Dinotopia (the book, cartoon, mini-series, and first season)

While I was playing R:TW the other night, I had my t.v. on the Sci-Fi channel. I had no idea what I was watching during my Macedon vs Rome battle, but it seemed really interested. After my battle, I decided to turn off my computer and watch the program. It was a sci-fi/fantasy mini-series called "Dinotopia."

I actually liked what I saw, and so I ended up buying the mini-series on DVD. Great sci-fi/fantasy show to watch when you're not distracting with gaming!

What I liked most about the show was how it immerses you into this utopian island (Dinotopia) much in the same manner as an RPG would. Immediately, we identify ourselves with the two main characters (two brothers) from the society that we all know. When they become marooned on this island, this is where our adventure begins. One brother is chosen to raise a baby dinosaur while the other becomes a Skybax pilot (who fly Pterodactyls).

The Dinotopian society thrives because the inhabitants co-exist with friendly dinosaurs. There are bad dinosaurs unfortunately (such as the infamous T-Rex), but each town/city has a certain kind of stone that frightens off the not-so-nice dinosaurs. So all is well until the stones are taken. The mini-series shows our heroes protecting Dinotopia by recovering these lost stones.

After the mini-series came out, the producers released an actual First Season called "Dinotopia" picking up where the mini-series left off. I actually just started watching the First Season, and every negative comment I read about the series are completely untrue (from what I've seen so far). The biggest criticism is the lack of budget to produce sfx rivaling the mini-series, but in truth, the First Season has sfx that are as equally good (or "bad" depending on how you look at it) as the mini-series. Furthermore, I'm one of those people who can overlook poor sfx if the story is well told. And "Dinotopia" tells a good story IMO.

I'm not quite sure where I'm going with this so I'll stop here, and ask you guys: what do you guys think of "Dinotopia?"

Regarding "Dinotopia," feel free to comment on:
- the book (never read it unfortunately)
- the mini-series (which I watched)
- the first season (which I just started to watch)
- the cartoon called "Dinotopia: Quest for the Ruby Stone"

I red the 2 illustrated books as a child, then years later I decided to read them again and it was awesome. The detail in the descriptions and illustrations were just mind blowing(EVERY page has amazing illustrations). If you can get a copy of the books, get em right away. It was a far better experience than the series, which I've seen some episodes.

Thanks for posting that image - it's very vivid.

I saw the author on YouTube sketching out his art. It's really intriguing. Just curious - is the artwork used in his books or is it just concept art to help the author write out his story?

The art is used in EVERY page of the books.
Look, I couldnt possibly find a picture on the internet that could show you the epicness that these books really are, so I took some quick photos with my digital camera.

Btw dont attempt to read what it says, its in Portuguese.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

These books are a masterpiece, if you're into Dinotopia this is a must have.

Dude, thanks a lot for that!

I'm gonna check out Borders bookstore tomorrow and see if they have any Dinotopia books. I feel so lucky to have chanced upon the show, and then see to the photos you showed me. Much appreciated.

EDIT: Judging from the pictures, it looks as though the mini-series captured the look of the Skybax.