Tag: animación

The third season of the Superman series that you don't know you're missing arrives on HBO Max

Animated series have a hard time standing out because they still carry a lot of stigma. Except for anime, which has a very dedicated audience, there is still the idea that animation is a thing for children. This means that wonderful series go under the radar of many people who would fall in love with great shows, like one of the best Superman series in decades, if not the best. Because My Adventures with Superman is quietly premiering its third season, but is being praised by critics for a good reason: it is very good. What you […]

Animation series have a hard time standing out because they still carry a lot of stigma. Except for anime, which has a very dedicated audience, there is still the idea that animation is a children’s thing.

This means that wonderful series go under the radar of many people who would fall in love with great shows, like one of the best Superman series in decades, if not the best. Because My Adventures with Superman quietly premieres its third season, but is being praised by critics for a good reason: it is very good.

What You Are Missing

My Adventures with Superman is a series that premiered its first season on July 7, 2023. Although it is an American series, it is produced by a Korean studio and has a clear influence from anime, having a very simple premise: it is not exactly an origin story, but Clark Kent is still adapting to the process of being Superman. He is still coming to terms with being a superhero. And that is where the series comes from.

The series features Clark Kent as the protagonist, as it could not be otherwise, but the interest lies in how Superman is not yet the well-known and beloved hero by all and how Clark does not yet have complete certainty about what he should do at each moment. He has insecurity, indecision, doubts. He is, even, a bit more human than usual.

t the same time, both Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen are starting their careers as a journalist and a photographer, respectively, being a significant part of the story. And since there is no hero without villains, Task Force X will ensure to create problems so that Superman must step up in accepting his superhero status.

In that sense, the most interesting thing about My Adventures with Superman is that it feels like a shonen. Like an anime aimed at teenage boys. It emphasizes the power of friendship, transformations, and battles, but that makes it different and interesting. And above all, it transparently hints at its inspirations. Superman’s transformation is inspired by Pretty Cure, and the series references classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, or Shin Godzilla, having that point of maturity where it is halfway between adolescence and adulthood: not exactly something for kids, not exactly for adults. It is something for both.

Perhaps that’s why it’s not surprising that, for its second season, they decided to air it directly on Adult Swim even though it is not specifically for adults. Because it has a tone that, while not entirely aimed at an adult audience, is still very enjoyable for them.

A series that has taken by storm

In addition, the series can boast of being an absolute success in everything related to critical reception. With a 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it is all praise regarding the series. Even on Metacritic, where they tend to be much more critical, it has a surprising average score of 80, demonstrating a quality well above the average for series. Even if the audience is tremendously divided about it, loving it or hating it with no apparent middle ground.

But the critics seem to agree: it is a good series. Highlighting the charm and interest of its characters, the brilliance of the adaptation and absorption of its anime influences, and the strength of its dialogues, they acknowledge that, while not revolutionary, it is a remarkable Superman series. One that knows how to bring a character who does not always adapt to contemporary sensibilities into the present.

In addition, for the third season, which premieres this Sunday, June 14, we can expect something quite interesting. Adapting Reign of the Supermen, the arc that takes place during the tragic Death of Superman arc, where Clark Kent adopts four superhero identities to hide the fact that he is actually not dead, the series promises to do something very interesting with this season featuring one of the character’s most unique arcs. Making this third season the perfect time to get hooked on one of the best series of one of the world’s most beloved superheroes.

HBO Max DOWNLOAD

Netflix releases the first stop-motion film made in Mexico with the blessing of Guillermo del Toro

On June 12, a very unique feature film will premiere on Netflix. Its name is Soy Frankelda and it is a Mexican animated film that has captivated everyone who has seen it. And there are multiple reasons for this. To begin with, it is the first stop motion animated feature film made in Mexico, but also because it is backed by a great name in cinema not only Mexican but international: Guillermo del Toro. A very interesting animation With more than a hundred hand-built puppets, this film produced by the Mexican studio Cinema Fantasma, founded by the brothers […]

On June 12, a most unique feature film will premiere on Netflix. Its name is I Am Frankelda and it is a Mexican animated film that has captivated everyone who has seen it. And there are multiple reasons for this.

