Starcom: The US Space Force

Starcom: The US Space Force is an animated series produced in 1987, geared towards both young and adult audiences, and is part of CONtv's roster of classic shows. The show features an exciting mixture of science fiction, action, and adventure. With great voice acting, detailed designs of space units, and a laser focus on morale and bravery, Starcom captured the hearts of many viewers during its original run and continues to be regarded as a quintessential representation of 1980's animation.

Set in the 22nd century, the story of Starcom: The US Space Force unfolds in outer space where humans have managed to expand their horizons beyond our planet and have developed colonies on other celestial bodies. The show's eponymous organization, Starcom, functions as an interstellar security force to ensure the peace and safety of the American space territories. This setup essentially mirrors the dynamics of earth, with territorial tensions and political influences extending to the stars.

Starcom is comprised of three main divisions: the Astro Marines, the Star Wing, and the Starbase Command. The Astro Marines are ground troops, equipped with mind-blowing future tech gear and vehicles. The Star Wing fighters are the top-tier space combat pilots, operating a fleet of high-tech vehicles perfectly designed for astronomical battles. Last but not least, the Starbase Command manages coordination and deployment, representing the brain of operations.

The show highlights the exploits of a gallant team led by the stalwart Colonel John "Slim" Griffin, the Flight Operations Commander. Slim, with his team of impeccably selected space warriors, balance feats of daring bravery with quick thinking and moral fortitude. Together, they combat the malign forces threatening the peace and stability of outer space.

Their primary adversary is the Shadow Force, a dangerous paramilitary organization with intentions on conquering space. Their leader, Emperor Dark, is seen driven by a dictatorial ambition to rule the universe and is prepared to cross ethical boundaries to achieve his goals. These adversaries create volatile situations out in space, resulting in tension-filled, high-stakes confrontations.

An integral element of Starcom: The US Space Force is how it deals with the concept of space politics and diplomacy. The show, though grounded in science fiction and action, does not shy away from depicting the complexities of maintaining political relationships and alliances in the vast and unpredictable domain of the universe.

The animation quality of Starcom is truly noteworthy, with detailed visual designs and backgrounds, and rightly reflects the advanced technology of the 22nd century. The characters are distinctly animated, each with diverse physical attributes, accompanied by their individual voicing that adds depth to their personality. The futuristic gadgets and vehicles are also impressive with every machine having a distinct operational functionality and design.

The technology of Starcom is itself a character. Magnet-Lock and Magna-Lock, two notable technologies from the show give an exciting take on how future technologies can operate - from weapon systems to the construction of the space colonies. As part of its high-octane adventure aesthetic, the show prominently features the use of these exciting pieces of tech in numerous action sequences.

The voice cast of Starcom: The US Space Force includes noted actors of the time, their performances adding to the strength of the series. The character arcs are well defined by their voices, giving life to the animated figures and allowing viewers to genuinely feel their dilemmas, victories, and defeats.

Combining action-packed storyline, compelling character arcs and innovative technology, Starcom: The US Space Force provides an enticing look into the concept of space exploration, security, and politics. It faced the challenge of balancing the thrills of outer space adventures with grounding themes of responsibility, bravery, and dedication, and skilled storytelling made it a classic worth watching.

Whether you're interested in space adventures, science fiction, or animated series, Starcom: The US Space Force offers an enjoyable viewing experience. Its portrayal of a future where humans have extended their ambitions and conflicts to outer space presents a rich canvas for imagination and moral questions. It's a trip down memory lane for those who enjoyed the show during its original run and a delight to the new viewers looking for classic, quality animation in science fiction. The thrilling ride with Starcom U.S. Space Force waits at CONtv.