New Sci-Fi Animation 'Sym-Bionic Titan' on Schedule

Cartoon Network is looking forward to refashioning its primetime schedule here in the late summer and early autumn months. Among the cable network's re-branding opportunities during the past calendar year, a concerted effort to test and engage young male audiences' threshold for raucous comedy and sci-fi action has long since kicked into high gear. As a result, next up on the schedule is the Cartoon Network original animation Sym-Bionic Titan, a classic blend of science fiction escapism and giant robot action. The cartoon is co-created by Genndy Tartakovsky, Bryan Andrews, and Paul Rudish.

As Sym-Bionic Titan opens, the planet Galaluna is in turmoil: it's people are overrun by attacking beasts, it's government is overthrown by a rebel military general, and it's final hope, the sole heir to the kingdom, has left her native solar system and is now in hiding.

The princess, Ilana, is a compassionate and headstrong girl who loves her kingdom above all else (but certainly won't sit idly by if innocent people are suffering).

The heir's reputation for earnestness and honesty precede her.... for the evil man who overthrew the government of Galaluna, General Modula, will stop at nothing until she is exterminated. It was with this knowledge, and fear, that the King forced his daughter to board a ship and depart to safer galaxies, courtesy of an experimental trans-galactic portal, or rift. For now, Ilana is safe, aided by a single soldier (Lance) and a bio-android (Octus).

Ilana, Lance, and Octus crash land in the middle of the state of Illinois. Unfortunately, escaping to a new solar system has done little to deter Modula from sending hoards of evil beasts across the universe on a seek-and-destroy mission. And so, the three must blend in and assimilate Earth culture; only shedding their secret identities to fend off intergalactic attacks threatening to flatten the midwestern town. Whether combating beasts made of fire or other giant creatures from planets unknown, these three eagerly take up arms -- to protect the princess, to protect this small and unassuming town, and to protect the Earth. Sym-Bionic Titan premieres on Cartoon Network, Friday, September 17th at 8:00pm (ET).

from left: Lance, Octus, Ilana

Back on Galaluna, Lance was well-known both as the most talented and most rambunctious pilot of his squadron. The young man is the son of a once-ridiculed scientist who left his family when Lance was young. The kid is rebellious and brooding, but always keeps is duty front and center: protect Ilana. There was a reason the King chose Lance as the guardian of his one and only daughter.

Octus, meanwhile, is the most-advanced android developed by a group of Galalunian scientists. He's a thinking organic machine, and has a deep obligation to Ilana as her protector as well. Octus is also conscious of "the power of the TITAN," which he can unlock.

This power, of course, manifests itself as an impressive biomechanical beast, controlled equally by an unwavering heart, mind, and body. Ilana, Lance, and Octus each possess a wristwatch/device, which allows them to transform into armored defenders of whatever cause is pertinent.

The power of Titan itself, relates to when the three characters combine to form a single, larger being: the Sym-Bionic Titan. If concealing the princess is no longer an option, then the three must fight. The Sym-Bionic Titan connects their subconscious in such a way that unites the best qualities and instincts of each.

As Sym-Bionic Titan continues, the three characters have one heck of a time settling down. Defending their adoptive planet from the onslaught of a madman's bestial army is one thing, but the heroes must also assimilate into the local Sherman, IL, high school to establish a cover. Lance's dark hair and prickly disposition make him strangely popular, while Ilana's optimism and Octus' hyper-intelligence put them on the outskirts; such is high school. In many ways, civilian life will be a challenge in and of itself.

But there are more enemies for this intrepid team to face besides Modula's hench-beasts. General Steel of the U.S. military is a bloodthirsty authoritarian looking to kill any and all signs of alien life. And the G3 (Galactic Guardian Group), "a privately funded, clandestine army of mercenaries" investigating extra terrestrial occurrences, lead by a mysterious man named Solomon, are also hot on the tail of team Titan.

The group definitely has their hands full, and if they aren't too busy bickering with one another (or doing their homework), then hopefully they'll muster the strength and teamwork needed to survive against these new threats (and possibly save the Earth in the process).