The return of Genndy Tartakovsky to Adult Swim has finally arrived in the form ofUnicorn: Warriors Eternal. The series has been more than two decades in the making during Tartakovsky’s lengthy tenure at Cartoon Network. Following a programming adjustment by Adult Swim,Unicorn: Warriors Eternalhas finally made its debut on the late-night network. While it may not feature the same kind of stylish violence found inTartakovsky’s other series,Primal, it still bears his signature trademarks: beautiful animation, gorgeous settings, and an intriguing plot that will – hopefully – end in a conclusive fashion.
The series recently debuted with a two-part opener, “The Awakening,” with new episodes airing on Adult Swim and HBO Max. Following a group of heroes collectively known as “Unicorn,” they battle evil throughout time itself as they reincarnate themselves wherever it may appear. Their latest battle, nowtaking place in Victorian London, will follow these heroes as they unravel their past while trying their damnedest to save the world. If you haven’t given the show a chance yet, you may want to reconsider once you see all the positivesUnicorn: Warriors Eternalhas to offer.
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Is Visually Stunning
Even for Tartakovsky, an artist associated with stunning visuals,Unicorn: Warriors Eternalstands out significantly against his previous works. In an interview with Paste Magazine,Tartakovsky spoke about his artistic inspirationsfor the series, specifically highlighting two artists in particular:
“It’s Max Fleischer and Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy) influenced. AndAstro Boyis influenced by Fleischer and Disney from the ’40s, so it’s like this incestual pool of beloved characters. Stephen DeStefano (The Venture Bros.,The Cuphead Show) is the character designer. This is his forte. He worked on thePopeyemovie with me. We wanted this old aesthetic but told in a very contemporary way with contemporary filmmaking. And that was the key.”
Those familiar with historical animation will likely notice these similarities as they watch the first few episodes. Several character designs utilize “rubber hose” limbs, faces are more often than not constructed out of soft and round shapes, and one of our heroes – Melinda – is visually reminiscent of Betty Boop, one of Max Fleischer’s most famous characters.
This, combined with exaggerated expressions and large eyeballs, creates a cast that can express themselves more thoroughly compared to some of Tartakovsky’s other protagonists. That’s not to criticizePrimal’sSpear orSamurai Jack, obviously, but it’s a difference that’s immediately noticeable as you watch the series.
Something that hasn’t changed, however, is Tartakovsky’s action scenes. Similar to howPrimalemphasized the sheer animalistic brutality of combat,Unicornutilizes each of its protagonist’s powers in its own exciting way. This action is also bolstered by relying less on booming music and more on ambient sound effects.
When tensions are high, and emotions flare up, the resulting musical cues feel all the more impactful. It’s easy to forget that a lot goes intomaking fight scenes “mean” somethingand subtle choices like that can easily make them feel more impactful.
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Is a Steampunk Story
It would’ve been easy forUnicorn: Warriors Eternalto take place in a generic fantasy world. Based on the title alone, it certainly paints that image. But make no mistake – from as early as the first episode, this is a series where steam power is king.
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From the very first scene in Victorian England, all the trappings of steampunk can be seen. Elaborate vehicles, the advent of autonomous men, and vintage-style attire all complement each other uniquely while further differentiating themselves fromSamurai JackandPrimal.
While heavily inked outlines make a return, there’s an ornate level of architectural detail in the backgrounds of every shot. Distant flying machines, idle smokestacks, uptight citizens minding their own business, it all fits into a world that will only feel more realized as the series continues airing.
This is no doubt best exemplified in the character of Copernicus. A rotund ball of metal and mechanical pieces donning a metallic top hat, Copernicus isa robotic feast for the eyeswhenever they’re on-screen, with his metallic innards shifting and twisting into various armaments when needed.
While the other members of our lead cast speak freely, Copernicus continues the tradition of letting his actions and idle noises “speak” for him, conveying an objective-oriented yet empathetic mechanical character.
Unicorn: Warriors Eternal Has an Intriguing Premise
Unicorn: Warriors Eternalraises some interesting questions based on its premise alone. Copernicus is tasked with bringing the members of Unicorn to life in whatever time they’re needed. This is accomplished by transferring a warrior’s soul into someone, ultimately serving as a vessel for one of three heroes: Melinda, a magical sorceress; Seng, a cosmic monk; and Edred, an elf warrior.
While these transformations happened seamlessly in the past, the series focuses on how Melinda – and her current vessel, Emma Fairfax – struggle for control inside a single vessel.
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Already, our supposed “heroes” have a bit of a unique edge to them. What happens to the person that now serves as a hero’s vessel? What will happen to them when the day is done? Will they ultimately find a way to break the cycle of endless fighting throughout the centuries? All this and more will likely be answered over the course of seven episodes, with more potentially in the works depending on how everything wraps up.
Unicorn: WarriorsEternalis anaction series you’re able to’t afford to miss. If you didn’t get the chance to seeSamurai JackorPrimalduring the peak of their hype, now’s the perfect opportunity to make up for it and then some. The series regularly airs on Adult Swim with next-day availability on HBO Max, in addition to reruns airing during Adult Swim’s Toonami block.
