Robo Story
| Company type | Animated television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Children's television |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Founder | Michel Pillyser, Bernard Kessler |
| Products | Animated children's television series |
Robo Story (also known as Robostory) is a French animated series for children, developed by Michel Pillyser and Bernard Kessler for Belokapi, which premiered in 1985. The show comprises 52 episodes of 13 minutes each, often presented as 26 combined stories depending on the broadcast format.
This series was aired worldwide, including English-language versions that were shown in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Summary
The plot of Robo Story centers on Myrtille, a young girl with orange hair, and her dog Loufi, who experience a crash landing on the Green Planet, a world inhabited by robots. In the original French version, the antagonists are called the Rotors while the heroes are known as the Robors; these names were changed in English adaptations to 'Wrigglers' for the villains and 'Robos' for the protagonists.
Wrigglers
The Wrigglers are depicted as thin, black robots with torsos shaped like steel drums and dome-shaped heads resembling safari hats. Their leader, White Wriggler—whose helmet design is reminiscent of Darth Vader’s—is controlled by an unseen entity named 'Revered Reverence.' Despite his leadership role, White Wriggler often appears bumbling and more humorous than threatening, notably exhibiting fear toward Loufi (called Fluffy in English), which diminishes his commanding presence.
Robos
The Robos are brightly colored robots with bell-shaped bodies, headed by Old Robot, a slender figure distinguished by his purple hat and cane. Important characters include Robot Colossus; Robot Moron, known for frequently replying "I don't know"; Robot Radar, a blue robot equipped with a radar dish used for reconnaissance and amusement; Robot Magician, a legendary savior of the Robos; and Robot Hobo, a junkyard inhabitant addicted to oil.
The storyline follows Myrtille (renamed Blueberry in English) as she attempts to recover her stolen space shuttle to return home to Earth. A recurring humorous element involves the Robos misidentifying her gender, referring to her as "girl-man." In the concluding episodes, Robot Magician disables the Revered Reverence computer that directs the Wrigglers. White Wriggler ultimately makes peace with Myrtille and the Robos, revealing his actions were motivated by fear rather than evil intent. While Myrtille tries to bring all the Robos back to Earth, she leaves only with Robot Hobo, who is later unveiled as Robot Magician.
The series is recognized for its unique animation style, darker narrative tone, and minimalistic industrial soundtrack.
References
- Images available at Planete-jeunesse.com (French)
External links
- French children's animated science fiction television series
- French children's animated space adventure television series
- 1985 French television series debuts
- 1980s French animated television series
- ITV children's television shows
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- Canal+ original programming
- Animated television series about children
- Animated television series about dogs