Neo Yokio
A Magistocrat balances fashion and demon-hunting in Neo Yokio.
via Wikipedia: Neo Yokio · see source
Neo Yokio is an adult animated series from Ezra Koenig, the frontman of Vampire Weekend. Japanese studios Production I.G and Studio Deen handled the animation for its first season, which dropped on Netflix as six episodes on September 22, 2017. A holiday special, Neo Yokio: Pink Christmas, arrived on December 7, 2018. That special was produced by Titmouse, Inc. and animated by South Korea's Digital eMation.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Science fiction
- Comic fantasy
- Satire
- Creator
- Ezra Koenig
- Screenplay
- Ezra Koenig
- Nick Weidenfeld
- Alexander Benaim
- Director
- Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Junji Nishimura
- Anthony Chun
- Creative director
- Ben Jones
- Voices
- Jaden Smith
- Jude Law
- Tavi Gevinson
- Susan Sarandon
- The Kid Mero
- Desus Nice
- Jason Schwartzman
- Composer
- Jesse Novak
- Will Wiesenfeld
- Devonte Hynes
- Country
- United States; Japan
Facts from the source article.
Plot
Neo Yokio is described as the greatest city in the world, a modern-day alternate timeline New York where Magicians saved the city from demons in the 19th century and became known as Magistocrats. The series follows Kaz Kaan, a vain and wealthy Magistocrat voiced by Jaden Smith, and his mecha butler Charles (Jude Law). Kaz balances a decadent life as a fashionista with demon-hunting duties managed by his stern Aunt Agatha (Susan Sarandon). After a breakup with investment banker Cathy (Alexa Chung), he wallows in melancholy and pursues luxury with socialite friends Lexy (The Kid Mero) and Gottlieb (Desus Nice). His rival Arcangelo (Jason Schwartzman) belittles his nouveau riche status, and they compete for the top spot on the Bachelor's List. Former fashion blogger Helena St. Tessero (Tavi Gevinson) reconnects with Kaz after an exorcism on a possessed Chanel suit, becoming disillusioned with capitalism and eventually a hikikomori critic.
Production
Neo Yokio was originally announced without a title at Production I.G.'s panel at Anime Expo in 2015, intended for Fox's Animation Domination High-Def late night block, which had moved to FXX. No further details emerged, and Animation Domination High-Def ceased operations in 2016. Writing and post-production were done in the United States, while character design, pre-production, and storyboards were created in Japan. On September 7, 2017, Netflix announced it had acquired the unaired series to stream as a Netflix Original.
Episodes
On October 9, 2018, Netflix announced a Neo Yokio Christmas special, released on December 7, 2018 as the hour-long Neo Yokio: Pink Christmas. Trailers were released in October 2018, November 2018, and on December 3, 2018. The special follows Kaz Kaan as he must defeat a giant sentient Christmas tree threatening Neo Yokio, while handling a Secret Santa competition, a visit from his Aunt Angelique, and plotting by Arcangelo. Jamie Foxx appears as a voice actor, with recurring voices from Jaden Smith, Susan Sarandon, Jude Law, and Jason Schwartzman. Pink Christmas includes an original song by Koenig, 'Friend Like You', which appears multiple times in the episode and had not been released elsewhere at the time of the premiere.
Reception
The series received mixed reviews. Mike Toole of Anime News Network called it 'nigh-unwatchable codswallop', citing poor voice acting, animation, and writing. Julia Alexander of Polygon found Kaz Kaan annoying and narcissistic. IGN's Miranda Sanchez criticized the artwork as humorless and said it 'feigns sincerity in any serious issue it tackles'. Dana Schwartz of Entertainment Weekly gave a positive review, calling it 'both deeply ironic and entirely deadpan'. Clio Chang in The New Republic praised Smith's performance as 'exquisitely deadpan' and said the show 'mostly feels like an introduction to what could be a really groundbreaking show', while noting 'cringe-worthy moments'. Mike Hale of The New York Times praised the satire but noted some may find the humor 'too precious'. Ryan F. Mandelbaum at Gizmodo compared the show to 'a six episode long dril tweet' and 'Gossip Girl as told by a stoned Tim and Eric fan', praising its surreal humor and depiction of contemporary urban life.
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