Since 2019 featured the pilot episode on YouTube, Hazbin Hotel proved there's potential in what the series can bring with its dark, yet comical premise. Along with the musical numbers it also provides. When it finally premiered at long last as a full-fledged series on Amazon Prime, it was EXACTLY as I expected it to be courtesy of creator Vivienne Medrano. Now some will criticize and nitpick over calling this "filth," "vile," "disturbing," or "inappropriate." But that's kind of the point.
The story goes. The Princess of Hell Charlie Morningstar opts to open a hotel to rehabilitate the damned. However, many are harshly skeptical over such an idea can even happen in Hell that it becomes Charlie's mission to prove them wrong that her business can work and with the help of her closest confidante Vaggie along with a few other very questionable allies right by her side. She goes through all kinds of great lengths to make it a reality and succeed.
While I was easily reminded of series Invader Zim with its character designs and setting (Medrano did cite Zim creator Jhonen Vasquez as influence to her work), it's the Animaniacs-like musical sequences that are either joyful, sympathetic, or at times troubling combined with adult-oriented humor similar to South Park that really makes quite a mix. While the premise isn't all that difficult to understand, it's the world-building that really stands out. And the voice cast? The pilot had an interesting set, but when it was given the green light to be made as a full series. Recasting occurred. Nevertheless, it didn't really bother me much as the new cast of voices made the characters sound more appealing and succeed their predecessors well. In the case of Charlie's voice being done by Broadway musical star Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz as Vaggie, Keith David as Husk, and Blake Roman as Angel Dust? They are very notable and I applaud their speaking/singing performances.
Like its sister show Helluva Boss, which takes place in the same universe, Hazbin has its share of unique characters both sinners and local inhabitants that despite having miserable dispositions in this world they currently reside in, they seem to have an ounce of morals that still reside within even when they don't want to show it. And some naysayers will go on to say if you watch this, you think Hell looks pleasant to be in and dismiss it that it "goes against personal beliefs" or "nowhere accurate as in their scriptures." It's satire. Not meant to be taken seriously in that field at all. There's more to explore in this world.
It may be Hell, but can it sell? I sure think so.
The story goes. The Princess of Hell Charlie Morningstar opts to open a hotel to rehabilitate the damned. However, many are harshly skeptical over such an idea can even happen in Hell that it becomes Charlie's mission to prove them wrong that her business can work and with the help of her closest confidante Vaggie along with a few other very questionable allies right by her side. She goes through all kinds of great lengths to make it a reality and succeed.
While I was easily reminded of series Invader Zim with its character designs and setting (Medrano did cite Zim creator Jhonen Vasquez as influence to her work), it's the Animaniacs-like musical sequences that are either joyful, sympathetic, or at times troubling combined with adult-oriented humor similar to South Park that really makes quite a mix. While the premise isn't all that difficult to understand, it's the world-building that really stands out. And the voice cast? The pilot had an interesting set, but when it was given the green light to be made as a full series. Recasting occurred. Nevertheless, it didn't really bother me much as the new cast of voices made the characters sound more appealing and succeed their predecessors well. In the case of Charlie's voice being done by Broadway musical star Erika Henningsen, Stephanie Beatriz as Vaggie, Keith David as Husk, and Blake Roman as Angel Dust? They are very notable and I applaud their speaking/singing performances.
Like its sister show Helluva Boss, which takes place in the same universe, Hazbin has its share of unique characters both sinners and local inhabitants that despite having miserable dispositions in this world they currently reside in, they seem to have an ounce of morals that still reside within even when they don't want to show it. And some naysayers will go on to say if you watch this, you think Hell looks pleasant to be in and dismiss it that it "goes against personal beliefs" or "nowhere accurate as in their scriptures." It's satire. Not meant to be taken seriously in that field at all. There's more to explore in this world.
It may be Hell, but can it sell? I sure think so.