The plot is an archetype hero's journey blended with Mexican mythology as backdrop. The basic premise is easy to follow, but there are some roundabout ways to convey the stakes. A couple of sequences are a touch too mature for a kids' show: how does one explain the scene where the main character directly questions her father on her out-of-wedlock parentage? And how about the scene where the main antagonist simply rips the heart out of an underling for her failure?
However, that is taking nothing away from the animation and visual palette. Both are truly stunning and every frame seems to be painstakingly conceived and rendered. There is generous homage to cultural heritage through freeze-frames of mythological deities and eye-popping (literally) character design. The voice cast shows their varied pedigree to perfection, with some clever selections. Aside from the excellent Zoe Saldana, the uber-smooth Diego Luna and the comedic timing of Allen Maldonado, there are blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameos by the likes of Danny Trejo and Gael Garcia Bernal.
The show's creator has apparently gone on record saying this is like Lord of the Rings but with more fun. If that is true, I suppose the approach can be justified, when having a kids' show depict themes of violence and family adultery with carefree candor.
However, that is taking nothing away from the animation and visual palette. Both are truly stunning and every frame seems to be painstakingly conceived and rendered. There is generous homage to cultural heritage through freeze-frames of mythological deities and eye-popping (literally) character design. The voice cast shows their varied pedigree to perfection, with some clever selections. Aside from the excellent Zoe Saldana, the uber-smooth Diego Luna and the comedic timing of Allen Maldonado, there are blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameos by the likes of Danny Trejo and Gael Garcia Bernal.
The show's creator has apparently gone on record saying this is like Lord of the Rings but with more fun. If that is true, I suppose the approach can be justified, when having a kids' show depict themes of violence and family adultery with carefree candor.