DC Comics has no shortage of quality animated material. This includes numerous direct-to-DVD films (the most recent being the Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earth trilogy). While those have offered mixed results, one corner of DC that has remained popular is its animated television content. HBO Max’s shows, such as Harley Quinn, became comedic hits. Inevitably, with shows of that scale, some side characters can potentially have a spin-off series. Kite-Man, one of the most obscure characters introduced in Harley Quinn, has now earned his chance to shine in the spotlight with Kite Man: Hell Yeah!
Kite Man: Hell Yeah! follows the titular hero, Chuck Brown/Kite Man (Matt Oberg), living with his girlfriend Lisa Snider/Golden Glider (Stephanie Hsu). Throughout ten episodes, it follows the pair living (and running) the shadowy Noonans bar in Gotham City. In an attempt to take on Lex Luthor’s (played by the late Lance Reddick) Legion of Doom, Both Kite Man and Glider open Noonan’s to the criminal underworld. What follows is an array of debauchery amongst Gotham’s most villainous (and more lesser-known and unique) characters.
Akin to something like the 1980s series Cheers, Kite Man: Hell Yeah! works best in its quieter moments. Simply hearing the banter amongst these characters throughout the season remains a joy. Showrunners Dave Lorey and Katie Rich have an infectious love for every one of Noonan’s patrons. From Kite Man to Golden Glider or The Queen of Fables (Janelle James), or twin Gangsters Moe/Joe Dubelz (a fun piece of meta-casting via Michael Imperoli from The Sopranos), they are all loveable misfits.
The stand out of the bunch has to go to voice actor James Adomian as Bane. Those familiar with Bane’s comic book lore may be disappointed with this version. This version of Bane, initially introduced in the Harley Quinn animated series, walks a tonal tightrope of the character. Vocally, the character resembles Tom Hardy’s portrayal in The Dark Knight Rises with an injected layer of what some may consider femininity. The results give this version a funny comedic undertone scattered throughout. Anytime Bane is on-screen, every joke lands to a funny and arguably biting degree. Unfortunately, like any good sitcom, the series cannot solely rely on banter.
Where Kite Man: Hell Yeah! begins to struggle is in the core narrative, particularly in the emotional beats. Such moments never land with the intended emotional heft. Instead, the series becomes much less enjoyable when the plot goes into motion. To avoid spoilers, such moments involve characters reconnecting with their pasts. The results involve certain narrative cliches delivered blandly. These bits of story grind the series’ momentum to a propulsive halt.
If you have seen any sitcom imaginable (and I do mean ANY), it will be easy to predict the season’s narrative plot threads. While, in some cases, trying to satirize sitcom tropes, certain revelations do not have the intended impact. The results could leave some simply asking, “That’s it?” Such a question is much more frustrating, with the characters so firmly realized. Some compelling action sequences could be enough for to forgive these rather bland narrative cliches. It’s a lackluster element, particularly with the individual strengths of the character dynamics.
At its core, Kite Man: Hell Yeah! Thrives as a compelling romantic story. That is not to deny a cartoonish nature, but Golden Glider and Kite Man give the season a beating heart. Viewers care about their relationship and want it to succeed through the comedic trials and tribulations. No matter what each character goes through, they maintain a love and devotion for one another. The same could be said for other burgeoning romances scattered about Noonan’s. As the season progresses, these more interesting (and often hilarious) relationships take center stage.
It is safe to reiterate that to get the most out of Kite Man: Hell Yeah!, being a DC comics fan is a benefit. With deep cuts to DC comics lore (some characters being so obscure that they may require a Google search), fans will love it. You can tell the love displayed for this (primarily b-list) array of supervillains. Using obscure characters like Sixpack (Yes, that’s a real DC character) might tickle some fans’ funny bones. Granted, there is still plenty for the non-diehard DC fans to enjoy throughout. Particularly in its irreverent (very TV-MA) tone and style of humor during the season.
Several very raucous sequences remain indescribable and laugh-out-loud hilarious. While not precisely along the lines of something like Adult Swim, their absurdity is similarly dark and comical. Fans of the Harley Quinn series will soak up all of these sequences with glee. Those who have not seen Harley Quinn could also have some fun. Fans who enjoy more raunchy (and very violent) animated TV surely won’t be disappointed. Running between 23-30 minutes, the show wisely never overstays its welcome. The jokes themselves have enough rapid-fire precision to keep things moving.
Having seen the entire season of Kite Man: Hell Yeah! In one go, I cannot help but wonder if that hampered my enjoyment. Spaced out in a weekly format would give more time for jokes and story beats to breathe. The cliches still shine brightly, but it could be more palpable for some viewers in a weekly viewing format. Those cliches detract from my overall enjoyment. Thankfully, with enough irreverent and foul-mouthed humor, violence, and a splash of heart, there is plenty of fun to be had with this first season.
Kite Man: Hell Yeah! is now streaming in full on MAX.
Learn more about Kite Man: Hell Yeah! at the MAX website for the series.
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