“Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts” is a thought-provoking Netflix animated original series set place in an apocalyptic society future 200 years in the future.
However, unlike many other post-apocalyptic futures, this one isn’t filled with disgusting mutations. It instead features wondrous creatures that have been rapidly evolving, including animals being giant, intelligent, with many in their own societies.
“Kipo” follows the story of Kipo, a 12-year-old girl that has been thrown from her underground society into the above world. At first glance, this series seemed like the basic “girl finds way home” type of story, yet it quickly proved itself independent from other series of the same style. Kipo´s lustrous cast shines them out of this shadow cast by many other series, with the range of backgrounds of the characters and their own mysteries surrounding them from Wolf and Benson who are surface humans to Dave who is a talking insect.
Viewers are engulfed in both the story of the main characters and the world around them. Seeing the “mutes” — as they are dubbed — interact with one another was always a pleasant experience. Unlike many other short series, we frequently are introduced to new mutes that actually matter to the plot. They are recurring characters; they do not simply disappear due to the end of the episode. Instead, they continue to exist and contribute to the world around them by reoccurring in plot points.
The overarching mystery of the series is enough to keep viewers entertained. How did she leave her burrow? Why were they in there to begin with? Why are animals all mutated? These are all questions that provoke viewers to continue onto the next episode.
The music and art style stick out in a complimentary way. The music ranges from soothing lullabies to thrilling dubstep that flows very well whatever it takes place.
At first glance, “Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts” may seem like just another animated attempt at a wonderous, apocalypse series, but it pulls it off by being its own unique blend of entertainment.