To begin with, it is the first stop motion animated feature film made in Mexico, but also because it is backed by a great name in cinema not only in Mexico but internationally: Guillermo del Toro.

A very interesting animation

With more than a hundred handcrafted puppets, this film produced by the Mexican studio Cinema Fantasma, founded by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz, will introduce us to Francisca Imelda, a 19th-century horror story writer who has been overlooked.

At least until, after adopting the pseudonym Frankelda, she meets a prince with a supernatural appearance named Herneval, who takes her on a fantastic journey where reality and fiction will intertwine.

Del Toro, upon seeing a provisional cut of the film, congratulated the creators and sponsored the project. Deciding to act as a creative advisor for it. Although this did not come out of nowhere. They all know each other from the previous project of the Ambriz, the series The Hidden Scares of Frankelda, an anthology miniseries also made in stop motion but this time produced for HBO Max.

Since Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio was a tremendously successful film both among critics, the public, and the awards circuit, it seems logical that Netflix has decided to invest in this film. And it also might end up being one of the surprises of the year. Moreover, we won’t have to wait to find out how it performs, with an imminent release and to discover what this Soy Frankelda and this fascinating blossoming of Mexican animation cinema has in store for us.

Netflix DOWNLOAD

The first reviews of Toy Story 5 are stellar

The press has already been able to see Toy Story 5. And it seems that the movie is fantastic. With a consensus regarding it, the opinions about the film are being tremendously favorable, talking about it as the best movie in the franchise in 20 years. And also the best that Pixar has done in two decades. Increasing even more the interest for one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Film critic Scott Menzel on X has stated about the film that “it stands alongside the first three movies, offering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and […]

The press has already seen Toy Story 5. And it seems that the movie is fantastic. With a consensus regarding it, the opinions about the film are extremely favorable, talking about it as the best movie in the franchise in 20 years. And also the best that Pixar has done in two decades. Increasing even more the interest in one of the most anticipated movies of the year.

Film critic Scott Menzel on X has stated about the movie that “it stands alongside the first three films, offering a perfect blend of humor, heart, and that unique Pixar magic”. The host of The Movie Podcast, also on X, has said about the movie that it is a “generationally defining experience,” being “the story we need right now.”

Toy Story 5 promises to be one of the highest-grossing films of the year

This is something that Collider’s editor, Meredith Loftus, has emphasized by stating that the film “explores the divide between technology and toys through Jessie resulting in a tremendously emotional and deep story that made me break down in tears”. Something that, in fact, is not exactly a surprise. Because director Andrew Stanton has previously stated that the idea behind this film was to play with the existing tension between technology and toys in today’s childhood.

With a premiere scheduled for June 19, Toy Story 5 promises to be one of the highest-grossing and critically acclaimed films of the year. Therefore, it is important to keep the focus on this movie that, it seems, will live up to the original trilogy.

Disney+ DOWNLOAD

As if it were a memory of Covid, 'Among Us' returns to our lives

Do you remember the craze we all had with Among Us during the pandemic? Few groups of friends escaped the endless games and looking for the traitor while fixing things here and there. But time passed, the game faded away, and now, in the middle of 2026, it still has about 6000 players on average. Enough to keep the servers running, but not enough to create an entire franchise. Or is it? It’s the traitor! Now, suddenly and without warning, Paramount+ has released 10 episodes of its animated series, and people are surprised because it is […]

Do you remember the craze we all had for Among Us during the pandemic? Few groups of friends escaped the endless games and searching for the traitor while fixing things here and there. But time passed, the game faded away, and now, in the middle of 2026, it still has about 6000 players on average. Enough to keep the servers running, but not enough to create an entire franchise. Or is it?

