Helluva Boss – Hell Of Potential

Disclaimer:
This is an analysis of a trailer for an upcoming cartoon that contains strong profanity, one moderate sex reference, one moment of hidden strangulation and rather hellish imagery. Reader discretion is advised.

Not too long ago, I watched the pilot for the brand new adult cartoon “Hazbin Hotel” and praised it for its interesting concept, unique interpretation of Hell, fantabulous art style, exceptional animation and fascinating characters [17] [29] [30]. I even began to see Vivienne Medrano as an inspiration when it comes to creativity and leadership within the production of an original cartoon series [13] [29] [30]. Despite how positively I reviewed the pilot, I can also agree with how some reviewers have pointed out some issues, such as how some characters could be seen as recycled tropes, how many characters were introduced too quickly and how the audio in some scenes was slightly excessive [10] [14] [15] [22]. It was not long until I noticed the trailer of another intellectual property on Medrano’s YouTube channel that could be classified as a spin-off [12] [18]. Considering how a supposed spin-off is proposed to expand on the depths of Hell after the success of Hazbin Hotel, I like how the first word of the title is a play on the phrase “Hell Of A” [12] [18]. Other than that, let us dive into another new circle of Hell as we watch the trailer for the upcoming cartoon, no matter how hard we repent for our sins.

Immediate Murder Professionals? I do not think I want that kind of job after I die. [12] [18]

We can see that Blitzo’s goal associated with helping other demons in Helluva Boss is the polar opposite of Charlie’s objective in Hazbin Hotel [17] [18]. He wants to help damned souls get revenge on those who have wronged them by killing them on Earth while Charlie hopes to get some demons to develop morality [17] [18]. One example of a demon who believes that his damnation is unjustifiable is that he only killed her wife because she was having an affair with a delivery man while he was still alive in Ohio. I would not be surprised if his unfaithful wife ends up in Hell as well as there is a commandment in the Bible that condemns adultery [26]. After assuming that the two cartoons from the same team of talented people are set in the same interpretation of Hell, I can now see that they truly are as Helluva Boss will provide more characters who have different goals and perspectives, compared to the characters from Hazbin Hotel [17] [18]. Since the pilot of Hazbin Hotel featured a song about Charlie’s dream of running a hotel for a good cause [16], could Blitzo sing a song about vengeance against mortals?

ANGRY BUFF DEVIL IS ANGRY!!! Oh, and this guy hired them. [18]

Despite how trying to kill someone who wronged you is just a step too far, the samples of music chosen for the trailer sounds like music you would hear in a promotional video for a business. Furthermore, we are assured that Helluva Boss will be a dark comedy for adult audiences rather than an animated horror short film. [18]

Once again, the animation and art style are exceptional [18]. Surely the design of the characters is demonic, but it is once again done with that surreal and cartoony charm, despite being less colourful than the character design in Hazbin Hotel. Despite less colour put into the office scenes, it still fits the atmosphere of a bunch of demons running a co-operation that aims to help demons get revenge on mortals who wronged them. The devil characters stand out well from the office setting with the red, white and yellow parts of their designs, despite how there is very little to no shading to help further enhance the way they fit in. What enhances the art style, of course, is the lively animation of the characters. At least there are no lip-syncing fails like the ones in Paddy the Pelican and Ren Seeks Help [9] [23] [25]. Considering how Helluva Boss is set in the same interpretation of Hell as Hazbin Hotel, it is no surprise that the animation and art style excel, thus truly representing more of such an interpretation’s sightings and beings, though some minor flaws in the pilot of Hazbin Hotel pointed out by two reviewers can be absent.

A present for you by a set of creepy masks, my little señorita. [18]

Can these newly revealed characters further enhance the proposed concept? The way Blitzo runs his own business and acts persuasive in an advertisement for it reminds me of how Alastor convinces Charlie to let him participate in her hotel business in Hazbin Hotel [17] [18]. I was quite shocked to see how he hangs a mortal with a rope to strangle him to death in his room, but at least he seems to have that business-dedicated vibe Charlie consists of. As for Moxxie’s character, we can see that he sees his circle of friends so far as simply a business rather than a family [18]. Other than the way she puts her middle fingers up during a meeting, we are yet to see elements of character development of Millie, the other devil working with Blitzo [18]. Loona, a receptionist who is a hellhound looks very cool with a pentagram near her top, thus her design could be some inspiration for a fursuit for cosplaying [18]. Could she be shipped with Alfred Alfer by some fans of edgy adult animation [27] [28]? Probably not. We are yet to see any development of the characters outside the hotel being run by the princess of Hell [17].

The main cast of Helluva Boss: Blitzo, Moxxie, Millie and Loona. [12]

We are also introduced to Stolas, a mysterious character who highly resembles a king. I suppose he may look for some companion as he mentions his loneliness [18]. On the other hand, since his movement on the couch reminds me of Angel Dust’s movements in one scene of Hazbin Hotel [17], he might be looking for some…sensual favours. [18]

I can say that the voice acting for each character is acceptable, just like the voicing in Hazbin Hotel [17] [18]. Brandon Rogers’ voice and tones suit the cunning character of Blitzo excellently, thus providing a way to make him a convincing yet devilish businessman [18]. Medrano is so lucky to have the awesome Richard Horvitz as a voice actor for Moxxie as he is well-known for being the voice of:

•      Billy from The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy [20]
•      Zim from Invader Zim [11] [21]
•      Kaos from the Skylanders franchise [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
•      Stuart Zurgo from the Ratchet and Clank: QForce [24]

She is also very lucky to have the talented Brock Baker voice another character named “Stolas” as we have witnessed his talent in doing various impressions of many fictional characters on his official YouTube channel [7] [8]. Loona sounds like a rough girl you might not want to mess with, even when she is simply looking at her smartphone, thanks to the vocal performance of Erica Lindbeck [18]. With a team of some experienced voice actors and a voice actress, the dialogue will not only appeal to an adult audience with plenty of profanity but increase the memorability of the characters.

More piggies, sir! I DEMAND PIGGIES!! [11] [18]

Working on two animation projects for the same season within the same year sure is more hard work, but it at least shows further ambition and determination. Additionally, as well as devilishly, it is a sign of expanding a fiction universe interestingly by providing new and refreshing aspects [17] [18]. I bet we will soon see a crossover titled “Helluva Hotel” when the Hazbin Hotel series begins. Remember, my fellow demons and dear sinners, neither Helluva Boss or Hazbin Hotel are the first time the producer has established a cartoon version of Hell. “The Son of 666” was the first animated short uploaded on Medrano’s YouTube channel back in April 2013 and showed a brief vision of Hell [19]. Since Helluva Boss is to be released on the 25^th of November, thus spooking out viewers even more throughout late 2019, you can tell Medrano’s legacy as a creator has made it this far as you look back at “The Son of 666”. Best of luck to Vivienne Medrano and her crew on making another animation project possibly another huge hell of a viral hit with perhaps somewhat improved writing for those who found it quite flawed [10] [14] [15] [22].

VivziePop has come a long way since her short film for her third SVA year. [19]

From a dysfunctional father and son relationship to a bunch of demons killing sinful humans on Earth. Such…interesting progress. [12]

References

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