3Below: Tales of Arcadia

3Below: Tales of Arcadia is an engaging and imaginative animated series from Netflix, available for streaming from 2018 to 2019. The series is a part of the expansive ‘Tales of Arcadia’ trilogy by Guillermo Del Toro, nestled neatly between ‘Trollhunters’ and ‘Wizards,' adding an enriching layer in the intertwining Arcadian narrative. The high-profile DreamWorks Animation and the animated department of Netflix have ensured a visually spectacular series that’s appealing to both kids and adults, coupled with a blend of unique storytelling twists.

The plot revolves around two royal extraterrestrial siblings, Princess Aja (voiced by Tatiana Maslany) and Prince Krel Tarron (voiced by Diego Luna), hailing from "Akirdon-5", a city from a far-off corner of the cosmos. They are young, lively teenage aliens who, along with their loyal bodyguard, Commander Varvatos Vex (voiced by Nick Offerman), are forced to flee their home planet when it is overtaken by power-hungry General Morando. Their escape pod crash-lands on a foreign planet called 'Earth' and lands in a friendly, small town named Arcadia.

The interaction with the humans begins in the school where both the alien siblings enroll themselves in, keeping their extraterrestrial identity a secret. Being new to Earth and its peculiarities, they feel alienated but try their best to blend in with their unusual surroundings. In an attempt to fit in, they try to understand the ways of Earth, making for countless comic situations.

It needs to be emphasized that 3Below: Tales of Arcadia isn’t just about lighthearted fun and frolicking, but it masterfully weaves in elements of friendship, family, self-discovery, and an array of emotional disruptions. The series carries a touch of thoughtfulness and emotionality that makes it appealing to the adult demographic as well.

The animation style of the series is highly detailed and creative. It features sophisticated technological gizmos, strange alien species, and strikingly colorful environments that range from the solar system to the peri-urban Arcadia. It is a celebratory showcase of DreamWorks Animation's superior art department.

The series is commendable for its diverse cast of characters. The leading siblings, Aja and Krel, are loveable and engaging with their believable sibling dynamics, teenage innocence, and curiosity. The bodyguard and advisor Varvatos Vex adds fun to the story with his serious demeanor and sense of responsibility. The range of characters enhances the storyline by adding depths of different personalities and their interactions, making the viewers feel a part of this fantastical universe.

When it comes to narration, it is nicely paced, keeping the audience rooted in their seats. It blends the mundane school life with super powered robberies and alien invasions, weaving together slice-of-life narratives with cosmic-level conflicts. Narratively, it touches bases with ‘Trollhunters’ through crossover episodes featuring the famed Trollhunter Jim Lake Jr., offering instants of shared events that concretely establish the connected universe, while being unique and distinct in its plot construction.

The dialogues are full of wit and humor, often eliciting giggles and laughter. The show also features loads of pop culture references which are an absolute delight, especially for the older viewers. Iconic voice actors like Glenn Close, Kelsey Grammer, Cheryl Hines, Tom Kenny and more frequently pop in to give voice to guest characters, further enriching the vast universe created by the show.

Overall, 3Below: Tales of Arcadia offers viewers a delightful and entertaining journey of two royal alien siblings navigating their way through Earth while facing numerous adversities. It's a testament to Guillermo Del Toro's ability to imbue vibrant characters and an intricate narrative within a complex universe with impeccable storytelling finesse. Combining insightful exploration of teenage life, profound emotional depths, and adventurous sci-fi elements with humor makes 3Below an engaging watch that leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Its brilliance lies in its appeal to a vast range of audiences and its capability to deliver high doses of entertainment while dealing with critical themes of acceptance and belonging. It's a perfect blend of humor, action, intelligence, and heart.