It’s the traitor!

Now, suddenly and without warning, Paramount+ has released 10 episodes of its animated series, and people are surprised because it is genuinely good. How could it not be, if besides being a simple corporate crossover, behind it is Owen Dennis, the creator of the award-winning Infinity Train? It is not at all clear that the audience will approach this version of the characters, but without a doubt, they should.

The truth is that it has been a surprise, because the series had been sitting in a drawer since 2024, when production finished, and there were not a few who thought that perhaps they had simply written it off before its release. At the same time, they have taken the opportunity to announce that a narrative single-player spin-off, Among Us Story: On Guard, is in development.

Unlike Angry Birds, which has repeated itself to the point of exhaustion, Among Us has managed to reinvent itself. Now it remains to be seen if the audience understands it or, on the contrary, identifies it as the one and only true impostor.

Amazon has renewed its most surreal and crazy animated series for a fifth and final season

The series Hazbin Hotel has been officially renewed for a fifth and final season by Prime Video, marking the closure of a cycle for a production that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Created by Vivienne Medrano, along with A24 and Fox Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment, the series has stood out for its unique visual style and bold storytelling. The hotel of troubles Since its debut, Hazbin Hotel has managed to create a fascinating universe centered around Charlie, the princess of hell. The plot follows her efforts to rehabilitate demons, a mission that seeks to address the […]

The series Hazbin Hotel has officially been renewed for a fifth and final season by Prime Video, marking the closure of a cycle for a production that has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Created by Vivienne Medrano, along with A24 and Fox Entertainment’s Bento Box Entertainment, the series has stood out for its unique visual style and bold storytelling.

The hotel of troubles

Since its debut, Hazbin Hotel has managed to create a fascinating universe centered around Charlie, the princess of hell. The plot follows her efforts to rehabilitate demons, a mission that seeks to address the overpopulation in her infernal realm. This approach has led the series to explore complex themes of redemption and acceptance in a dark and chaotic environment, resonating emotionally with its audience.

Throughout its seasons, the series has won over a large group of followers, with a style that blends comedy, drama, and action in a surreal context. Medrano’s collaboration with renowned studios like A24 underscores the ambition and quality of the production, which has stood out in the landscape of contemporary animation.

The news of the renewal has led to speculation about how the storylines will be wrapped up and what fates await the characters. Fans are eager to see how Charlie and the other characters will face the challenges that have been building up over the seasons. The final season promises to provide answers and reveal new depths in the complex dynamics of the hell that Medrano has created.

Hazbin Hotel remains a hot topic of conversation in the animation field, and many hope that its legacy will endure beyond its airing.

Watching animated films helps creativity more than any viral video on the Internet: it's official

A recent study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts has revealed that watching experimental animated short films can significantly increase creativity levels compared to consuming viral videos on platforms like YouTube. This work, led by scientists Jonathan Schooler and Madeleine Gross, was conducted with 500 people, divided into two groups: one exposed to experimental short films and the other to viral content. What, something created by a human is better than something that is not? How? The results of the study show that those who watched experimental short films achieved a remarkable improvement in […]

A recent study published in the journal Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts has revealed that watching experimental animated short films can significantly increase creativity levels compared to consuming viral videos on platforms like YouTube. This work, led by scientists Jonathan Schooler and Madeleine Gross, was conducted with 500 people, divided into two groups: one exposed to experimental short films and the other to viral content.

Is something created by a human better than something that is not? How?

The results of the study show that those who watched experimental short films achieved a notable improvement in their creativity, evidenced by writing short stories in which they had to identify connections between different concepts. In contrast, participants who watched viral videos showed no significant change in their creative ability. Although viral videos were perceived as more entertaining, their cognitive impact was practically nil, compared to the stimulation provided by the short films.

