With a new, live-action movie hitting TV in the fall, a renewed interest in the first series of BEN 10 and a slate of new episodes of the mighty BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE, you might just think 2009 is the year of the Omnitrix. Here’s a handy primer for those new to the series, or anyone who needs a refresher before Season 2 blasts off on March 22 on TELETOON.
RECAP
Set five years after the events of BEN 10, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE follows Ben, Gwen and Kevin during their early teen years. Ben has left the Omnitrix behind and decided to embark on the “normal” life of a teen. However, when Grandpa Max goes missing while investigating the Highbreed, a new race of aliens bent on the total destruction of Earth, the Omnitrix recalibrates itself to Ben’s body. This results in a host of new alien powers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, which Ben must become accustomed to. Whether it’s fighting new or old enemies, or dealing with maturity and the loss of Grandpa Max, Ben has never had so much to tackle – and the stakes have never been so high!
THE GOOD:
BEN TENNYSON
Ben is now 15, and dealing with the mysterious disappearance of his Grandpa Max. After a 5-year hiatus, the Omnitrix has reconfigured itself, and Ben must master the strengths of all the new aliens it houses to learn what powers of theirs will be the most useful in his fight against the new forces of evil – The Forever Knights, the DNAliens and the Highbreeds.
GWEN TENNYSON
Gwen is also now 15, and has matured to see Ben as more of a best friend than an annoying pest. She has been honing her magical powers to assist Ben in their battles against evil, including the ability to manipulate energy.
KEVIN 11
Now 16, Kevin has mastered his ability to absorb solid substances like metal, wood or stone. By adapting these substances, Kevin can create a suit of armour, which makes him a powerful ally. The fact that he’s the only one in the gang with a driver’s license also makes him invaluable as well…
THE OMNITRIX ALIENS:
ALIEN X
Ben is hesitant to use ALIEN X, as mere thoughts become reality from these beings that have transcended the planes of existence!
BRAINSTORM
A Cetacean with super intelligence and the ability to create storms – just by thinking about them!
BIG CHILL
A ghost who can pass through inanimate objects
CHROMASTONE
Entirely composed of living crystal, with the ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation
ECHO ECHO
A walking amplifier who uses sonic weaponry
GOOP
A 200 pound, single cell organism who can shapeshift
HUMONGOSAUR
Half-man/half-dinosaur, the most physically powerful of all of Ben’s forms
JETRAY
A manta ray-like creature who can swiftly navigate land, air and sea
SPIDERMONKEY
A multi-limbed marsupial with superhuman abilities that include being able to stick to walls!
SWAMPFIRE
A walking compost heap with the ability to shoot fire out of his hands like a flamethrower