What are the top lacrosse equipment brands. How to choose the right lacrosse gear for your position. Which lacrosse cleats offer the best performance. What features should you look for in a lacrosse helmet. How do different lacrosse head designs affect play.
Top Lacrosse Equipment Brands and Their Signature Products
The lacrosse equipment market is dominated by several key brands, each offering unique products tailored to players’ needs. Let’s explore some of the top brands and their standout offerings:
Cascade
Cascade is renowned for its high-quality lacrosse helmets. Their flagship product is the Cascade XRS Pro Custom Lacrosse Helmet, priced at $329.99. This helmet boasts advanced protective features, including:
- Extended coverage for enhanced safety
- Improved comfort for long-wearing sessions
- Increased vision range for better on-field awareness
- Personalized fit options for optimal protection
Nike
Nike offers a range of lacrosse cleats designed for different player needs and skill levels. Their popular models include:
- Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite ($110.97 – $129.99): Ideal for experienced players, offering comfort, stability, and flex.
- Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity ($76.97 – $89.99): Designed for beginner players with lightweight mesh and a flexible TPU plate.
- Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf: Specifically designed for turf and box lacrosse play.
Maverik
Maverik specializes in lacrosse heads and shafts. Some of their notable products are:
- Maverik Tactik 3.0 ($99.99): A men’s lacrosse head built for offensive control with ControlCore Technology.
- Maverik A1 Shaft ($99.99): A lightweight Scandium alloy shaft for improved speed and strength.
- Maverik Hyperlite Shaft 2024 ($149.99): A high-end shaft designed for collegiate and high school level play.
STX
STX offers a wide range of lacrosse equipment, including heads and shafts. Their popular products include:
- STX Stallion 1k ($99.99): A versatile head designed for all-around midfielders.
- STX SC-TI X ($109.99): A lightweight shaft favored by attackmen and midfielders.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Gear for Your Position
Selecting the appropriate lacrosse equipment depends largely on your playing position. Each role on the field requires specific gear attributes to maximize performance. How does gear differ for various positions?
Attackmen
Attackmen typically prefer:
- Lighter, more flexible shafts for quick maneuvering
- Heads with a narrower face shape for precise ball control
- Cleats with good ankle support for sudden direction changes
Midfielders
Midfielders often opt for:
- Versatile heads that balance offense and defense capabilities
- Shafts with a good strength-to-weight ratio
- Cleats that provide stability and speed for covering the entire field
Defenders
Defenders usually choose:
- Stiffer, more durable shafts for checking and ground ball pickup
- Wider, more robust heads for intercepting passes and clearing
- Cleats with excellent lateral support for quick side-to-side movements
Goalies
Goalies require specialized equipment, including:
- Larger, flatter heads for maximum ball-stopping surface area
- Shorter shafts for quicker reactions in the crease
- Protective gear designed specifically for shot-stopping
Lacrosse Cleats: Finding the Perfect Fit for Peak Performance
Lacrosse cleats play a crucial role in a player’s performance on the field. What factors should you consider when choosing lacrosse cleats?
Cleat Types
There are three main types of lacrosse cleats:
- Low-cut: Offer maximum agility and speed, ideal for midfielders and attackmen
- Mid-cut: Provide a balance of ankle support and flexibility, suitable for most positions
- High-cut: Offer maximum ankle support, often preferred by defenders
Field Surface Considerations
The type of field you play on should influence your cleat choice:
- Firm ground cleats: Best for natural grass fields
- Turf shoes: Designed for artificial turf surfaces
- Multi-ground cleats: Versatile option for various surfaces
Comfort and Fit
Ensuring proper fit is crucial for optimal performance and injury prevention. Consider these factors:
- Toe box space: Allow about a thumb’s width of space
- Heel lock: The heel should not slip when running
- Width: Choose cleats that accommodate your foot width comfortably
Lacrosse Helmets: Essential Features for Safety and Performance
A high-quality lacrosse helmet is crucial for player safety. What key features should you look for in a lacrosse helmet?
