"Jonny Quest"-The Early 'Quests' (1964-1965)

On Sept. 18, 1964; an amazing phenomenon was born! A prime-time science fiction / action / adventure cartoon called "Jonny Quest" began its initial run on ABC Television. The series was produced by Hanna-Barbera and created & designed by Doug Wildey (noted comic book / comic strip artist) in a dramatically realistic, detailed, shaded style (even though the animation was 'limited', but that didn't really matter much). The plots were vividly loaded with intrigue, suspense, monsters, action, adventure, and a great sense of fun! The show was  a big hit, while it also had high ratings and critical acclaim.

The main enduring characters of the series were---Jonny Quest (an 11 year old American boy, who traveled with his scientist father,his bodyguard / tutor, his adopted Indian brother / friend, and his dog.He was proficient in judo, scuba-diving, and the handling & shooting of firearms. He was voiced by actor Tim Matheson); Dr. Benton Quest (Jonny's widowed scientist father, who worked for the government,creating experimental gadgets and weaponry, He was highly intelligent and world acclaimed. He was voiced by John Stephenson and after 5 episodes, Don Messick, for the rest of the series); Roger 'Race' Bannon (former race driver and now special agent,who is Jonny's bodyguard and tutor. He is highly proficient at judo & other martial arts. He is also an ace pilot and an expert in the use of all sorts of weapons. He is also an expert with the ladies; especially 'Jade'. 'Race' was voiced by Mike Road); Hadji (orphaned 11 year old Indian boy, who saved Dr. Quest's life in Calcutta; after which he is adopted by Quest. Able to do amazing feats of magic, such as snake-charming, levitation and hypnotism, which he calls 'tricks'. Hadji is Jonny's adopted brother and friend. He was voiced by Danny Bravo); Bandit (Jonny's small white dog with a black 'mask' of hair around eyes. He seems to understand what humans are thinking and barks loudly, when there is danger); Jade (she is Race's former, but sometimes current, love interest. She is a spy / mercenary, who is excellent in fighting and weaponry skills. Jade was voiced  by Cathy Lewis). The 'Quest' Team's chief nemesis was Dr. Zin (an Asian mastermind).

During the span of the series, the Quest Team fought or encountered a variety of protagonists including---a giant pterodactyl; abominable snowmen; a mummy; foreign spies and inventors; giant lizards; robotic weapons; and pygmies (to name just a few).

The show had a fantastically adventurous music score by Hoyt Curtin (for every episode). "Jonny Quest" was cancelled the following year (1965), due to budgetary constraints. The show came back big-time in syndication, but was somewhat edited, because of use of firearms and some death in certain episodes.

There have 2 other "Jonny Quest" series' and 2 animated  TV movies since that time, although in my opinion, none can top the original series.                                                                                                          

NOTE:
"Jonny Quest"- The Complete 1st Season DVD is available (all 26 episodes), although some episodes have been edited for' political correctness'. This set is well worth your time (and money)! Jonny also had his own comic book series.