It’s been 18 years since the comic came out, and 10 years since the movie adaptation was released. Now, it’s back as
a television show: Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Released November 17 on Netflix, this TV show has resuscitated many old fans from their rest, bringing nostalgia to those who first read the comics upon their debut or watched the Scott Pilgrim movie in theaters. The basis of this series is a guy named Scott Pilgrim who meets his dream girl, Ramona Flowers, and he has to defeat her seven evil exes in order to date her (collider.com).

The new adaption of the show, though, is said to not actually follow the original comics, according to a website on the franchise. Although some believed the show would be a reboot or sequel to the film, the project’s creators said otherwise. Producer Edgar Wright, who also directed the 2010 Scott Pilgrim film, said that the series will do more than
just expand on the Scott Pilgrim universe (collider.com).

The show is coming back in anime style, but it definitely holds the same humor that makes the movie so lovable. It has many epic anime-style fight scenes, according to a website about the movie. One thing that has remained the same as the movie is the cast. All of the original actors have returned to the franchise as voice actors for their characters. It’s very rare to see actors return to voice-act a character they played in the past, so for the whole cast to return will definitely be nostalgic for many fans (collider.com).

The movie will remain a classic, but this doesn’t mean that people should hold the same expectations as they did for the movie, the comics, or even the video game. “If you think you know what you’re going to see, you don’t,” said Series Writer Ben David Grabinski to the LA Times (latimes.com). “I want to see what the sequel is. Like is it going to just continue on from the movie? I also love Michael Cera, so I want to see him again too,” said Senior Jessica Zevallos.

The actual show itself is worth the watch. It lives up to the anticipated hype. The first episode of the show is a basic recap of the storyline (if you’ve watched the movie or read the comics) but ends with a plot twist. The storyline of the show is just as the director said, not what you expected. It is also refreshing to see (or hear) the original cast back as their characters, which definitely makes the show more enjoyable.
As promised, there are indeed epic anime fights. The fight scenes are definitely one of the show’s highlights, showing off its ethereal art. The art style of the show is not exactly the anime you might imagine, but it has a hint of the Japanese anime style and American cartoon style together, bearing more resemblance to the comics’ art. It is pleasing to the eye and keeps audiences wanting to watch.

Though there are only eight episodes, each about thirty minutes long, the storyline moves at a good pace and doesn’t feel either rushed or too slow. It definitely shows more character development for all the characters, both positively and negatively, including ones that aren’t focused on much during the movies, adding more favorite characters to your lists. The show now has a different perspective on this story, focusing less on Scott Pilgrim himself and more on the other main character Ramona’s point of view.

One thing that made the movie what it is today is its humor. Now, it has its own satire anime. The humor is still fresh yet the same, although a bit more comical this time around. The plot has a more creative and complex path. It still takes place in the same universe, with the same characters, but with an ingenious twist to it. The imagery and still-shots of the anime are captivating, which viewers will enjoy.

The show’s new storyline is interesting, although you may prefer the original. It is not the expected. If you’re a fan of the simpleness of the movie’s cinematography, then you probably won’t enjoy Scott Pilgrim Takes Off as much as Scott Pilgrim vs The World to be frank. On the other hand, if the cinematography wasn’t what you enjoyed but rather the plot of the original comics and movie, then you’ll definitely appreciate this new adaptation. Overall, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off is a good, replayable show with a new fun twist to the fictional universe, adding to the charm of the franchise.