They bite, they fight, and chew on evil with all of their might! If you remember this line, then you remember the retro cartoon called Street Sharks. This animated series featured a quintet of anthropomorphic sharks fighting crime and evil. It was similar to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles except with paramount and blatant differences. Nevertheless, these ‘jawesome’ do-gooders were popular throughout the 90s before times changed. But would it surprise you to know that they’re making a comeback later this year?
Diving Into the Street Sharks
The story of Street Sharks follows the four teenage sons of renowned geneticist Dr. Bolton. They end up captured by the psychotic Dr. Paradigm and mutated into humanoid sharks. They also gain superpowers, such as the ability to chew through anything and enhanced strength. And utilize their new skills to combat crime in their hometown of Fission City. The great white Ripster leads, with Streex acting as the team’s tiger shark second-in-command. The hammerhead Jab handles their mechanics, and Big Slammu, the whale shark, is the muscle.
The Street Sharks often tangle with Dr. Paradigm, who’s now the piranha-esque Dr. Piranoid. And alongside their fish-faced nemesis is his army of mutated sea creatures. Of course, the Sharks have their friends, Lena and Bends, helping them combat their foes. They even acquire other mutants and extraterrestrial humanoid dinosaurs as additional allies. Their father, who went missing after being mutated, also assists from time to time. And they all work together to stop the heinous plans of Dr. Piranoid.
The Fintastic Good Guys Return
Street Sharks ran for 40 episodes across three seasons from 1994 to 1997. It drew inspiration from prior similar series, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. And like other action cartoons, it spawned a toy line featuring its protagonists and antagonists. There was even an Archie Comics mini-series published in 1996. The program ultimately ended due to facing tough competition at that time. But it did produce a spin-off starring some of its side characters with revised backstories.
Street Sharks, luckily, became a beloved and well-remembered cult classic following its fall from glory. But now, this retro franchise is getting a revival thanks to IDW Publishing. A new five-issue-long collection will follow the story of the original animated series. Acting as lead author is Stephanie Williams, with Ariel Medel handling the illustrations. And all of this work is being done to celebrate the cartoon’s 30th anniversary.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recall being a huge fan of Street Sharks, but I do remember it. As a kid, I did have some toys, so I must’ve been an average fan. And I have vague memories of watching a few episodes on certain days. Still, I’m happy to see this renowned franchise getting a comic book comeback. It gives me hope that other beloved ‘90s shows will get a similar treatment. The first entry of IDW’s Street Sharks comic line arrives in September.
