Adventure Time: Side Quests delivers stunning animation, fan-favorite characters like the Ice King and Marceline, and a brilliant new Finn.
As a family of massive Adventure Time fans, my household is always buzzing with excitement whenever a new iteration of this beloved universe is announced. We’ve watched Finn grow up, we’ve cried over Simon’s arc, and we’ve spent hours discussing the lore of the Land of Ooo. When Adventure Time: Side Quests was first revealed, we were overjoyed.
The original series holds a sacred place in our hearts, but as any fan knows, it didn’t shy away from getting incredibly dark, heavy, and emotionally complex as it went on. While that evolution was brilliant, there is something profoundly lovely and deeply comforting about stepping back in time to see Finn and Jake just having pure, unadulterated fun again.
The new series perfectly captures that classic, nostalgic energy. It feels like a warm hug from an old friend.
One of my absolute favorite elements of Side Quests – and something that instantly won my family over – was the prominent inclusion of the Ice King. I was absolutely thrilled to find out that he not only makes an appearance, but that he is actually featured in quite a few episodes. True to form, every single scene he is in is absolutely hilarious. His signature brand of delusional, well-meaning, yet completely chaotic energy adds a massive dose of comedy to the series.
However, don’t let the lighthearted side quest nature of the show fool you into thinking it’s entirely devoid of tension. While the focus is heavily on wild adventures and gags, the stakes do get a little high at times. The writers manage to strike a beautiful balance between low-stakes fun and genuine danger, though I don’t want to say too much about that and spoil the surprises for viewers. Just know that the narrative depth we love about the franchise hasn’t been completely abandoned.
Stepping into the shoes of an iconic character is no easy feat, so I have to give a massive shoutout to Sasha Knight, the new voice of Finn. Taking over such a legendary role could easily feel jarring, but Knight fits right into the character seamlessly. He is absolutely brilliant, capturing Finn’s youthful exuberance, fierce loyalty, and heroic determination perfectly. Alongside Knight, the returning cast members bring their A-game, and hearing those familiar voices again brought an instant smile to my face.
Watching these characters interact reminded me of why I fell in love with this show in the first place. The world of Ooo itself is so utterly fantastical, vibrant, and lawless in its creativity. Watching Side Quests made me realize all over again that there are truly infinite stories to tell in this universe.
Side Quests‘ animation style offers a unique, fresh take on the classic style that we are so used to. It retains the whimsical, rubbery physics and bright color palettes of the original series, but infuses it with a modern, distinct flair that makes the action sequences pop and the backgrounds feel incredibly alive. It feels both brand new and completely respectful of its roots.
Ultimately, I think fans of the original Adventure Time series will be absolutely thrilled by this show. It honors the legacy of what came before while giving us the simple, joyous adventures we missed.
At the same time, because it scales back the heavy, intimidating lore of the later original seasons, it serves as a perfect jumping-off point for new viewers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of Ooo or stepping into the Candy Kingdom for the very first time, Adventure Time: Side Quests is a journey worth taking.
About Adventure Time: Side Quests
Adventure awaits a young hero Finn and his magical dog best friend Jake as they quest to party with cloud people and punch evil’s butt across the epic, fantastical land of Ooo.
Adventure Time: Side Quests premieres on Monday, June 29 on Hulu and Disney+.