Safety Certifications
Ensure the helmet meets safety standards:
- NOCSAE certification: Required for all levels of play in the US
- SEI certification: Additional safety verification
Fit and Adjustability
A proper fit is essential for maximum protection:
- Adjustable chin strap: Ensures secure positioning
- Customizable padding: Allows for a snug, comfortable fit
- Shell size options: Choose the appropriate size for your head
Ventilation
Good airflow helps maintain comfort during intense play:
- Strategically placed vents: Promote air circulation
- Moisture-wicking liner: Helps manage sweat
Vision and Hearing
Optimal sensory awareness is crucial for performance:
- Wide field of vision: Allows for better situational awareness
- Ear holes: Enable clear on-field communication
Lacrosse Heads: Understanding Design Features and Their Impact on Play
The design of a lacrosse head significantly influences a player’s performance. How do different features affect play?
Face Shape
The face shape of a lacrosse head impacts ball control and shooting:
- Narrow face: Offers precise ball control, ideal for attackmen
- Wide face: Provides larger catching area, suitable for defenders
- Balanced face: Versatile option for midfielders
Sidewall Design
Sidewall structure affects the head’s strength and pocket formation:
- Open sidewall: Allows for deeper pockets and more whip
- Closed sidewall: Provides increased stiffness and durability
Scoop Shape
The scoop design influences ground ball pickup:
- Rounded scoop: Easier ground ball pickup on various surfaces
- Flat scoop: Provides more consistent pickup on smooth surfaces
Stringing Holes
The number and placement of stringing holes affect pocket customization:
- More holes: Allows for greater pocket customization
- Strategically placed holes: Enables specific pocket styles
Lacrosse Shafts: Material Choices and Their Performance Implications
The material of a lacrosse shaft greatly influences its performance characteristics. What are the main shaft materials and their properties?
Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum alloy shafts offer a balance of strength and weight:
- Pros: Affordable, durable, good feel
- Cons: Can dent or bend under extreme force
Titanium
Titanium shafts provide excellent strength-to-weight ratio:
- Pros: Extremely lightweight, very strong
- Cons: Expensive, can be too light for some players
Composite
Composite shafts, often made of carbon fiber, offer unique performance benefits:
- Pros: Customizable flex, vibration dampening
- Cons: Can be expensive, may chip or crack instead of bending
Scandium
Scandium alloy shafts provide a premium option:
- Pros: Excellent strength-to-weight ratio, durable
- Cons: More expensive than standard aluminum
Customizing Your Lacrosse Gear: Personalization Options and Benefits
Customizing lacrosse equipment allows players to tailor their gear to their specific needs and preferences. What customization options are available, and how do they benefit players?
Custom Stringing
Customizing the pocket of a lacrosse head can significantly impact performance:
- Pocket depth: Affects ball control and release
- String tension: Influences ball retention and throw accuracy
- Whip: Determines the angle of release
Shaft Wraps and Grips
Customizing the shaft’s grip can enhance control and comfort:
- Tape wraps: Provide a customized grip texture
- Rubber grips: Offer improved grip in wet conditions
- Heat shrink wraps: Create a smooth, durable grip surface
Color Customization
While primarily aesthetic, color customization can have practical benefits:
- Team color coordination: Enhances team identity
- Visibility on the field: Can aid in quick stick recognition
- Personal expression: Allows players to showcase their style
Custom Fit Gear
Some equipment can be tailored for a perfect fit:
- Custom molded mouthguards: Provide superior protection and comfort
- Adjustable helmet padding: Ensures optimal fit and safety
- Personalized glove sizing: Offers improved dexterity and protection
Customizing lacrosse gear allows players to optimize their equipment for their specific playing style, physical attributes, and preferences. This personalization can lead to improved comfort, enhanced performance, and increased confidence on the field.
As the sport of lacrosse continues to evolve, so does the equipment used by players at all levels. From high-tech helmets to precisely engineered heads and shafts, modern lacrosse gear offers players unprecedented levels of performance and protection. By understanding the various options available and how they relate to different playing styles and positions, players can make informed decisions about their equipment choices.
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced player looking to upgrade your gear, taking the time to research and select the right equipment can make a significant difference in your on-field performance. Remember that while high-end gear can offer advanced features, proper technique, practice, and dedication remain the most crucial factors in becoming a successful lacrosse player.
As you explore the wide world of lacrosse equipment, don’t hesitate to seek advice from coaches, experienced players, or knowledgeable staff at specialty lacrosse retailers. They can provide valuable insights and help you find the perfect gear to match your playing style and goals. With the right equipment in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenges of this fast-paced and exciting sport.
