[@mattmarzula]

@@rreason9611 swords. Must have swords! Sword 🗡️⚔️🗡️⚔️🤺⚔️

[@1968joseph1]

The 80's movie "Sword and the Sorcerer" awesomely bad with that formula. Lol

[@dawg065]

@@sidneyd.dacosta4361 what if Brave Star is Black Star's ancestor?

[@pipkinrahl7264]

A small forgotten fact, the sword of Grey-skull in the He-Man toys had a tab on it's flat back which allowed it to combine with Skeletor's sword

[@johnloftin2461]

I remember that.

[@Fenris30]

The Origins figures still have that.

[@Theopheus]

It's such a massive fallacy these days to call He-Man a 20 minute toy cartoon, but Lou Scheimer of filmation insisted on creative control and the toy line ended up emulating the show by the time it was all said and done, as well as the comics that came with the figures. One of the first things Scheimer did was say "No" to the "two halves of the power sword" lore because they had just done Blackstar. Another famous one was refusing to have Stinkor in the cartoon. The technical aspects of the animation may have aged, but the stories are still very much relevant today.

[@808Wood]

THIS SHOW!!!!!!!!! I have been trying to remember this show for ever. Man I .loved this back in the day!

[@thebrownbaldy]

Oh man, Saturday morning memories revisited

[@gdubsterz1238]

I loved this show! Wow haven't seen this in 40 years..crazy!

[@Dorelaxen]

The hero outsmarting various villains was a trademark of Filmation toons. He-Man and She-Ra were much the same, as was BraveStarr.

[@nishies]

i remember Blackstarr i used to wonder what happened with that cartoon; it was good. I miss the 80s, we will never have this type cartoon again..

[@billberndtson]

So, earlier today when watching some of your other content I thought to myself "what was that cartoon where the good and bad guys each had 1/2 of a sword? I remember liking that." Thanks for this and others 😃

[@Kal-Grayskull]

This show looks really decent, despite I've never heard of this classic show. It does kinda give me combination vibe to Masters of the Universe and Conan the Barbarian. I don't expect to see this show get revived, but at least it is great to see KZbinrs like yourself reminiscing tv show nostalgia.

[@ricardoredway]

first cartoon i remember i was 4 years old

[@catyear75]

OmG I Loved this cartoon when I was little ...!

[@toddtaylor6506]

I loved this as a kid. Warlock was so cool.

[@joerawlings2824]

One of my favorite cartoons as a kid. I wish the DVD collection was not so expensive.

[@djcrimmy]

have it on dvd love this show

[@kratoscraken5614]

Bravestar and Blackstar 💪👍💪

[@jay-quinthunder7967]

👋😳👍 I am African-American and 47 years old I clearly remember this show and the cool name of the character it was unique and nice to know and inspired some things of He-Man and it came before He-Man be nice to see a new updated set of all the action figures from the show and movie done of this 💪🤪👍😌

[@yisraelcoachlamont]

I remember this show

[@dravenvandross8281]

Awesome video I remember watching the reruns of Blackstar back in the late '80s and I loved it just like Thundarr the Barbarian two phenomenal cartoons from my childhood definitely I would love to see them get some kind of remake.

[@ricardoredway]

don't they'll just make him gay

[@PrinceoftheAbyss]

Holy crap, proto-Thundarr? How have I not heard of this before?

[@shadyganley8877]

I really miss being a kid.😢

[@BlackArroToons]

Filmation's Blackstar was a classic animated show, thanks. Glad I was able to get the complete series DVD set back when it was sold at retailers and eventually went out of print.

[@joerawlings2824]

Yeah, I didn't have the cash when I say the DVDs at Best Buy. Went back the next week and it was gone. Never restocked and I assumed out of print. Now on ebay it's anywhere from $80 - $150

[@erikc7267]

Blackstar's DRIP was epic with the necklace/chest piece demonstration he wears.

[@douglasnieblas74]

I loved Blackstar on Saturday mornings and collected the Galoob toy line. Some of the creatures and sound effects did make it over to the He Man series.

[@Gammatube23]

I got that action figure still

[@phohead]

John Blackstar was originally conceived of as an African American. There is a Lou Scheimer documentary that has the actual concept art. The network did not feel that American audiences were ready for a Black lead on a Saturday morning cartoon. Blackstar was changed to Native American, while never really mentioning his race.

[@nishies]

Wow I did not know that and come to think about it most of the filmations cartoons the action ones I noticed the leads have a dark complexion such as Tarzan he-man black star they all have dark complexions

[@navbuoy]

Reminds me of the other cartoon that turned up later BraveStarr.

