We all know Michael Jordan and his relationship with animation via the Bugs Bunny commercials and Space Jam. But MJ’s relationship with animation started in 1991 with ProStars. A forgotten cartoon series that also starred Bo Jackson and Wayne Gretzky.
ProStars
ProStars was originally envisioned as a cartoon that would air on ESPN. ESPN in the early 90s was really coming into its own as the leader in sports entertainment. Having a cartoon that could appeal to younger sports fans seemed like a no-brainer.
Morality
When it came to the plot or goals of the show, it would be a fairly simple and generic formula. The show would use sports and iconic athletes to teach tales of morality and to help keep children on the right path.
Animated Icons
ProStars centered on three of the biggest names in the history of sport, Michael Jordan, Bo Jackson, and Wayne Gretzky. The three stars were already icons when the show debuted, but they also represent the four major sport leagues.
Jordan was the face of the NBA in 1991. Gretzky was already known as the greatest hockey player the NHL had ever seen. Bo Jackson was essentially a two-for-one. Jackson was probably the greatest all-around athlete of the time and was a star in the MLB and NFL.
Live Action
Jordan, Gretzky, and Jackson would appear in live-action snippets during each episode. They usually would offer words of wisdom and advice to the young audience they were trying to appeal to.
Legacy
ProStars is not remembered by many people today, especially people under the age of 40. Part of the reason could be that it never showed on ESPN, like it was intended to.
Only 13 episodes of ProStars were actually made. It is hard to believe the show is completely forgotten, with three icons featured. Regardless, it is a fun nineties time capsule piece to look back at.
- Adam C. Better
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