A brand new Netflix series was added to the Scott Pilgrim franchise on Nov. 17 and it is just as good as the original graphic novels and the film. For those who don’t know much about the franchise, the very basic premise is that Scott Pilgrim, played by Michael Cera, meets a girl named Ramona Flowers and must defeat all seven of her evil exes before he can be with her. The original film is based on the graphic novels, and the new series, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, tells an alternate story to the original film. The film as well as the series features actors Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza and Brie Larson, as well as many others and it is worth watching even if you are not typically an action fan.

My review and perceptions of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off and the franchise in general are interesting because I’m not typically into graphic novels, action films or anime. I first watched Scott Pilgrim vs. the World nearly a decade ago when I was in the height of my obsession with Pitch Perfect and Parks and Recreation. I watched it because Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza were both in it and I ended up loving it. It is funny, quirky, and just the perfect balance of action and comedy to hold my interest. It had such a stellar cast and I was thrilled to hear that the entire original cast returned for Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

I know that quite a few viewers thought Scott Pilgrim Takes Off was mediocre and underwhelming compared to the original film, but I didn’t feel that way at all. I did not read much about it prior to watching, and I was surprised that it was less of a sequel or a reboot and more of a spin on the original film. I liked that Scott Pilgrim Takes Off placed more focus onto the supporting characters as well. I found it to be just as funny as the original film and I love that the writers and producer took such a beloved franchise and expanded it into something more.

I also thought that the artwork and graphics were beautifully done. I think people of all ages can appreciate the beauty of a well-done cartoon and the artists did it perfectly. I have never been into anime but I really enjoyed the artwork. It was well-detailed from the characters’ facial expressions to the scenery around them. I think the artwork added to my enjoyment of the series as a whole and it may even make new fans want to go back and read the original graphic novels.    Overall, I think Scott Pilgrim Takes Off makes a fantastic addition to the franchise as a whole. It brought old fans of the original film back and hopefully it is attracting new fans as well. It’s an iconic and timeless story and if the producers are able to continue adding to it, they’ll acquire generations of fans.