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SheZow

From Alfawiki
SheZow
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryAnimation, Entertainment
FoundedDecember 15, 2012; 13 years ago (2012-12-15)
FounderObie Scott Wade
Headquarters
Australia
Area served
Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Malaysia
ProductsAnimated television series, comic book series
ParentMoody Street Kids, Kickstart Productions (producers); DHX Media (distributor)

SheZow is an animated superhero comedy series created by Obie Scott Wade, drawing inspiration from Shazam!. The storyline centers on a boy who unexpectedly assumes the identity of a female superhero, donning a costume and gear with a feminine theme. It debuted on Network Ten in Australia on 15 December 2012, aimed at children between the ages of 6 and 11. The series was produced by Moody Street Kids and Kickstart Productions, distributed by DHX Media, and received partial funding from Film Victoria. The character visuals were designed by Australian artist Kyla May.

By December 2013, the production included 52 episodes of eleven minutes each, combined into 26 half-hour segments for broadcast. In an interview from 2013, Wade mentioned his interest in creating a second season. In 2016, he disclosed that season two began production at Hub Network with increased funding but was discontinued after the channel rebranded to Discovery Family. Wade also initiated a SheZow comic book series through his company Obieco Entertainment, launching the first issue in 2015; however, as of February 2024, no subsequent issues have been released.


Synopsis

The narrative follows 12-year-old Guy Hamdon, who discovers the power ring of the superheroine SheZow left to him by his late Aunt Agnes. When he jokingly slips on the ring and says "You Go Girl!", he transforms into SheZow, a female superhero clad in costume. Since the ring cannot be removed, Guy must embrace his role as SheZow, wearing the female superhero outfit and maintaining the illusion of being a girl. His twin sister Kelly provides support remotely from their base known as the "She-Lair," while his best friend Maz Kepler offers assistance in his own capacity.

Voice cast

  • Jacquie Brennan as Sheila, Tara, Grilla, Null, Madame Curiador
  • Lyall Brooks as Brian Smirk, Tattoosalla, Coldfinger, Mocktopus, Wackerman, Senior Yo-Yo, Count Pussenbite, Mister Cylinder, Mega Monkey, Caped Koala, Crash Thunder, Aristotle, Brouhaha, Dr. Frankenweather, Fibberachee, Maj. Attitude, Manny Ken, Void, Periwinkle, Spit Bubble, Moocher, Pirate Posse, Dudley, Kelli, Captain XL, Mayor Stanley, Link, Sarcazmo, Wishington, Tad, McSniff, Legal Cat
  • David Myles Brown as Guy/SheZow (Australia & New Zealand only), Moocher, Pirate Posse
  • Dan Hamill as Officer Boxter, Candy Rapper, Le Pigeon, Moocher, Freddie Fartonavich
  • Matt Hill as Maz
  • Diana Kaarina as Kelly
  • Justin Kennedy as Big Chow Slim
  • Elizabeth Nabben as Droosha, Aunt Agnes, Mrs. Creature, Baby Scarington, Uma Thermal
  • Cecelia Ramsdale as Gal/DudePow, Maizy, Wanda
  • Sam Vincent as Guy/SheZow (outside Australia & New Zealand), SheZap

Crew

  • Terry Klassen – voice supervisor
  • Dale Warren – voice director / sound designer / sound mixer

Development and production

The idea for SheZow originated with Obie Scott Wade as a short film created in 2007 for Disney Channel's Shorty McShorts' Shorts, which was itself based on his earlier adult-themed short titled SheeZaam.

In a 2013 interview, Wade attributed his inspiration to childhood memories of superhero programs such as Shazam!. He envisioned a scenario where the hero accidentally utters "SHE-zam" instead of "Shazam," transforming into a different type of hero. Much of SheZow’s backstory and comedic elements were influenced by female writers on the creative team; for instance, they proposed that "bad hair" would be a vulnerability for the female superhero and contributed numerous gadgets and humorous ideas.

Episodes

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Broadcast

In the United States, the show premiered on the Hub Network (currently known as Discovery Family) starting 1 June 2013 and continued airing until 27 December 2015. Across the United Kingdom, it was shown on Kix during 2016, which was later renamed Pop Max. In Australia, broadcasts took place on 10 Peach (previously Eleven) and 7TWO. The first season was accessible for streaming on Netflix between 2015 and 2017.

Reception

Several Christian organizations expressed disapproval of the series due to its comedic incorporation of cross-dressing and transvestism, with One Million Moms, linked to the American Family Association, among its vocal opponents. Series creator Obie Scott Wade responded by explaining that the protagonist is a boy who does not change gender but wears a costume, underscoring that the content is suitable for children and draws inspiration from his own childhood experiences.

Controversy

SheZow centers on Guy Hamdon, a character who undergoes a transformation into the superhero SheZow. The program encountered criticism from anti-LGBT groups, who claimed it might "confuse children about gender." Conversely, the LGBT advocacy organization GLAAD supported the series, noting that children are accustomed to superheroes adopting alternate identities. Creator Obie Scott Wade rejected suggestions of any political messaging, emphasizing that the narrative focuses on the hero’s duties rather than gender identity. He clarified that SheZow does not depict transgender themes; Guy remains a boy confined within a superhero costume.

External links

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