Reggie, a twelve-year-old, is resistant to the idea of growing up. Her vivid imagination becomes the key to an enchanting fantasy realm, which she joyfully explores with her companions.
Reggie’s imagination opens up a magical world called Endless Island, where she can stay a child forever, hence the title “Twelve Forever.” On the island, she becomes a superhero and deals with fantastical situations, often symbolizing the challenges and changes of growing up.
Her friends Todd and Esther are beside Reggie, who also have their avatars on the island. They all navigate various adventures and learn important life lessons, while contending with their anxieties about maturity.
The show has been praised for its representation of queer characters and unique approach to tackling adolescence.
Twelve Forever: An Enthralling Saga of Youth and Excitement
The popular phrase forever young, takes on a new level in the cartoon Twelve Forever. This charismatic show flings open the door to a wonderland where childhood’s magic thrives. It’s a land of wild imagination, dotted with peculiar characters, and colored by pre-teen angst – welcome to Endless Island!
Program creator: Julia Vickerman
First episode date: July 29, 2019 (USA)
Opening theme: “Twelve Forever”
Animator: Saerom Animation
Genre: Action; Adventure; Comedy; Fantasy; Coming-of-age; Surreal
Original network: Netflix
The Magic in the Mundane
At its core, “Twelve Forever” is a whimsical journey that spotlights the joys and sorrows of transitioning from childhood to adolescence. Its protagonist, Reggie, is a master of escapism.
A 12-year-old girl refusing to grow up creates a fantastical world to shun the blandness of maturity. The show captures Reggie’s resistance to change with humor and heart, showcasing the charm of life through a child’s eyes.
Endless Island: A Fantastical Expedition
An ode to the limitless bounds of a child’s imagination, Endless Island comes to life with wild abandon. It’s a vivid dreamscape with enchanting inhabitants, each embodying Reggie’s emotions and experiences.
It’s in this parallel world where Reggie combats maturity – her very own Neverland – and it’s just as riotous, colorful, and unpredictable as the mind of a 12-year-old!
Character Carousel: More Than Meets the Eye
The diverse character ensemble of “Twelve Forever” is like a vibrant palette, each shade symbolizing a facet of Reggie’s personality. Todd and Esther, Reggie’s best friends, provide a humanizing element, grounding the surreal nature of the show.
They support Reggie in her battles against the villains, such as the sinister Butt Witch, who personifies the looming dread of adulthood. The character development is nothing short of clever, bringing psychological depth to an otherwise whimsical world.
Confronting Reality: The Unavoidable Truth
Even in Endless Island’s rainbow-tinted world, reality casts its shadows. Reggie’s escapism is a double-edged sword, serving as her solace and obstacle. As the episodes unravel, Reggie’s reluctance to embrace change begins to crack, marking the show’s poignant turn.
Twelve Forever is a testament to the unavoidable truth – growing up isn’t optional, but how we navigate it, is. The journey may be riddled with trials, but each is a stepping stone to understanding and accepting ourselves.
Living Through Animation: The Genius of Twelve Forever
Twelve Forever takes animation beyond entertainment, pushing the boundaries to explore themes seldom delved into by children’s cartoons. Balancing hilarity with heart takes us on a nostalgic trip back to our adolescent struggles.
The genius of Twelve Forever lies in its ability to pair the pains of growing up with the delight of remaining young at heart, proving that the two can coexist harmoniously.
Reggie: The Heart of Rebellion
Reggie is the lifeblood of “Twelve Forever,” with her spirit pulsating through every corner of Endless Island. Her personality is a delightful whirl of enthusiasm, rebellion, and heart-warming naivety.
Reggie’s ability to seamlessly oscillate between Earth and her imaginary world underscores her resistance to relinquishing childhood’s vibrant hues. But beneath her fun-loving exterior, Reggie grapples with the complexities of adolescence, making her relatable and heartrendingly real.