[@Fenris30]

Yeah the only Black Leads in Saturday Morning Cartoon were always based on Real People. Mr.T, The Cosby Kids, Gary Coleman, The Jackson 5, MC Hammer and Kid and Play. It was never any Newly created Heroes or Characters, Those were always in Ensemble projects like Astrea (The Space Sentinels), Black Vulcan (Superfriends) Valerie (Josie and the Pussycats) and Microwoman and Superstretch (The Super Seven) Kwame (Captain Planet) and many more.

[@transitengineer]

In 1981, I was an upperclassman in college working toward a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. Which meant, I had to study or be in class daily from 8 a.m. through 11 p.m. So, I did not learn about this TV cartoon until about 15 years ago. Have now watched all its episodes and it would have been one that, I would have enjoyed on Saturday mornings (smile...smile).

[@kilroywashere513]

I remember this cartoon and the toy line based on it too, and I watched some of these episodes back when they aired on Saturday mournings back then🙂👏🏻💯.

[@yinzertoyguy3678]

Own this series on DVD. One of my favorites as a kid. Always wanted the toys, but parents never got me any. Also...Trobbit rhymes with Hobbit, among other mispronunciations. His dragon is named Warlock, it's not "The Warlock". I feel like this guy is definitely reading a script someone else wrote.

[@ramonvandebeek]

Indeed..

[@josebrown5961]

Yea it is weird when the things we loved as kids get remembered by young people. We should just be happy that they are trying.

[@mikevivian3648]

Thanks! Good comments! I agree! I don't think he watched the show! Very poor production! Lazy production and takes away from the piece!

[@akiraasmr3002]

This looks so similar to Ralph Bakshis Fire and Ice 1983

[@ryanvouche254]

Great movie

[@Marinanor]

I have NEVER heard of this.

[@snorpenbass4196]

Blackstar also borrows heavily from the old Edgar Rice Burroughs "Barsoom" novels, in which John Carter, a human, ends up on Mars, makes friends and gets superpowers due to reasons (lower gravity, IIRC). *Edit:* Also, in a store in the town I grew up in (in the 80's) they had Blackstar toys on sale in the bargain bin. Nobody bought them.

[@spiderlime]

true. it's also highly influenced by robert e. howard and tolkien.

[@buckster2575]

I had that dragon he rode.i did see those toys here and there . some people had them not many thou.

[@johnknighthawke2098]

Regarding He-Man and the split power sword: I need to remind everyone that the He-Man franchise was toys first, and in those toys, the power sword was indeed split. Skeletor had half, He-Man had half. A lot of our memories of that franchise are about the show, but the toys came first, then were altered later to fit the show. Regarding Blackstar, I think the influence of the John Carter of Mars books was way, way stronger than the host gives credit for.

[@trence5]

Loved this show.

[@themadatheist1976]

Had the toys while I was 5-6 back in the day. Most of the toys used glow in the dark as a feature. Finally been able to find the name of this series a year or 2 ago. You should do Rock & Rule next, another fond childhood memory.

[@cheayunju]

Rock & Rule was intense as a kid. I've since rewatched it multiple times as an adult. Love the animation and tracks, especially Blondie's Angel's Song.

[@themadatheist1976]

@@cheayunju I just finally found it again after decades. Had bits and parts of the end song nibbling away on my mind trying to find the movie.

[@agueybana5115]

One of my favorite action figures

[@Fragment38]

Remember this, but don't know if I was into it as a kid (not sure how I couldn't be though!) I remember the toy line too.

[@dawg065]

imagine what a blackstar he-man crossover would've been like? one can only dream.

[@Kal-Grayskull]

It would probably been similar to DC's He-Man/Thundercats crossover comic series.

[@mathewguglielmi8451]

Shogun is not a science fiction novel! It's a historical novel set in feudal Japan that was adapted as a tv mini series. The Freedom Force was a superhero adventure animated series made by Filmation.

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

Why don't I remember this one? I grew up watching cartoons in the '80s and early '90s. I thought I remembered them all, but I don't remember Blackstar.

[@japinheiro]

Fantastic Cartoon! Thanks for the video.

[@AdamTehranchiYT]

I've heard of the show before but never had a chance to see anything about it. Pity it looks so cool!

[@thundarrisaboss2725]

watched the show, had the toys. still watch the show.

[@dolobrolic6066]

I didn’t forget this. 👍🏽

[@TheCarltoons]

I'm a big fan of the show, I wished they did more episodes. I really like your sayings toward the end. It is so true. Just a side point I learned earlier, is that, originally, John Blackstar was to be black. but the makers felt that advertiser would shy away.

[@thundarrisaboss2725]

he was actually supposed to be native american. they were gonna play off his heritage, but ignored it instead.

[@TheCarltoons]

@@thundarrisaboss2725 Yes. they did decide, to go with a Native American instead. Although, it was not emphasized in the show.

