THE RAMBO REPORT: ANIMATED AMMO

“This time, the weapons will not be used to kill people. They’ll be used to thwart violence.” That’s the promise of John Riggio, director of creative services for Worldvision, the NYC-based company that’s distributing the animated “Rambo.”

Riggio stressed that “it’s a show with patriotism, heroism, teamwork and compassion. You might see a hand grenade go off (in a scene) --but the crowd will clear before anyone gets hurt.” (Sly Stallone has no connection to the series or the character--who is not animated in his likeness, and does not speak in Stallone-ese.)

The series--due in the spring--will kick off with a 5 1/2-hour miniseries. Then it’s set to run in five shows a week. “We think kids will get caught up in Rambo’s adventures,” said Riggio, with a nod to Rambo’s work as the leader of the Force of Freedom, the undercover strike force that gets its assignments from Col. Trautman. Their perpetual antagonists: S.A.V.A.G.E., a band of international villains led by Gen. Warhawk.

On occasion, Rambo will speak directly to his (young) viewers--”offering tips on things like survival.”

When Outtakes chortled, Riggio admitted, “It is funny.”