Lacrosse Equipment, Apparel, and Lacrosse Highlights
Previous Next
Cascade XRS Pro Custom Lacrosse Helmet
Cascade
The Cascade XRS Pro lacrosse helmet offers new protective features that extend coverage, enhance comfort, increase vision and offer a more personalized fit.
191422
$329.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite lacrosse cleat provides comfort, stability and flex for the field. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite is designed for the player that’s on the field every day, putting in the work
165754
$110.97
–
$129.99
New Balance Freeze LX 4.
0-White
New Balance
New Balance Freeze 4.0 Lacrosse Cleats
172265
$114.99
Maverik Tactik 3.0
Maverik
The newly updated Maverik Tactik 3.0 men’s lacrosse head is built to control the offensive zone, and is always a threat to score or feed. Our Pro’s think this head is designed for the mid-range shooter and precision passer. The new Tactik 3.0 has been updated with ControlCore Technology, providing superior ball control when possessing, feeding and shooting. This head features 20 stringing holes, so the custom pocket options are endless. Want custom stringing colors? Check out our customizers, and our Premier Custom Stringing. Level 3 Bottom Rail: Mid-Pocket recommended Optimal Release Point Duratough Materail Ground Control Scoop Control Core Made in the USA
175499
$99.99
ECD Ion
East Coast Dyes
ECD Ion Lacrosse Head
179009
$119.99
STX Stallion 1k SummerAde
STX
The LIMITED EDITION SummerAde STX Stallion 1K men’s lacrosse head is designed for the elite, all-around midfielder.
191820
$99.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity was made for the demands of the game. The brand-new mesh in the upper is super lightweight and minimizes distractions, perfect for the beginner player. The flexible TPU plate is comfortable enough for all the miles you put in on the field. Our Pro’s love the shorter break in period the cleats have coming from the flexible TPU plate.
165877
$76.97
–
$89.99
For Men
Maverik Tactik 3.0
Maverik
The newly updated Maverik Tactik 3.0 men’s lacrosse head is built to control the offensive zone, and is always a threat to score or feed. Our Pro’s think this head is designed for the mid-range shooter and precision passer. The new Tactik 3.0 has been updated with ControlCore Technology, providing superior ball control when possessing, feeding and shooting.
This head features 20 stringing holes, so the custom pocket options are endless. Want custom stringing colors? Check out our customizers, and our Premier Custom Stringing. Level 3 Bottom Rail: Mid-Pocket recommended Optimal Release Point Duratough Materail Ground Control Scoop Control Core Made in the USA
175499
$99.99
Maverik A1 Shaft
Maverik
The new Maverik A1 men’s lacrosse shaft is lighter, faster and stronger than its predecessor. The A1 is made with Scandium alloy, and has a thinner wall thickness for an unbelievable lightweight feel.
61071
$99.99
STX Stallion 1k
STX
The STX Stallion 1K mens lacrosse head is designed for the elite, all-around midfielder. This lacrosse head uses EnduraForm – a proprietary material for improved toughness and combined with a Speed Scoop which makes for the easiest ground balls in the game
181839
$99.99
STX SC-TI X
STX
The STX Sc-Ti X lacrosse shaft has one of the best strength to weight ratio’s in the game.
This shaft is primarily coveted by attackmen and midfielders that want the lightest feeling shaft on the market.
120822
$109.99
Maverik Optik 3
Maverik
The Maverik Optik 3.0 Lacrosse Head for the driving dodger, feeding visionary or illusive finisher, the Optik 3 combines features best suited for those quickest around the crease. An increased offset, dual-strut sidewall and optimal face shape strike a perfect balance to catch, carry and control with brilliance.
165622
$99.99
Maverik Hypercore 2024
Maverik
The Maverik Hypercore lacrosse shaft for midfield and attack is a welcome addition to the Maverik Carbon shaft family. Made from Carbon Composite, this lightweight shaft provides ultimate performance at the right price point.
177535
$99.99
Warrior Evo QX2-O
Warrior
Warrior Evo QX2-O Lacrosse Head
175145
$129.99
Maverik Hyperlite Shaft 2024
Maverik
The Maverik Hyperlite lacrosse shaft sets the standard for collegiate and high school level play that is light as a feather and it can stand up to the punishment of big boy play
177524
$149.
