Invincible Fight Girl: Pursuing the Essence of Serialized Animation

Juston Gordon-Montgomery: Connecting Shonen Influences to Wrestling

Growing up during the era of larger-than-life wrestling spectacle, Juston Gordon-Montgomery was captivated by the outrageous personas and compelling narratives that defined pro wrestling's Attitude Era. Although wrestling has evolved, its allure has somewhat faded, making it less approachable for newcomers. This perceptive insight spurred Gordon-Montgomery to craft a fresh Adult Swim series that acts as an entryway into wrestling's vibrant world.

His creation tells the tale of Andy, an ordinary accountant with dreams of wrestling stardom. This new series is reminiscent of classic shonen anime, set in a unique universe where masked fighters, each with their own distinct styles and signature moves, dominate the landscape. Despite what might seem a complex mix of influences, the coherence of the world becomes evident as soon as its characters take center stage.

In a recent conversation, Gordon-Montgomery expressed his desire to infuse his series with the magic and zeal he felt during wrestling's golden age. He wanted Andy, the protagonist, to reflect this while ensuring the entire show echoed these influences.

Infusing Wrestling's Spirit into Serialized Animation

As a young fan, Gordon-Montgomery found wrestling’s mythical quality enchanting. The personas seemed genuine, convincing him that characters like The Undertaker were real. He was inspired by the idea of a world brimming with professional wrestlers, each defined by vivid characteristics and beliefs manifesting in their interactions and conflicts.

From the outset, the series aimed to capture this whirlwind of passion and excitement surrounding wrestling. Drawing inspiration from renowned anime, Gordon-Montgomery and his team aimed to develop a narrative where the essence and excitement of wrestling communicated through dynamic storytelling, much as seen in director Satoshi Nishimura’s acclaimed works.

Gordon-Montgomery drew from these influences, emphasizing how wrestling was more than mere physical combat; it was about depicting philosophical clashes and character evolution. Wrestling, he felt, was as much about storytelling and spectacle as it was about combat moves.

Navigating the Challenge of Serialized Storytelling

Early episodes showcase Andy employing basic wrestling tactics learned through videos, befitting her status as a novice. Her journey is enriched by meeting mentors and contemporaries like the veteran wrestler Quesa Poblana and aspiring journalist Mikey. Yet, her evolution into Invincible Fight Girl is gradual, unfolding in a manner rarely seen today in fast-paced media productions.

When Gordon-Montgomery embarked on this venture, he noticed a scarcity of serialized narratives in Western animation akin to those he admired in anime. While modern series often face resistance to extended storylines due to shifting industry trends, his network partners appreciated the need for a comprehensive narrative to truly convey Andy’s story.

Although hesitant to specify the series’ potential length, Gordon-Montgomery believes that the foundational concept of his show possesses ample scope for exploration, with philosophical themes and uncharted animation territory awaiting discovery.

Join the adventure as Invincible Fight Girl debuts on November 2nd, offering a fresh take on serialized storytelling on Adult Swim.