‘Unicorn: Warriors Eternal’ Review – A Surreal And Fantastical Journey

Any time fans get wind of a new Genndy Tartakovsky show is a case for massive celebration. Unless you have been living under a rock, you’re no doubt aware of, if not a fan of, his previous output. From classics like Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Clone Wars, and most recently, the incredible Primal, the mad genius is a singular visionary when it comes to his craft. But is his latest project Unicorn: Warriors Eternal worthy of taking its place among his other favorites?

The series follows a rag-tag team of ancient heroes who are tasked with protecting the world from the forces of evil. Throughout the history of time, these protectors are called Unicorns. The team reawakens too early, and as a result, they are in human teenage vessels and have no memories of their true purpose and destinies. As evil once again rears its ugly head, the teenage motley crew of warriors must battle their foes—not to mention dealing with their own issues and working together. Any time a new Tartakovsky project comes out, there are huge expectations that come with it. Thankfully, this proves to be yet another masterpiece and one that will surely go down as a modern classic.

Strap in, because Unicorn: Warriors Eternal takes its viewers on a surreal and fantastical journey. Like all Tartakovsky projects, you can enjoy it on the surface, admiring the beautiful art style and complex worldbuilding, but on a deeper level, the show satisfies by having a host of complex characters, harrowing moments, and moral dilemmas that make for rich and rewarding storytelling style. Some shows take a while to find their groove, and while Unicorn is not quite there yet, the writing is solid enough to throw quite a lot at the audience without ever feeling convoluted.

Right away, we understand the stakes, both emotionally and for the show’s internal universe. As the series progresses, the characters truly come to life, and it’s great seeing how personalities clash, and then how the team finds common ground. Melinda, looking like a doe-eyed Betty Boop, makes for a wonderful POV character to take us into the magical world of Unicorn, and thankfully, the writers afford her the depth she deserves. If there is a complaint, it might be that it does feel like some aspects of the finale are somewhat glossed over. Although, it seems like a second season might be able to fill in some gaps.

As some of you may know, Genndy Tartakovsky had a fully animated Popeye movie, that weirdly got axed. This was heartbreaking for fans, especially when a CGI teaser was unveiled in all its glory. Recently, the entire animatic leaked online, giving us a taste of what brilliance it might have contained. However, outside of what surfaced on the Internet in regards to Popeye, Unicorn further gives us a taste of Tarkovsky’s love for early animation, recontextualized for the modern era.

It cannot be overstated just how amazing the visuals are in this show, and it may be the best looking show Tartakovsky has ever done. Those who are familiar with his work know that’s saying a lot. Like one of the clockwork marvels depicted in the show, the visuals are in total harmony with the narrative. It is difficult to think of an animated series that is this rich in detail and whimsy. What’s present is a beloved old-school cartoon aesthetic mixed with a steampunk flare. We even get shades of Mike Mignola, specifically things like 2002’s The Amazing Screw-On Head. Tartakovsky is a master at drawing a deep well of mystic and cosmic themes to weave a fun, yet emotional ride. Unicorn: Warriors Eternal feels fresh even with it wearing its influences on its dapper, cog-filled sleeves.

The first season of Unicorn: Warriors Eternal is currently available to stream on Max. 

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbeNXwd9uLg]