I just finished binging Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts and loved every minute. It is the perfect coming-of-age story, full of adventure, action, and humor. If you are looking for a new cartoon to get into, or simply looking for something to watch with your kids, this is a great solution.
In a dystopian future, society as we know it collapses. Animals have mutated and become sentient and form warring factions that fight over control of what remnants of civilization. The few surviving humans live in underground burrows, hidden from the chaos. Kipo is a burrow girl with big dreams and a bigger heart. She gets separated from her home and ends up in a land full of wonder and danger. Kipo must find her way home, but her journey won’t be easy. Luckily, she finds friends who help her. What will Kipo discover along the way? What will she help others discover?
What I love most about this series are the characters. Kipo is quirky without being annoying, which many shows get wrong. She is a capable teenage girl who will win you over as she does many of her friends. She has her flaws, but the series does a fantastic job of showing her work through them. She is an excellent protagonist and one of the major reasons you should be watching this series.
Kipo’s friends are amazing. The cast is full of fun and memorable characters who also go through an incredible journey. I loved watching the characters grow as they learn from their experiences. I gushed hard at moments that lasted seconds because of how pivotal they were for a character’s development. The attention to detail in this narrative is phenomenal. The series also has some fantastic villains who have great motivations and help mold the story.
This series isn’t perfect, but it’s close. The voice acting is mostly great, but there are a few awkward lines reads. The writing is fantastic, although there is a general cheesiness throughout that is hard to ignore. That said, I believe the flaws give the series its charm.
Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeats is a rollercoaster of emotions that you need to experience once. I was so invested in the story, characters, and moments that I cried a few times. This series has a lot of laughs and some cool action, but when it needs to get serious, you better be ready. The story is fantastic, the art style is fun, and the soundtrack is phenomenal. If you are looking for a cartoon to watch, it needs to be this one.
You can stream Kipo and the Age of the Wonderbeasts on Netflix.
Final Space Ends Announcement
Today I got some fantastic news about one of my favorite animated series. I can’t express how overjoyed I am to know that Final Space is finally getting a proper ending. The series follows a quirky and delightful astronaut as he and his friends try to save the universe. If you haven’t seen the series, you need to. It is an epic story full of humor, friendship, and heroism. Make sure you check out my full review of the series.
Unfortunately, the series got canceled before it could end because TBS wanted to write it off for tax reasons. The creator, Olan Rogers, was rightfully devastated because he didn’t own the rights to finish a series he created. For two years, Rogers has continued his fight to finish his story. Five days ago, Rogers announced that Final Space will end in a self-published graphic novel. This makes me incredibly happy because Rogers deserves this. The announcement is up on his official YouTube channel. I recommend you watch it so that you can appreciate the passion and love this man has for his story.
You can pre-order the graphic novel on the Final Space Ends official website. Over 16,000 copies of the graphic novel have sold since the announcement, and the number continues to climb. Keep checking the site if it sells out. I got my copy before it sold out, but more have been available since. The book is $125 plus shipping and is expected to release sometime in 2024. Make sure you follow Olen Rogers on YouTube to stay on top of future announcements.
I know this seems like a lot, but the book is going to be huge and epic. I have faith that this final chapter is going to be the epic conclusion we have all been waiting for.
I wanted to share this announcement because I believe it deserves attention, but also because of the timing. I have been feeling a bit of burnout lately and have debated quitting WordPress. This morning I was on the verge of deleting my blog until I saw this announcement. I was happy that my favorite show was getting its ending, but Roger’s perseverance and passion inspired me to keep going. In his video, he tells his viewers not to give up on their passions, even when things seem hopeless.
“You have to dare to dare to fail”
You don’t understand how badly I needed to hear those words when I did. I know that the algorithm played a huge part in showing me the announcement, but I am superstitious enough to believe in fate. I’ve been consistently on YouTube since it was published, but it was only recommended when I needed it most. As silly as it sounds, too many events in my life have lined up so perfectly that I have to believe that fate exists. I am taking his words to heart and will continue pursuing my passions.
With that, I’ll sign off. I have a backlog of games I’ve sent to review, the Digimon Seekers project I need to finish, and some movie reviews to sprinkle in between. Until then, go watch Final Space, go pre-order the graphic novel, and if you are still reading, thank you for your support. Love you all!
Art by Daz Tibbles @daztibbles
Series Review: The Owl House
The series finale of The Owl House just aired, and I have been left with a deepening sadness as the realization that this fantastic adventure is over. If you haven’t seen this cartoon, go watch it now. It is a cute and epic story of friendship and self-discovery that everyone needs to experience at least once. While I am sad that the series is over, I am at least glad it got its proper conclusion.
Luz is an odd kid who has trouble fitting in. To fix how weird she is, Luz is sent to a camp that will make her normal. But instead of going to camp, Luz finds herself in the demon realm where she meets an eccentric named Eda. Through her adventures in the demon realm, Luz finally finds a place where she belongs. But an evil lurks in the shadows trying to destroy everything Luz has come to love. Can Luz become strong enough to save the world she now calls home?