99
Maverik Kinetik 3
Maverik
Maverik Kinetik 3 – Designed for every style of play – Get this men’s lacrosse head professionally strung with custom colors, ready to eat up groundballs, and throwing on a dime at Lax.com!
192240
$99.99
Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon Shaft
Warrior
Warrior Evo QX2 Carbon Shaft
175163
$149.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf Shoe is the perfect turf shoe whether you’re playing in the box or just hitting the turf. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro Turf was specifically designed for comfort, stability and flexibility on the field. Skins and TPU molding on the upper create a stable feel, while active pegs retract and extend so you have traction when and where you need it most.
165954
$68.97
–
$79.99
Maverik M5 EKG Speed Pad
Maverik
The Maveirk M5 EKG Speed Pad provides high-level protection with Maverik’s External Kardiac Guard (EKG).
This shoulder pad liner meets the new NOCSAE performance standard ND200.
148292
$124.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite lacrosse cleat provides comfort, stability and flex for the field. The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite is designed for the player that’s on the field every day, putting in the work
165754
$110.97
–
$129.99
STX Cell 5 Arm Guard
STX
The STX Cell V arm guards are a step up from their predecessor the Cell IV. These pads will be worn by the elite collegiate attackmen and middies in the nation for hinge free padding and the non slip arm sleeve. STX also added a floating, hard plastic elbow cap which provides added low-profile slash protection.
149302
$109.99
$84.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Varsity was made for the demands of the game. The brand-new mesh in the upper is super lightweight and minimizes distractions, perfect for the beginner player.
The flexible TPU plate is comfortable enough for all the miles you put in on the field. Our Pro’s love the shorter break in period the cleats have coming from the flexible TPU plate.
165877
$76.97
–
$89.99
STX Surgeon RZR Gloves
STX
The STX Surgeon RZR lacrosse gloves are one of the lightest, high-end gloves available on the market without suffering protection. They also offer one of the best palms in the game.
120852
$179.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro
Nike
The Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Pro lacrosse cleat provides comfort, stability and flex for the field. This lacrosse cleat was made for the demands of the game.
165665
$85.97
–
$99.99
Maverik M5 Glove
Maverik
The Maverik M5 mens lacrosse glove has the classic fit, that was redesigned for unrestricted movement and precision feel. You will find instant comfort right off the shelf. Our Pro’s find that Maverik gloves have a roomy fit and also affords players some extra space on the back of the hand.
148270
$139.99
Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Youth
Nike
Passion. Energy. Focus. They’re all represented in the Nike Alpha Huarache 8 Elite Youth Lacrosse cleat. With a mindful upper that uses synthetic material to bring the comfort you’ve come to know and love, expressive colorways and maximum flexibility in the plate, this cleat is primed to be an on-field favorite. Our Pro’s love the different colorways these cleats are available in, while the flexible bottom plate allows for an easy break in process.
165843
$54.99
PreviousNext
For Women
STX Crux Pro with Flex Mesh Complete Stick
STX
Lax.com Exclusive! STX Crux Pro Women’s Lacrosse Complete Stick With All New Flex Mesh – Strung By The Pro’s At Lax.com – It’s time to dominate the field!
167773
$219.99
–
$299.99
STX Crux Pro Handle
STX
The Crux Pro handle is a step up from its predecsseor the STX Crux 600 Precision Flex.
The lightweight, low-profile composite lacrosse shaft has targeted strength in high-impact zones.
149224
$119.99
$99.99
Maverik Ascent + Complete Stick
Maverik
The Maverik Ascent + women’s complete lacrosse stick is tenacious in unsettled situations. Our Pro’s love the new soft touch grip finish on this stick and the consistent channel which puts the ball in the sweet spot every time for a quick release.
166285
$249.99
Brine Dynasty Composite Shaft
Brine
Classic octagonal shape• Comfort-grip finish for all weather conditions
165057
$59.99
$49.99
STX Exult Pro Crux Mesh 2.0 Complete Stick
STX
The STX Exult Pro Elite women’s complete stick is used by World Champion Michele Tumolo, and other Division I college players. The Crux Pro has been upgraded for the ultimate in control, precision and accuracy for elite level attackers.