[@christopherhudson2288]

I never saw this show but looks 😎

[@coreeeey420]

I used to have some of the Blackstar toys when I was a kid. The good guys came with a Trolbit, and the bad guys came with a demon, each varied depending on which figure you got. And they all had glow in the dark weapons and see-through plastic on the front and a cigarette lighter mechanism in the back that would make sparks that would light up the plastic in the front.

[@MrChupacabra555]

Absolutely LOVED his 'Dragon Horse' ^_^ So they changed the name of the little people from 'Trollkins' to "Trobbits' (and it was pronounced like 'Hobbits', but eith a 'TR'), and Tolkien Estates never contacted them? ^_^

[@magictricks6235]

Reminds me of Conan the barbarian

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

My mom loved this show. I have noticed it was mostly women who loved it over boys and girls. My mom thought to buy me Blackstar for Christmas. I hated it. So, I used him as a henchman for Skeletor. But the castle glowed in the dark.

[@lamarravery4094]

I totally forgot about this. No wonder, it didn't last that long. But I remember that Star sword.

[@MaxPower-zw7go]

This was a great cartoon. I have many of the toys including the best dragon ever. Overlord could have been an iconic character if only it went a few more seasons

[@ericpowell4350]

OMFG! I totally forgot about this! ♥️

[@christopherdaniel5919]

I remember watching this show. Always thought the geometry of the sword would make it uncomfortable to wield. No ergonomics at all.

[@marhawkman303]

same. but cartoon weapon in a cartoon.

[@christopherdaniel5919]

@@marhawkman303 Well, of course. 😀 But if that thing was recreated in real life, it would be more likely to injure the user, than the attacker.

[@marhawkman303]

@@christopherdaniel5919 like many cartoon swords. :p

[@ramonvandebeek]

The saddest part is that The black-haired hispanic looking hero was replaced by a blond new hero.. There are three episodes of He-man that had little cameo's of Blackstar. Temple of the sun features a statue of Blackstar and in the Remedy a takdryl creature resembles Warlock. In the Search a monster from Blackstar makes a comeback.

[@nishies]

Good observation I was wondering if they were attempting to do a crossover

[@michaelpowell5266]

Blackstar, now owned by Universal- BTW, this was Filmation's answer to Ruby-Spears' Thundarr and both programs preceded He-Man & The Masters of the Universe, which was also produced by Filmation and like Blackstar, owned by Universal!!!

[@scotttrammell3913]

I never watched the show,But I owned the figures.

[@torpedoboy4]

Great video, however the toys you showed at 16:58 and 17:01 are NOT Infaceables toys. Those were simply groupings of Blackstar toys. The Infaceable toys were molded in a similar fashion to the Blackstar toys as both toylines were produced by the Galoob toy company. Even though Infaceables is considered a sister line to Blackstar, the lores of both were completely unrelated. Also it's weird to mention Alan Oppenheimer's achievements without mentioning his most famous voice role.....Filmation's SKELETOR

[@starbrand3726]

John Blackstar was meant to be a Native American, bronze skin, long jet black hair, but the network never mentioned it.

[@marhawkman303]

I mean, it makes sense, maybe if they'd gotten a third season? :D

[@RoBDeeZL42]

damn, i remember watching this cartoon when i was really really little and having the toys. I can still remember the smell of them toys and the plastic

[@bradhilton2283]

The adventures of "Johnny Blackstar"

[@Hinokassaudifan1]

Black star looks like kenshiro from hokuto no Ken.

[@michaelallenross4191]

Weeb Alert

[@NPC-nn4qe]

@@michaelallenross4191 Indeed.

[@isabellalive2.081]

I really loved this!

[@GeoffNelson]

Awesome video

[@TheMaskedheel]

Blackstar is a cartoon I actually forgot about until I saw a video last year. Thundar I could remember and I swore it came out later. I think with Blackstar I couldn't stand the trobits or whatever they are.

[@psgary6622]

It was cool that John Blackstar was Native American/First Nations as opposed to another "great white savior" like John Carter. Golden Age Marvel had several white explorers like Bruce Dickson Thin Man, the Fin, Red Raven, Ka-Zar & others getting lost, finding hidden civilizations, winning the throne and the hand of the beautiful princess.

[@Remoniq]

I don't remember watching this show much growing up, I think I were more into Galtar and the golden lance but I'm not sure.

[@keyopronin4134]

I really wish the "Mike Young" production would produce a new "Blackstar" series, they did DAMN good with that "HE-MAN series back in 2002.

[@Fenris30]

Yeah but would they have done the Original concept or the Network Mandated Concept. Lets just say it's in the Name like Bravestarr.

[@keyopronin4134]

@@Fenris30 True, at least the Young production was true too the source material unlike that Netflix fiasco.