The Owl House has easily become one of my favorite cartoons because of its fantastic storytelling, quirky characters, and epic adventure. If there is a better story out there, I will be back to tell you about it.
This series is full of quirky characters that you will love unconditionally. Each goes on an important quest of self-discovery where they learn to be comfortable with who they want to be despite society’s expectations. Luz pushes people to think outside the box, and watching them grow alongside is delightful. I love how the characters at the end of the series aren’t in the same place as where they started. I love even more what they have become.
Luz is an amazing protagonist. She is weird and quirky, but she is also strong in an authentic way. I loved watching her grow and fight for her beliefs as she went on her journey of self-discovery. Luz isn’t perfect. She makes mistakes, but she learns and grows from them. Her journey isn’t easy, and while there are times when she wavers, it is cute to watch how her friends are there to help her as she is always there to help them. I loved that as she began to find her place in the world, she was helping others find theirs.
This series is silly and has some adorable quirks, but it knows when to get serious and tell its epic story. I can’t tell you how many times this series made me cry. This story builds ups to some pretty emotional beats that made me feel all sorts of emotions, but when this series gets epic, I was at the edge of my seat. I am sad the adventure is over, but I am not disappointed by how it ended. The series has such a good ending, and it told its story properly.
If you haven’t seen The Owl House, you need to go and watch it. It is an epic adventure of friendship and self discovery that will make you laugh, cry and smile. Go stream it on Disney+!
Image by By The logo is from the following website: https://www.disneychannel.ca/shows/the-owl-house/, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63801542
Series Review: Dragon Age: Absolution (2022)
In an odd unexpected twist and in the final moments of the year, I found a surprising little fantasy series that you should consider. It is a bit of a slow start, but when it picks up, it is worth the wait. It is a better fantasy series than Amazon’s Rings of Power, and one that is a more manageable commitment. Follow a group of misfits in one of their most dangerous heists yet. The inquisition has collected a group of adventurers to collect a magical item that will shift the balance of power in the world. But things don’t always go as planned, and now the party must fight off guards, zombies, mages, dragons, and even demons. Can they finish the job and make it out with their lives? You will have to watch to find out. While it may not be the best-animated fantasy series out this year, it sits in a good position within the genre. The voice acting is fantastic and the story is fine, but the animation leaves a bit to be desired. I am not a huge fan of the art style, but it isn’t terrible. My problem is that the fights and actions don’t feel as epic as they need to be. It isn’t bad, but it isn’t The Legend of Vox Machina. The series is based on the Dragon Age games, but I didn’t find it necessary to know any of the existing lore to understand the plot. The series does a great job of being independent and existing as its own narrative. The only real benefit of having exposure to the established lore is that you will understand some vernacular better. You won’t be lost without it, however, making this series a great place to start if you are interested in Dragon Age. I really enjoyed the villain choice for this series. It was a unique attempt at a villain that holds the narrative together nicely. The heroes are fun to follow and interesting enough to keep your attention. I like how the intrapersonal connections between the characters is what drive a lot of the narrative. The narrative isn’t perfect, some of it is rushed, but it was worth the commitment. Whether you are an avid fan of fantasy or looking to dip your toe in the genre, this series should be on your list. Whether we get another season, or it gets canceled, make sure you stream it on Netflix.
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Series Review: Final Space
Final Space has no right to be as good as it is; you should watch it if you haven’t. I am disappointed that it won’t be getting its proper conclusion anytime soon because a greedy network is holding it hostage. Nonetheless, Final Space is the perfect space odyssey you should be watching!
Final Space is the story of Gary Goodspeed’s destiny. Gary is serving his prison sentence alone in space when a mysterious, planet-destroying space creature finds him. Gary befriends the strange creature and names it Mooncake. But the friendship between Mooncake and Garry sets off a series of events that will change the universe forever. Now Garry and his newly found crew of misfits must save the universe from an ancient evil.
Final Space is an epic and emotional adventure I wasn’t prepared for. Do not let the art style and general goofiness fool you, this is a serious adventure full of love, loss, action, and betrayal. Final Space is sci-fi done right. There is fantastic world-building, memorable characters with proper development, actual stakes, and a narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I laughed, I cried, but I need more.
My only complaint about this show is that there aren’t any plans for a final season. It is also difficult to find copies of the seasons that have been released because it is no longer available for streaming anywhere. You can find the first two seasons on Amazon for purchase right now, but that might change soon. It is worth the trouble if you can find it anywhere else, even if it is a physical copy. I can only hold onto the hope that one day it will miraculously get the proper conclusion that it deserves. Take my word for it, go watch Final Space, and don’t forget to thank me when you do.
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Series Review: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
I went into this show blind, not knowing anything about the established lore except that Cyberpunk started as a tabletop RPG. I have never played an RPG because I could barely get a dungeons and dragons group together. I haven’t played the video game either because of the debacle that game turned into. After watching Cyberpunk Edgerunners, I will be desperately trying to convince my D&D playgroup to allow me to run some games in this system. I can only hope that this show gains popularity so that there will be interest in the RPG.
