Stranger Things S2: Fun Valentine Horror Animation Review
As the days grow shorter and the air fills with anticipation for Valentine’s Day, the world of Hawkins, Indiana, is once again thrown into delightful chaos. This is the setting for Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, a vibrant animated spin-off that wraps the high-stakes mystery of the original series with a fresh, spooky twist.
The action kicks off when strange blue flowers begin to sprout from a monster in the previous season’s finale, blanketing the entire town. This sudden, otherworldly invasion forces the Hawkins Investigators Club into immediate action, as they must uncover the truth behind the supernatural threat invading their familiar town.
Our journey follows the core group of young heroes, including Eleven, Max, Mike, Lucas, Dustin, and Will, joined by Nikki and her mother, Anna Baxter. They navigate the escalating chaos, determined to combat the latest invasion and restore order to their world.
This season expertly balances nostalgia and adventure. While it builds upon the mythology of the main series, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it simply adds deeper layers to the established world. New antagonists and voice actors, including Robert Englund and Jack Griffo, bring fresh energy to the group, allowing the focus to remain firmly on these young heroes.
The animation style is a standout feature, offering bold, over-the-top action sequences that defy some logical conventions while remaining perfectly suited to the animated format. The visuals are creative, ranging from cute sprites to adversaries closer in design to Vecna, ensuring the story remains thrilling without becoming overly gory or frightening. The entire series maintains a family-friendly feel, even when tackling life-or-death stakes.
Despite some minor quibbles regarding character arcs and continuity, the series delivers an exciting, high-energy experience. It successfully explores the formative years of the characters while providing a rich, colorful backdrop for their adventures.
Stranger Things: Tales From ’85 was developed by Flying Bark Productions and manages to feel both familiar and exciting, expanding the mythology of Hawkins without infringing on the main narrative. It serves as a fun, impactful chapter that adds tremendous richness to the world.
The story concludes with a compelling set of tales from this specific year, leaving the door open for future chapters that delve into the mysteries of 1986 and beyond. Fans are already looking forward to more, as the series is set to continue with season two, premiering on September 17th on Netflix.
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