Exosquad: When G.I. Joe Meets Star Wars I LRM’s Retro-Specs

Welcome to the June edition of LRM’s Retro-Specs! Sorry it has been a while, but you know, life. If it’s the 80s/90s and you throw outer space into the mix, it has to be a recipe for success. While some cartoons of the time are thrown together in the hopes of profiting from toys, animations, and games, others rise above the rest. Even though it did not last for too many years, there is a 90s cartoon that is intentional with its story-telling and is unique for the time. Let’s take a look back at the 90s classic: ExoSquad!

Intergalactic Uniqueness

Alright, so at first glance one just may think “this is Star Wars-esue / typical outer space acrhtypes”. To a degree. However, the story-line and military tactics involved make Exosquad quite unique. Jeff Segal comes up with the idea in 1989. He is the same writer of GoBots.

Exosquad eventually gets the green light. The show runs for two seasons in 1993 and 1994. A third season has a single episode. The creation of Exosquad is by Will Meugniot and Universal Animation Studios. Exosquad is a response the the increase in Japanese anime, which began to make large jumps in popularity during the 90s.

The animated series takes place in the 22nd century where humans are pushing the boundaries of the exploration and habitation into Venus and Mars. These are the Homeworlds for the the humans (also with the name Terrans). There are outcast Terrans in the universe though. They live as criminals which leads to their banishment. However, they also live now as pirates wrecking havoc on the Homeworlds

The Neosapians are a group of humanoid A.I. who are to coexist with the Terrans. However, there is an uprising which threatens the Terrans. Why? Well justifiably because they are created for slavery during the inhabiting of Venus and Mars. They are made to be stronger and less sensitive to environment changes. 

This oppression leads to the Neosapian Revolt which precedes the series by 50 years. Flashforward and the series takes place after the Neosapians are emancipated and self-governing. Although, another revolt (“Operation Destiny”) begins while also combatting attacks from pirates. While some changes are made during the original revolt, the Gov. of Mars, Phaeton, clearly is not bending to the societal norms. As the ExoFleet leave to disparage a pirate attack, Phaeton leads an overthrow to capture the Terran’s Homeworlds. Another great part of the series is that the episodes are not merely a combination of one-offs like most of the cartoon predecessors. A majority interconnect bringing the fan base along on the drawn out aspects of war. 

It’s Actually Pretty Deep

Colonization and oppression mixing with a Terminator-style takeover vibe makes for a foundation of deep material. The series focuses on the continued Neosapian War. The overall idea gives a realistic take on the intricacies of war. Viewers primarily get the perspective of the Able Squad who are working to make changes in the never ending battle. 

Exosquad is different from other animated series at the time. People died in the war. Military strategies on both sides are meticulously planned prior to executing them. There are even moments of guerilla and psychological warfare. Even moments of reconnaissance. Venus is eventually won back. However, there are areas where Neosapians hid waiting for aide that never comes. And some episodes deal with these casualties of war and what lays beyond for both sides. 

Just like the strong planning within the series, the overall view has good planning as well. Season 2 brings the liberation to earth and a seeming end to the Neosapian War. While there is some compromise from the sides, tensions are still apparent. However, the end of the seasons suggest that a new alien threat is coming.

This looks to force the Terrans and Neosapians together to conquor the new foe. While one episode of Exosquad: Season 3 is produced, the series is canceled. The ongoing topics explored include: war, religion, racism, and politics is intriguing. They are also explored in a way that makes individuals inquire for deeper understanding. The topics are not one-sided, nor over the heads of the primary audience: kids. We really miss out on not having more seasons!

Great Characters

Sure, many characters definitely fit 90s archetypes and have wild 90s flair. However, the uniqueness of the characters, and their vehicles (E-Frames) are outstanding. For E-Frames, think Ripley at the end of Aliens. For characters, I will call them protagonists and antagonists rather than the typical “good guy” “bad guy” dynamics. 

ExoSquad consists of the protagonists, the Able Squad, who comprise of: Lt. / Wing Cmdr. J.T. Marsh, (leader), Lt. Nara Burns (parents are killed on Venus during the revolt), Lt.”Maggie” Weston (repair technician), Sgt. Rita Torres (second in command and hates pirates), Alec DeLeon (in charge of communication and intelligence), Wolf Bronsky (the brash veteran with a heart of gold), Kaz Takagi (rookie who often makes rookie mistakes), Marsala is my favorite. Marsala is actually a Neosapien who is a willing part of ExoFleet. He provides interesting perspectives from both sides.

What also makes these characters unique is that they do not always get along. As some civilians caught in the middle of the war are prisoners in concentration camps, many at times even question war and other topics they explore. Their interactions and questions are realistic and genuine. 

The Neosapians consist primarily of Governor Phaeton, his general, Shiva (extreme loyalty to Phaeton and oversees Earth), and Thrax (an excellent soldier who eventually gets tired with the casulties of war he inflicts). The antogonists are not mere bumbling idiots following the likes of a strong commander. They, as the Able Squad, are just as unique and intricate. 

E-Frames ExoSquad Toys

Aside from the thought provoking plots and well-developed characters, the E-Frames are badass! As mentioned before, they somewhat mimic Ripley’s near the end of Aliens. However, each E-Frame is different and fits the personality of the pilot. They are also “connected” to the E-Frame much like the Matrix later connects to Neo and company.

The toys are cool as hell! The characters are about the size of a G.I. Joe. However, each character comes with their corresponding E-Frames. While ExoSquad only runs from 1993-1994, the toys have more lasting power. Toy juggernauts, Playmate, release the first series of toys in 1993. The line has six series, special releases, and a few mini-battle sets that run through 1996. 

Not only are the toys accurate, but they are extremely detailed down to the specific weaponry of each E-Frame. I have the Ariel Attack JT Marsh from series 1 and Ground Assault Wolf Bronski from series two. 

I still remember the box they come in. Not only do you get the usual image on the front with a description on the back. Buyers can also flip the front cover open to see the toy in all its glory before buying! At the time these are definitely one of my favorite toys. The character with the detailed E-Frame made for hours of intergalactic imagination.

There are some similarities between ExoSquad and their E-Frames with the 1980s animated series Robotech. A crossover is in the works at one point, much to the delight of fans. However, it is canceled. Another missed opportunity for sure. If you have the toys, you could make the crossover in your mind at least!

Other ExoSquad Merchandise

Like many others, ExoSquad has a comic tie-in. Topps Comics has a short series in 1994.

There is also an interactive movie/book. Following suit with many others, ExoSquad gets a board game and a video game from Sega Genesis by Playmates in 1995.

Why Didn’t ExoSquad Last?

ExoSquad has all of the elements to be a success. There is a strong fanbase, sales, etc. The toys are still in production a few years after the series is canceled. What goes wrong to only last two seasons? 

During the mid 90s larger companies begin buying out smaller/independent companies. ExoSquad moves from kid-friendly times to 4 a.m.…Obviously, this kills its ratings which leads to the sudden cancelation. As mentioned, the third season already has a plan, Season 2 ends on a cliffhanger, and the first episode of Season 3 is produced. Unfortunately, it never sees the light of day, and we all miss out on what could have been.

ALSO SEE: Have You Got The Power? Get The Power! Nintendo Power! I LRM’s Retro-Specs

Do you remember ExoSquad? Were you a fan of the show? Did you have any toys? Which ones? Did you ever play the Sega game? I unfortunately did not. Leave your thoughts in the usual spot, and thanks for reading!

Sources: Medium, Academic, Exo Squad Archive

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