Marvel’s Hit Monkey is brutal, bloody, and a whole ton of fun! Jam packed with action, an incredible cast brings this obscure comic book story to life.
For those who already know Hit Monkey from the Marvel comic books, this new Hulu series featuring him is going to be a hit. However, even if you don’t know much about this furry killer, there is a lot to love in this show.
The series follows a monkey who becomes accidentally attached to the ghost of a hit man, who is voiced by Jason Sudeikis, as he seeks out revenge on those that killed his entire tribe. This show is bloody, beautifully animated, and even quite funny. It tells a story full of surprising twists and turns as Hit Monkey and company try to track down the person responsible for the death of all those other monkeys.
Hit Monkey season one has ten episodes that are each about thirty minutes long. The first one has the possibility to be a bit slot for some viewers, but it is not without reason. It is there to set up many of the characters we will be seeing throughout the series, as well as the world that this takes place. Character and world building may not be the most entertaining, but they are important overall, and once the season ends, viewers will be thankful for that first episode.
The animation style is similar to a lot of anime series. Hulu recently had a Marvel series called M.O.D.O.K. that explores the life of one of the comics most obscure, yet fascinating villains, but don’t expect Hit Monkey to be even remotely similar.
Where M.O.D.O.K. is silly and off the wall, Hit Monkey is more of a serious story. Sure, there is some fantastic (and adult) humor here, but it takes itself way more seriously than M.O.D.O.K. does, and that is a good thing.
Jason Sudeikis is now synonymous with Ted Lasso, but that is not the role he plays in this series at all. His character is dark and gritty. Yes, he has a heart, but it takes a lot for him to expose it. His job is to kill people for money, and when the series takes the time to explain how he stumbled into this career later in the season, it tugs at the heart strings.
His connection with Hit Monkey is important because with a lead character who does not speak, there has to be a way that viewers can understand him. This is very well done with his conversations with Jason’s character who does, in fact, understand him.
Related: Marvel’s Hit Monkey Character Breakdowns
Their relationship is the heart and soul of the series. As they spend more and more time together bonding, it is easier for the audience to connect with them as well. Hit Monkey himself is extremely lovable, even though he has a bit of a temper. He is cute and cuddly, and only wants to get revenge for his tribe by killing killers, not innocent people.
The supporting characters are just as important to the story as the lead ones, and thankfully the show takes the time to flesh out their character arcs and stories. Without knowing the background of certain police or politicians, the story would not be nearly as effective.
By the time viewers get to the end of the season, they will be begging for more. Which is a good thing because the door is left wide open for more Hit Monkey. With such short episodes it is easy to watch them back to back. Each one ends with something that will have you eager to click play on the next one – something that a good show knows how to do.
Overall, the season is extremely intriguing and captivating. Viewers are sure to be coming up with their own theories throughout the show but are still probably going to end up with their minds blown once the truth is al revealed.
As someone who is a big fan of gore, Hit Monkey totally delivers on this front. The show is about killers and there is no hiding that. They take full advantage of being on Hulu versus Disney+ and are unafraid to push the envelope when it comes to fight scenes and murders. Viewers might even feel the need to look away now and again, even though it is animated.
The humor itself is very adult and mature. There are jokes that almost cross that line, so be prepared. This is for older teens and adults, definitely not for younger teens – at least not to watch with their parents because it might become a bit awkward.
Hit Monkey does not have a lot of comic book appearances, but the show version is quite similar to his comic book counterpart. Those who have read up on him will know what to expect from this new Hulu show, and are likely to be very pleasantly surprised.
If you haven’t read Hit Monkey at all before, have no fear. This show does a great job at explaining his backstory, as well as those of the supporting characters in the series. There is no need to read up on him, unless you want to – the comics are quite good.
This show is for more mature viewers who enjoy violence and gore in their animated shows. The story itself keeps viewers guessing as it twists and turns and keeps them on the edge of their seats. The characters are easy to connect to, especially once you really get to know them.
There is so much that I want to talk about that would be too spoilery — like the introduction of one of the best comic book characters! It was a complete surprise to this person, but they really brought a lot to the show.
Talk about kick ass, this person is pretty much unstoppable, and a complete thrill to watch once they are introduced. I know that sounds so vague but trust me, comic book readers will be over the moon once they see who we are talking about.
Hit Monkey season one is an easy binge. Don’t be the only one of your friends who hasn’t watched it, so take five hours to watch all ten episodes. I promise, you won’t be disappointed.
About Hit Monkey
After a Japanese snow monkey’s tribe is slaughtered, he joins forces with the ghost of an American assassin and together, they begin killing their way through the Yakuza underworld.
Marvel’s Hit-Monkey premieres November 17, only on Hulu.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.