Todd and Esther: The Pillars of Reason
Todd and Esther, Reggie’s Earth-bound companions, are the sturdy pillars holding her aloft amidst her emotional whirlwind. A loyal and adventurous companion, Todd effortlessly navigates the chaos that Reggie’s antics often generate. His unquestioning loyalty to Reggie is heartwarming, but he’s not afraid to give her a reality check when needed.
On the other hand, Esther represents the more mature voice of reason. Esther’s willingness to embrace the natural evolution of growing up starkly contrasts Reggie’s stubborn resistance. She’s a figure of grace and wisdom, demonstrating the allure of growing up without losing one’s sense of wonder.
The Butt Witch: A Symbol of Fear
The Butt Witch is not your average antagonist. Instead, she’s the embodiment of the fears associated with maturity. Her presence on Endless Island isn’t merely a source of conflict for Reggie and her friends but a constant reminder of the reality they’re trying to evade.
Ironically, as sinister as the Butt Witch appears, she often dishes out insightful truths about growing up, making her an unorthodox but integral part of the coming-of-age journey.
Gwen and Judy: The Shadows of Adulthood
Gwen and Judy, Reggie’s mom and older brother, are the grounded characters who add another layer to “Twelve Forever.” They’re the constant reminders of adulthood and its responsibilities that Reggie tries to dodge.
Their portrayals are realistic, they carry the weight of adulthood with grace, but they also wear the inevitable scars that come with it. They play crucial roles in helping Reggie understand the beauty of maturity, even with its trials.
Queering the Narrative: A Step Towards Inclusivity
One aspect of “Twelve Forever” that deserves applause is its effort towards LGBTQ+ representation. This is primarily embodied in the character of Reggie, whose identity unfolds subtly throughout the series.
The show subtly insinuates a romantic tension between Reggie and Conelly, a female character, which is a brave stride towards normalizing queer relationships in children’s media. By portraying these emotions as a natural part of Reggie’s coming-of-age journey, “Twelve Forever” helps to foster inclusivity and acceptance.
Behind the Scenes: The Production Dance
Twelve Forever is the brainchild of Julia Vickerman, produced by Puny Entertainment and aired on Netflix. Its unique animation style combines vivid color palettes and fluid animation to bring Endless Island to life.
Moreover, the character designs are visually appealing and distinctive, clearly reflecting each character’s unique personality. From the grungy aesthetic of the Butt Witch to the bright and exuberant look of Reggie, the show’s production is a visual treat.
A Season Too Short: The Cancellation Conundrum
Despite the show’s promising storyline and positive reviews, “Twelve Forever” met an unfortunate fate – it was canceled after just one season.
This decision sparked a wave of disappointment among fans who had come to love the vibrant world of Endless Island and its characters. They yearned for more explorations of Reggie’s adolescent journey and the compelling dynamics among the characters.
A Wish for the Future: More Seasons, Please!
The cancellation of “Twelve Forever” left many questions unanswered and character arcs incomplete. As such, fans ardently hope for the series revival.
With its unique premise, “Twelve Forever” has the potential to delve deeper into the complexities of adolescence, expanding its narrative to encompass a wider range of experiences and emotions.
Given another chance, this show could continue its insightful exploration of growing up, bridging the gap between childhood’s charm and maturity’s allure.
What is “Twelve Forever” about?
Twelve Forever is about a 12-year-old girl named Reggie who creates a fantasy world called Endless Island to escape the responsibilities of growing up. She navigates through various adventures and challenges with her friends Todd and Esther.
Where can I watch “Twelve Forever”?
The show premiered on Netflix, so you can watch it there, provided you have a subscription.
Why was “Twelve Forever” Cancelled?
The official reason for canceling “Twelve Forever” hasn’t been explicitly stated by Netflix. However, it’s likely due to audience size, production cost, and the streaming service’s overall strategic direction.
Does “Twelve Forever” feature LGBTQ+ representation?
Yes, “Twelve Forever” has been praised for its subtle LGBTQ+ representation. The character of Reggie is hinted to have a crush on a female character, Conelly, which is a positive stride towards normalizing queer relationships in children’s media.
How many seasons of “Twelve Forever” are there?
Unfortunately, only one season of “Twelve Forever” was produced before it was canceled.