FLCL: Grunge

Look, let’s face it: NOTHING is ever going to be FLCL… but since we already have it, do we really need anything else to do that again? FLCL is an original masterpiece, so by definition, any attempt to repeat it would be… unoriginal. With that, I dare you to take off the nostalgia goggles and see FLCL Grunge for what it is: a fun - and surprisingly touching - story set in our favorite universe, complete with all the neon-psychedelic absurdity that is FLCL! The same (apocalyptic) events are told in three coming-of-age stories featuring a set of friends trying to find their place ... in this world - or otherwise, leave it! With only three episodes, it’s an easy watch, and an experience worth having. And yes: it’s fully CGI, but that doesn’t make Haruko any less fun or sexy, so get over it!

I was feeling meh the first 2 episodes but in my opinion, the final minutes of the third episode captured a magic feeling that the very first FLCL gave me. A very flawed and questionably animated sequel but ultimately I enjoyed the feel it was going for on the third episode. I think it could've been better for the first 2 episodes though. None of the jokes really landed for me and the dialogue felt a bit stiff at most parts, Haruka and Orinoko were definitely the highlights for me. I also think people are a little too harsh on the amount of CGI in ... the animation personally, as it conveyed a distinct unpolished, or clumsy feeling that fit the grunge theme for me. I think overall I'd prefer this one over FLCL progressive.

Embarrassingly bad, in every aspect of writing, animating, voicing, and directing. Uninspired characters, shallow dialogue, and a cheap-looking style come together to make something that would look more in-place on youtube as a fan-project that was anticipated for 6 years before flunking into oblivion upon release. An attempt is made to give a unique theme to the setting and cast like exist in prior series, but questionable worldbuilding (e.g. a new, 100% unexplained obviously-alien race is just randomly present, and have the most boring name imaginable: "Rockians") and a bad fascination with trying to tell 3 un-flushed-out stories at the same time leaves you with ... nothing but the show vaguely shaking its hand and saying "Hope good" in the least creative ways.

Grunge leaves a permanent stain on the series, and no trace of the reason the former series were good are present. You'll get a better FLCL experience just listening to a Pillow album.