Black Dynamite

Black Dynamite is an American animated television series based on the 2009 film of the same name, although the series follows a separate continuity, with some back-references to the film. The series was announced shortly after the release of the film, the 10-minute pilot episode was released on Adult Swim Video on August 8, 2011, and the full series premiered on Cartoon Network's late night programming block, Adult Swim, on July 15, 2012. Michael Jai White, Byron Minns, Tommy Davidson and Kym Whitley reprise their film roles as Black Dynamite, Bullhorn, Cream Corn and Honeybee, respectively.

Black Dynamite is an animated spin on the 1970s blaxploitation film, following a kung-fu-fighting, Afro-wearing Vietnam veteran who takes on drug kingpins, corrupt cops, and conspiracies in a ruthlessly stylish Los Angeles. Voiced by Michael Jai White, who carries the original films' swagger, the series plays every scene straight-faced while letting absurd gags, crude jokes, and over-the-top action pile up. Its tone is gleefully irreverent and affectionately mocking, with a loud, funky soundtrack and sharp parody of the era's clichés: cheap fight choreography, dramatic zooms, and slick villains with ridiculous plans. Episodes move briskly, and the comedy rewards viewers who know the source films as well as those who simply want a silly, profane ride. The first season is uneven, with some sketches flatter than others, but later episodes tighten the writing and polish. Themes of Black pride, loyalty, and the absurdity of machismo sit beneath the mayhem, giving the jokes a bit of heart. Expect strong language, sexual humor, and cartoon violence. It suits adult animation fans, parody lovers, and anyone craving a fun, unapologetic cult comedy.

Critics broadly enjoy the series as a sharp, irreverent blaxploitation parody whose comedy and polish improve over its first season.

• Black Dynamite (2009)Both parody 1970s blaxploitation conventions with a deadpan lead and over-the-top action
• Shaft (1971)Shares the blaxploitation setting and the stylized urban crime-fighter protagonist
• The BoondocksAdult animated satire of Black culture and 1970s pop-culture tropes

Created by

Byron Minns, Michael Jai White

Release Date

2012-07-15

Episode runtime

25 min

Rating

8.1 / 10 (64)

What is Black Dynamite about?

An animated parody in which a kung-fu-fighting Vietnam veteran battles drug kings and corrupt cops in a stylishly absurd 1970s Los Angeles.

What is Black Dynamite like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Black Dynamite as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.

Is Black Dynamite violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Black Dynamite as moderate.

What did critics think of Black Dynamite?

Critics broadly enjoy the series as a sharp, irreverent blaxploitation parody whose comedy and polish improve over its first season.

Which shows are like Black Dynamite?

Shows with a similar feel include Black Dynamite (2009), Shaft (1971), and The Boondocks.

How long is Black Dynamite?

Black Dynamite: 2 seasons, 19 episodes.

Is Black Dynamite still running?

No, Black Dynamite has ended.

Where can I watch Black Dynamite?

In United States, Black Dynamite streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Adult Swim, HBO Max.