Mummies Alive!

Production and airing

Originally, Mummies Alive was geared towards an older audience, but during production it became predominately a children's show. The series ran for one season of 42 episodes; the last two episodes link together to end the show, as it appears episodes 38–40 were the finale of the first season. A second season was planned, but due to low ratings, it was canceled.

Eric and Julia Lewald, writers/producers for Mummies Alive!, were also head writers for the third season of the Gargoyles animated series, and programs share common plot elements, including a group of warriors from the past that awaken in the present to fight a wealthy, immortality-obsessed enemy; their initial difficulties in adapting to the modern world; the use of mythological figures in numerous episodes; and a recurring femme fatale antagonist. These similarities made Mummies Alive! vulnerable to criticism describing it as little more than a Gargoyles clone.

After its first and only season, repeats of Mummies Alive! continued to air on local stations across the country. The series previously aired every Sunday on Cookie Jar Toons on This TV.

In India, the show was dubbed into Tamil and Malayalam and aired on Sun TV and Amrita TV in early 2000s, becoming popular in South India.

Humans

Presley Carnovan – voiced by Bill Switzer
A 12-year-old boy who has the spirit of Prince Rapses XII (an ancient pharaoh) who is based on Ramses. He soon discovers this when the Mummies introduce themselves as his guardians. He lives in San Francisco with his mother. He is reluctant to accept his role as Rapses, but on at least two occasions where he had the chance to be freed of his role, when Rapses's father apparently came through the Western Gate and when the original Rapses was drawn into the present, he expressed reluctance at losing his status as 'pharaoh' because it would have also meant him losing the mummies.

Amanda Carnovan – voiced by Louise Vallance
Presley's mother. She works at the City Museum. In Ghouls' Gold, Armon refers to her as "the wise Amanda" when recalling advice she gave Presley. She has insecure feelings that Presley misses being with his father, who is away on business, and tries to bond with her son often.

Mummies

Ja-Kal – voiced by Dale Wilson
The leader of the Mummies. In his transformed state, his armor resembles a falcon and also allows him to fly. His weapon is his razor sharp talons/claws and a bow that can shoot out flaming arrows. In ancient Egypt, Ja-Kal was a hunter who had a wife named Tia and a small baby son named Padjet; he died without knowing what happened to his family. He worries the most of Presley's safety, often acting as a father-figure to him. He commonly uses hunting terms to talk to others and explain situations. Ja-Kal commonly cares for other people's needs first and himself second. It was revealed in episode 39 that he had a brother, Arakh, who was a notorious bandit.

Rath – voiced by Scott McNeil
The most intelligent of the Mummies (but also the most arrogant), and also the only one able to cast spells. When he transforms, a green snake which turns into a golden cobra wraps around him and serves as his armor. His weapon of choice is a sword that can transform into a snake, but he is also able to perform magical incantations. He also designed and built the Mummies' vehicles. In the past, he served as the young Prince's tutor. He claims to know about science, but his definition is such things as turning a staff into a serpent, although he has learned to adapt some spells to the present (such as a spell that summoned underground snakes to bind his enemies in the past, but now summons electric cables in the present). Though they are enemies, Scarab does respect him for his spellcasting skills.

Armon – voiced by Graeme Kingston
Armon is huge and eats very often. He is very strong even when he has not transformed. He is missing his right arm and when he transforms he obtains a golden arm that is used as his weapon. His armor resembles a ram. In Ghouls' Gold, it was explained that Armon lost his real arm fighting in the Pharaoh's army. The pharaoh then gave him his golden arm. While not fighting, Armon spends most of his time eating or watching 'the magic box' TV that Presley gave them. In the past, Armon was Rapses' teacher of combat.

Nefer-Tina – voiced by Cree Summer
She is the only female of the Mummies. She is an expert with her whip, has great agility, and is extremely proficient at driving the Hot-Ra — the Mummies' dragster-like vehicle. When she transforms, her armor is like a cat. Back in ancient Egypt, she had to hide the fact that she was a girl with a head piece or she would not have been allowed to drive chariots. She was known to everyone as Nefer. Only Prince Rapses knew her true identity during that period of time. Ja-Kal and the other members were shocked to find out about the revelation. Armon then comments "No wonder he never went swimming in the Nile with us". Out of the group, she is the only one who is absolutely willing to try anything modern, such as driving a car, and constantly learns under Presley. She also travels the modern world in disguise to try new things. Nefer-Tina's name was based on Queen Nefertiti.

