The 1980s were a golden era for Saturday morning cartoons. While today you can get any cartoon at any time, back then we waited for Saturday mornings and sometimes after school during weekdays to watch the latest shows. This was the era of The Transformers, one of the greatest cartoons and toy franchises to ever exist. But also found among the many beloved shows was the animated series Dungeons & Dragons. Based on the tabletop game by TSR (now run by Wizards of the Coast), it aired from 1983 to 1985. The series followed the adventures of a mix of five teens and a younger kid who are transported to a magical realm after riding an enchanted roller coaster.
The enchanted roller coaster serves as the portal to the D&D realm. It starts as a regular amusement park ride, but once they board, it takes a magical turn. The ride becomes a vehicle for adventure, transporting them to an unfamiliar world filled with danger, wonder, and mystery. This sounds cliché but it’s not. Guided by the enigmatic Dungeon Master, the group faces off against evil forces, including the menacing sorcerer Venger (a fan favourite and the show’s primary antagonist) and the fearsome five-headed dragon, Tiamat.
The Characters
In the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon, each of the six main characters receives a magical item that grants them unique powers. These powers align with classic archetypes from the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop game. The characters and their abilities include:
Hank the Ranger: He is the group leader and is clearly brave, resourceful, and always ready to protect good people. His magical item was an energy bow. It glows and shoots energy arrows! The arrows can take on various forms, such as ropes for climbing, blasts for destruction, or light for guidance. Hank was my personal favourite and the character that resonated most with who I am personally. But I also very much enjoy the team.
Eric the Cavalier: While often portrayed as a cowardly comic relief character, Eric’s shield and defensive skills are invaluable to the group. His shield creates a magical force field that can protect him and others from attacks, blasts, or falling debris. I always thought it was so fitting for the coward to have a shield as a “power.”
Diana the Acrobat: She’s athletic, quick-thinking, and often takes on dangerous tasks requiring agility and precision. It’s a collapsible magical staff that she uses for acrobatic maneuvers. The staff can extend and retract to assist her in combat, climbing, or crossing obstacles. Her magical staff doesn’t sound like much but she uses it in remarkable ways.
Presto the Magician: He is a nervous (perhaps by today’s standards/wording, anxious) but well-meaning magician. His clumsiness hides his true potential. His magical item is a wizard’s hat which allows him to cast spells, but his magic is often unpredictable. The spells frequently misfire in humorous ways, though they sometimes lead to creative problem-solving.
Sheila the Thief: Protective of her younger brother (Bobby), Sheila is resourceful and often uses her powers to scout or escape dangerous situations. Her cloak of invisibility allows her to turn invisible when the hood is pulled over her head. This makes her perfect for stealth and reconnaissance, hence being the thief, but in a good way.
Bobby the Barbarian: As the youngest member of the group, Bobby is brave and impulsive, often charging headfirst into danger alongside his pet unicorn, Uni. His magical club is lightweight but powerful. It’s capable of smashing through obstacles and creating shockwaves.
Uni the Unicorn: She was found when they arrived in the D&D realm and quickly becomes Bobby’s loyal companion. Kind of like finding a dog. Uni adds heart and occasional comic relief. She even understands and speaks (bleats) some English (LOL!). I always thought she was a he but it turns out Uni is a female.
Standing the Test of Time
The D&D game converted remarkably well into a cartoon. At the time, it was among my favourites by far. But get this: During Covid lockdowns, I rewatched most of the series and couldn’t believe how well the show stood up. Some episodes are actually more adult-oriented, have horror themes, or are just plain entertaining with good pacing and simple storytelling, than I remembered. This is in addition to the show capturing the imaginations of viewers by blending action, humour, and moral lessons with a touch of mystery about whether they would ever return home.
The “Lost” Final Episode (Episode 28: Requiem)
The final episode of the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon, titled “Requiem,” was written but never animated, leaving the series unresolved. In this unproduced script by series writer Michael Reaves, the team finally face their ultimate challenge: defeating Venger. In an enormous plot twist, it’s revealed that Venger is actually the corrupted son of the Dungeon Master. If you didn’t already know that and you jaw just dropped as you said “wuuuut?” take all the time you need.
Now, this leaves the group in a moral dilemma. Should they help him redeem himself or try to destroy him once and for all. Though the script suggests they might finally find their way home, the conclusion remains ambiguous. This is typical as TV execs always want to leave things open for new storylines. To give fans closure, a notable fan-made animated version of Requiem was released online. While it is an unofficial adaptation of the script, the visuals capture the spirit of the original series. It gives us a sense of resolution while honouring the moral and fantastical elements that made the show beloved. Spoiler alert: In this episode, everyone but Presto goes home. You can watch Requiem on YouTube.
The Voice Acting
I also love the voices. They were perfect. I can hardly imagine anyone else doing the voice acting for these characters. Each character from the main group to Dungeon Master, Venger, and various characters they encounter on their search for a way back home, are perfectly chosen. Fun fact: Venger is voiced by Peter Cullen, who is also Optimus Prime in the Transformers cartoon and movie franchise. The fan-made “Requiem” uses different voices but this can be overlooked.
Homages That Keep the Spirit Alive
Though the series ended decades ago, it has remained a cultural touchstone for Dungeons & Dragons fans. Two notable homages in recent years have brought the cartoon back into the spotlight. In fact, I think that it was because of these two homages that I decided to even write this article. Hats off to the teams who come up with this fantastic work.
The Commercial That Brought the Gang Back (2019)
In 2019, car manufacturer Renault released a commercial that delighted fans by reuniting the cast of the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon. Titled “Crossover by Renault,” the ad brought the characters to life in stunning CGI, complete with their signature weapons and costumes. It cleverly depicted the group using a Renault car to outmaneuver Venger and Tiamat. The commercial struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and modern visuals, showcasing just how much love remains for the animated series. It had great attention to detail and captured the spirit of the original cartoon while offering a contemporary twist. It adds to my never answered question: Why isn’t there a live action TV show or movie based on the cartoon?! This commercial alone proves that the characters and D&D realm translate outstandingly well to live action. Just make it already! Watch the commercial on YouTube here.
Ranger and Acrobat from the Dungeons & Dragons car commercial were remarkable! I challenge you to watch that commercial only once! Not gonna happen!
The Subtle Nod in Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
The 2023 movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves provided another homage to the cartoon. If you look carefully, in one of the film’s action scenes, you’ll notice the original cartoon characters making a cameo as prisoners in the High Sun Games, a gladiatorial arena. They are live action characters but don’t appear as good as the Renault car commercial actors. Although they don’t take center stage, their instantly recognizable costumes and weapons make them a standout Easter egg for fans. This brief but impactful moment was a testament to the enduring popularity of the 1980s series. Again, why is there not a live action D&D TV show yet?!
The D&D cartoon character movie cameo.
A Lasting Legacy
The Dungeons & Dragons cartoon might not have had the longevity of other 1980s shows, but its impact is undeniable. Despite its relatively short run of 27 episodes, Dungeons & Dragons left a lasting legacy. Its imaginative storytelling inspired a generation of fantasy fans and introduced many to the expansive world of the D&D tabletop game. These recent homages, whether through a creative commercial or a cinematic Easter egg, highlight the affection fans still hold for the series. In an era where reboots and revivals are commonplace, these tributes remind us why the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon holds a special place in pop culture. Whether it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane or an exciting introduction for new fans, the legacy of this classic show lives on.
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