Will the Reboot of This 80s Classic Succeed?

Essential Insights

Rainbow Brite has faced challenges with previous reboots due to uncertainty on how to update the classic content effectively.
The central figure in the Rainbow Brite narrative isn’t the heroine but the antagonist, Murky Dismal, who possesses a fascinating origin story.
To ensure successful revitalizations, Rainbow Brite should be recognized as a powerful magical girl with compelling narratives highlighting her heroism.

Rebooting 80s media is a familiar trend. Franchises like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers regularly see new adaptations across films, television, and comics, often featuring fresh takes on beloved characters. Other iconic shows such as He-Man, Voltron, and Ducktails have also been revamped in recent years. However, female-centric properties tend to present a more significant challenge. Despite a few exceptions, like Lauren Faust’s My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and N.D. Stevenson’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, which garnered devoted fanbases, the reboots for female-driven franchises have not been as consistently present or impactful as their male counterparts. Recently, The Hollywood Reporter highlighted that a Rainbow Brite film and television series are currently in production. Nevertheless, given its legacy, revamping Rainbow Brite poses a unique set of challenges.

Rainbow Brite can be compared to Sonic while Strawberry Shortcake aligns with Mario, both originating from greeting card brands. While Strawberry Shortcake has maintained a steady presence in popular culture since the 2000s, Rainbow Brite’s reboots often struggle to appeal to both nostalgia-driven older fans and new audiences. Given Neal H. Moritz and Toby Ascher’s successful adaptation of Sonic for the big screen, they may find a way to effectively revitalize Rainbow Brite, but significant hurdles await them.

Multiple Attempts to Reboot Rainbow Brite Have Fallen Flat

The original Rainbow Brite series laid the groundwork for its rich lore. Young Wisp finds herself in a joyless realm teeming with monsters, reminiscent of Osamu Tezuka’s Unico, and aspires to infuse the land with joy and color, ultimately becoming Rainbow Brite by harnessing the powers of the Color Belt. She triumphs over the nefarious Shadow King, befriends the sprite Twink, and teams up with the dandy horse Starlite, freeing the seven Color Kids, each linked to a distinct color. Despite its lack of critical success, the accompanying toys and animated adaptations captured the hearts of many.

Despite this, the reboots have struggled to find a fresh interpretation of the original series. The second generation of Rainbow Brite dolls attempted ethnic diversity while sidelining the Color Kids. Although the intent was noble, these changes lost the essence of the original story and failed to resonate with fans. Following this, a low-quality animated series emerged from Animax Entertainment, reimagining Rainbow Brite as more of a fashion doll akin to Bratz or Monster High. The infamous three-episode miniseries released on Hallmark+ in 2014 exacerbated disappointment due to its lack of quality, portraying Rainbow Brite as an over-the-top character obsessed with trendy catchphrases. A fifth generation approached the franchise with a series of comic books by Dynamite Entertainment between 2018 and 2019, featuring Wisp as an adventurous hero transported to Rainbow Land, but ultimately failed to leave a lasting impact.

Murky Dismal: The True Focus of Rainbow Brite

rainbow-brite-original-series-murky-lurky

What accounts for these reboot failures? A significant factor is the original narrative’s focus on Murky Dismal, the series’ malevolent figure, rather than Wisp. Murky possesses a defined backstory—his mother’s harsh punishment for coloring the walls left him with a life-long vendetta against color. Many episodes revolve around his escapades alongside his dim-witted companion, Lurky, with a noticeable preference for crafting his mischief compared to Wisp or the Color Kids. Viewers often find the villains, such as the quickly dismissed King of Shadows or the Dark Princess, more compelling than Wisp’s heroic efforts.

Transforming Rainbow Brite into a Magical Girl

So, what direction should the future take? The story excels when Rainbow Brite is a proactive character. Interestingly, in Japan, the series was branded as Magical Girl Rainbow Brite, emphasizing the concept. Much like traditional magical girls, she has a transformative item, a mascot named Twink, and vibrant companions. Eliminating the need for male characters such as Brian or Krys would enhance her narrative focus and authenticity. Moreover, as indicated in the Dynamite comic series, her fighting abilities should take center stage. Although Murky has long been the goto antagonist, Wisp needs adversaries that genuinely challenge her, akin to Sailor Moon’s strong foes. With the proper treatment and characterization, Rainbow Brite can blossom into the iconic hero she always had the potential to be.

Rainbow Brite presents a formidable challenge for modernization, yet this shouldn’t deter attempts at revitalization. The forthcoming reboots could pave the way for Wisp to fully realize her character, with an emphasis on her magical girl attributes and a formidable antagonist. The journey of ensuring her adventures achieve the recognition they deserve is a journey worth undertaking.

Source