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In a time of so much instability in the world of animation, it is always a delight to find new, unique animated series that are given a chance to find an audience. Invincible Fight Girl is an original series which follows Andy, a young girl who yearns for more than is expected of her in life. A chance opportunity thrusts Andy to bet on herself and her longtime dream.
Initially set to air on Cartoon Network and HBO Max (that alone shows how long it’s been in the works and finally is getting to air), the series highlights the always age appropriate themes of breaking societal norms and expectations. Andy is tasked with finding who she is as an individual and where she fits in. This leads her down a path to follow her dreams. By doing so, is she willing to stay true to her internal compass? The same is to be said for many of the characters she comes across on her journey. It is a true underdog story.
This vibrant and creative universe in which the story takes place has a very strong focus on wrestling and fighting. Wrestling dominates all aspects of life. Everything else is seen as less. You can feel the love the creative team has for wrestling. Careful details to moves and fighting styles are shown throughout. The creative way in which these fights play out are some of the best moments of the series so far.
The serialized plot grows with each episode, threading a very compelling story. On its own, the series premiere episode feels ever slightly incomplete. The decision to premiere the series as a two episode, back to back premiere makes so much more sense. It helps expand the show beyond its basic premise and shows off a little more of what is to come. You can feel the confidence of the creative team grow with each episode.
The animation style is incredibly engaging. It is sleek and clean while also gritty along the edges. Great character designs help make each character feel distinctive and true to their quirks and personalities. The voice acting brings humor, charm and allows each character to come to life. Sydney Mikayla, who voices Andy, really does a great job, especially when it comes to her inner thoughts. You can feel her internal turmoil and thought process with her intonations and emotions on full display. The sound effects and reaction shots peppered throughout the episodes show off the care to details and enhance specific moments. It feels fresh in the sense that there’s truly nothing like it out there. The fight scene in episode four is where things take off to another level and truly shine. The combination of the animation and the storyline in that episode highlights the real potential for the series.
While it contains traits similar to anime series, airing on adult swim’s late night Saturday block, it is not your typical Toonami series. It is similar in some ways to My Adventures with Superman, which also aired in the same timeslot, with its heart at its core as its guiding light. Still, the first three episodes feel targeted to an even younger audience, making it feel noticeably less Toonami than the rest of the current lineup. Scheduling wise, it would almost make more sense to air as a lead-in or lead-out to “Checkered Past” or “Toonami Rewind.” Then again, in a world of evolving viewing practices, it will likely find its biggest audience streaming on Max, allowing viewers to find it at their own pace, or even binge it later on. In week two, it also is airing as a lead in to the Toonami premiere of Mashle, which in a way almost makes a lot of sense. They both have their moments of zany and over the top humor (which is 99% of the plot of Mashle!) which might complement each other well.
After four episodes, Invincible Fight Girl is off to a fun start and will hopefully continue to grow further. Once you see episode four, the real standout episode, you will see how everything truly comes together, and recognize the real potential this series has. Its heart, drive and intention are laid out fully. This could be the turning point where it makes more sense as an adult swim/Toonami series. Regardless of where it airs, I’m just glad it’s actually getting to be seen by audiences. It will absolutely find a passionate fan base, especially on Max. I’m just not completely sold that the scheduling is the most ideal to give it the best chance to succeed. Hopefully these ten episodes help make a splash and we can get more down the line!
Invincible Fight Girl premieres November 2 on adult swim’s Toonami block. Episodes air on Max the following day.