180206
$274.99
Maverik Ascent + Shaft
Maverik
Light and strong.
The ASCENT+ women’s lacrosse shaft is the go-to shaft for the elite player.
166332
$98.99
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 Handle
East Coast Dyes
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 women’s lacrosse handle can upgrade your game!
192614
$114.99
Brine Edge Pro Plus Complete Stick
Brine
Brine Edge Pro + Women’s Lacrosse Stick
175252
$269.99
Brine Edge Pro Carbon Freeze Handle
Warrior
Grab this Limited Edition shaft while you can! The Edge Carbon women’s lacrosse handle features a mid-size octagon shape and a soft coat finish.
177779
$119.99
STX Focus TI-S+ Goggle
STX
The STX Focus TI-S+ women’s lacrosse goggle has a new double bar design which enhances comfort and offers extra visibility. This goggle meets ASTM standards for women’s lacrosse.
167700
$99.99
Gait Air Head Strung
Gait
<iframe src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/ylQaZGI0A_g” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe><div><a href=”https://www.
lax.com/complete-lacrosse-guide-sizing.html#filter=.women”>
<img alt=”Need Help? Complete Lacrosse Guide And Sizing Chart” src=”https://www.lax.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-lax-products/default/dwa38cbf20/cc-images/Untitled-4_0000_Complete-Lacrosse-Guide-And-Sizing-Charts.png” title=”Need Help? Complete Lacrosse Guide And Sizing Chart” /></a></div>
122920
$219.99
STX Focus XV-S Goggle
STX
2Low profile double bar cage design for superior visibility2Form-fitting silicone padding is easy to clean and does not absorb sweat or moisture, minimizing potential breakouts2Meets ASTM F3077 requirements for women’s lacrosse2SEI certified
149217
$79.99
Maverik Ascent + Head Unstrung
Maverik
The ASCENT + women’s lacrosse head is for a player who is not afraid to make an impact on the field. Have it strung up by our Pro’s!
166329
$129.99
Brine Dynasty 2 Goggles
Brine
Get an unobstructed view with the Brine® Women’s Dynasty II Lacrosse Goggles.
120373
$54.99
$44.99
Epoch Purpose 10 Degree Strung w. Factory Tie Up Pro Mesh
Epoch
The Epoch Purpose™ 10-Degree women’s lacrosse head strung with Factory Tie Up Pro Mesh is engineered down to the smallest detail and has been proven at the highest level. Designed, and manufactured right here in the USA, the Purpose™ features Epoch’s patent pending 10-degree bottom rail.
168081
$129.99
Cascade LX Lacrosse Headgear
Cascade
All new women’s lacrosse helmets have been mandated in Florida and we expect many other states to follow shortly. The Cascade LX Women’s Lacrosse Helmet is a holistic girl’s headgear solution with an integrated goggle that meets the new ASTM standard for goggles and headgear. This women’s lacrosse helmet was specifically designed for the girls lacrosse game by Cascade. This women’s lacrosse helmet offers a customizable fit system, and has a lightweight, ventilated design that makes it easy to increase the level of protected on the field.
To learn more about women’s lacrosse helmets and headgear read our blog post.At the moment there are only the basic color patterns available from Cascade for these girl’s helmets. We expect them to have the ability to be customized at a point in the future when they can catch up with demand.
66960
$159.99
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 Handle
East Coast Dyes
ECD Infinity Pro USA 2023 women’s lacrosse handle can upgrade your game!
192614
$114.99
Brine Edge Pro Carbon Freeze Handle
Warrior
Grab this Limited Edition shaft while you can! The Edge Carbon women’s lacrosse handle features a mid-size octagon shape and a soft coat finish.
177779
$119.99
PreviousNext
Choosing The Right Lacrosse Arm Protection And Sizing Guide
Lacrosse Glove Sizing Chart and Guide
Lambert vs West Forsyth | 2023 Georgia 7A Championship
Yorktown vs Lakeland | 2023 Murphy Cup | Lax.com Game of the Week
#1 Darien (CT) vs #3 St.