The research suggests that exposure to ambiguity and the originality of short films challenges the brain to seek alternatives and break established thought patterns. Schooler emphasizes that even small doses of this type of content can be beneficial, much like light exercise that improves physical health. “This indicates that, although we enjoy lighter content, we need to include in our mental routine those that truly contribute to our cognitive development“, says Gross.

Thus, experts recommend integrating experimental animated short films into our audiovisual consumption as a way to exercise the mind, suggesting that this type of content can provide cognitive enrichment similar to that of a healthy diet. Therefore, if you feel that your creativity is stagnant, consider exploring the fascinating world of experimental animation to reactivate your imagination.

The director of The Clone Wars returns with an animated series about the most charismatic villain in Star Wars

Although it is not usually remembered with much affection, the second Star Wars trilogy has many valuable and memorable things. The Phantom Menace has many remarkable elements that have aged notably well. The pod races, the Jedi battles, and of course, an antagonist that no one understood at the time why he was killed off when he was introduced: the incredibly charismatic Darth Maul. Since his introduction in The Phantom Menace, Star Wars has been returning again and again to the figure of this mysterious Sith who, despite his evident evilness and connection to the […]

Although it is not usually remembered fondly, the second Star Wars trilogy has many valuable and memorable things. The Phantom Menace has many remarkable elements that have aged notably well. The pod races, the Jedi battles, and of course, an antagonist that no one understood why he was killed at the moment of his introduction: the incredibly charismatic Darth Maul.

Since his introduction in The Phantom Menace, Star Wars has repeatedly returned to the figure of this mysterious Sith who, despite his evident evilness and connection to the underworld, has continued to fascinate a significant portion of the audience. A significant part of movies, animated series, and video games, at Disney have decided that it is time to give him the main focus. And they have done so with a miniseries that, although still airing, seems to have captured exactly what people like about the character: he hasn’t come here to make friends.

A director with a knack for animation

Maul: Lord of Shadows, premiered on April 6 on Disney+ and, at the time of publication of this article, two episodes have been aired. Created by Dave Filoni, the series is everything fans expected not only from the character but also from its creator.

What did you expect? Well, considering that Filoni is known for being the director of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as the creator of Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars Resistance, Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and Star Wars: Tales, a series that pays great attention to animation. With a clear inspiration from anime, where heroes are not white and pure, nor villains lack reasons for their actions, and where the action is spectacular, interesting, and tremendously visceral. Exactly everything that Maul: Lord of Shadows offers us.

Because for this journey, he is not coming alone. He has decided to enlist Matt Michnovetz, who has honed his skills in The Clone Wars, Rebels, and The Bad Batch, creating a perfect tandem to tackle the most beloved character by fans. The most charismatic bad boy in the history of Star Wars.

Darth Maul is evil, and that’s the point

The premise of the series is based on the fact that Darth Maul is anything but an angel. After the Clone Wars and having been betrayed by those he thought were his allies, he begins to rebuild his crime syndicate and seeks, on the planet Janix, a Force user who can be his disciple. He discovers one in Devon Izara, a padawan of the Twi’lek species, who has serious conflicts not only with her future as a Jedi but also with the concepts of good and evil.

With the police chasing him, the series has a simple premise. Darth Maul may be a bad person, but those who oppose him are, in this case, worse. And the whole series will revolve around that. Finding himself in conflict with the police, other crime syndicates, and everything points to much more powerful forces that will want to hunt him down, the series knows how to walk that sweet spot where the protagonist doesn’t do the right thing, but it’s interesting to see him pursue his ambitions. Even if it’s evident that it will lead him down a path where he will increasingly commit more ignoble acts.  

The animation is, as expected, excellent, and the music by Kevin, Sean, and Deana Kiner complements the almost hardboiled storytelling style of Maul: Son of the Shadows. Something that makes it unsurprising that it is exciting not only among the audience but also among critics: with a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 71 on Metacritic, it has received an extremely positive rating so far.

