by Shakeil Greeley

Created on: December 29, 2007

The Boondocks
Rating: MA
Station: Adult Swim (Cartoon Network)
Score: 9/10

The Boondocks takes place in the fictional suburb of Woodcrest, where the Freeman family settle after recently moving from the South-side of Chicago. The show is primarilly narrated by Huey, the eldest child in the family. Huey is an intellectual and self-described freedom fighter, who constantly finds himself trying to fix what his brother or grandfather mess up. Riley, Huey's younger brother, is heavily influenced by gangsta rap and the culture the is glorified in the media. He plays the part of the misguided black youth who only want to rap or play basketball. Riley's adventures usually consist of him trying to become more like the rappers he idolizes, which his grandfather ridicules. Robert AKA Granddad is Huey and Riley's guardian, who is single, and is looking for love throughout the series, usually in the wrong places.

The show is animated in a Japanese/Anime style, which actually fits the show perfectly. The first season was illustrated by the original artist/writer of the comic strip, Aaron McGruder, but the second season features scenes animated by the Japanese studio, Madhouse. The artwork is overall great throughout the series, with every action scene choreographed to perfection. The sense of speed and intensity is stunning for a comedy show.

The writing for the show is fantastic as well. Every episode provides for a new satire about American culture, in the form of some situation that the Freemans find themselves in, whether it be about gold-diggers, ignorant rappers, or Myspace dating. Some may find a problem with the abundant cursing found throughout the show, however it only adds to the hilarity and realness of the show. Another thing that makes this show so great is how it really makes you think while your falling off your chair laughing, whether it be about the disheartening parts of human nature, about the way the media portrays violence and , or about world politics, theres always something to think about. Simply the ways that he ties these things into the story are ingenious.

Another part of the show that latches onto me is the characters. All of the characters are hilarious in their own right, and the fact that they are actually believable only makes it all the better. I can honestly say I personally know people who resemble the characters so much its scary.

The Boondocks is a fantastic show. Every part of it is crafted to perfection, from the animation, to the writing, to the scarily believable characters makes it a must watch for anyone who can see the problems with todays society, or if you just have a good sense of humor.
Also, if you can find it online or in your local bookstore, the comic is still side-splittting funny.

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