My Life as a Teenage Robot is likely to be the brightest hidden gem within the Nickelodeon lineup. Created by prolific animator Rob Renzetti, the show is about a robot girl named Jenny Wakeman (often known as X-J9), who was created by her scientist mom to defend Earth. Though Jenny is a super-powered gynoid, she needs to be accepted as a typical teenage woman.
On the time, the present was combating for room alongside a number of the best Nickelodeon shows, together with SpongeBob SquarePants and Avatar: The Final Airbender. Regardless of lasting simply three seasons, My Life as a Teenage Robotic has amassed a loyal following, perhaps not a cult following on the extent of fellow Nicktoon Invader Zim, however a considerable fanbase nonetheless. Because of the sequence’ exploration of darker themes, eclectic animation, and compelling characters, it is no shock that My Life as a Teenage Robotic nonetheless has viewers .
My Life As A Teenage Robotic Was Forward Of Its Time
The Present Premiered Again In 2003
My Life as a Teenage Robotic was forward of its time in not solely its subject material but additionally its characters. Sure, the present has delved into points like physique insecurity, prejudice, and even genocide again within the early 2000s. It’s price noting that My Life as a Teenage Robotic premiered two years earlier than Avatar: The Final Airbender, which is the Nickelodeon present most individuals reward for its mature however nonetheless accessible subject material.
My Life as a Teenage Robotic threw conference to the wind by not giving the teenage protagonist a romance subplot. As an alternative, Jenny has a real camaraderie together with her next-door neighbor, Brad, and his child brother, Tuck. In most sequence, Brad and Jenny would have romantic rigidity and even already be coupled up as a result of they’re so shut in age and demeanor.
Associated
Danny Phantom Creator Reacts To Fan-Made 3D CGI Remake Of Show’s Intro
Danny Phantom creator Butch Hartman reacts to a TikTok consumer’s 3D and CGI recreation of the Nickelodeon present’s iconic and nostalgic introduction.
Nonetheless, Brad is strictly Jenny’s hype-man and confidant, who’s extra excited by her crime-fighting adventures than forging a romantic relationship. Brad and Jenny’s relationship relies on mutual respect, not attraction, which is significant for viewers, particularly children, to see.
How Jenny’s Human Exo Pores and skin Labored & What It Actually Meant
It Makes Two Appearances
Jenny’s human exo-skin makes its first look within the season 1 episode The Raggedy Android. Her scientist mom and creator, Dr. Nora Wakeman, created the exo-skin, which initially makes Jenny seem like a life-size rag doll in order that she will not entice consideration throughout a city carnival. Finally, Jenny takes off the exo-skin and saves the carnival from mayhem.
The human exo-skin makes one other look in Return of the Raggedy Android, when Jenny is kicked out of a diner that doesn’t serve robots. In response, she wears the human-exo pores and skin, which is new and improved because the final time it made an look. The human-exo pores and skin now makes Jenny seem like a good looking human teenager as a substitute of a rag doll. At first, everybody, together with Jenny, is in awe of how beautiful the pores and skin makes her look.
Jenny initially revels within the shallow consideration she receives whereas sporting the exo-skin. She even ignores it when the pores and skin begins to regulate her actions as a result of she thinks being lovely is extra vital than having autonomy, which mirrors the experiences of many viewers, particularly younger ladies.
How My Life As A Teenage Robotic Tackled Physique Dysmorphia
Jenny Wore A Second Pores and skin, Actually
The individuals behind My Life as a Teenage Robotic deserve credit score for tackling physique picture points earlier than the time period “physique positivity” entered public consciousness. Jenny’s human exo-skin may be seen as an allegory for physique dysmorphia, which is a psychological well being situation the place the affected person is hyperfixated with perceived flaws of their look.
About midway by means of Return of the Raggedy Android, the human exo-skin develops a thoughts of its personal. The pores and skin tells Jenny her new human physique is her ticket to not being seen as a robotic “freak”. Jenny, being a susceptible teenage woman, welcomes the thought of becoming in regardless of the prices. However later, the exo-skin even goes as far as to regulate Jenny’s actions, even stopping her from breaking apart a struggle.
Like Jenny herself, all of the creative kinds match collectively in a single lovely bundle, making the present a delight to look at.
Jenny’s want to be conventionally engaging highlights not solely physique dysmorphia but additionally the struggles teenagers face in a superficial society that values seems above all else. She is so preoccupied with trying good within the human pores and skin that she virtually loses sight of her values. Finally, Jenny destroys the sinister pores and skin when it prevents her from serving to harmless individuals and learns that her power isn’t merely skin-deep.
My Life As A Teenage Robotic Deserves One other Look 20 Years Later
The Animation And Characters Communicate For Themselves
On prime of masking matters like physique picture, prejudice, and self-acceptance, My Life as a Teenage Robotic was groundbreaking in its characters and animation. My Life as a Teenage Robotic’s animation type takes inspiration from a large number of sources. Closely influenced by the Artwork Deco motion, the backgrounds and character designs make the most of thick black traces and daring geometric shapes. It might seem to be the retro aesthetic is in distinction to a present a few futuristic robotic, however the 2 kinds are blended seamlessly.
Jenny’s pigtails double as rockets, and she or he has a retractable laser in her forearm, however these high-tech components are nonetheless designed to seem like they have been crafted within the Nineteen Thirties. Like Jenny herself, all of the creative kinds match collectively in a single lovely bundle, making the present a delight to look at.
Associated
10 Cartoon TV Shows That Saw Huge Jumps In Animation Quality
Animated TV reveals usually comprise a signature type that turns into intrinsically tied to the present, however many reveals additionally adapt with new kinds afterward.
Jenny is an fascinating character who has since been largely forgotten within the Nickelodeon lineup. Nonetheless, the animated gynoid was included within the 2023 online game, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, so Jenny has lately appeared within the Nick-verse. However, illustration apart, she’s a terrific character as a result of Jenny is each susceptible and nonetheless extremely robust. She nonetheless needs what each different teenage woman needs: to slot in, have a boyfriend, go to events, all that stuff, however she remains to be prepared to step up and shield others, even when it isn’t simple.
My Life as a Teenage Robotic defied romantic clichés, explored points that have been forward of its time, and gifted viewers with distinctive animation. It is spectacular that the present nonetheless resonates with followers regardless of solely airing for 3 seasons and competing with heavy hitters on Nickelodeon. My Life as a Teenage Robotic is a must-watch for followers of animation and intelligent storytelling alike.