[@Fenris30]

@@keyopronin4134 Oh contrar mon frere, The Netflix show is Hella Faithful to the Source Material ESPECIALLY the Toys and the old Mini-Comics. There are Easter Eggs Littered through out the Show if you are a Motu Head. I seriously don't get the hate.😕

[@Theopheus]

200x is so overrated. They took the core of he-man tried to make it as edgy as possible and then tried to fill in lore blanks that didn't need filled and people ate it up.

[@PozerAdultRacingTeam]

Wish I still had my figures.

[@6581punk]

Don't tell Kevin Smith about this show, another one for him to ruin.

[@jareesuber6978]

I beg to differ

[@DD8842]

Kevin used to be my guy let me tell you. Now he just crys

[@lewisgraham4174]

you didn't actually watch Masters of the Universe Revelations did you? The show was awesome didn't disrespect the legacy of He-man at all.

[@jareesuber6978]

@@lewisgraham4174 thank you, I exactly enjoyed it

[@josebrown5961]

@@lewisgraham4174 Yes he did, and you are blind not to see it. The HE-MAN show should have been about He-Man not Teela and Evilynn. I know this sounds funny but He -Man was a show for boys. They made toys to sell to the boys who watched the show. I am all for “ inclusion” but She-Ra was made for girls. So much so that they already made that show. They made it for girls, trans, and others. It had multiple seasons. Why is it that all the things we ( boys ) like, we have to share? They don’t change Barbie, or My Little Pony to please boys,then boy shows shouldn’t have to change to include them.

[@davestevens2908]

Ok I got one for you! The pirates of dark water. I think that's what it's called.

[@toddtaylor6506]

Great show.

[@martinlove4534]

I loved his dragon!!!!

[@kharnthebetrayer1575]

Never got to see this….🥺😭😭😭

[@Biggjuggs333]

Love it

[@darrylblackshear710]

The plant had lower gravity than earth, This gave black star greater strength.

[@wwetnabamafan194]

George DiCenzo has a much bigger connection with Filmation, he played a Vegan soldier freed from suspended animation in an episode of Space Academy.

[@JPTyler]

Thundarr? How about taking influence from John Carter of Mars & The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings?

[@michaellsmith5880]

The shape shifter is called Klone

[@bradhilton2283]

I smell a live action series.

[@coreydarden4176]

So basically, he-man killed thundarr the barbarian and blackstar.

[@thundarrisaboss2725]

actually, thundarr bitch-slapped both of them into different worlds. lol. i love all 3, but only thundarr was a real barbarian. sexist and barbaric.

[@josephjperkins973]

mannnn i remember this

[@coreeeey420]

What is that Trolbit doing with his hand under the table at14:11? I'm guessing he has a thing for Mara.

[@yahnatanlevi6894]

It needs to be brought back

[@akibabe09]

looks like Bravestarr! ,mixed with he-man, and whatnot

[@ikediz]

I had a toy of his dragon/horse thing. I honestly thought it was from Thundarr all this time.

[@Exodianecross1978]

Perhaps someone will adapt this cartoon to a real life movie, that could be interesting.

[@MrDevilman069]

Imagine the disappointment, I wanted He Man toys for Christmas but ended up with a but load of Blackstar toys.

[@Armand-ue7om]

later years I realized Blackstar was a Native American space pilot when I started watching BraveStar way back then....

[@glaucioreis]

"Thundarr the Barbarian" has more in common with "Star Wars" (lightsaber, Chewbacca) than with "Blackstar". And your reference for Filmation's Science-Fiction is "Space Academy", seriously?! They produced the animated series of "Star Trek" and "`Planet of the Apes"!

[@thomasbentley4757]

Was the badge on his flight suit used for his necklace?

[@dennishowell5058]

I keep asking the same question why don't you have reruns on one of these off channels

[@zandorvorkov986]

Blackstar, Gandar, Shaldamar. . .I think this show would've been a hit with pirates, LOL. Arrr.

[@theonlymatthew.l]

Shogun is NOT a Sci-fi novel.... 😒

[@LRM23936]

Beat me to it.

[@sidneyd.dacosta4361]

It was Nice to see a dark skin hero at the time. In Brazil this cartoon was on TV after He-man .

[@uptownsamcv]

I was born in 81 but I never came across this one.

[@phohead]

I think the He-Man cartoons borrows more heavily from a 1960's cartoon called Young Samson aka Samson & Goliath.

[@mikevivian3648]

dude, try watching the show to get the proper pronunciation. Also nowhere does it say his ship can travel across dimensions! However it was a great show and a decent review!

[@orainpax0430]

a little unknow fact , blackstar was supposed to be african american but the network didn't it was the right time the for series to have african american main character. HE-MAN and the masters of the universe had a few eastereggs from blackstar in it.

[@danielwood719]

He man was like Doris day on steroids.

[@camoens6445]

Blackstar is like John Carter from Mars should have been