Evil Con Carne

humor and fantasy that ran on Cartoon Network from 2003 to 2004 and stars the talented voice actor Phil LaMarr. The show is an odd mix of horror and comedy themes, a sort of a radioactive cocktail that juxtaposes wit, sarcasm, and slapstick humor against a backdrop of diabolical ambitions and unlikely heroes.

The premise of the show is centered around Hector Con Carne, voiced by Phil LaMarr, formerly a playboy billionaire and evil genius who was unfortunately caught in an explosion orchestrated by his foes. While he did survive the blast, his brain and stomach were the only remnants, which were salvaged and attached to a stupid, purple circus bear – forming the central character of Evil Con Carne.

This animated series is the brainchild of cartoonist Maxwell Atoms, the same genius who brought us the beloved "Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy" on Cartoon Network. The characters, plotlines, and styling are quintessentially Atoms – obscure, random, over the top, but always layered and thoughtful.

The show exists within a world where a brain and a stomach can argue with each other, where fights are routine, and where hardly anything goes according to plan. The team at Con Carne is hell-bent on achieving world domination, but their schemes often take unexpected and hilarious twists, resulting in them being caught in their own devious traps.

Boskov the bear, controlled by Con Carne's brain placed in a dome on top of his head, serves as the physical incarnation of our main character. His bearlike tendencies often distract him, rendering Hector's commands useless most of the time. The stomach, named "Stomach", occasionally communicates its food-related desires, much to the annoyance of Hector.

The star of the show, Phil LaMarr, shows his stellar voice acting skills as he brings Hector Con Carne to life. With his resonant voice and impeccable comic timing, LaMarr captures the nuances of the brain-in-a-jar villain, making him as entertaining as he is ominous.

Backing him up is an eccentric cast of characters. Major Doctor Ghastly, the evil scientist responsible for keeping Hector and Stomach alive, is as bright as she is oddly endearing. Generally, the voice of reason among the chaos, her character balances out the extremities of Evil Con Carne’s plans. Then there’s Skarr, a grouchy, one-eyed military strategist, often irritated by his colleagues' incompetence.

Evil Con Carne excels in delivering a multitude of moods within the span of a few minutes. Each episode is typically split into two parts, each narrating a different story of Hector's failed attempts at world domination. Despite the hurdles, Hector's resolve to rule the world does not diminish, and he continues to hatch new plans, much to the viewers' delight.

Visually, the show scores high on originality. The design details and color palettes are carefully selected to create a dramatic and spooky vibe, making the world of Evil Con Carne stand out. Despite its frightening appearances, the show never loses its light-hearted, comic spirit. The animation is fluid, and the wacky expressions of the characters add to the overall humor of the show.

Above all, Evil Con Carne is noted for its clever writing. The show manages to add depth to its characters beyond their outwardly absurd existence, bringing in elements of emotion, empathy, and even raising existential questions, all while keeping the laughter ongoing.

Despite its brief run, the show has carved a niche for itself in the annals of animation history. Its memorable characters, sharp humor, and out-of-the-box storytelling have made Evil Con Carne a cult classic, enjoyed by fans of all ages. In Phil LaMarr's spirited portrayal of Hector Con Carne, the show finds its beating, albeit villainous, heart, proving once again that in animation, it's the wackiest ideas that often lead to the greatest successes.