Fly Tales, a Franco-Canadian animated series crafted in 1999, chronicles the brief escapades of a curious and amiable young cartoon fly.
This spirited insect often finds itself entangled in intriguing predicaments, whether within the confines of a kitchen, amidst the artifacts of a museum, or trapped inside a gumball machine.
Cartoon About a Fly
A cartoon about flies? Indeed! It’s titled “Fly Tales,” and it might be new to your ears, but this was an early 2000s short cartoon.
Fly Tales is an incredibly underrated (well kinda) Canadian Animated Series. So underrated that it primarily aired in France and Eastern Europe and only recently made its DVD debut in France.
Like on IMDb and other popular platforms, its online presence is minimal at best. Depending on where it aired, the show even went by various names. And believe it or not, despite its low-key profile, even kids in New Zealand have caught wind of it!
No. of episodes 65 (list of episodes) – Yes – this show has 65 episodes, 5 minutes each.
The Genius Behind the Art
At its core, the appeal of Fly Tales lies in its ingenious blend of humor, satire, and surrealism. Unlike most cartoons, this show wasn’t afraid to venture into the abstract, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
This unique approach made each episode unpredictable, offering viewers a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to deep reflection.
Relatable Moments in the Smallest Package
One might wonder, how could a tiny insect’s life be relatable to a human? But Fly Tales was a masterclass in showcasing universal themes – love, adventure, and the perpetual quest for food!
Every episode brought forth situations that, while blown out of proportion for comedic effect, were deeply rooted in human experiences.
Our buzzing protagonist constantly found himself in scenarios we could all relate to, be it desperately trying to impress a loved one or simply looking for a snack.
Written by: Lewis Trondheim
Directed by: Norman LeBlanc, Charlie Sansonetti
Voices of
- Brigitte Lecordier
- Clement Reverend
- Marc Saez
Country of origin
- Canada
- France
What Was Fly Tales About?
Every episode of Fly Tales centers on the adventures of our main character, the fly (brought to life by Brigitte Lecordier’s voice). The formula is straightforward: our fly buzzes around, encountering other anthropomorphic insects—some of whom become staple characters.
Inevitably, it stumbles into mischief, occasionally clashing with humans, only to flit off to its next escapade. Each episode guarantees a chuckle or two, thanks to characters who primarily communicate in a unique French-esque gibberish that took the talent of eight writers to perfect!
The narratives often cleverly interpret the modern world through insect eyes, playing with everyday concepts we overlook, or spoofing familiar storylines—only this time starring bugs!
Surprisingly, it’s way more entertaining than one might first assume. From our endearingly clueless lead character who often finds himself in a bind and entirely misses the irony, to the show’s physical comedy and intermittent dark or surreal humor, Fly Tales consistently delivers on its comedic promise. There are even moments that tug at your heartstrings or give you a good fright.
A Precursor to Environmental Commentary
What many overlook in Fly Tales is its undercurrent of environmental awareness. Long before eco-conscious content became mainstream, this series subtly highlighted the perils of environmental neglect.
Episodes delved into the fly’s skirmishes with looming skyscrapers, treacherous polluted waters, or the looming threat of pesticides. It wasn’t just a comedic commentary but an early nudge to recognize and respect the world around us.
Take for example, Episode #2 ” “Angel or Devil”
In this episode, our main character, the fly, ventures into a garbage can searching for a meal. He spots a can with remnants of fish meat. As he attempts to claim his find, he’s confronted by a larger, domineering bug that forcefully ejects him from the can. At this juncture, a devilish-looking red fly urges him to retaliate against the larger bug.
However, just as he’s about to take action, a serene blue fly, resembling an angel, suggests a gentler approach. Heeding the angel fly’s advice doesn’t fare well for him either, as he once again faces the larger bug’s wrath.
The episode unfolds with the contrasting guidance from both the devil and angel flies. It culminates with a revealing look at both the bug afterlife’s paradise and its inferno.
A Testament to Timelessness
As digital advancements push the boundaries of what’s possible in animation, it might seem easy to overlook or undervalue the simpler cartoons of yesteryears. Yet, the enduring appeal of Fly Tales lies in its heart and soul. It reminds us that compelling narratives don’t need high-end graphics or intricate subplots.
Sometimes, the most potent stories come from the most unsuspecting places—even from the buzzing adventures of a tiny fly. Dive back into this classic, and you’ll find a world of wonder that entertains, educates, and enchants in equal measure.
Fly Tales – Desperately Seeking Shoes