Scarab – voiced by Gerard Plunkett
The Pharaoh's adviser, who later sucked the life force from Prince Rapses for youth and immortality. However the effects were not permanent and started to wear off after a few centuries. Now with Prince Rapses reincarnated as Presley Carnovan, he will stop at nothing to steal the prince's life force again. When Scarab transforms, his body is covered in golden and purple armor, resembling that of a scarab beetle and possessing the power of flight. He also possesses a magical talking snake named Heka that acts as his magical staff from time to time, much to her dismay. His powers include shooting energy blasts from his hands, the creation of Shabti and extensive knowledge in summoning creatures from the afterlife in ancient Egypt. However, he has also shown a good grasp of modern technology, as shown most keenly in Sleight of Hand, where he used technology while competing against the mummies in a mystical contest to try to become Presley's 'guardian' himself (Although Ja-Kal and Presley were able to expose the deception at the last minute).

The identity Scarab takes when he needs to be in public. Harris Stone is known as a wealthy individual. As a major benefactor for the Museum, he gives a speech in Who's Who that is one to remember. Even though he is trying to kill Rapses, Scarab feels responsible for the Egyptian artifacts of the museum and feels a degree of sadness when they are damaged. He is also quick to offer money to people who oppose his point of view. Scarab killed the real Harris Stone when he discovered his crypt and inadvertedly freed him, and took over his identity.

The Snake Familiar, and sometimes Staff, of Scarab. She acts as his loyal companion and advisory, who often makes snide, sarcastic remarks and witty observations. She also has the ability to spit fire.

Ancient Egyptians

Prince Rapses' father, the Pharaoh and ruler of all of Egypt. He was a good Pharaoh and was very respected by all his people. He appears in Scarab and Presley's dreams in Pack to the Future. In Reunion, Scarab makes the Mummies believe that Amenhotep has returned. In Family Feud I – Brother's Keeper, Amenhotep appears in some of Ja-Kal's recollections.

Scarab's dog-like pet. He has the head of a crocodile, the body of a lion and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus. Presley describes him in Pack to the Future as "That's the ugliest dog I've ever seen." Ammut was not summoned by Scarab but simply tagged along with the Pack, and then sticked around -he usually messes up anything Scarab tells him to do. Ammut has good parts in Pack to the Future and Who's Who. In Egyptian Mythology, Ammut is female.

Serpent of the Desert. An anthropomorph cobra-like creature with an ability to change shape into a young human man. Rapses' grandfather drove Apep out of Egypt and into the desert 3500 years ago. Apep is after revenge and wants Rapses to pay for what his grandfather did to him and when Scarab summons him and his gang, they take on the shapes of a motorbiker gang. However, upon meeting and fighting Nefer-Tina, he falls in love with her and decides to disobey Scarab. Apep appears in Desert Chic and Pepped With Good Intention.

Arakh is Ja-Kal's evil brother and was known as the "Scorpion of the Desert". He can transform into his Scorpion armor. His story is told in the three "Family Feud" episodes.

Cat Goddess of ancient Egypt and the patron goddess of Nefer-Tina, brought to the present in Paws. She demands to be worshipped by the people.

Master of Chance and Trickery. He is a small mischievous green guy who enjoys playing games on people. He especially enjoys flipping a coin to decide on outcomes quite similar to Batman's Two-Face. Bes appears in Who's Who and Tree O'Clock Rock.

Rath's student of magic 3500 years ago. She was the best student he ever had, and she became more powerful than Rath. Rath was falling in love with her, but had to stop teaching Chontra when the pharaoh ordered him to teach Prince Rapses. For that, Chontra became vengeful and wants to make Rath pay. She gets her first chance in Good Bye Mr. Cheops. She tries again in Tempting Offer and Eye of the Beholder.

