Skylanders Academy

Skylanders Academy is a Netflix Original series that aired from 2016 to 2018 which skillfully translates the widely popular series of Skylanders video games to the small screen. The show is lauded for its distinct and vibrant animation and ever-engaging storylines that are easy to follow, while incorporating elements that are complex enough to engage a more mature audience.

The premise is unique and explores the rich universe of Skylanders, a realm inhabited by various incredible creatures residing in the Skylands, each possessing unique powers that set them apart. The Skylanders are bound by the responsibility of safeguarding their universe from evils that threaten their existence and prosperity. The protagonists of Skylanders Academy are Spyro, a young, brave, and ambitious dragon; Eruptor, a hot-headed lava creature; Stealth Elf, a ninja-like character who is quick on her feet; Jet-Vac, the high-flying Sky Baron who's also a bit of an intellectual; and Pop Fizz, the eccentric and unpredictable gremlin alchemist with a penchant for explosive potions. All these characters, despite their individual quirks, come together incredibly, each contributing their distinctive strengths to the whole unit.

At its core, Skylanders Academy is a story of heroism, teamwork, friendship, personal growth, and resilience that drives every Skylander to put their best foot forward. However, far from being a plethora of endless battles, the series efficiently balances action sequences with moments of humor, personal struggles, emotional growth, and quirkiness that endears every character to its audience. The central character Spyro, initially portrayed as a carefree dragon, undergoes significant character development throughout the series, gradually maturing and taking on a leadership role in his team.

The series begins when Spyro, Stealth Elf, and Eruptor, trainees at the Skylanders Academy, embark on a series of exciting and dangerous adventures as they learn to fight evil in their fantastical world. They are guided and mentored by the wise and experienced Master Eon who has a critical role to play. Spyro, the impulsive, inexperienced, but well-meaning hero, along with his team, tackles numerous threats, the chief among them being Kaos, the primary antagonist of the series.

On their adventures, they learn not only about the importance of teamwork and friendship but also about themselves. Their camaraderie comes alive in their interactions, making their relationships realistic and relatable. A series of quirky mishaps and lessons eventually mould them into skilled warriors, each with a unique set of powers and weapons that aid them in their epic battles.

More than just characters, the Skylanders represent various elements – Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Life, Undead, Magic, and Tech – which gives them their unique powers and forms the basis of their identity. Understanding and controlling their elemental powers is a significant aspect of the show and makes for some interesting dynamics. The elements aren’t just gimmicks: they play into the characters' personalities, abilities, and even their weaknesses.

Major credit needs to be given to the series for its wonderful crafting of Kaos, the show’s primary antagonist who aspires to dominate the Skylands. Humorous yet cunning, he ensures that the show doesn’t become too dark or serious, allowing for a lighter and more comedic tone that contrasts with the world-threatening stakes of the Skylanders’ adventures.

One of the main highlights of the show is its animation. Each frame is rich with color and detail, exhibiting the talent and effort put into creating an engaging visual journey. The voice cast behind Skylanders Academy is another reason for its popularity. Justin Long voices Spyro, who does an astounding job in bringing the purple dragon's adventurous character to life. Other cast members include Ashley Tisdale as Stealth Elf, Jonathan Banks as Eruptor, and Richard Horvitz as Kaos, all of whom equally contribute to bringing out the distinct charms of their characters.

Overall, Skylanders Academy maintains a playful charm, combined effectively with elements of action and lessons on friendship, teamwork, and responsibility. It’s a show that’s truly meant for all ages, from young children to adults, with enough depth to make for an engaging view. Despite being based on a video game, the show tells its own story, creating something that can be enjoyed independently of the games, yet feel immediately familiar to those who have played them. Skylanders Academy is more than just an animated action-adventure series; it's a story about finding one's place in the world, understanding the value of true friendship, and stepping up to assume responsibility. It is a vibrant show filled with compelling characters, beautiful animation, and exciting adventures.