Animated Series Has Room to Grow

This review was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Depending on your age, comic strips might bring back memories of classic newspaper strips like The Family Circus, Calvin and Hobbes, or the ever-relevant Cathy. However, in the age of declining print journalism and digital disruption, comic strips have evolved to cater to a contemporary audience with a new generation of creators on social media. One of these creators is author Nathan W. Pyle, who gained popularity with his webcomic Strange Planet in 2019. Now, this beloved webcomic is making its way to Apple TV+ as an animated series co-created by Dan Harmon, the showrunner of Community. The 10-episode series is a delightful and subversive ode to human behavior, though it may take some time to build its unique sense of humor.

Strange Planet, the animated series, premiered with the first three episodes on August 9, introducing viewers to a world of adorable and androgynous blue aliens. These beings offer a deep exploration of human eccentricities through observational humor, showcasing a heightened emotional intelligence that is both familiar and advanced. The series follows an episodic, anthology-style narrative, with recurring characters and settings. It artfully dissects the follies of social interactions with light irony, presenting a world where traditions and feelings are seemingly simple yet emotionally complex.

One unique aspect of Strange Planet is its decision to not name its characters, a choice that remains consistent with the comic strips. While this lack of distinction may be distracting for some viewers, it aligns with the creator’s belief that a person’s identity is not as significant as the collective human experience. Instead, the show focuses on injecting emotion through mannerisms, accessories, and vocal range. The series showcases a diverse cast of regulars, including actors from popular shows like Hacks and Community. Their commitment to bringing these 2D characters to life infuses the show with familiarity and adds an extra layer of depth to the viewing experience.

As the characters navigate relatable life experiences, the series uses its own distinct vocabulary to poke fun at the absurdities of our everyday world. For example, parents are referred to as “life-givers,” teeth are called “mouth stones,” and confetti is simply “tiny trash.” While these alternative words can be amusing, their overuse throughout the episodes may become tiresome and predictable.

Strange Planet succeeds in delivering heartfelt wisdom, humor, and off-the-cuff energy. However, there are moments when its messaging feels slightly forced and detached from reality. The show’s unique point of view and emphasis on emotional honesty offer an interesting study of storytelling and societal behavior. It takes a slow build towards its humor, but the consistent heartfelt moments keep viewers engaged. Kindness and sincerity are central themes, leading to existential lessons that are both relatable and thought-provoking.

The animation in Strange Planet remains true to its comic strip origins, maintaining a minimalistic style that separates it from other animated series. The simplicity of the animation allows the show to focus on the relatable personalities and real-world situations of the characters. While the animation may not be as visually striking as a Pixar film, it effectively captures the essence of the comic strip and complements the overall tone of the series.