Scott Pilgrim Takes Off

Available on Netflix

Netflix have monopolised the anime market as of late, enjoying success with shows such as Blue Eye Samurai and creating buzz for forthcoming properties such as Terminator: The Anime Series. Whether this strategy will prove effective is something that remains to be seen, although, on the evidence of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, the streaming giant may be on to a good thing.

Co-developed by BenDavid Grabinski and Bryan Lee O'Malley, the creator of the original Scott Pilgrim graphic novels, this eight-part series reunites the voice cast of Edgar Wright’s much-loved 2010 live action adaptation while providing a fresh twist on its plot. Here, the titular protagonist (voiced by Michael Cera) is mostly MIA, leaving his bae Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) to confront her seven evil exes and discover who is responsible for the disappearance.

Much like Wright’s film, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off moves at a frenetic pace whilst keeping its tongue firmly in its cheek, with flippant pop culture references peppered throughout the show. Meanwhile, director Abel Góngora and animation producers Science SARU ensure the animation remains gorgeous throughout, with aspects evoking childhood memories spent watching Dragon Ball Z and the original Pokémon anime series.

Sure enough, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is likely to entertain long-standing fans and newcomers alike, although its slacker tone may not be to everyone’s taste.