Paul’s (MD) | 2023 High School Highlights
#1 Brunswick (CT) vs #11 Darien (CT) | 2023 High School Highlights
Wilton (CT) vs John Jay (NY) | 2023 Lax.com Game of the Week
Penn State vs Cornell | Lax.com Game of the Week
The Midnight Gospel Gets Canceled at Netflix After One Season
By
Caroline Miller
Comedian and podcast host Duncan Trussell, who co-created the series, announced that Clancy’s adventures are over.
Netflix
After over two years since its release, fans of Netflix’s original animated series The Midnight Gospel finally have an answer.
Duncan Trussell, the show’s co-creator, confirmed on his Twitter account last Friday that the show had been canceled. The tweet in question can be viewed below.
For fans of the series, it is a sad day. But for those of us that are out of the loop, here’s a rundown of The Midnight Gospel and what it’s about. Released on April 20th in 2020, the show followed Clancy as he traveled from universe to universe to find guest speakers for his “space-cast”. The first episode involved Clancy landing in a world not too unlike our own during a zombie apocalypse. The second episode followed Clancy landing on a “Clown World”, where dog like creatures are ground into meat. The third episode followed Clancy as he was on a boat manned by a crew of cats, led by a fish-headed being.
What made The Midnight Gospel so unique is that the show is an adaptation of sorts of Trussell’s podcast, The Duncan Trussell Family Hour. Clancy’s interviews with space captains, dog monsters, and soul birds are pulled directly from discussions with writers, teachers, doctors, and experts of all kinds.
Topics that are covered between host and guest are about spirituality, confronting death, meditation and everything in between. The show is held together through Clancy’s arc throughout the season. Trussell, who is host on the show, plays Clancy as he is living in hiding with his stolen devices and traveling his own internal journey. Trippy designs, a dreamlike soundtrack, and such heavy discussions combine together to create a show that you can’t look away from.
Related: Netflix to Focus on Quality Over Quantity with New Movie Mandate
The Midnight Gospel from Netflix
The Midnight Gospel was kickstarted by Pendleton Ward, who is best known for creating the landmark Cartoon Network show, Adventure Time. While Ward was still working on the show, he came across Trussell’s podcast and was immediately sucked in. Ward reached out to Trussell and the two became good friends. After stepping down from Adventure Time, Ward’s attention shifted to adapting the podcast.
The show itself was produced by Titmouse Inc., Oatmeal Maiden, and Netflix Animation.
Upon its release, the show was praised by critics and audiences alike. Viewers were either enchanted by the deep spiritual discussions, laughing at the comedy, or in awe of the bright visuals. Critics highly recommended the show, but cautiously, due to the fact that the show’s humor and style would fit a pretty niche audience. But find that audience it did, and many were hooked.
Sadly, it seems like The Midnight Gospel was another victim of Netflix’s recent cutting back on original animated content. While Trussell did not specify the specific reason for the streaming service cancelling the show, it’s probably not a coincidence that the announcement should come so soon after Netflix’s canceling of project after project in their animation department. This is especially a shame due to season one’s cliffhanger ending, but then again, maybe such an ending is befitting of Clancy. If you’re curious on how season one wraps up, you’ll have to watch the show for yourself.
Who knows, it might give you a few things to think about.
Related Topics
- TV News
- Streaming
- netflix
- Pendleton Ward
About The Author
Caroline is a longtime admirer of film, music and the arts. She’s been giving movie opinions online (warranted or not) for over a decade, and putting those thoughts to Movieweb since early 2021.
review of The Midnight Gospel – animated series from the author of “Adventure Time” – Movies and series on DTF
A touching reflection on the topic of death with violence and jokes about vomiting.
7206
views
Clancy Gilroy is a half-naked kid who lives in a bizarre world that resembles either a Mobius strip or an endless freeway.
Day by day, with the help of his supercomputer capable of simulating the universe, he travels to other planets and records podcasts with their inhabitants.
Almost all episodes of The Midnight Gospel follow the same structure: Clancy ventures into an unknown and necessarily crazy world, and then has long and detailed conversations with someone, while things happen on the screen that are practically unrelated to the topic of conversation. Actually, the whole series is such a collection of clips for podcasts.
“Clips” here is by no means a disparaging characterization. They are inventive in their madness and funny, although they are loosely related to what the characters are talking about. Sometimes images from the dialogue take shape on the screen, sometimes you yourself see the connection where it might not have been.