With eight episodes left, it seems that Maul: Lord of Shadows has everything to become one of the must-watch series of the year for Star Wars fans. Not to mention the fans of Darth Maul. So all that’s left is to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Disney+ DOWNLOAD

The fourth highest-grossing animated film in history, which also won over critics, arrives on Disney+

Disney has been on a roll for a few years, as it dominates at the box office, but it is having a relatively limited cultural impact. Its live-action adaptations of classics may make astonishing numbers, but neither critics nor audiences seem to be impressed. If we add to that the fact that Pixar has gone from being the infallible studio to one that can make great movies but doesn’t always hit the mark, and that both Marvel and Star Wars don’t seem to be the successes they once were, Disney doesn’t seem like the superpower it was not long ago. That doesn’t mean that from time to time it is still capable of […]

Disney has been on a roll at the box office for a few years now, but its cultural impact seems to be quite relative. Its live-action adaptations of classics may be raking in astonishing numbers, but neither critics nor audiences seem to be impressed. If we add to that the fact that Pixar has gone from being the infallible studio to one that can make great movies but doesn’t always hit the mark, and that both Marvel and Star Wars don’t seem to be the successes they once were, Disney doesn’t appear to be the superpower it was not long ago.

This does not prevent it from occasionally being able to create true milestones. Cultural phenomena that transcend cinema and end up becoming mass phenomena, with their characters becoming part of popular culture. The latest case of this, which has been a critical and public success while demonstrating the capability of that old Disney, has been Zootopia. Its second part is now arriving on streaming services.

A Disney movie with impact

Zootopia, Zootropolis in its original version, is an animated comedy about a universe of anthropomorphic animals inspired by film noir. When carnivorous animals start to lose their minds and attack herbivores, challenging the social peace on which the coexistence of Zootopia is built, a city where both classes of animals live in harmony, police officer Judy Hopps, a rabbit, will have to find out why this is happening. For this, she will have the help of the sarcastic and distrustful Gideon Grey, a street-smart fox with as many problems as he has heart.

The movie perfectly combined an interesting universe with hilarious comedy and classic tropes from both film noir and buddy movies. All of this well marinated by some classic Disney plots, including the tendency to make something enjoyable for both children and adults. Something that led to a surprising success.

With a budget of 150 million dollars, it was not exactly a small production with which they tried to test the waters: it was a big gamble. And it paid off. Grossing over 1 billion dollars just at the global box office, being the twenty-fourth highest-grossing film in history worldwide and the fourth highest-grossing of 2016, the film was a complete commercial success. But other Disney films with zero impact outside of the commercial realm have also been successful. How did it perform among critics and audiences? Even better.

With a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, an average score of 81, and a 78 on Metacritic, it is one of the best-received Disney films of the last decade. Additionally, the awards poured in from all sides. Winning the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, as well as 8 of its 10 nominations for the Annie Awards, the most prestigious awards in the animation industry, it was an absolute success. This led to the production of endless merchandise for the film and also an anthology series for Disney+ featuring the supporting characters called Zootopia+ that repeated the success.

The success was such that, last year, its second part was released. Zootopia 2 once again put Judy and Nick at the forefront, who have decided to become detectives since the police do not seem to take them seriously. With the same sarcastic tone and combining the buddy movie and film noir tropes, the movie reinforces everything that the first one did well, but focusing on a new plot and new characters. This is more than enough to replicate the success of the first installment.

With a budget of another 150 million dollars, this time the revenue was even greater, exceeding 1850 million dollars worldwide. If we add to that the fact that it was once again critically acclaimed, albeit with a bit more lukewarm reception, holding a 93% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and having a small division of opinions on whether it was as good as the original or not, Zootopia has proven to be one of the major bets of modern Disney.

Because as we said, it is now available on streaming services. Since Wednesday, March 11, it is possible to watch the second part of Zootopia on Disney+, in addition to the first Zootopia and Zootopia+. This is something we highly recommend to any Disney fan, animation lover, or buddy movie enthusiast, because Disney has rarely been so inspired in recent years.

