(Madman)

Ultra-violent new-age adventures of a furry dude with a snake for an arm – hey, it’s Adult Swim!

Xavier: Renegade Angel takes Carlos Castaneda-esque shaman mysticism and places these magical powers in the hands of the self-obsessed title character, who often finds himself at the receiving end of redneck beatings and whose help you would run a mile to avoid. Partly created by John Lee and Vernon Chatman (the team behind Wonder Showzen), the show follows the adventures of a furry character with a blonde mullet, a snake for an arm and a third eye where his penis should be (modestly covered up by a loincloth). His tales are told in an abstract, feverishly violent manner, blending psychedelic visuals, plentiful blood and a crude computer game animation style that resembles a nightmarish, alternate universe Sims. Supposedly an ongoing journey where Xavier’s muddled philosophy asks pressing questions such as “what doth life?”, it’s really an excuse for comedic taboos to be thrown out the window, as frequently disjointed stoner narratives lead characters to horrific fates. Bonus “fanmentaries” have devotees of the show quoting Ancient Greek philosophy and Hal Ashby’s Being There in their thoughtful search for meaning, but like all Adult Swim, it’s just as easily enjoyed as tasteless freak-out humour to accompany your next dalliance with the bong.

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MATT THROWER

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