You might wonder, dear reader, if I have lost the plot. I haven’t, but thank you for your concern. Because this show is indeed still relevant to us ‘punks. Somewhat. Hear me out.
At first sight Hazbin Hotel, may not look like a show that would fall anywhere near the ‘punk culture. But while watching it, I discovered quite a few subtle yet prevalent steam- and dieselpunk presences.
But first: a little back story. Hazbin Hotel is an adult cartoon of which the original pilot has been floating about the Internet for years. Fairly recently, Amazon Prime picked up the show properly, and is hosting the first season of eight episodes. Although it is animated, it is rife with adult themes, swearing and very catchy tunes!
The setting: Hell is overcrowded, Heaven is displeased and Charlie, daughter of Lucifer and heir to the throne of Hell, has devised a plan to rehabilitate demons, so they can better themselves and go to Heaven.
Meaning we get a lot of aforementioned catchy songs, brightly colored (mostly tones of browns and reds) settings and creatures of which several: dieselpunk and steampunk! Yes indeed!
Cannibal Town is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century idyllic village. Think Main Street USA but with, well, cannibal demons. Hazbin Hotel has all the Weird West vibes, complete with matching bartender, you expect in a movie like Wild Wild West. Sir Pentious is a certified mad scientist building all the steampunk contraptions. And Alastor is a radio demon, complete with old-timey radio voice. I rest my case.
This is a perfect blend of modern media that at first sight has nothing to do with steampunk or dieselpunk, yet has found a way to seamlessly integrate both.
Of course, this is the kind of thing that is definitely an acquired taste. It is loud, proud and doesn’t shy away from themes of substance and sexual abuse, promiscuity, queerness, and other adult topics. But at the same time, it is hopeful and just plain-out fun with all the singing and silly characters such as Pentious, Nifty and the Egg Bois.
If you don’t mind very serious themes and like certified weird stuff, give it a go.
Viewer discretion: this trailer is not child friendly!