Horrific monster trapped in a mirror. No one knows his origin. Every 3500 years, when the planets align, he seeks the soul of a Pharaoh so he can exchange himself with the spirit to free himself from the mirror. The Pharaoh's soul would then be lost until the planets realign in 3500 more years (A fact that allowed the Mummies to deduce that Scarab was not involved in its release as Scarab would want Presley's soul for himself). Once unleashed, no power on earth would be able to stop him. Only the one who sets the spell in motion can stop him. The Eye of Darkness makes its appearance in The Face in the Mirror.

Spirit of the Earth – a huge rock giant that makes earthquakes when he walks. He is a rather unintelligent giant that attacks anyone who disturbs him. Geb is first featured in The Gift of Geb. Geb also has a major part in Monster Truck Mania. It is revealed that he is married to Net, goddess of the sky, in Married to the Geb.

A headless and bodiless guy with just two arms who is a spirit that lives inside Scarab and comes out of his mouth. For an example, see Body Slam. In ancient Egyptian religion, the Ka is the spirit of a man's soul and is represented by the symbol of two upright arms.

The sacred cat, sometimes called the sacred kitty. Kahti can transform into a bigger, more-powerful, lynx-sized cat. She was Prince Rapses' pet 3500 years ago, and occasionally serves as Presley's more 'immediate' guardian by staying near him when he is not with the other Mummies, her small size allowing her to escape being noticed.

Friend of Nefer-Tina 3500 years ago. Chontra appears as Kenna in Eye of the Beholder.

Arakh's son and Ja-Kal's nephew. He might not truly be considered a bad guy, but does side with Scarab and cause the Mummies a lot of grief before he determines where his true allegiances lie. He also can transform into Scorpion armor like his father. Kimas appears in the second and third "Family Feud" episodes.

A cloudlike being who can produce rain and lightning and can turn into a tornado. Geb and Net might be called your typical married couple. They have a little spat in Married to the Geb.

Source of all the waters and rivers of the Earth. A stupid villain made of water who thinks he is all-powerful, but is not even close. He is a prankster and makes real lame jokes. But even worse, he laughs at his own jokes. Nuhn appears in High Nuhn and Water, Water, Everywhere.

Ancient goddess of sickness and health. She has destroyed whole civilizations with her evil temper. Unlike in actual egyptian depiction where she is a lion-headed goddess, she has the head of a vulture in this version. Nobody was ever able to defeat her. Sekhmet appears in The Curse of the Sekhmet when Scarab summons her to cure his cold - enraged at being summoned for such a trifle, she sets out to destroy the city and Scarab and Rath have to team up to banish her.

Set is a bulldog-headed spirit who is leader of the "Trackers of Souls". He calls himself "Dog of the Desert, Master of Evil, Lord of Thunder". Anubis, the not-so-competent jackal (wild dog) spirit of the underworld, tags along with Set. Anubis has a scepter that causes "the sleep of forgetting". They appear in Pack to the Future, The Face In The Mirror, Dog Bites Mummy, and Family Feud I – Brother's Keeper. They are often summoned by Scarab, but occasionally did turn on him when they did not like to be ordered around. Unlike in real Egyptian mythology, where Anubis is a mostly neutral and clever god, he is one of the villains and is rather dim-witted, often being outsmarted by Presley. In Egyptian Mythology, Set doesn't have the head of a dog.

Golem-like armies of men made of clay controlled by Scarab. They are very easy to defeat as they break into pieced when toppled, however usually there are quite many of them. They also shatter easily when hit and dissolve in water. They most often look like Egyptians, but can be dressed up as anything, such as construction workers or policemen. Sometimes, if they are broken in half, both halves can still function independently.

Brought to life by Scarab. In natural form he is 100 feet tall, but can reduce his size. In Body Slam, he reduces himself to about 10 feet tall and 500 pounds for the Contest. Then in Miscast, he is recreated by Rath. He comes back looking for a mate in Object of His Affections. Talos is from Greek mythology. The human anklebone is called the "Talus".

