Marvel’s Bloodiest and Strangest Animated Show on Hulu

Marvel’s Hit-Monkey on Hulu: A Closer Look

Marvel Studios has brought a plethora of characters from Marvel Comics to life through the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From the widely popular Avengers to the lesser-known Guardians of the Galaxy, the MCU has introduced audiences to a diverse range of superheroes. In the world of streaming, Marvel’s presence has expanded with various live-action and animated series making their debut on Disney+. Among these lesser-known Marvel series is Hulu’s “Hit-Monkey,” a show that stands out for its unique and surprising content, despite flying under the radar for many viewers. Intriguingly, “Hit-Monkey” currently holds an impressive 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Premiering on Hulu in 2021, “Hit-Monkey” is based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, originally appearing in 2010. Created by writer Daniel Way and artist Dalibor Talajić, Hit-Monkey made his first comic book appearance in “Hit-Monkey” #1, eventually crossing paths with Deadpool and Spider-Man in subsequent issues of “Deadpool” #19-21.

At the core of “Hit-Monkey” is the titular character, a Japanese macaque with extraordinary assassin skills, a strong desire for revenge, and a strict moral code that allows him to only kill other assassins. This unique premise makes Hit-Monkey one of Marvel’s most peculiar and intriguing characters. Adapted for television by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, the Hulu series further amplifies Hit-Monkey’s narrative by incorporating the ghost of Bryce, the assassin who serves as Hit-Monkey’s mentor throughout the animated series.

The plot of “Hit-Monkey” unfolds with Bryce, an assassin on the run after a betrayal, finding refuge with a tribe of monkeys in the mountains. As Bryce trains, a lone monkey known as Monkey closely observes and mirrors his skills. When Bryce and the tribe fall victim to an attack by his enemies, Monkey is the sole survivor, inheriting Bryce’s weapons and embarking on a quest for vengeance – with Bryce’s ghost by his side.

As a TV-MA series, “Hit-Monkey” delves into some of Marvel’s most violent storytelling, showcasing Hit-Monkey’s relentless pursuit of retribution in Tokyo during its first season, followed by a shift to New York City in its second season. While separate from the MCU, “Hit-Monkey” cleverly weaves in Marvel’s continuity by featuring an array of familiar characters such as Fat Cobra, Lady Bullseye, Yuki, Silver Samurai, and even a brief glimpse of Kingpin in season 1.

As of now, the future of “Hit-Monkey” remains uncertain, with no official announcement regarding a potential third season. Season 2, which introduced supernatural elements and complex character relationships, ended on a note that teased further developments. Co-creator Josh Gordon has expressed intentions for a third season, with plans for a crossover with other animated Marvel series on Hulu, although these ideas remain pending as the landscape shifts.

In conclusion, “Hit-Monkey” on Hulu offers a unique and captivating viewing experience within the Marvel universe, blending action, revenge, and supernatural elements in a way that keeps audiences hooked and eager for more.