Immediately after the events of the Islands miniseries, Elements brings us back to the land of Ooo but something is off. Finn (Jeremy Shada), Jake (John DiMaggio), BMO (Niki Yang), and Susan Strong (Jackie Buscarino) return from the Islands to find everything in the candy kingdom a little… too sweet. Jake says not to worry but soon changes his mind as they return home to the treehouse: Fern the Human (Hayden Ezzy) and N.E.P.T.R. (Andy Milonakis) have been transformed into candy people!
The boy and his dog roommate follow their usual procedure and seek an audience with Princess Bubblegum (Hynden Walch) only to find her transformed into a massive tower with the power to transform anyone into a candy person. Overpowered and seemingly defeated, the duo is rescued by Ice King (Tom Kenny) and his skyhooks. He and the magic woman Betty (Felicia Day) enlist Finn and Jake to find the crystals of power set into the crowns of the princesses of the Land of Ooo to reverse the magic which has gripped the land in their absence.
The third of three Adventure Time miniseries, Elements is an interesting addition to the series. There are some very obvious horror elements on display, dulled down by the subject matter and bright color scheme, but still quite frightening. The idea of the people you know and love being transformed into something else is explored in the likes of Invasion of the Body Snatchers and The Thing, but here the same subject is explored in a family-friendly way. Finn being surrounded by his friends and neighbors who’ve been transformed into candy people as they sing ‘Let me call you sweetheart’ in dulcet tones still gives me some goosebumps.
Despite being comic and colorful, this and many other horrific moments await as Finn and Jake trek through the transformed kingdoms. Children who enjoy scary things, grand adventures, and high fantasy will absolutely love the Elements miniseries. Highly recommended for children's, fantasy, and animation film collections.
What public library shelves does this title belong on?
Adventure Time: Elements belongs alongside children’s cartoons.