FLCL anime series triumphantly returns with an explosive first trailer!

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

You don't mind if I huff into a brown paper bag while we talk about this news, do you? Because honestly, I am so excited about this trailer, and I couldn't wait to tell you all about it. Today, Adult Swim has unleashed a new trailer for the forthcoming return of FLCL (Fooly Cooly), and it's about as bat shit crazy as fans of the original series could hope for!

You see, back in the year 2000, director Kazuya Tsurumaki brought something weird and wild to the anime scene with the Yōji Enokido-written series FLCL. Comprised of only six episodes, FLCL introduced animation enthusiasts to Haruko Haruhara, a pink-haired, guitar-wielding badass engaged in an on-going war against a massive industrial corporation. While demonstrating some of her sweet moves, Haruko enlists the aid of Naota Nandaba, a 12-year-old boy able to grow a giant robot out of his forehead. Together, Haruko and Naota embark on one of the zaniest anime series ever known, and now they're coming back for more!

While FLCL was not for the faint of heart, due in-part to its manic animation style and intricate relationship dynamics, the new series  is hoping to please both newcomers as well as fans of the original. When the show makes its return on Adult Swim, a total of 12 new episodes will be presented over the course of two seasons. The first season, entitled FLCL: PROGRESSIVE will make its Toonami debut on Saturday, June 2nd at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Shortly thereafter, FLCL: ALTERNATIVE will follow in September.

FLCL: PROGRESSIVE tells the story of 14-year-old Hidomi, her classmate Ide, and two otherworldly beings, “Jinyu” and “Haruha Raharu,” who are determined to unlock their hidden potential. Mixed up in this is an all-powerful force known as “ATOMSK,” a gorgeous vintage car… and a certain Vespa Scooter.

FLCL: ALTERNATIVE centers on the misadventures of 17-year-old Kana, a high school junior who spends her days hanging out with her besties, Mossan, Hijiri, and Pets. They live unremarkable lives, until the day a Mecha falls out of the sky, along with a strange woman named “Haruko.” Her plans for Kana and her friends involve the force known as “ATOMSK.” Kana will have to risk everything to decide whether or not to help… like she really has a choice!

The new seaons of FLCL will find members of the original animation team working side-by-side with a new generation of creators. Returning to voice the enigmatic character of Haruko Haruhara is Kari Wahlgren (RICK AND MORTY, TEEN TITANS). Lastly, music featured in both seasons will be performed by the Japanese alternative rock band The Pillows.

Okay Steve, just calm down and tell the nice people what's up. Alright, I can do this. I'm obviously a major fan of this series, and I think it's fantastic that it's coming back, and with style! Now, if only I can get the team behind BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM to give that series another go.

Before we get out of here, we invite you to take a gander at this gallery of stills from the upcoming series:

FLCL: PROGRESSIVE will make its Toonami debut on Saturday, June 2nd at 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Shortly thereafter, FLCL: ALTERNATIVE will follow in September.