In 1977, a little magazine titled Heavy Metal hit store shelves. It was a regular publication of an anthology comic book style stories that centered around science fiction, steampunk, and the erotic. While parts of it are a little extreme, to put it mildly, I personally find most of it to be fascinating. Mostly for the imagination and creativity put into the stories and art design, and yes, partially for the sexuality. Then, in 1981, an animated feature film was produced, which followed the same anthology-style, consisting of around five different stories. While it was creative and memorable in its own right (not just for the reasons you think), it didn't really feel like it had the same level of passionate imagination. Mostly because it played up the sexuality of its source material a bit too much. Which, under any other circumstances, would not be a problem. However, in the case of the Heavy Metal film, it could have had a better sense of balance, at least in my opinion.
There was a sequel, Heavy Metal 2000, which was a single feature-length story. Honestly, it's not worth it. While it retains the same style and tone you would expect from the series, it doesn't have the same level of over-the-top imagination as anything else baring the Heavy Metal name. Then, sometime later, renowned filmmaker David Fincher, director of classics such as Seven and The Social Network, expressed interest in producing a new Heavy Metal film. A few years later, it morphed into the Netflix series Love, Death + Robots. Which is not only as imaginative as Heavy Metal, it's surprisingly better. It retains the mature and insane style you would expect, but it goes further with more profound stories and incredible visuals.
What I find most appealing about Love, Death + Robots is that it is one of the few western animation projects to really showcase animation as a medium and not a genre. Here in the west, animation, in general, is often seen as strictly for children. This perception is wrong for many reasons. Not the least of which is the only reason it became popular was so television studios could make more money with toys related to kid's shows. This false idea that animation is only for children has poisoned the medium, to the point where any attempt to make an animated story for mature audiences is practically ridiculed. Granted, some of the efforts made in the past were less-than-stellar (to put it mildly), but at least they tried.
Love, Death + Robots takes the idea that animation is only for children, and tosses it out the window. Make no mistake: this series is not for kids at all, but it is also not for immature adolescents. Much like the masterpiece Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, this show brings together a bunch of different animation styles with profound and mature stories. Some are photo-realistic, some are more stylized, and others are insane yet believable. It is something I wish we could see more of in every area of storytelling and filmmaking.
Now, here's the thing. This is an 18 episode anthology series. While I have watched and enjoyed every single one for various reasons, I recognize that not all episodes are for everyone. So, what I am going to do here is make a list of five chapters, which are my favorites and the ones I highly recommend you try out. I will provide a quick synopsis of each episode and briefly explain why I like it, as well as why I recommend it to you.
And now, TheNorm's Top 5 Recommended episodes of Love, Death + Robots.
#5
Beyond The Aquila Rift
The story follows a group of space travelers who use lightspeed to jump to the outer reaches of the Galaxy. Unfortunately, they were accidentally taken off course and find themselves farther out than planned. Luckily, they are picked up by an old flame of the captain. The two of them rekindle their spark and contemplate what to do next. However, it slowly becomes clear that somethings are not as they appear to be. As the captain becomes more inquisitive, the real question is, does he really want to know the truth of is situation? I won't spoil what the twist is, but I will give a kind warning to my friends who may have a fear of Spiders.
This chapter delivers a good mystery, gorgeous animation, and staggering voice acting. It is a perfect demonstration of how to tell a mature story without being juvenile. If a mystery in space sounds up your alley, give this episode a look.
#4
Fish Night
This one is less of a story and more of a pretty tableau in motion. Two guys are driving through the Desert until their car breaks down, leaving them stranded. Once nighttime comes, colorful ghostly fishes begin swimming all around them. This chapter uses a combination of roto-scoping (animation painted over live-action footage) and cell shading (a digital style reminiscent of traditional watercolor paintings). It's visually stunning and leaves enough of an impact to make it worth your time. Unlike other mood pieces, this one does not overstay its welcome. It shows up, gives you something pretty to look at for a moment, and gracefully exits the stage. Check out this one first if you want the gentlest introduction for what lies ahead with the whole series.
#3
Three Robots
Of all the chapters in this series, Three Robots is, arguably, the funniest. It follows a trio of Robots walking through a dilapidated Earth (devoid of Humans) as tourists. Imagine a team of archaeologists exploring the remains of an ancient civilization, but instead of taking down notes, they're cracking jokes. It has a little bit of everything. Social commentary, beautifully rendered animation, and above all, witty humor. Check out this episode if you need a good laugh. Which, honestly, we all could use right now.
#2
Lucky 13
The story follows a military pilot as she chronicles her experience of tremendous luck with an unlucky ship. That's really all I can say about this one without spoiling it. What makes this chapter one of the better stories, at least in my opinion, is how it tells a simple tale of the importance of friendship and acceptance delivered in a totally visceral way. In some ways, it reminded me of The Iron Giant. Although I would not dare proclaim it is better than that beautiful film, I will say that I can gladly call it a spiritual cousin. It has the same amount of heart and carries a similar well-delivered message. If you need a bit of inspiration, check this one out.
#1
Good Hunting
This is hands down, my absolute favorite episode of the whole series. The story can best be described as a Chinese fantasy folk tale but with steampunk. A young hunter makes friends with a Fox spirit who can transform between human and animal at will. However, after decades of magic fading away from the world, she loses her ability to change. Trapping her inside a human body forever. Then, after a horrifying trauma, her hunter friend helps her. Using new magic to give her back what was wrongfully taken from her.
This episode uses old fashioned style animation in tandem with computer imaging. A perfect union of the two formats. Fair warning, this one features assault, but it does so in a way that gets the point across without dwelling on it, nor is it narratively exploited in any way. Above all else, it's probably one of my favorite stories about female empowerment and the treatment of women in general. In other words, it takes what Zack Snyder's Sucker Punch tried to do and actually succeeds with flying colors. If you only watch one episode of this show, I implore you, choose Good Hunting. I promise you, there is almost nothing like it.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm, thank you all for reading.
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