The Awesomes

The Awesomes is a unique, innovative animated series from Hulu Originals, first aired from 2013 to 2015. The show, which showcases the distinctive comedy skills of Saturday Night Live's Seth Meyers and Mike Shoemaker, revamps and humorously deconstructs the traditional superhero trope. This fascinating series runs across three seasons, encompassing thirty episodes, and takes the viewer on a brilliant rollercoaster ride filled with quirky superheroes, intense battles, societal satire, and genuine camaraderie.

The primary premise of "The Awesomes" revolves around the concept of a world packed with superheroes. But, amidst all these extraordinary heroes, one group stands taller than others - The Awesomes. Led by the world’s mightiest superhero, Mr. Awesome, the group is characterized as the most impressive and powerful superhero alliance in the universe. However, the plots and storylines of the series are set in motion when Mr. Awesome decides to retire and hands over the reins of the team to his less equipped but earnest son, Prock.

Prock, whose real name is Professor Doctor Awesome, is voiced by Seth Meyers and comes across as a highly intelligent, warm-hearted character, albeit not the most powerfully skilled superhero. Nevertheless, His passion for carrying forward his father’s legacy sees him take on this massive responsibility with a brave heart. With most members of the team parting ways after Mr. Awesome’s retirement, Prock strives to rebuild The Awesomes and recruit a new team of less-recognized, oddball heroes, who possess unique yet underappreciated superhero abilities.

The Awesomes, in its new avatar, becomes a motley group of unconventional heroes who must prove themselves in front of an audience who is used to the prime and polished previous version of the alliance. This attempt to fit into the shoes of their more powerful and famous predecessors, and to strive to save the world despite their personal inadequacies and comedic interpersonal relationships, form the crux of the remaining show.

"The Awesomes" explores their trials, tribulations, and tiny triumphs, as they stumble, fall, recover, and occasionally save the day, all in their idiosyncratic manner. As the team of misfits struggles to unite and make a difference, the series expertly weaves in themes of resilience, friendship, and teamwork, albeit encased within its sitcom format and a generous dose of comedy.

The humor in the series is not strictly slapstick; it steps beyond to include more sophisticated comic elements that are replete with societal satire, drawing laughs not just from physical comedy but hefty punchlines and situational humor. All the characters are quirky, bringing their own flavor of comedy and characteristics to the table. This series perfectly paints a picture of superhero satire with an unparalleled blend of humor, action, and heart.

In addition to Meyers, the voice cast of "The Awesomes" is filled with an impressive ensemble of comedy stalwarts. It includes the likes of Kenan Thompson, Taran Killam, Paula Pell, and Rashida Jones, among others. The voice actors convey the charm, wit, and hilarity of their unique characters, making them endearing and relatable.

The show also deserves a special mention for its superb animation work. The design of the characters, their superhero outfits, the depiction of their superpowers, and the impressive locales and settings are all visually engaging. The animation complements the comedic style of the show, managing to contribute to the humor through facial features, body language, and the extravagant utilization of color.

"The Awesomes", in its brief run across three seasons, does a commendable job of establishing an engaging world of superheroes, injecting it with a humorous twist. It succeeds in parodying the popular superhero genre while also telling an honest story about a group of underdogs rising to the challenge of being a real team of superheroes. Complete with thrills, laughs, and a dash of sentimentality, this show is an exciting watch that adds a comical touch to the idea of superheroes with a heart-soaring tale of love, bravery, and camaraderie.

The animated series "The Awesomes" brings the iconic superhero genre to the small screen in a fresh, humorous, and delightfully quirky way that is sure to capture viewers' hearts, minds, and funny bones. Public and critical reception of the series have echoed the sentiment that this Hulu Original is indeed an innovative and entertaining exploration of comedy through the lens of superheroes.