The summer was fraught with demands for Marvel to abandon its traditional four-quadrant strategy, even with the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine. Rivals such as Invincible and The Boys were fetching applause, an indication that superhero narratives could break the mold. However, Marvel is getting a lifeline from an unexpected source: the bawdy animated series Hit-Monkey.
Key takeaways:
– Marvel has a new angel in form of Hit-Monkey season 2, which brings a novel perspective for the studio.
– The animated series clearly stands apart from the Avengers, traditionally associated with Marvel.
– The series mingles stylized violence, gross-out bits, and comic book creativity.
– Marvel wisely retains Hit-Monkey's independence from sprawling connections to the MCU.
The New Venture in Superhero Storytelling
Around the Marvel Studios, counter-examples of superhero storytelling that earned admiration continued to surface. This was evident even as the hotly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine were on the horizon. Superhero narratives, given a fresh spin in the form of series like Invincible and The Boys, were a big hit. Marvel, however, has its card to play with Hit-Monkey making a splendid return with a second season.
Season 2: A Plot to Remember
Hit-Monkey Season 2 takes us to New York City, as monkey and Bryce Fowler's ghost relocate after the tumultuous events in Tokyo. They're determined to raise Monkey's profile while attracting the attention of Bryce's former agent Eunice. But the past isn't done with them yet; challenges from Monkey's past friend Akiko seeking revenge, Bryce's urge to reconnect with his daughter Iris, and a secret he's keeping from Monkey, all add to the intrigue.
The Innovative Narrative Approach
Hit-Monkey's unique storyline seamlessly merges traditional animation and gross-out segments. But it's more than just its stylized violence and absurd scenes that set it apart. It's an honest exploration of the unique power sets, featuring ghosts, demons, and outrageous psychic powers, which brings comic book creativity into animation.
Marvel's Hit-Monkey — “Return to Sender” — Episode 201 — Monkey makes a name for himself as a hitman in New York City while Bryce tries to reconnect with his daughter.
Immaculate Aesthetics and Inspiration
Animation house Floyd County Productions uses Hit-Monkey to push its style further. Known for their work on Archer and Dicktown, their versatility in blending genre and eras to recreate particular vibes is evident in Hit-Monkey. They masterfully recreate visual inspirations from exploitation films and subtly hint at 70s Kung-Fu movies and Tarantino's work.
The Comedy and Emotion Blend
The comedic tone in Hit-Monkey comes out stronger in this season, thanks to Jason Sudeikis's biting sarcasm. However, his voice acting not only induces laughter but also delivers emotional monologues. Coupled with the intimate storyline created by showrunners Will Speck and Josh Gordon, the narrative becomes incredibly personal.
A room for Improvement: The Villains
One area that Hit-Monkey could improve on is its portrayal of villains. Despite displaying some intriguing aspects, the villains lack the personal connection that characters like Bryce and Haruka possess. Here comes an opportunity for Marvel to flesh out their antagonists more in the future.
Getting Stronger: Hit-Monkey's Evolution
In its second season, Hit-Monkey improves from its debut season. The time away seems to have fitted the comedy nicely, adding further depth to its storytelling. With some significant plot twists and a profound emotional arc at its core, the Marvel animated show comes off as one of the best in 2024.
Conclusion: A Marvel Animated Triumph
Score: 8/10 Ace in the sleeve for Marvel, Hit-Monkey Season 2, builds upon its emotional storytelling from Season 1. Marvel's decision to separate Monkey from the others in the Marvel Cinematic Universe proves invaluable. If this continues, it will only solidify the show's storytelling. With unmatched creativity and a layered emotional arc, Hit-Monkey emerges as one of the best animations in 2024.
The second season of Hit-Monkey debuts on July 15, 2024. Watch it on Hulu or Disney+. Enjoy all ten episodes that were sent to FandomWire for review. Remain updated with further entertainment news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
