Netflix is no stranger to producing great video game adaptations with the success and praise they’ve seen for The Witcher and their Castlevania anime. However, there’s something about their latest adaptation, The Cuphead Show!, that raises the bar even higher.
Studio MDHR’s resounding breakout hit, Cuphead, received a lot of love when it released in 2017 for its incredibly addictive run-and-gun game mechanics, instantly charming characters, and, more than anything, its distinctive animation. Its character designs and aesthetics being a nostalgic and immaculate ode to rubber hose style and the golden age of animation are what made Cuphead an iconic and unique entity in the gaming space. Cuphead literally let fans play through a classic cartoon adventure, so naturally an animated series went into development at Netflix. Frankly, of all the video game adaptations in development, of which there are many, The Cuphead Show! felt like an easy slam-dunk on paper simply because its animation is so versatile, and that’s exactly the case.
The Cuphead Show! is constantly a visual delight with how it blends classic rubber hose style with more modern techniques. There are so many aspects to the series that excellently evoke the vibes of old Mickey Mouse cartoons. The familiar stock sound effects, the delightful opening sequence, the fun cartoon violence, and Ego Plum’s musical score all come together to recreate an influential era of cartoons and animation. It instantly feels like you’re watching a classic, and some of the other techniques involving 3D environments are absolutely mind-blowing to watch.
From watching the mischievous Cuphead (voiced by Tru Valentino, Psychonauts 2) and his cautious brother Mugman (voiced by Frank Todaro, Transformers: Titans Return) run against a 3D graveyard environment, to seeing the devious Devil (voiced by Luke Millington Drake) sit in his fiery 3D throne room, there are some really eye-catching visuals that you won’t find in other animated series. Even the seemingly standard shot of Elder Kettle’s (voiced by Joe Hanna) teapot home instantly feels iconic. There are even some jazzy original musical numbers here and there that are a real bop, and The Cuphead Show! continues to expand its homages to its nostalgic animation.
The Cuphead Show! isn’t just a visual carbon-copy of Cuphead though, as it brings some modern techniques and styles that feel reminiscent of a beloved modern cartoon. Pretty much from the start, The Cuphead Show! shows some major Ren & Stimpy vibes in the zaniness and spontaneity of Cuphead and Mugman’s adventures and some of the more modern, smoother movement of the animation. Even the predominantly more colorful color palette brings the style and design of Cuphead into the modern era. The only modernization that feels a little off at first is the voice cast since they lean a little too much into a modern style.
Most of the characters have a “wise-guy”-styled voice performance, especially Valentino and Todaro for Cuphead and Mugman, respectively, that feel fitting for rubber hose era cartoons but are missing key stylistic elements. It’s especially noticeable for Wayne Brady’s interpretation of the dastardly King Dice as his voice is missing that deeper sound that brings out the character’s inner villainy. All the voices really need is some stronger sound design around it, like maybe making it more muffled to emulate an old radio broadcast, to make the voices have that classic sound. Honestly though, after hearing the voices for an episode or two, they start to feel like the norm and will undoubtedly be the definitive version with some time. Also, the performances are so strong and full of fun energy that they more than make up for feeling a little too modern.
Cuphead and Mugman are endlessly enjoyable leads whose dynamic is equal parts opposites comically colliding and brothers bonding over stupid shenanigans. Whether it’s trying to escape the wrath of The Devil and Elder Kettle or getting into trouble with some strange characters, they carry this fun sense of adventure that never tires, mainly because of Valentino and Todaro’s performances. Drake’s Devil will easily be a fan-favorite for the charming villain he creates with his voice, and Brady still manages to make King Dice a devious showman that captures your attention. Also, hopefully there’s more of Grey Griffin’s Ms. Chalice in future episodes because she’s such a blast and a perfect equalizer for the duo in the one episode that she’s in, and, frankly, one just isn’t enough.
As for the misadventures that Cuphead and Mugman go on throughout the series, well, they’re a perfect blend of the game’s story and some original side adventures. The story of Cuphead getting caught in a deal with The Devil over his soul persists well throughout the series with it weaving in and out of different episodes to create a strong story thread between Cuphead and The Devil. However, the series also features some original misadventures that debut some new characters and expand on some notable bosses.
Cuphead and Mugman battling the most mischievously adorable baby bottle ever and attempting to fix Mugman’s broken handle can be hilarious, especially if it gets them in hot water with Elder Kettle. The original storylines can feel like a refreshing ode to classic cartoon storylines while also still feeling unique for the personality and energy that Cuphead, Mugman, and the other residents of Inkwell Isles bring. What’s even better though is how familiar bosses from the games appear with expanded storylines that flesh out their lore and character. It’s a great way to bring in elements from the game and do something more with them in ways that fans will love, and newcomers can equally enjoy. The episodes focusing on Cuphead heading onto King Dice’s show and the duo dealing with a pack of villainous veggies will easily be loved by fans and it’s great how this series finds a balance in being a great introduction for new viewers without it watering down what Cuphead is.
The Cuphead Show! lives up to the hype and is definitively one of the, if not THE, best video game adaptations to date. It’s a wonderful masterclass of animating that’s visually impressive and full of rich depth while also being an adventurous jaunt that everyone can equally enjoy.
