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i know that a:tla did an excellent job with coming up with new critters that were just two animals put together, but like, i gotta give credit to whoever designed the deer-foxes on hilda:

peak creature design

#personal #animation #hilda #hilda netflix #deer-fox #deer-foxes #i just think they’re neat #character design #creature design

The Beautiful World of Hilda

When we think about Animated shows and movies, the common misconception is that its only for kids and not for adults. Hilariously, there seems to be a trend of animated media that features subjects and themes more akin to adults rather than for kids.

Think about; < My Little Pony > , < Rick and Morty > , < The Owl House > and < Gravity Falls >, All of them are drawn in a very simplistic or sometimes, a rather childish style but features a ton of mature subjects in their writing and development.

I may have fell out of the loop for the animation sphere, but every so often. I run into titles and trailers that makes me curious and interested to binge and use for ideation. So recently, I just finished the Netflix animated series < Hilda >

- Adventure is Out There! -

< Hilda > is originally, a British children's graphic novel series written and illustrated by [Luke Pearson] who aside form his own creation is one of the many Screenwriters and Storyboard artists for < Adventure Time >. Pearson’s series, also known by another name as; < Hildafolk > follows a bright eyed and adventurous blue haired girl named, [Hilda] who lives in a cottage on a plain surrounded by mountains and forests with her mother; [Johanna] and her beloved deerfox; [Twig].

On a regular basis, Hilda would run into the great outdoors in search of exciting adventures and almost all of the time, she would encounter various neighboring creatures and assist to solve problems among them. Our story begins with Hilda’s house being attacked by a group of hidden beings who threatens the family to leave for reasons unknown to them.

While working to solve the issue with her new found ally, an Elf who goes by the name; [Alfur] Hilda’s mum suggested that they should move out as asked and into a nearby city named; [Trolberg] Hilda strongly rejects the notion. Seeking to right the wrongs for them to live in peace. Hilda’s house is also visited by a mysterious giant at night who seems to be looking for a friend.

Eventually, Hilda managed to stop the attacks and helped the giant reunite with their friend. But just when all seems well, their house was accidently smashed by the giants. Leaving them homeless. After much deliberation, Hilda decides that she and Johanna should move to Trolberg after all. Thus begins Hilda’s life in the city where she makes new friends and of course, encounters more unique creatures that lives among them.

- Well, That was Traumatic! -

The world of Hilda is an adventurous and beautiful place of luscious flora and friendly fauna with the fresh air of wild magic in the clouds. Its a whimsical show that uses simplistic designs, backed by its cozy colors and relaxing soundtrack to set a tone for what viewers will expect in this show.

The creatures and references found in < Hilda > are heavily inspired by Scandinavian folklore and the Swedish comic strip series < Moomins > Upon first impressions, the earlier creatures such as the Trolls, the Elves and even Hilda’s beloved Deerfox borrowed elements from the massive collection of the Scandinavian tales and legends but it also shows the existence of people from different parts of the world in this little city.

In a day, I managed to finish Season 1 (13-episodes per-season) with ease and satisfaction but there is still a longing for more exploration of the world and the characters itself. Hilda is a fun protagonist to follow with several mysteries surrounding her past and the deep connections she has with the creatures. She represents the idea of child-like wonder and a great interest for the mystic arts found in the series.

Speaking of Magic, the system itself seems to be a regular occurrence in Trolberg with an entire coven of Witches and The Marra coexisting among the humans. No one bats an eye here over the various occurring incidents (Except for the Trolls of course) which is why the city is situated around a tall brick wall. Armed will large bells to ward off the trolls.

Around and inside the city, its home to several more magical beings such as the secret keeper; The Rat King, the powerful but gentle Lindworm and the friendly neighborhood house helpers; The Nisse with more that is left unexplored by our beloved host. For us and for Hilda, Trolberg is not as dull as it looks and its just as adventurous as the wilderness which gives off an organic feeling of world building with little to no exposition.

- The Life of An Adventurer -

Without going into spoilers, the themes of < Hilda > are about a girl growing up in a city while maintaining her true self against the sheltered and fearful people of Trolberg. It also displays the themes of being kind and being helpful to all life as seen a lot through Hilda’s meddling with situations beyond her with the best of intentions. Solving them either instantly or by a two part rule.

Hilda is a bit of a troublemaker herself but with her wits, her charm and her list of allies. She manages to save the day, just in time for dinner. The show is a good example of finding the fun of a series without having an interesting gimmick as seen in other modern shows. There is no major plot, no actual villains and focuses more on the warmth of everything with underlying subjects of friendship, parenthood and responsibility.

With that said, I find that this approach is such a fresh take for as to why it succeeded with the viewers. < Hilda > despite being intended as a kids show is a welcoming show that suitable for all ages. Its pretty, its light-hearty mature and it relies less on heavy graphics with a much simpler style.

Too often we are bombarded by animation that looks breathtakingly stunning or close to realistic but we often forget why we fell in love with animation in the first place. Animation’s greatest strength is its capability to illustrate our world in ways that live action can’t ever do. It makes the world much smaller and it brings out feelings and metaphors with a middle ground.

It shows heart with every single episode it churns out, ending recently with a movie while still gearing up enough for an upswing that could happen. Its adorable and its reminiscent to certain animated shows of this type with messages applicable to all walks of life. Hilda encourages you to be brave, to find beauty in simplicity, be that curious explorer once more and above all else, be kind to all.