Reptaris a fictional character from the Americananimated television seriesRugrats.It is a green mutatedTyrannosaurus(and sometimes appears in red-violet and lilac) with rounded, bluespike-likeappendages on its back, which intentionally causes it to resemble and spoofGodzilla.[1]Outside ofRugrats-related films, Reptar appears as a playable character in theNickelodeon Kart RacersandNickelodeon All-Star Brawlvideo game series.
| Reptar | |
|---|---|
| Rugratscharacter | |
 | |
| First appearance | "At the Movies"(1991) |
| Created by | Craig Bartlett Paul Germain Arlene Klasky Gábor Csupó |
| Voiced by | John Schuck(as Leo) Busta Rhymes(Reptar Wagon; only inThe Rugrats Movie) Fred Tatasciore(2021-present) |
| In-universe information | |
| Species | MutatedTyrannosaurusKaiju |
Character concept and depiction
edit
Reptar is portrayed as being a fictional character in theRugratsuniverse idolized by a majority of the children featured in the series, particularlyTommy Picklesand his friends. A gigantic green, irradiatedTyrannosaurus rex-likekaiju,Reptar's popularity as a character is noticeably akin to that possessed byMickey Mouse,although his role is similar toGodzilla.[3][4]When it appeared inRugratsrelated films, it prominently showed a Japanese theme park that was depicting Reptar.[4]This popularity is seen in the merchandise[5]spawned from his character and owned by the babies as seen in the program. The Reptar character has since been used in real-world merchandise branding, such as an amusement park ride,[6]chocolate bar,[7]FunkoPop,[8]and an ice show (as featured in the episode "Reptar on Ice" ).[9]
In the TV series
editReptar had a series of films. One film depicted Reptar's origin where it was originally a normal Tyrannosaurus that got irradiated by a space object and thrown into present day.
In the2021 series,Reptar stars in a new series called "Reptar in Space", which depicts him being stranded on the Moon after his spaceship blows up after a long journey through space, now he has to protect Earth from alien invaders and find a way back home.
In theRugratsfilms
editReptar appeared inThe Rugrats Moviefilm as a wagon built by Tommy's father Stu Pickles. The Reptar Wagon was no ordinary wagon. It was made like a high-tech car that can do various things such as talk and turn into a boat (Aqua Reptar) when in water and has fire breath. The Rugrats took it along with them on a journey to the "hopsical"to return Tommy's newborn brother Dil, but they wind up getting lost in the forest. In this appearance, the Reptar Wagon is voiced by Levi Curl and rapperBusta RhymesofFlipmode Squad.
Reptar had a more important role as a giant robot inRugrats in Paris,when Stu once again built a robotic likeness of the character. The robot's head fell off twice in the film, although Stu fixed it the first time for the play. The Rugrats also took it to thechurchto stop the wedding of Chuckie’s father Chas and villain Coco LaBouche who hates children.
The Reptar Wagon is seen in the background inRugrats Go Wildnear the beginning of the film in the Pickles' backyard. Unlike in the previous films, neither Reptar nor the wagon has any relevance to the plot.
The Reptar Wagon appeared in several episodes ofRugratsfollowing the release ofThe Rugrats Movieonce again voiced by Busta Rhymes through archive recordings from the film. The Reptar Wagon is rarely seen in the later episodes.
Other appearances
editOutside of theRugratsfilm, a normal-sized Reptar appeared as playable racer in 2018'sNickelodeon Kart Racers,[10]and its sequelsNickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix[11]andNickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway;the latter game features a purple Reptar as an unlockable character.
A normal-sized Reptar also appears as a playable character inNickelodeon All-Star Brawlandits sequel,[12]withFred Tatasciorereprising his role from the 2021 series.[13]
Reception
editOverall, critics and fans have generally praised Reptar.Destructoidcalls Reptar as his "Childhood favorites" inNickelodeon Kart Racers.[10]WhileShacknewsdescribed Reptar as one of the most popular characters in theRugratsuniverse, and further stated that "Still, a dinosaur is badass and he's a great choice to stomp all over the competition atNickelodeon All-Star Brawl,"[14]Complexincluded Reptar's Wagon on their "Coolest Fictional Cars", and stated that "With extendable arms, a Busta Rhymes Reptar voice, and fire-spitting nostrils (on the original model), this is one badass baby ride."[15]Zimbioranked Reptar as 7th of the best pop-culture dinosaur, and stated that "At first glance, Reptar might seem like a spoof on Godzilla, but this uniquely weird dinosaur is truly an unforgettable character. From having his own cereal and chocolate bar to dancing on ice, Reptar is like Beyonce to Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil."[16]Reptar was also included atAlternative Presson their "most metal cartoon characters", by stating that "This fire-breathing beast is loved and admired in playpens far and wide for his badass heroics throughout the Rugrats series and movies."[17]
References
edit- ^Susina, Jan (2009). "Reptar: The Rugrats Meet Godzilla". In West, Mark I. (ed.).The Japanification of Children's Popular Culture: From Godzilla to Miyazaki.Scarecrow Press. pp. 7–16.ISBN9780810862494.
- ^"Escape from Madagascar - Dreamworld (Coomera, Queensland, Australia)".
- ^Mann, Jaimy (September 4, 2010)."The Japanification of Children's Popular Culture: From Godzilla to Miyazaki (review)".The Lion and the Unicorn.34(1): 119–123.doi:10.1353/uni.0.0485.S2CID145475991– via Project MUSE.
- ^abWest, Mark I. (October 23, 2008).The Japanification of Children's Popular Culture: From Godzilla to Miyazaki.Scarecrow Press.ISBN9780810862494– via Google Books.
- ^Paxton, Whitney (October 21, 2017)."This Reptar costume is sure to bring some nostalgia to your Halloween".Alternative Press.
- ^Garcia, Kelsey (October 31, 2019)."Nickelodeon Just Opened a Massive Indoor Theme Park, and Yes, There's a Reptar Ride".POPSUGAR Family.
- ^"FYE Reintroduces the Rugrats Reptar Bar".Highsnobiety.November 12, 2018.
- ^"These rare Funko Pops are diamonds in the rough".The Daily Dot.August 23, 2018.
- ^"New York's Milk and Cream Cereal Bar Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 'Rugrats' With Reptar Ice Cream".Complex.
- ^ab"Childhood favorites return for Nickelodeon Kart Racers".July 25, 2018.
- ^"Review: Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix - A Massive Improvement On The Terrible Original".Nintendo Life.October 9, 2020.
- ^"Every Character Confirmed For Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl".ScreenRant.July 13, 2021.
- ^"Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl Now Has Voice Acting and Items".6 June 2022.
- ^"What would Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl look like with a Smash Ultimate-sized roster?".Shacknews.23 July 2021.
- ^"The 50 Coolest Fictional Cars".Complex.
- ^"BEST: Reptar, 'Rugrats'".Zimbio.
- ^"The 10 most metal cartoon characters".Alternative Press.April 3, 2018.