Ankama Animations presents a new gem: the animated series Bestiale. This short series of 7 episodes of 12 minutes each, aired since February 21 on ADN, is the work of Kosal, co-director, who makes his first complete series direction here (after co-directing episodes 1 and 3 of the Wakfu specials in 2015). He is supported in this task by Julien Bachelet (series Wakfu) as co-director. For the animation of this series, Ankama was able to rely on the support of the Canadian studio Unagi, a young studio that has signed a promising partnership with the French giant, as we announced in May 2024.
Already, it has won over many viewers and critics. So, what do the sites and viewers who have seen it think? KrozMotion gives you the rundown! The initial feedback is mostly positive, praising the originality and quality of this new made in France production.
Jeuxvideo.com has outright called the series “exquisite“, highlighting that it is a rare species in the landscape of French animation. Journalist Silent_Jay was pleasantly surprised, particularly appreciating the accessibility of the series for newcomers to the Krosmoz, the relationship between the characters Karn and Yrehn, and the ecological theme addressed. He highlights the formal success of the animation, with vibrant colors, enchanting settings, and well-executed action scenes, not to mention a quality soundtrack.
On the side of Actu.fr, the verdict is clear: Bestiale brilliantly fits into the universe of Wakfu while offering a unique story. The site highlights the accessibility for newcomers, the quality of the animation, the humor, the seemingly simple but deeply layered script, and the well-animated fights.
Gaak does not hesitate to call it a “new banger signed Ankama!“. The site praises the quality of the animation, the dynamic fights, the magnificent drawings (special mention to the Élante reminiscent of Princess Mononoke), the immersive sound atmosphere, and the excellent voice acting. The script is considered classic but full of twists, and the characters, especially the antagonist Karn, are particularly appreciated for their complexity and humor. The themes addressed, such as ecology and family, are also highlighted. The overall rating is very positive: 17/20.
For Animeotaku, Bestiale is a success on all levels. The site highlights the enchanting universe, the immersive sound atmosphere, the effective and well-paced script, and the endearing and nuanced characters. The balance between accessible adventure and mature themes is also praised, making the series captivating for a wide audience. The conclusion is clear: “For us, the answer is a resounding yes!” as to whether you should watch the series.
Gamewave is more reserved, noting that Bestiale has bite but its tight format prevents it from fully sinking its teeth in. While the site acknowledges the artistic ambition, the quality of the animation, and the richness of the universe, it regrets that the short format does not allow for sufficient development of the characters and plot, sometimes leaving a sense of incompleteness.
Viewers Conquered (Despite Some Reservations)
The viewer reviews on AlloCiné are also very positive. Tofumator simply “loved” it, highlighting the graphic beauty, message, subtext, and direction. Their only regret is that the series could be longer to explore certain aspects more. Milla Mgn also “loved” it but has a small reservation about the ending, which they find “too easy“. They compliment the “sublime setting” and graphics reminiscent of Wakfu, which is unsurprising. On Senscritique, the average viewer rating is 6.7 out of 10 based on 49 reviews. One review stands out, from Mondolorion, who speaks of “very good (and classic) Ankama“. They appreciate the attachment to the characters despite the short format and wonder if the post-credits scene hints at a potential sequel, similar to Lance-Dur in the last season of Wakfu.
Despite some reservations about its short format, the series Bestiale seems to be another success for Ankama Animations. Praised for its visual quality, accessible yet deep script, endearing characters, and relevant themes. A special thanks to the ADN platform, which funds these kinds of small animation projects, especially those of Ankama, which might not have seen the light of day given the current state of French animation.
At Krozmotion, we loved the series’ soundtrack, partly available on YouTube. It adds undeniable quality to the mini-series, which benefits from some animation tricks in certain scenes. Like Japanese anime, it particularly excels in action scenes. The rest of the series stays true to Krosmoz productions, with its humor, morals, and direct approach (I would have liked to see more Osamodas themes). We don’t think it would have been necessary to add more episodes; the action is immediate and captivating, with no downtime.
If you are a fan of the Krosmoz universe or simply looking for an original and captivating French animated series, don’t hesitate to discover Bestiale on ADN (the first two episodes are available on their YouTube) !
And you, have you already watched Bestiale? What did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!