Pendleton Ward has already demonstrated his incredible imagination in both Adventure Time and Bravest Wars, but in this animated series, not constrained by age ratings, he gave free rein to his imagination.
In addition to the “standard” for the animator insane images (like unicorns vomiting ice cream), inventive and funny violence was added, as well as bolder jokes about the genitals.
Concepts have become bolder. A planet where little clowns make minced meat out of horned dogs, a world where the souls of “spent” virtual avatars languish in prison and are forced to experience the same bloody escape over and over again – this is a small part of the ideas that The Midnight Gospel is able to offer.
The humor here is mostly visual, so if you don’t enjoy the black buffoonery and asses flashing on the screen, then you won’t find a good comedy in The Midnight Gospel. Fortunately, the verbal side of the series does not lose the visual side, let it not make you laugh so much.
Clancy’s interlocutors are completely extraordinary personalities. In the first episode, he interviews the president, who is fighting off the invasion of zombies, in the second – with the horned dog mentioned above, in the third – with the captain of the ship with an aquarium instead of a head.
Despite the eccentricity of the podcast guests and the incredible events that happen to them, the discussions themselves are calm and natural. The characters joke around, digress from the original topic, and generally act like they’re actually recording a podcast. The thing is, every episode of The Midnight Gospel is actually an episode of a podcast, recorded by comedian Duncan Trussell with an invited guest.
For example, in the first episode, the President disguises producer and Dr. Drew Pinsky, an addictive medicine specialist who questioned the dangers of Covid-19 in early 2020.. The captain with an aquarium on his head is voiced by Damian Echols, one of the West Memphis Three, who in 1993 was accused of murdering children and sentenced to death, but was released after 18 years in prison.
Such different interlocutors suggest different topics for conversation. Trussell discusses with his guests drugs, motherhood, funeral rites and ceremonies, meditation and other spiritual practices.
But one common theme of acceptance of death runs through all the dialogues, which reaches its climax in the majestic, poignantly sad and very personal final episode.
In general, The Midnight Gospel characterization “personal” is great. However, this, contrary to the first impression, is not a show by Pendolton Ward, but by Duncan Trussell, because it is he who shares his experiences, discoveries and pain with the viewer to a greater extent.
In this respect, the series resembles “Dr. Katz” or the Brandon Small show, but unlike them, The Midnight Gospel does not draw a clear line between the hero on the screen and the person who voices him. It is not for nothing that sometimes Clancy’s interlocutors, forgetting, call him Duncan; not without reason in one of the episodes a real recording room flickers for a second.
Trussell himself said that for the series he chose those interview fragments that were a revelation for him personally, after which he “was transported to a completely different dimension.
” Would it be interesting to listen to all these conversations in isolation from the visuals? Most likely – Trussell is an excellent conversationalist.
However, the animation, although it does not directly illustrate what was said, perfectly complements it and is designed to take the viewer to this very other dimension. Images change and flow into each other as if guided by words, giving a completely different experience than what you would get just listening to a podcast.
Simple things said with the support of such visualization suddenly take on a new meaning. And even if you fundamentally disagree with Clancy’s guests to the point of clouding your eyes, you will still involuntarily think about their position. You just have to let the slow conversation carry you away.
The series does not require the viewer, in the words of the characters, to pull out the “anal plug from the ass of the mind”, but introduces into a kind of hypnotic state. Because The Midnight Gospel is a dream, a trip and a cozy delirium of a man who came down with a fever.
Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell did not create a new Adventure Time, but they did something more important. Both for himself and for the viewer.
The Midnight Gospel. How cartoons started teaching meditation and why you should watch it : Daily Culture
Read more
On podcasts, Clancy has a place for everything and everyone and easily bypasses any taboo topics, which to some extent can scare the viewer. But this is not surprising, The Midnight Gospel is the last thing aimed at a wide audience, someone can be scared off by jerky animation and the lack of a familiar narrative, although the cartoon’s message is as friendly as possible.
That is why the main characters of the animated series are real people who participated in Duncan’s podcasts, on which the plots of the cartoon are superimposed. This creates something organic and alive from the animated series, something that you listen to, as if listening to the advice of an acquaintance or friend.
The heroes, based on their own experience, tell us about how they faced certain events on their way, whether it was an overdose or the death of loved ones, and how this affected their subsequent life.
