Following the ending of Wander Over Yonder, Craig McCracken teams up with Netflix to create his first serialized show in the form of Kid Cosmic. In one of the rare occasions where a great concept is given an equally great execution, Kid Cosmic brings the best out of the man who brough us The Powerpuff Girls and Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends with an amazing cast of characters, excellent animation and really strong writing.
Set in the rural desert in New Mexico, a young boy named Kid finds 5 cosmic Stones of Power that fell from an alien spaceship. A lover of superheroes and comic books, Kid dreams of being a hero like the ones he idolizes. However, things don't go his way as he's super team consists of a waitress named Jo, his grandfather, Papa G, his 4-year-old neighbor, Rosa and his cat, Tuna Sandwich. Together they fight off alien invaders while also learning how to work together as a team and what it truly means to be a hero. Each episode focuses on Kid trying to be the best hero he can be yet his struggle comes from the fact that real life doesn't play out like the comics. In addition to subverting tropes found in superhero stories, this series also makes subtle yet much appreciated refrences to classic comics. It also helps that this show is very funny, making great use of classic slapstick, clever word play and moments of general silliness. And given that this is a superhero show, it only makes sense that this show delivers on the action. The action scenes are fast paced, funny, and have genuine stakes behind them. They're also clear and concise so that you know exactly whats going on.
Now on to the characters, who are all very well written and develop naturally as the show progresses. Starting with Kid, he's a lovable comic book fan who just wants to live his dream of being a superhero. As the show progresses, he learns that being a hero is more than just beating up the bad guys and getting recognition. He's equipped with the green Stone of Power that allows him to fly, though slowing down is rather difficult for him. Jo is a waitress who wants to see the world, but when she's brought into the conflict of alien's invading, she has to make sure Kid doesn't get hurt like an older sister. She's equipped with the purple Stone of Power, which allows her to create portals. Rosa is the rambunctious toddler who sees Kid as an fun older brother and likes playing games. She's equipped with the blue Stone of Power, which allows her to grow up to 40 feet tall. Papa G is the quirky grandfather of Kid who's more than willing to help him out. He's equipped with the yellow Stone of Power, which gives him the ability to duplicate himself. Tuna Sandwich is the cat Kid looks after at the diner. He's equipped with the red Stone of Power, which allows him to see into the future. Then there's Stuck Chuck, the alien that started off as an antagonist who just wanted the stones for his leader, but his plans are foiled when he's stuck in Kid's trailer. Other characters that make notable impressions include Flo, Jo's Mom who owns the diner, Carlos and Ramona, Rosa's parents, Carl and Carla who come to the diner often and the mysterious Biker in Black.
What truly brings the characters to life is the amazing voice acting on display. Jack Fisher knocks it out of the park as Kid, making him sound like a genuine superhero fan who's still an excitable child. Amanda Celine Miler brings out an older sister vibe that's perfect for Jo's character. Lily Rose Silver nails the rambunctious nature of a 4-year-old and sells every line delivery. Of course praise should also be given to the veteran voice actors, Keith Ferguson, Tom Kenny, Fred Tatasciore, and many more who all bring their A game to each of the characters they perform. Credit should also be given to Sam Riegal for his amazing voice direction and making sure everyone sounded authentic and well rehearsed.
Visually, this show looks amazing and brings Craig McCracken's style to a new level. Mercury Filmworks (who previously worked with McCraken on the first season of Wander Over Yonder) provided the animation for the show with the use of Toon Boom Harmony software and it looks very well crafted. The characters have a unique design that's reminiscent of comics such as Dennis the Menace with black dots for eyes, round heads and distinct body types. The character animation flows very naturally and makes great use of squash and stretch, especially during the action scenes. The alien designs were all very well crafted and they all feel very distinct from. On another.
I suppose the one downside is the backgrounds, while well detailed (especially with some uses of 3D), feel inherently empty because its the rural desert in New Mexico. This isn't even a small town, this is a truck stop. Hopeful subsequent seasons will remedy this little gripe.
Kid Cosmic is without a doubt Craig McCracken's best show after Wander Over Yonder. With strong writing, very funny humor, an excellent cast of characters and amazing visuals, the show is off to a fantastic start as it provides well crafted action and tackles themes about true heroism. Do yourself a favor an binge the entire first season on Netflix. It's very much worth the watch.
