First Impression: Gabriel and the Guardians

Ara, the world of humans, was once a paradise but is now a wasteland filled with treacherous people and terrifying creatures. Meanwhile, above Ara, there exists another realm, one that’s beautiful and ethereal, where the titular Gabriel cares for a wondrous garden and guards the “Eternal Seed.” He takes his job seriously but his spirit is young and somewhat restless; he asks for tidings about others of his ilk and wonders about the humans living below. Among those residing in Ara is Nok, a giant hunter, who has been imprisoned until he is freed by a terrifying giant summoned by Namay’ah, a young woman who thinks she has brought a god to life. As Nok battles his foe, an enemy sneaks into Gabriel’s garden to steal the Eternal Seed. And in the chaos of both these battles, Gabriel is about to be thrown into an adventure he wasn’t expecting, but one that he has perhaps been made for.

Gabriel and the Guardians caught our eye last year. With its story inspired by the Nephilim of Genesis, a creator inspired by series including Dragon Ball and Avatar: The Last Airbender, and a lead animator who worked on projects for Disney during its 90s Renaissance, there was a lot to be excited about! But in the run-up to its release, I worried as well. Would this project be able to fulfill all that promise and be the type of series that speaks “Christian truth” without being didactic or, frankly, boring? I’m glad to say that the pilot episode not only reached the heights it promised but also exceeded my expectations. Gabriel and the Guardians leans heavily into the fantasy genre (you’ll think it’s Galadriel speaking the initial narration about the state of these realms) and immediately introduces compelling characters, some of whom are yet to be fully brought into the narrative (e.g. who is the old lady who has been imprisoned?). The animation is at times a little choppy, but chalk that up to this being a pilot. (The remainder of the series will hopefully air later in 2025.) I can confidently say that viewers are going to find the animation to be stunning. The action is choreographed well and the backgrounds are breathtaking—both the beautiful garden and the barren lands of Ara. I’m excited, also, to watch the characters’ journeys. The writing is crisp and seems to already be setting up both vast adventures and personal stories of redemption, with the characters also brought to life by outstanding voice actors like Johnny Yong Bosch (Gabriel) and Cristina Vee Valenzuela (Namay’ah). The music, too, is pretty intense, featuring a really cool closing song by Christian hip-hop artist PEABOD and an eclectic soundtrack that leans heavily into an 80s animation vibe. There’s just so much to love here in this initial episode, which sets the stakes high for the remainder of season one; let’s hope the rest of the episodes find their way to Angel Studios soon.

This review is based on a special premiere screening last night. Gabriel and the Guardians will be available to stream through Angel Studios on February 12th.

Twwk
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