Koala Man

Ok, I may be a sucker for adult animation, and also for Australian culture. So I was pretty much destined to enjoy this show. What I didn't know is that I'd enjoy it this much.

It's not based on bits like Family Guy, and it's not as smart as "Rick and Morty," some may see it as a desperate grab for American attention by throwing all this Aussie culture in their faces to woo them, with funny little cultural things like "showbags" and "sausage rolls" and other Aussie quirks, along with character donning the striking and appealing Aussie accent. But some of us are suckers for it, because let's be honest, our own culture is usually boring to ourselves. And Australians are, well, COOL to us yanks. Believe me, that accent holds a lot of power over us. It's more exotic than anything in Europe. So congrats Hulu, you did your research, and you found something that would catch our attention.

The show centers on Koala Man, the not-so-covert identity of a local family man who is a lot like Stan from "American Dad," but only the Australian version. He's a stickler to rules, and prides himself as being the head of a family, which he loves about as much as rules themselves. He exists in what appears to be an alternative reality of Earth, where strange things happen like animals talking, aliens screwing planets, and psychic powers are actually real. It's a wild world, and it's all in Australia. It certainly feels like Australia's trying to teach America and the rest of the world something about Aussie culture. I have always enjoyed Australian cinema, and this comes as a fresh addition to the adult animated comedy scene.

Gives the superhero comedy gene a fresh new start. The characters are justified by who they are and what they do and still feel relatable at the same time. The Australian setting really helped elevate the series and makes it feel exotic like most titles set in Australia. The co-creator of Smiling Friends really know how to make me feel.

Koala Man/Kevin may be hapless, but you feel for him for his journey to be the hero the entire town needs, despite looking at him as a joke everywhere. The trouble the town goes though feels like fresh new takes on problems only superheros must solve.

I think you should give this one a shot.

I am not going to go too in-depth with the show simply because I am more of a movie critic, but overall I think Koala Man deserves a hell of a lot more than it received. Most people never gave the show a chance before flocking to Twitter to complain. I recommend watching it to the end because the show starts to shine later in its run, and then judge it for yourself.

Here is my judgment, one thing I liked about Koala Man is how it's a tamer and more extended version of a Cusack show which gives it charm within itself. It can be heartwarming and funny simultaneously, which can be a powerful tool in storytelling (especially adult animation). One thing it could work on is hooking the audience sooner. The first two and a half episodes are slow, but as you continue to watch, you can see how Cusack's ability to create an arced story within longer episodes develops and strengthens. This made the season's middle and end very good.

Koala Man is fun, and I hope people stop hating on it so it can get a second season. With even more experience under Cusack's belt, Koala Man could develop into something magically insane.

I feel like if your going into this show as a non Aussie a lot of the humour will be lost on you. However as an Australian having a cartoon on the level the Big Lez Show which a high production value is quite the special treat!

To any Aussie who has grown up with Michael Cusack cartoons on YouTube and classic Aussie characters such and big Lez and Mike Nolan you will definitely find some enjoyment in this show. Plus this show has a nice added bonus of some big name Aussie battlers such and Hugh Jackman and Hugo Weaving who give surprising good preformances in the silly and strange take on Australia.

A welcome addition to adult animation, taking inspiration from the likes of solar opposites and Rick and morty, Koala man is funny, action packed and crazy. Solid yet wacky stories, with likeable characters. The animation style is unique and solid to watch. First few episodes in and the superhero element is perfectly matched with relatable and everyday occurrences spun with a satirical twist. One more thing too note is the beautiful Australian accent that makes profanity worth hearing. I look forward to future seasons of this eccentric Australian gem of animation. The use of a timeline makes this especially rewarding too watch.