The show takes place in a dystopian future. The city is run by corrupt corporations that are constantly at war with each other. If you are lucky, you can land a corporate job and live a normal life. But most citizens aren’t lucky and are forced to live in the slums of the city, fighting for scraps. There is no easy way to get out of the slums. If you aren’t homeless or dying from drug addiction, the only way to survive is to join one of the city’s many gangs. The corporations use these gangs as paws to serve the corporate agenda.
The story focuses on David. His mother struggles to keep him in a prestigious school with the hopes that he can climb the corporate ladder and have a good life. But destiny has other plans for David, and a car accident robs him of a mother. Now alone in this cruel world, David is left with mounting and crippling debt. In his desperation, he joins the gang that will become his family. Will David find his new meaning with his gang? Will he be able to climb the ranks of the underworld, or will he be another wasted pawn for the corporations?
I loved everything about this series. The art was beautiful, the narrative is great, and the music is fantastic. The voice acting is good for the most part, but the dialect is a bit odd. I believe that the creators were trying to invent a futurist dialect, but it comes out a little awkward. That said, I appreciate the attempt and wouldn’t change it for any other dialect. This is a well-made animated series, but one that is full of nudity, violence, and gore. Viewer discretion is advised.
Cyberpunk Edgerunners is a hyperactive vision of a dystopian future run by corrupt corporations who only care about money. It makes some very valid commentary about income inequality, skewed opportunities, and the issues with capitalism. It is very well done, and my heart still races from the experience. My only true complaint is that I have already finished the series.
Do yourself a favor, and watch this series. If it is appropriate of course.
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TV Series Review: Fairfax (2021)
There is an audience for this animated series, it just doesn’t include me. There is nothing technically bad with Fairfax, it was just too obnoxious for my tastes. The animation is fine, the voice acting is solid, the attention to detail is fantastic, and there is a good soundtrack buried throughout the series. But this show was created with a specific audience in mind and it is not for everyone.
The show follows Dale, a kid from Oregon who moves to the trendy city of Fairfax California. While everyone is obsessed with chasing clout through popularity and fashion, Dale only wants to make friends and go hiking. Dale makes friends with a group of characters who try to teach him how to fit in. While he does have a lot to learn about the new culture he has been dropped into, he also has a lot to learn.
Fairfax makes a lot of important social commentary about the culture obsessed with clout chasing. The show is supposed to be obnoxious as it satirizes the ridiculous never-ending cycle of being trendy. Every episode is a tedious adventure about chasing the lasted fad only to end in the disappointment that there is a new trend to chase. The whole series is about a society stuck in this endless and stressful race of seeking attention. It is well done, for the most part, I just wish it was wrapped in a different package.
I will say that I respect the attention to detail put into this show. If you were around for the Hypebeast era, you will catch and appreciate a lot of the references. Slang, posters, and music, amongst the constant barrage of pop culture references, encapsulate a whole generation of culture. I just didn’t like the characters or the tone of the series. If you can get past both of these jarring details, you might have a better time with this show.
The show isn’t bad. It has its moments, and it makes some very cool observations, but it isn’t for me. This show was made with a specific audience in mind. Those on the outside of this group won’t find this show entertaining. That said, you can check it out on Amazon if you have a Prime Membership.
The Legend of Vox Machina – Final Thoughts
I have reviewed this show with my initial reaction, but I would like to leave you with my final thoughts. I have watched this series multiple times at this point, and while some of my initial thoughts prove to be accurate, there are some revisions I need to make. If you are on the fence about this show, you shouldn’t be. Watch this show. Even if you aren’t a fan of fantasy or Dungeons and Dragons, the amazing storytelling, unique characters, and terrific voice acting will leave you wanting more. There is not a doubt in my mind that this is a step in the right direction for both the fantasy genre and the health of Dungeons and Dragons.
The Legend of Vox Machina does a great job at being beginner-friendly. I’ve said this before, this is casual fantasy at its best. You don’t need to learn new languages or keep track of multiple houses, but that does not mean the story isn’t complex. There are multiple narratives nicely woven into in the form of important backstories and impactful lore. You do not need to have seen Critical Role, although there are enough Easter eggs to keep the fans happy. The only problem I see people having with this show is with the magic and the skill checks. They don’t name their attacks like in anime, and skill checks happen, but they don’t matter unless you’ve played the game. Knowing dungeons and dragon rules only really adds flavor because some of the rules have been adjusted for narrative reasons.
I was skeptical at first because I didn’t know how they would adapt a tabletop role-playing game into a story, but they do. The story is amazing, and the fights are done beautifully. I will give a bit of warning; this show is heavy on the gore. I don’t mind it, but it might be a shock for those of you who aren’t used to it. This is an adult cartoon with adult themes, so viewer discretion and all that. I am excited for season two and the future of fantasy as a genre.
If you are on the fence about this show, don’t be. You can watch the entire first season over on Amazon.
