Before we take the week off in recognition of Canada Day and the Fourth of July, even we have to offer our picks on how to spend the start of an animated summer with Netflix. More lists and reviews will be coming after we recharge!
July is surprisingly quiet for viewers wondering what to watch on the streaming front. Apple TV+ and Prime Video are largely relying on returning series, making it easy to begin your animated summer with Netflix. Disney+ also has a couple of worthwhile additions.
Aside from Sparks of Tomorrow (see my preview), there are no major original animated premieres until August. Fortunately, the wait isn’t long. Kyoto Animation returns with an original television series, Ricky Gervais makes his animated sitcom debut for the streamer, and one of manga’s most influential classics receives a fresh reimagining.
Sparks of Tomorrow
July 5
Produced by Kyoto Animation and based on Hiro Yūki‘s light novel 20 Seiki Denki Mokuroku, the series unfolds in an alternate version of early 20th century Kyoto where steam technology flourishes instead of electricity. The story follows Kihachi Sakamoto, a young inventor who dreams of ushering in a new age alongside his older brother. After tragedy tears those dreams apart, he crosses paths with Inako Momokawa, the daughter of a sake brewer, and together they rediscover hope through science and innovation.
The project also marks Minoru Ota‘s directorial debut and showcases Kyoto Animation’s painterly backgrounds inspired by Impressionist artwork.
Alley Cats
Aug. 7
Fans of Ricky Gervais‘ dry, self-deprecating humour will likely want to keep an eye on this. Early previews have drawn comparisons to Top Cat, though whether it can match that classic remains to be seen. The first season consists of six episodes, and Netflix has yet to announce whether more are on the way.
Produced by Blink Industries, the series centres on a ragtag group of feral British cats from every walk of life as they search for companionship while commenting on the absurdities of everyday life. Gervais voices one of the leads alongside Tom Basden, Diane Morgan, David Earl, Kerry Godliman, Natalie Cassidy and Tony Way. Rather than relying solely on crude humour, the series mixes social satire, philosophical musings and chaotic feline adventures into bite-sized 15-minute episodes.
The Ribbon Hero
Aug. 8
Taking inspiration from Osamu Tezuka’s Princess Knight, this fairy tale is sure to delight. The heroine disguises herself as a man to claim the opportunities denied to women. Produced by Twin Engine and animated by Outline, the film reimagines the classic for a modern audience while embracing its Shakespearean flavour. She must stop Duke Duralumin from placing his son, Plastic, on the throne, all while proving herself in a world where women are consistently underestimated.
Directed by Yuuki Igarashi, the film features updated character designs by Kei Mochizuki, with additional work by Mai Yoneyama and Issei Arakaki, giving Tezuka’s pioneering heroine a fresh visual identity for a new generation.
After Spending an Animated Summer with Netflix, Here are Two Series on Disney+ to Consider.
Dragon Striker
Dragon Striker has promise for sports enthusiasts who love soccer. This high-energy saga adds fantasy to the equation, and while it feels a little like Harry Potter because it follows a protagonist trying to live up to a parent’s legacy, it quickly develops its own identity. Key is the hero here, and whether he can lead The Knights to the championship becomes the season’s central question.
The Doomies
I
f you’re craving monsters with your animation, The Doomies deserves a look. Bobby and Romy accidentally open a portal to the underworld, transforming their quiet coastal town into a hotbed of supernatural chaos. No, this isn’t Scooby-Doo, but after debuting today on Disney+, it has already grabbed my attention. If they can’t stop the invasion, nobody else is likely to.
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Author: Ed Sum
I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra.
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