Reptar

Reptar is a fictional character from the American animated television series ''Rugrats''. It is a green mutated ''Tyrannosaurus'' (and sometimes appears in red-violet and lilac) with rounded, blue spike-like appendages on its back, which intentionally causes it to resemble and spoof Godzilla. Outside of ''Rugrats''-related films, Reptar appears as a playable character in the '' Nickelodeon Kart Racers'' and '' Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl'' video game series.

Character concept and depiction

Reptar is portrayed as being a fictional character in the ''Rugrats'' universe idolized by a majority of the children featured in the series, particularly Tommy Pickles and his friends. A gigantic green, Tyrannosaurus rex-like kaiju, Reptar's popularity as a character is noticeably akin to that possessed by Mickey Mouse, although his role is similar to Godzilla. When it appeared in ''Rugrats'' related films, it prominently showed a Japanese theme park that was depicting Reptar. This popularity is seen in the merchandise spawned from his character and owned by the babies as seen in the program. The Reptar character has since been used in real-world merchandise branding, such as an amusement park ride, chocolate bar, Funko Pop, and an ice show (as featured in the episode "Reptar on Ice").

In the TV series

In the 2021 series, Reptar stars in a new series called "Reptar in Space", which depicts him being stranded on the Moon after his spaceship blows up after a long journey through space, now he has to protect Earth from alien invaders and find a way back home.

In the ''Rugrats'' films

Reptar appeared in ''The Rugrats Movie'' film as a wagon built by Tommy's father Stu Pickles. The Reptar Wagon was no ordinary wagon. It was made like a high-tech car that can do various things such as talk and turn into a boat (Aqua Reptar) when in water and has fire breath. The Rugrats took it along with them on a journey to the " hopsical" to return Tommy's newborn brother Dil, but they wind up getting lost in the forest. In this appearance, the Reptar Wagon is voiced by Levi Curl and rapper Busta Rhymes of Flipmode Squad.

Reptar had a more important role as a giant robot in ''Rugrats in Paris'', when Stu once again built a robotic likeness of the character. The robot's head fell off twice in the film, although Stu fixed it the first time for the play. The Rugrats also took it to the church to stop the wedding of Chuckie’s father Chas and villain Coco LaBouche who hates children.

The Reptar Wagon is seen in the background in ''Rugrats Go Wild'' near the beginning of the film in the Pickles' backyard. Unlike in the previous films, neither Reptar nor the wagon has any relevance to the plot.

The Reptar Wagon appeared in several episodes of ''Rugrats'' following the release of ''The Rugrats Movie'' once again voiced by Busta Rhymes through archive recordings from the film. The Reptar Wagon is rarely seen in the later episodes.

Other appearances

Outside of the ''Rugrats'' film, a normal-sized Reptar appeared as playable racer in 2018's '' Nickelodeon Kart Racers'', and its sequels '' Nickelodeon Kart Racers 2: Grand Prix'' and '' Nickelodeon Kart Racers 3: Slime Speedway''; the latter game features a purple Reptar as an unlockable character.

A normal-sized Reptar also appears as a playable character in '' Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl'' and its sequel, with Fred Tatasciore reprising his role from the 2021 series.

Reception

Overall, critics and fans have generally praised Reptar. ''Destructoid'' calls Reptar as his "Childhood favorites" in '' Nickelodeon Kart Racers''. While ''Shacknews'' described Reptar as one of the most popular characters in the ''Rugrats'' universe, and further stated that "Still, a dinosaur is badass and he's a great choice to stomp all over the competition at '' Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl''," ''Complex'' included Reptar's Wagon on their "Coolest Fictional Cars", and stated that "With extendable arms, a Busta Rhymes Reptar voice, and fire-spitting nostrils (on the original model), this is one badass baby ride." ''Zimbio'' ranked Reptar as 7th of the best pop-culture dinosaur, and stated that "At first glance, Reptar might seem like a spoof on Godzilla, but this uniquely weird dinosaur is truly an unforgettable character. From having his own cereal and chocolate bar to dancing on ice, Reptar is like Beyonce to Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, and Lil." Reptar was also included at ''Alternative Press'' on their "most metal cartoon characters", by stating that "This fire-breathing beast is loved and admired in playpens far and wide for his badass heroics throughout the Rugrats series and movies."

References

{{Rugrats

Animated characters introduced in 1991
Fictional dinosaurs
Fictional monsters
Kaiju
Male characters in animated television series
Rugrats and All Grown Up! characters
Television characters introduced in 1991