Blood Of Zeus Review: 9 Ups And 2 Downs
The age of gods and heroes returns with a thunderclap.
Between the exceptionally well-received Supergiant Games title Hades and this upcoming Netflix original animated series premiering on October 27, it seems as though Greek Mythology is having a late-2020 renaissance in pop culture. But instead of the heterochromic warrior son of Hades, this particular venture stars the blue-eyed son of Zeus, Heron, dealing with the rise of so-called "demons" fueled by the remains of giants of legend.
With the new heyday of anime-style adult animation helmed by Powerhouse Animation of Castlevania and Seis Manos fame, as well as the familiar paths treaded in Greek Mythology-based storytelling, the excitement for this series is palpable.
So here's a bit of a taste of what's to come - what works, and a little of what doesn't, in the upcoming Parlapinades Brothers and Powerhouse Animation-helmed Greek animated epic.
Since this review is coming out before the premiere, it won't spoil too much of the plot and plot twists of Blood of Zeus, but will still dive into some elements as of yet unrevealed in the trailer.
So: minor spoilers ahead!
11. Down: Lacking Character Development
Starting with a bit of a miss before the big hits is the way this series, playing out like a rather well-developed, extended Hollywood film, introduces a few very interesting and fun characters, then promptly leaves them by the wayside.
While certain major characters get ample time in the spotlight, there is an unfortunate imbalance between them and their supporting cast. These characters start off with the audience begging to know more about them, then seem to disappear to make way for other, bigger character moments.
With character designs being one of the strengths of this show, there's an unintended side effect in which those who seem visually intriguing, with personality quirks shining through without a single word of dialogue, are shoved aside, sometimes even used as canon fodder of the Star Trek redshirt variety. Other characters who seem like they'd do more lose screen-time as the series sprints toward the climax, relegated to small throwaway lines that disappoint.
If a second season is planned, hopefully those still left might get bigger roles in future episodes.