‘The Cuphead Show!’ honors popular game, classic cartoons

If you are nostalgic for the golden age of American animation, look no further than “The Cuphead Show!” by Netflix, freshly released Feb. 18. Based on the 2017 video game “Cuphead” by Studio MDHR, the series follows the misadventures of the game’s main characters Cuphead and his brother, Mugman.

Dave Wasson (“Star vs. the Forces of Evil”) is credited with developing the show. Audiences can expect plenty of jazzy tunes to match the rubber hose design as the cup boys fend off the Devil, after a skeeball game gone wrong. Viewers will be delighted by the intricate and buttery animation, regardless of whether they have played the game or not. Those who have played may pick up on themes others might not be able to notice. 

The series’ voice casting is just right. A few big name voice actors are present among the cast. Wayne Brady (“Mixed-ish”) is the charismatic character King Dice, whose design pays homage to the late and great Cab Calloway. Jim Conroy (“Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman”) voices Ollie Bulb, a sweet blubbering onion, and two other characters named Jasper and Duke. Grey DeLisle (“Avatar: the Last Airbender”) voices Ms. Chalice, a charming girly chalice who always gets her way. Tru Valentino (“Fast & Furious: Spy Racers”) and Frank Todaro (“Sonny Boy”) voice Cuphead and Mugman, respectively. This gives the pair some rather thick New York City accents. 

As for the catchy opening theme and other music in the show, prolific composer Ego Plum (“Making Fiends”) has worked his magic once again. In fact, you may forget to hit “skip intro” as you binge your way through. Each episode has music and sound effects that mix well with the design, and it is evident that a lot of care went into creating this series.

There are 12 episodes in this season, each running just under 11 minutes, which does not sound like much, but the show does not need to have lengthy episodes to accomplish its storytelling. Much like the cartoons of the 1930s, there is a lot of silliness involved. But Cuphead and Mugman have a real journey ahead of them, and the plot exercises continuity well. Despite its looks, it is not quite aimed at toddlers; in fact, it would be a bit much for them to handle. The show and the game it is based on take heavy influence from art during the era of Fleischer Studios, known for their famous original characters like Betty Boop and Popeye the Sailor. 

According to an interview with the Los Angeles Times, brothers Chad and Jared Moldenhauer who created “Cuphead” are lifelong fans of this style of animation and it shows. The two are also serving as executive producers for the show. Painted backgrounds with 2D art layered on top is something not commonly seen in cartoons anymore, but you do not have to know all about stereoscopic animation invented by the Fleischer brothers to enjoy the show. Fans of the video game may notice that not every single character from the game is present in the series, yet. 

According to an article on Decider, we can expect at least two more seasons of “The Cuphead Show!,” so do not fret. This dynamic brotherly duo deserves a spot on everyone’s watchlist.

Image from Netflix via YouTube