David Bridges
As we approach the end of 2024, audiences are treated to a final surge of excitement in the animation landscape. Earlier this year, TV viewers enthusiastically embraced standout series like Arcane, X-Men ’97, and Dan Da Dan. Following their thrilling conclusions, fans have eagerly awaited new content to indulge in. Presently, two captivating cartoons are gaining traction and deserve your attention as the year draws to a close.
The first animated gem is Invincible Fight Girl, which was first announced in 2022 and recently concluded its inaugural season that premiered in October on Max/Adult Swim. This engaging series follows a young girl named Andy as she embarks on an inspiring journey to become a legendary wrestler. Her adventure takes her to a bustling city filled with wrestlers, where she encounters a vibrant mix of ex-professionals, hopefuls, and aspiring talents. Andy’s determination to become the best resonates deeply, echoing the classic themes of perseverance found in shonen anime, particularly in My Hero Academia. Fans of My Hero will undoubtedly recognize familiar motifs, whether it’s through the stirring music or witnessing Andy’s courageous departure from her hometown, a place dominated by accountants, to pursue her dream under the mentorship of her retired wrestling idol, Quesa Poblana.
Much like witnessing the superhero journey of Deku in My Hero Academia, viewers will find joy in experiencing the world of wrestling through Andy’s perspective in Invincible Fight Girl. This series exudes a genuine passion for wrestling, making it contagious and delightful as Andy and her eclectic group of friends, including Craig, a savvy opportunist, and the incredibly muscular eight-year-old aspiring journalist Mikey, navigate a world where wrestling shapes culture. The show offers nuanced insights into how wrestling impacts various aspects of life. Creator Juston Gordon-Montgomery’s love for the sport is evident, showcased through the array of clever stage names and the whimsical concept of outdoor matches where wrestling rings are delivered from space via satellites. Invincible Fight Girl successfully merges the theatrics of wrestling with the emotional depth often found in shonen narratives, particularly within their iconic tournament arcs.
In a similar vein, Echo Wu’s Netflix series, Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld, masterfully blends teenage melodrama with supernatural elements. Like Invincible Fight Girl, it may initially seem familiar: the protagonist, Jentry, has just celebrated her sixteenth birthday when the series begins. As she navigates her teenage years, she unexpectedly reawakens her suppressed fire powers, prompting her great-aunt Gugu to return her to her childhood home for protection against a vengeful demon. The influence of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is unmistakable in the realm of supernatural television, and Jentry capitalizes on this legacy, incorporating classic tropes such as love triangles and enigmatic elder figures that challenge expectations.
What truly sets Jentry apart is its confident execution. The show’s opening features an energetic K-pop track, immediately signaling its intent to entertain as Jentry and her friends confront increasingly dire situations. These scenarios often escalate into supernatural chaos, and the show’s willingness to embrace horror right from the start is a refreshing change. The playful yet slightly unsettling scares evoke memories of shows like Adventure Time and The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, particularly during action sequences and when the supernatural elements enhance the dynamic cast of characters, including Gugu and Jentry’s two romantic interests, her childhood friend Michael and the charming Kit.
Arriving late in the year, both Jentry and Invincible Fight Girl present themselves as spirited newcomers. While they share thematic similarities, each series approaches storytelling uniquely. Invincible embraces the underdog narrative, putting Andy through rigorous challenges, primarily of a physical nature. She truly embodies the show’s title as she faces formidable opponents, enduring several intense battles before rising to the occasion. These moments contribute to some of the most exhilarating animated action of the year. Although the series maintains a generally lighthearted tone suitable for all ages, it delves into heavier themes as the story progresses. These poignant moments resonate with the wrestlers as they reignite their passion for the sport, paralleling classic shonen tales of resilience. Any deeper exploration of wrestling’s darker aspects appears to be reserved for future seasons, hinting at more thrilling content to come.
In contrast, Jentry seems tailored for a slightly older audience. The series delivers impressive fight scenes and consistent humor, but its strongest moments arise when characters confront their internal struggles or face revealing truths, often under the scrutiny of an audience. Much of the narrative draws inspiration from Wu’s experiences as a second-generation Chinese American teenager in Texas, evident in episodes that tackle issues such as racism, exemplified by a storyline where Jentry’s class is possessed by ghosts from the Alamo, and Michael’s experiences as a second-generation Nigerian American. While the show doesn’t solely focus on the immigrant experience, these elements, combined with its regional setting, infuse it with a unique energy that distinguishes it from coastal narratives. This setting becomes crucial for Jentry as she navigates her desire for a normal life while concealing her powers.
Whether you’re interested in witnessing a teenage pyrokinetic grapple with the complexities of Chinese mythology and her family legacy or enjoy the spectacle of a girl battling a gang of wrestlers sporting perms, Jentry Chau and Invincible Fight Girl are both excellent choices for your viewing pleasure. Each show reflects the thoughtful craftsmanship of their creators, with Gordon-Montgomery and Wu pouring their hearts into every frame. Jentry especially carries a vibrant energy, flourishing as a 13-episode series that allows for deeper exploration, compared to a typical film format. It’s unfortunate that both series premiered at the year’s end, as they likely would have garnered more attention earlier in the year. Nonetheless, we can remain optimistic for the future of Andy and Jentry, hoping for more exciting adventures with these remarkable characters soon.
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Ethan Carter
