Three Animated Shows You Might’ve Missed in 2019
Bojack sits in rehab. Credit: Netflix
By SARAH CHESSER
Many people say that cartoons are childish. (I’m guilty of saying it as well.) But 2019 proved us wrong. Many recent cartoons delve into strong emotions and sophisticated topics.
The combination of cutesy, clearly-drawn animation and mature topics has been perfected in popular shows like “Rick & Morty” and “Adventure Time.” But here are a few others you might have missed.
“Bojack Horseman” made its final comeback on October 25 last year. In short, the comedy is about a depressed celebrity horse living in corrupt “Hollywoo[d].” Season 6 of Bojack guided me through a roller coaster of emotions. There is no protagonist or antagonist; they are simply people trying to fight their demons. Don’t let the fact that half of the characters are animals fool you. Imagine crying over relationship issues between a talking dog and a human.
There is no telling who you’re going to side with in this show. At one point, you’ll hate a character. Then, you learn more about their past, and now you don’t know what to think anymore.
“BoJack, you ruin everything. That’s what you are,” is Bojack’s fundamental belief throughout the series. It’s a surprisingly real belief that occurs all too often in the entertainment industry. It’s so real that you’ll let the fact that the main character is a talking horse slip your mind.
The mental health-awareness in the show is on a whole other level. Dependency is a big topic in this season; Bojack is dealing with rehab alone, Diane is dealing with depression and a new relationship, and Princess Caroline is trying to take care of her newly-adopted child while struggling with her workaholic tendencies. The topics may sound intense, but they are perfectly balanced with light-hearted and fun jokes. From dad jokes to self-depreciation, it’ll satisfy anyone.
Distressed Tanjiro runs through the forest with his bloodied sister on his shoulders. Credit: VIZ Media
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (released on April 6), is not your average, demon-hunting anime. Yes, there are nasty monsters and bloody battles, but it will tug on your heartstrings. I was invested immediately by the start of the first episode. The snow looked as if you could touch it. The animation was so beautiful, it drew me right in without even having a clue about the show. You are introduced to the main character running through a beautifully-drawn forest with his sister, hurt, around his shoulders.
They cut to a flashback that soon answers every question you had after the opening scene. It’s sad and gruesome, but powerful. You immediately get into Tanjiro’s mindset: revenge for the massacre of his whole family.
The atmosphere is dark and grim for the most part, but there are plenty of jokes to lighten the mood. The fight scenes are incredible, and you just can't wait for the next - even if it's your favorite character that may get hurt. The amazing character development will make you actually feel sad for the villains when they die.
Harley takes the subway with her “BFF” Poison Ivy. Credit: DC Universe/Warner Bros. Animation
This next one is for comic book fans or supporters of women’s empowerment. Harley Quinn has been a fan favorite ever since she was introduced to the DC Universe. She is almost always portrayed as Joker’s naive sidekick, but the new show, “Harley Quinn,” really does her justice. The show premiered on November 29.
Harley finally realizes, after years of working together, that Joker was never really in love with her to begin with. It takes her awhile to realize, but when Joker once again betrays her and leaves her to die, she’s had enough. To get her revenge, Harley strives to become the top villain in Gotham. Although constantly looked down upon and patronized, specifically by men, she stays determined, even while heartbroken.
The show is fun, and the characters are lovable. The colorful animation supports the lightheartedness of the show.
Although taking a different path, the writers stay true to the original characters; Batman is his reserved, serious self, Joker is a sociopath obsessed with Batman, Harley is as chaotic as ever. Beware of the blood and language, though. It can get a little graphic.