Neon Joe

Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, is an audacious and intensely vibrant gem from Adult Swim. The mini-series, which aired from 2015 to 2017, is filled with an extravagant concoction of absurd humor, science fiction, supernatural horror, and larger-than-life characters. It thrives on its fantastical storyline, a hodgepodge of elements that, despite their various origins, come together to form an irresistibly hilarious and unforgettably unique whole.

The show revolves around the character of Neon Joe, splendidly portrayed by Jon Glaser, who is best known for his antics on Parks and Recreation and Girls. Neon Joe is a mysterious figure, known for his signature neon attire, glowing red eye, giving his name an exquisite touch of literalism. He is a self-proclaimed werewolf hunter with an unexplained past, who turns up in the small, eccentric town of Garrity, Vermont, colloquially dubbed "B&B Town, USA" due to its numerous bed and breakfast establishments.

The plot of Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, proceeds from the eerie premise of mysterious, supernatural occurrences that disturb the peace of the remote town. With the presence of a threatening werewolf looming large, the townfolk's lives are thrown into chaos and panic. Werewolf sightings start increasing, and so does the body count. Amidst such uncanny occurrences, enter Neon Joe, the enigmatic, neon-glowing savior, armed with catchy slogans, his 'yatata', which is a distinct sound he makes, and a finely honed ability to hunt werewolves.

The show's casting is as diverse as its plot. Beside Jon Glaser, the mini-series features the likes of Scott Adsit from 30 Rock, Stephanie March of Law & Order fame, and Steve Cirbus known for Delocated. The brilliantly wacky performances of these actors play a crucial role in highlighting the convoluted narrative and unique humor of Neon Joe.

Neon Joe does an incredible job of taking a typically dark and horrific theme, such as werewolf hunting, and injecting it with comedic antics, eccentric scenarios, and slapstick comedy. The dialogues are packed with puns, grotesque oaths, and eccentric double takes, making every episode an unpredictable and thrilling ride. The show is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates comedy television that is far from simple and unassuming.

But the show is not just about the comedy; it indeed provides an engrossing storyline that unfolds across the two gripping seasons. Delving into the light and dark of human nature, Neon Joe explores themes of friendship, trust, betrayal, and redemption. The supernatural occurrences act as the backdrop against which the lives of the town's interesting characters cross paths, intersect, and weave a vivid web of relationships.

Most uniquely, Neon Joe stands apart from Adult Swim's collection through its flamboyant and prevalent use of the color neon. The costumes, the setting, the props, everything is garishly embellished with neon, providing a psychedelic sense of night-life and other-worldliness to the narrative.

The series was created by John Lee and Jon Glaser for PFFR (the former creators of Xavier: Renegade Angel). Episode to episode, they have managed to maintain a precarious balance between irreverent humor and engaging storytelling, and the unique methodology thus employed ensures that you are constantly on the edge of your seat. Despite its short run, Neon Joe has managed to develop a cult-like following.

And above all else, it has a strongly identifiable character in Neon Joe, whose idiosyncrasy becomes the show’s beating heart. His recurring catchphrase: "H’whadya say we get to the part where I’m a werewolf hunter?" feels like a hat-tip to all the classic hunter storylines while still managing to be a rib-tickling reminder of the character’s absurd charm.

Neon Joe is an ultimate tribute to unconventional television comedy, featuring a storyline that is as unpredictable as it is entertaining. With its eclectic characters, labyrinthine narrative, and absurdist humor, Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, stands as a creatively brilliant addition to the television comedy landscape. It's a dynamic circus of the comedic bizarre that draws you into its vivid, neon-kissed world before you even know it. It is not to be missed by fans of comic thrillers and dark humor, or indeed, anyone seeking a viewing experience that is entirely out of the ordinary.