Seis Manos is a new animated series from VIZ Productions that is now on Netflix. The eight-episode first season has attracted plenty of attention for its themes, inspirations and style. Co-creator and writer Alvaro Rodriguez and voice actors Angelica Vale and Jonny Cruz recently appeared at New York Comic-Con to talk all things “SM”.

Seis Manos is the “brain child” of Brad Graeber of Powerhouse Animation Studios. “The concept was stewing in his brain,” Rodriguez said. “I flushed out the story and created the world.” The show is an anime martial arts action drama set in 1970s Mexico. Because anime is usually regarded as Japanese animation, Rodriguez (cousin of filmmaker Robert Rodriguez) said it was tough to find Seis Manos a home. “We went through a [pitching] process of people who loved the idea but didn’t know the audience or people who didn’t think it was anime.”

But soon Netflix jumped on board. According to Rodriguez, “Netflix said, ‘Make it as authentic and specific… as you can.’ “Seis Manos is violent and filled with cinema influences, including Blaxploitation films like the original “Shaft”. Rodriguez calls it, “Machete meets Kill Bill on the set of Coco.”

Vale voices Garcia, “a tough cop.” It’s Vale’s first work ever using the English language. She’s thrilled with the fan reactions so far, especially those in the Latin community who are “discovering the new world of anime.” Vale is also aware that her young children can’t watch Seis Manos quite yet. “My kids… in a few years… will finally be able to recognize themselves in anime.”

Cruz lends his voice to Jesus, one of the core crime fighters. “He adds comedic moments in the most dramatic times.” Cruz appreciates that someone with Brown skin is the hero, not a drug dealer or criminal.

“Representation matters,” Rodriguez added. “There are more opportunities now to tell these kinds of stories.”

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Jackson Murphy

Jackson Murphy is a movie critic and entertainment columnist. He is the creator of the website Lights-Camera-Jackson.com, and has made numerous appearances on television and radio.

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