Revamped Retro: Unleashing Captain Laserhawk - A Blood Dragon Remix Review

The era of video game movies is over. The arrival of adult-oriented video game animated series has finally begun. Adi Shankar, the producer known for transforming old action figures into something new, with or without permission, is leading the way once again with Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. This cyberpunk epic, created through a combination of different media, offers great promises and delivers even more.

Shankar, who recently achieved success with his Castlevania series and its impressive spin-off, is currently working on adaptations of Assassin's Creed, Hyper Light Drifter, and Devil May Cry, all of which are in production. Yves "Balak" Bigerel, the writer and director of Lastman, is serving as Laserhawk's creative director. Each episode of the season has been directed by Mehdi Leffad, an artist known for his work on Arcane and Love, Death & Robots. Surprisingly, Laserhawk is the most restrained production to date by French animation studio Bobbypills, in many respects.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon reimagined the mechanics of Ubisoft's exceptional 2012 first-person shooter into a captivating cyberpunk adventure set in the 80s. Laserhawk draws inspiration from certain elements of the game, particularly featuring a protagonist equipped with a robotic arm and eye. Rather than being a direct adaptation, Laserhawk takes cues from Blood Dragon and shares the infusion of pop culture references that pulsate through both works. The eponymous hero, Captain Dolph Laserhawk, is a rebellious cyber-soldier who was betrayed and abandoned by his former lover. Upon awakening in a high-security prison, Laserhawk and his fellow inmates, including Jade and Pey'j from Beyond Good and Evil and Bullfrog, a trained assassin who happens to be an anthropomorphic amphibian like Ezio and Altaïr before him, find themselves coerced into becoming a new Suicide Squad by the prison's warden. With its promising blend of characters, the show appears to be Ubisoft's answer to a Super Smash Bros. adaptation.

Captain Laserhawk is set in the cyberpunk society of Eden, which is a familiar backdrop for the sci-fi subgenre. The show is available on Netflix and fits well alongside Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. However, it offers a more comedic take on the concepts explored. The setting of the series may come across as somewhat generic, but that is the only aspect that may not stand out. The creator, Shankar, is known for his work drenched in semi-ironic references. In Captain Laserhawk, various Ubisoft figures make cameo appearances, but they are incorporated seamlessly and never feel forced. One of the surprising highlights is how Rayman, who represents a mascot platformer era, has a unique and engaging subplot as a state-groomed propagandist. The show is not just relying on intellectual property to impress the audience. Shankar's skill in utilizing the cast in a chaotic yet impressive way is evident in Captain Laserhawk. Additionally, Sam Fisher's character gets a fantastic showcase, which is his best portrayal in the past decade. Given Ubisoft's questionable treatment of their characters, it is refreshing to see Shankar giving them an opportunity.

Apart from featuring characters from Watch Dogs, Captain Laserhawk also incorporates a wide range of video game references. For example, one character engages in a dating sim segment where they must seduce a guard. In an early action scene, Laserhawk's movements resemble those of Samus Aran in a side-scrolling game. Furthermore, scene transitions are accompanied by loading screens containing relevant animations. Although Captain Laserhawk has different influences compared to Castlevania, it shares similarities with Shankar's underrated 2022 series called The Guardians of Justice. This show takes a unique perspective on the Justice League and employs a similar chaotic and unpredictable approach to storytelling. Characters consistently switch sides and frequently face death, which adds to the twist-heavy narrative. Fans of Guardians of Justice will undoubtedly enjoy Captain Laserhawk, as will those who appreciate Shankar's distinct style.

Captain Laserhawk suffers from a lack of focus, with major events quickly forgotten as the series progresses. Despite its brief six-episode duration, it manages to pack a vast amount of entertainment into slightly over two hours. However, Shankar's unconventional storytelling approach once again becomes apparent. Similar to the first season of Castlevania, which presented various short stories and plenty of action, Captain Laserhawk also appears to serve as a mere glimpse into what is yet to come. Unfortunately, fans will be left hanging with the season ending in a cliffhanger, unsure if certain story elements will ever be resolved unless future seasons are released on Netflix. Even though Shankar seems to play a pivotal role in the franchise, nothing is guaranteed. The presence of

Despite its ending, Captain Laserhawk is an exceptional cyberpunk series that showcases Shankar's ability to succeed in various genres. With its vibrant colors, anarchic nature, action-packed scenes, and endless entertainment, Laserhawk proves its potential for future seasons in its final moments. Although fans expecting an adaptation of their beloved 2013 spin-off comedy game might be disappointed, Laserhawk deserves a chance. It embodies the nostalgic essence of the show Rex "Power" Colt grew up watching on Saturday mornings, surpassing any expectations.