Ja-Kal's wife 3500 years ago. They had a small baby son named Padjet. In Sleep Walk Like an Egyptian, we see the scene of the last time Ja-Kal sees Tia and Padjet. Tia gives Ja-Kal an imprint of his son's hand. This hand print is now a sad memory for Ja-Kal of the family he once had. At the end of Sleep Walk Like an Egyptian, Presley asks Ja-Kal, "What happened to your family?" Ja-Kal responds sadly with, "I don't know." Presley then says, "It was Rapses fault – my fault! I don't know how, but some day I'll make it up to you. I promise!" Ja-Kal thinks about Tia and Padjet in Eye of the Beholder and Chontra appears as Tia.

Modern humans

Works as a Regional Subdirector for the Department of Federal Investigation. He analyzes Rath in We've Got One.

A clumsy, nerdy sales clerk who sells clothes but is allergic to wool. Nonetheless, he gets a kiss from Nefer-Tina in True Believer.

Rotund police officer, and Joe Pendleton's partner.

Walter's older sister. Presley has a crush on her, but she is a couple of years older than Presley and likes Benjamin who is in college. Cynthia usually cannot even remember Presley's name and calls him "Preston" or "Wesley".

The janitor at the City Museum. Murdoch is his dog. Charlie is an old navy man. He is really proud of the times when he met Mike Conners (Mannix) in '62. "That was when me and Larry met Kojak." Charlie appears in Honey, I Shrunk the Mummies.

She is a student in Presley's grade. She likes Presley, but often has a tough time getting his attention.

Joe is a police officer, and the Regional Treasurer of the Third Annual Paranormal Alien Visitors Psychic Convention and Brat-Bust. He finally meets his first "space alien" in A Dark and Shrieky Night when Ja-Kal humors him by making it sound like he is from outer space. Joe and Bob both get deeply involved with the "aliens" in We've Got One. They also appear briefly in many other episodes. Joe is featured in the final episode Show Me the Mummy!.

Presley's science teacher. Known as Mr. Huxley to his students, and considered to be a "science geek", he is someone who never has fun. He also believes there is an explanation for everything. He has starring roles in Good Bye Mr. Cheops and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Huxley. He also appears in Sleep Walk Like an Egyptian, The Gift of Geb, The Curse of the Sekhmet, Missing Ja-Kal, and Eye of the Beholder.

Amanda Carnovan's boss and the director of the Museum. He makes appearances in Ra, Ra, Ra, Ra, Sleep Walk Like an Egyptian, and Pack to the Future.

Owns the Java Spot cafe. Presley's mother spends some time with him in Tempting Offer.

Presley's father who lives in Memphis (presumably Presley's parents are divorced). His dad claims to be an archeologist, but his true activities are somewhat suspect. He visits Presley in My Dad the Hero.

An expert but extremely bad and boring lecturer who discovered the scroll that can open the gates of time. His lecture takes place at the beginning of The Prince and the Presley.

Head of Federal Investigation and is Agent Phillips' boss.

Four homeless street people who befriend Rath when he loses his memory in Dead Man Walking.

The school bully. He and his punk friend Chuck like to rough up the other kids. Tiny and Chuck appear in The Egyp-Tsu Kid and briefly in Dog Bites Mummy and Kid Scarab.

Cynthia's brother and Presley's friend who is in 7th grade with him.

Home video release and action figures

In 1998, a VHS entitled Mummies Alive! – The Legend Begins was released. DVDs have also been released including Mummies Alive: The Beginning and two volume sets in 2007. In 2017, three volumes of double DVDs were released in Germany, with 14 episodes on each volume. The complete 42 episode series is available as of March 24th 2007, the release date of the third and final volume. The DVDs are region 2 with German, and English audio as well.

To coincide with the animated series, Hasbro produced a series of Mummies Alive! 5" tall action figures and vehicles in 1997. There were regular and "fright face" varieties of the main mummies. Nefer-Tina and Presley got toys as well, but they are later releases and harder to find. A final wave of toys would have contained a Night Hunter Ja-Kal and Armon, as well as Cobra Strike Pep but only a few of these figures were released in some parts of Europe.