Like many people, I first discovered Aeon Flux in MTV's masterful Liquid Television, a compendium of cutting edge animation. The shorts stood out amongst a lofty crowd. the animation was slick, with visual influences from both Japanese anime and European sci-fi graphic novels. The plot was rather mysterious, but the whole was completely engaging.
When the series came along, the intriguing nature of the shorts was expanded, although with some mixed results. We now had dialogue to help carry the story, and it was just as stylish as the visuals. Some stories were better than others, but all were at least interesting.
The series was decidedly kinky, with fetish clothing and provocative behavior. It was definitely an adult cartoon, which was a welcome change. it's greatest weakness was also it's chief draw: style over substance. Given it's non-linear nature and obtuse story, the viewer was left to interpret the story for themselves. This made it challenging and interesting, but also occasionally off-putting. It could be somewhat repetitive, which is probably the chief reason it lasted only one season (aside from the cost). It stands as a monument to the end of MTV as a groundbreaking network, and is an obvious influence on cinematic work to follow, particularly the Matrix.
The series is not for everyone, especially not children; but it is worth viewing for adults with an interest in animation, sci-fi, or challenging stories. The DVD makes it readily accessible and includes many fine features.
When the series came along, the intriguing nature of the shorts was expanded, although with some mixed results. We now had dialogue to help carry the story, and it was just as stylish as the visuals. Some stories were better than others, but all were at least interesting.
The series was decidedly kinky, with fetish clothing and provocative behavior. It was definitely an adult cartoon, which was a welcome change. it's greatest weakness was also it's chief draw: style over substance. Given it's non-linear nature and obtuse story, the viewer was left to interpret the story for themselves. This made it challenging and interesting, but also occasionally off-putting. It could be somewhat repetitive, which is probably the chief reason it lasted only one season (aside from the cost). It stands as a monument to the end of MTV as a groundbreaking network, and is an obvious influence on cinematic work to follow, particularly the Matrix.
The series is not for everyone, especially not children; but it is worth viewing for adults with an interest in animation, sci-fi, or challenging stories. The DVD makes it readily accessible and includes many fine features.