Andrew S Allen

For fans of kids animation, this latest short from Cartoon Network’s Elizabeth Ito is a must-see as a new voice for kids animation.

The story follows a soft spoken teenage monster named T-Kash who deals with the drama of being different. It’s a conventional story that hits harder in our current climate with a growing fear of outsiders. At the same time, it’s documentary-style approach, beautiful scenes, and more contemplative pace offers a fresh take on kids animation as a whole—a more intimate, quiet break from the wild fun of Adventure Time (which Elizabeth also works on) and the wave of knockoffs it’s inspired.

Aesthetically, Welcome to My Life builds on the style of The Amazing World of Gumball’s combination of animated characters set within photographic backgrounds. Yet the 3D animation in Welcome takes it much further in blending the worlds believably and creating atmosphere.

“…there’s this awesome freedom at Cartoon Network to make these shorts in a really unique and personal way” —Elizabeth via Animac

While Welcome is still just a short film, if it’s momentum continues to build (it’s already crossed a million views online), there’s a good chance it will be picked up for a series. If you love it—like it, share it, and show your support!