Dive into Nostalgia: Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 Hits Netflix!

Exciting news for fans of the Upside Down! The animated series Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 is set to launch on Netflix on April 23. Just a few months after the gripping finale of the live-action series, our beloved heroes from Hawkins are back, but this time in a vibrant animated style.

This series is the first of several spin-offs promised by the creators, Matt and Ross Duffer. It takes place in the Stranger Things universe, filling in the gaps between the end of Season 2 and the beginning of Season 3. Led by showrunner Eric Robles, known for his work on Glitch Techs, the animation aims for a fun, family-friendly vibe reminiscent of classic Saturday morning cartoons. Picture Scooby-Doo, but with way more flair and budget!

The story picks up just after Eleven seals the gate to the Upside Down and enjoys the winter Snow Ball with Mike. Our main crew—Eleven, Mike, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max—voiced by a fresh cast, soon realizes that remnants of the Upside Down still haunt Hawkins. It’s a nostalgic trip for those who fondly remember the earlier seasons of the live-action show.

Spanning ten episodes, the season is packed with colorful animation by Flying Bark Productions, showcasing 80s-inspired designs that are a feast for the eyes. However, the storyline feels stretched at times, almost like it should have been wrapped up in a tighter six-episode format or condensed into an animated film.

The setting also brings a refreshing winter twist, with the gang finding themselves amidst snow and cozy winter outfits. Eleven is snug in her forest cabin while her friends head back to school after the winter holidays. But their new normal quickly spirals into chaos when they encounter a terrifying snow shark monster dragging victims through the snow. Talk about a chilly welcome!

While Eleven is crucial to defeating these creatures, the narrative keeps the focus tight on the middle schoolers, limiting interactions with older favorites like Hopper and Nancy. However, a new character, Nikki Baxter, makes a grand entrance. Portrayed by Odessa A’zion, she’s the new student who brings a mix of brains and bravery to the gang, quickly earning her spot in Hawkins’ investigative crew.

As the kids band together to tackle monstrous threats left behind by the Upside Down, the series’ central mystery begins to feel a bit repetitive. Sticking closely to the established storyline means the stakes often feel low, as viewers know that no major characters are at real risk. The creature battles, while entertaining, can start to blend together, lacking the intensity that fans might expect.

Despite some exciting jump scares and visually impressive scenes, the action sequences don’t quite pack the punch of their live-action counterparts. In contrast, other animated series, like Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, have managed to embrace their audience’s growth and push boundaries, making them feel more adventurous.

Nonetheless, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 offers plenty of fun for younger viewers or anyone new to the franchise. The voice acting is on point, with standout performances from Jolie Hoang-Rappaport as Max and Braxton Quinney as Dustin, who capture the essence of their characters perfectly. It’s a light-hearted watch for families, but it might lack the magnetic charm that keeps the original series so endlessly rewatchable.