etty is a typical, sweet-natured girl—that is, when she's not saving the universe as Atomic Betty, Galactic Guardian and Defender of the Cosmos. As Betty (voiced by Isen), she tries to balance her life at home with her school activities at Moose Jaw Heights Junior High. But when the call comes in from Admiral DeGill, her commander in chief, Atomic Betty leaps into action with the help of her loyal companions, Sparky (voiced by Miller) and Robot X-5 (voiced by Hunter). However, if her parents find out, she just might get grounded for life.
In "Atomic Roger," Betty's mom decides to give her a haircut, with disastrous results. Unfortunately, it also happens to be picture day at school, and the stuck-up Penelope is more than happy to remind her of it. But when robbing robots start heisting gold, Atomic Betty jumps on the case, only to find herself arriving moments behind Atomic Roger, a new Galactic Guardian and Defender of the Cosmos. Worse yet, Roger has a really nice haircut. Behind the evil plot, as usual, is Betty's archenemy, Supreme Overlord Maximus I.Q. (voiced by Fox).
In the second part of episode one, "Toxic Talent," after saving the cosmos, Betty arrives moments late for her audition to be in the school talent show. When the show's director, Penelope, kicks Betty out of the show, she gets upset. But before she can do anything about it, she's called to action to stop Maximus, who is using sound waves to torture the people of Coolosia.
Episode two kicks off with "Furball for the Sneeze." Betty's prissy cat, Sir Purrsefus, accidentally tags along as Atomic Betty and her crew are sent to infiltrate Maximus' annual board meeting. They do manage to sneak into the enormous meeting of evildoers. Unfortunately, so does Purrsy, who ends up in the hands of Maximus.
In "Maximus Displeasure," Betty is left to tend to her mother's garden. Unfortunately, after she battles with Purrsy over the family goldfish, the garden ends up in a disastrous state. But the garden will have to wait. Atomic Betty has a job to do. Maximus has developed a biochemical weapon, and he's about to unleash it.
Whimsy and real-life problems
The Cartoon Network's half-hour animated series Atomic Betty is an appealing little show that plays on the universal themes the younger set can relate to. Filled with a nice mix of cosmic action and real-life problems, the anime-influenced series creates characters who might not be entirely unique but are fun to watch.
Atomic Betty looks at Betty's life from two viewpoints. While she never is in doubt that her job as a Galactic Guardian and Defender of the Cosmos is of primary importance, Betty sees her home life as important, too. Unfortunately, none of her super powers seem to help her when it comes to her life on Earth. Life isn't always easy for our heroine, whether she's dealing with Maximus, Penelope, Sir Purrsefus the cat or even the terrible haircut her mother gives her, but she always manages to come out on top.
It's precisely because the writers of Atomic Betty look at her home and school problems as real that Betty comes across as a believable character. The well-written show offers two similarly themed stories in each episode, so there's not a lot of time for story and character development. While the characters are pretty much established as good or not, Colin Fox's Maximus is a nicely droll evil villain, and he makes a great foil for Betty. Tajja Isen perfectly voices Betty and sings the show's theme song as well.
This animation highbred incorporates a heavy accent of anime, but the drawing is unique enough to establish its own style. It's a colorful show. OK, Atomic Betty's pink dress doesn't go with her red hair and green eyes, but hey, she's a superhero. She can dress any way she wants.