Disney+ DOWNLOAD

At the Oscars, they have decided that animated films will not be viewed because they find it tedious

The preparation for the 2026 Oscars gala has begun, and the uncertainty surrounding the winners is becoming increasingly palpable. As we approach the ceremony, the categories are extremely tight, and neither the Golden Globes nor the guild awards provide clarity on the favorites. However, the Best Animated Feature category has generated special controversy due to the apparent lack of interest that the academics show towards this type of cinema. A lackluster awards season According to reports from ToonHive, several Academy members have […]

The preparation for the 2026 Oscars gala has begun, and the uncertainty surrounding the winners is becoming increasingly palpable. As we approach the ceremony, the categories are extremely tight, and neither the Golden Globes nor the guild awards provide clarity on the favorites.

However, the Best Animated Feature category has generated particular controversy due to the apparent lack of interest that the academics show towards this type of cinema.

Some Uninspired Awards

According to reports from ToonHive, several members of the Academy have decided not to vote in the Best Animated Feature category, as they have not even seen the nominated works. This disdain for animated cinema suggests a misconception that this medium is only for children, ignoring its ability to tell diverse and complex stories.

Guillermo del Toro, upon receiving his Oscar for Pinocchio, emphasized that animation is a cinematic medium that deserves the same respect as any other genre.

Despite the fact that in recent years the Academy has surprised by choosing winners with a more independent approach, this pattern of disdain towards animation persists. The situation is concerning, as the Annie Awards have been left as the only reliable platform to recognize work in this sector.

Furthermore, some academics have confessed that they vote based on their personal preferences, favoring animated films from their colleagues instead of thoroughly evaluating the nominees.

It is speculated that The K-pop warriors have a high probability of winning due to their significant cultural impact in the current landscape. However, this does not necessarily translate into a fair assessment of their artistic quality.

With the expectation that this phenomenon will attract the Academy’s attention, the controversy over the recognition of animated film continues, calling into question the perception of this art form within the major industry awards.

The craziest animated series of recent years will not have a third season

The acclaimed animated series ‘Smiling Friends’, created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, will conclude its run after the airing of two special episodes on April 12. Through a statement published on YouTube, the creators expressed that they have achieved their narrative goal and prefer not to extend the series beyond its initial essence, avoiding the stretching that has harmed other productions like ‘Rick and Morty’. We hadn’t seen anything like it in a long time ‘Smiling Friends’ has been recognized as one of the best animated series in recent years, thanks to […]

The acclaimed animated series ‘Smiling Friends’, created by Michael Cusack and Zach Hadel, will conclude its run after the airing of two special episodes on April 12. In a statement published on YouTube, the creators expressed that they have achieved their narrative goal and prefer not to extend the series beyond its initial essence, avoiding the stretching that has harmed other productions like ‘Rick and Morty’.

We hadn’t seen anything like this in a long time

‘Smiling Friends’ has been recognized as one of the best animated series in recent years, thanks to its Internet-influenced humor and absurd style, which has allowed it to stand out among other presentations in the field of contemporary animation. The series has forged its own path in television storytelling.

Despite its remarkable success and having been renewed for two more seasons by Adult Swim, Cusack and Hadel maintained a clear vision for the future of the series. They have previously indicated that they do not intend to extend the series beyond five seasons, leaving the door open for the possibility of a special in the future, although they emphasize that the series, as we have known it, will come to an end definitively.

The creators have left fans waiting for an uncertain future, as, although they continue to plan new projects, they insist that it is time to close this chapter. Even if we have a thousand ideas by the end of season 5, we are not going to continue much longer. Five is very close to where we probably want to end, they stated in a recent interview. With its conclusion, ‘Smiling Friends’ leaves a legacy that will likely influence the narrative of animation and television in the years to come.