‘Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur’ season 2 review: Lunella’s charm makes the impossible possible

The year 2023 was not kind to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Marvels underperformed at the box office (though it is currently gaining traction on streaming); despite Samuel L. Jackson’s star power and charisma, Secret Invasion came and went like a subtle wind; even Marvel diehards could not excuse the terrible visual effects and poor performances in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. However, when it came to Marvel’s animated television shows, particularly the ones for children, they excelled on all fronts, as illustrated by the success of Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur. Instead of being constrained by crappy graphics, hokey jokes, or unrealistic expectations from executives in stiff suits, The Disney Channel cartoon immediately captivated viewers as it follows the adventures of an intelligent Black superheroine and her pet Tyrannosaurus when it premiered last year.

Returning for its second season, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur keeps what makes it a delightful viewing experience, which includes its Margaret Keane inspired designs, action-packed fight sequences, and killer hooks led by music producer Raphael Saadiq while, at the same time, expanding on Lunella’s (Diamond White) journey from pipsqueak scientist to the Lower East Side’s mightiest hero. Though powerful foes put Lunella’s faith in herself to the test, she has the support of her community and, most importantly, her incredible brain to help overcome the impossible.

At the end of Season 1, Lunella discovers that her grandmother, Mimi (the incredible Alfre Woodard), is the original Moon Girl. As a young scientist, Mimi worked for the Enclave, a secret government organization dedicated to the advancement of science and technology. Yet, when Mimi discovers her boss’s true intentions, she disappears from society. Unfortunately for Mimi and Lunella, the leader of the Enclave, Morlak (Wesley Snipes), finds Mimi several decades later and forces her to create a portal generator for nefarious means. Lunella stops Morlak, but the little scientist has no choice but to travel through time and space to prevent the generator from destroying her beloved neighborhood.

The stakes in season two are higher as Lunella fights more formidable and wicked villains. Though the heroine’s time in space rattles her confidence, Lunella learns she does not have to face every challenge alone. She has an incredible network of friends and family members, which includes her best friend and social media guru Casey (Libe Barer), her grandmother, Mimi, an intergalactic omnipresent being named the Beyonder (Laurence Fishburne), and, of course, Devil Dinosaur (Fred Tatasciore). In each episode available for review, Lunella makes new friends and even bigger enemies as she protects the ones she loves as Moon Girl.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur continues to be a great show for young audiences, partly thanks to Lunella’s development as a lead character. The young Black girl may be a bonafide hero and an incredible baby genius, but she is still a child. Like many overachievers her age, one of the growing pains the heroine must overcome in season two is letting go of control. In Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, few characters can match Lunella’s intelligence, so she is comfortable completing tasks independently. On the other hand, Lunella is extremely uncomfortable asking others for assistance, even when she needs it.

Lunella faces her foibles when she has a big fight with Casey in Episode 2’s “Belly of the Beast.” In the wonderfully silly and highly entertaining episode, the two besties are on a mission to remove a deadly device from Devil Dinosaur’s stomach. While inside the pet’s body, à la The Magic School Bus style, the two girls butt head as Lunella does not want Casey to implement her ideas. After escaping a hoard of micro bacteria monsters, Casey finally gets through to Lunella when the young girl reveals that she wants to protect her friend. Casey’s heartfelt confession helps Lunella realize that accepting help does not make her a lesser person.

The new heroes and villains in Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur are great additions to the show. One potential fan favorite is Kid Kree, aka Marvin (Blue Beetle’s Xolo Maridueña), a young alien solider from the planet Hala. Marvin’s relatability lies in his conflict with his father, Kree General Pad-Varr (Andy García), and his budding friendship with Lunella. In episode 5’s “Kid Kree,” Marvin describes his contentious relationship with his father while he has dinner with Lunella’s family. During the emotionally poignant scene, Kid Kree tells Lunella that his father sets unrealistic expectations for his son, particularly Pad-Varr’s desire for him to become a great warrior. Fortunately for Marvin, he proves his worth by using tech instead of brute strength to take his father down.

For a children’s cartoon in its second season, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur features some of the best music on television. Unsurprisingly, returning composer Tony! Toni! Toné! member and frequent Beyoncé collaborator Saadiq produces fantastic bangers for the show. These songs put Kidz Bop to shame, which is honestly an easy accomplishment. Like in season one, these musical sequences seamlessly blend with the zany, high-paced animation while emphasizing the character’s emotional journey, such as “Count of Friends” by Nat Young, Noemie Legrand, and Tony Ferrari. It is a poppy earworm that perfectly captures Lunella and Casey’s friendship.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe may be in its flop era, but its animated works exceed expectations. In contrast to Marvel’s recent outings, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is not afraid to take big swings and have a little fun while at it. It may take the MCU a while to find its footing again, or at least until Deadpool & Wolverine arrives in theatres, but at least we can enjoy the adventures of a young bright girl and her demonic but lovable pet dinosaur.

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is available to stream on Disney+

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Images courtesy of Disney+