Reddit AMA Recap: Invincible Fight Girl

A potential classic CN cartoon in the making…

Recently during a Reddit AMA, with Juston Gordon-Montgomery, Sydney Mikayla, (Craig from “Craig of the Creek” and Andy) and Rolonda Watts (Aunt P/Quesa Poblana) – Creator and Voice Cast of Invincible Fight Girl on Adult Swim. The three proceed to answer various questions about the production, The animation team, their inspirations and the ideas they hope to impliment if Season 2 ever materializes. While periodically switching to answer questions with Adult Swim staff. (Note: Everything I’ve collected was mostly the only questions they responded to. Everything else is unanswered questions and random comments praising the cast.)

On the inspirations behind the character designs.

Juston: DBZ definitely, and a lot of our board crew came from Rise of TMNT, so you’re spot on there. HunterxHunter was a big inspiration as well. The way that show subverts expectations is a masterclass. Naruto, Hajime no Ippo, Tiger Mask,and Haikyuu influences are all things that came from the crew’s contributions as well.

On some of the challenges when pitching Invincible Fight Girl to Cartoon Network

Juston: It was pretty tough. To be honest, the landscape of animation when I started pitching it was very different from what it is now. Eventually I had to evolve my approach to one that focused on some of the easier to understand aspects of the show, like the character relationships, comedy etc, and hope that if someone bought in, they’d be pleasantly surprised by the other elements that came with it.

On the influences behind the “Bertie Unbound” episode, and specifically the titular character’s hard-hitting tragedy. Her character felt like a mix of Broly and The Incredible Hulk. Were those crucial inspirations for her character, and how difficult was it to tackle the heavy topics that surround her fate?

Juston: It’s hard to say any one thing that inspired that story. We were really interested in just continuing to explore the thematic throughline of parental figures and the impact they could have on someone. It felt like we started that conversation with Andy’s parents being accepting towards her and her dream, then complicated it with Mikey’s dad doing what he does, so Bertie allowed us to examine it from another angle. The biggest challenge was simply not knowing how far we could push her story. Leaving it in the place where we left the episode felt like the right choice, but there were also questions as to if we’d be allowed to do that. Ultimately, we decided in order for it to feel as impactful as we wanted, we needed to really go all the way.

When did you get the news that IFG was going to be moving to Adult Swim? In the middle of production, or after the majority had been finished? Will the show being on AS influence what you guys can do in future seasons, or are you going to continue to make it relatively kid-friendly like Season 1 was?

Juston: The news came after it had mostly been done. For future seasons, the show being on AS would definitely impact the show. We’d tailor the types of stories we tell and tone of those stories more to the network.

Did Invincible Fight Girl take any inspiration from that series/shounen anime in general?

Juston: Yes, though the inspiration I would say is less from any one shonen in particular, and more a focus on trying to understand, and apply the narrative strengths of that artform to a western show.

Will we be learning more about Craig’s background in season 2?

Juston: Definitely. Though there’s a lot of other things we want to get to in season 2 so it might be more giving glimpses of his background rather than a full reveal of it.

For Sydney & Rolonda: What advice would you give to your characters?

Sydney: I would tell Andy to keep going and not to let life jade her. It’s easy to want to give up, especially when you feel all odds are against you. That nothing is working out. But I would tell Andy to KEEP GOING and remember that she’s closer to her goal then when she started 😉 I hope everyone takes that away from the show too.

Rolonda: Ha! That’s a good question, Disastrous! I’d surely tell Aunt P to lighten up a bit! LOL Show her soft side a little more — but, then again, that would not be our favorite queen of Mama Bear mean — Quesa Poblana!!!

How did you get into voice acting? And as an athlete do you feel like you could relate to Andy’s journey in any way?

Sydney: So, when I was nine, my mom actually took me to a VoiceOver agent’s office, and I read some lines for them, and I believe they decided to represent me from there (shoutout to Osbrink, 12 years and counting!). For anyone wanting to get into the industry, I was already acting for four years before I started VoiceOver acting, so remember that you do have to hone your skills and learn the craft if it’s something you want to pursue!

As for being an athlete, ughhhh yes, I relate so much. I started dancing when I was 12, which is uncommon because most dancers start as toddlers. Every few years, I like to pick up a new style, I did pointe for a while, them contemporary, now danceline/majorette, so its a lot of back and forth, pushing the body, finding what works. Just a lot of practice, and like Andy, really finding how you can improve.

How excited were you when you heard you were gonna be back at CN Studios voicing Andy right after finishing up on Craig of the Creek?

Sydney: Man oh man! Very excited. I love Cartoon Network especially because I fear that becoming “an adult” means working a stuffy 9-5. No day at Cartoon Network studios was like that LOL! Drawings all over the wall, animators excitedly scribbling their next project, I just feel like you can feel the creativity oozing all around. Cartoon Network is such a dream, and I can’t wait to write, produce, and star in my own show on the network someday soon. Also, Rolanda is an AMAZING LEGEND to work alongside. She’s been in this game and is killing it every time she gets onscreen, and honor to work beside her.

What was your lightbulb moment when you first connected with Aunt P as a character? (Her personality, how badass she is, etc.)

Rolonda: I took one look at her animation, Odog, and that was it! LOL I related to that big old scowl on her face and her grumpy tone and all that yellin’ and livin’ on a farm and had fun! Plus- at the end of the day- she has heart and really believes in Andy and I know she’s a softie deep inside! She’s a good Auntie! Thanks for watching!

The show has resonated with so many fans for its representation and themes of perseverance. What message do you hope viewers, take away from Invincible Fight Girl?

Sydney: For me, I know the theme of the show is “Anyone can be a wrestler.”, but I hope the fans come to understand “Anyone can be… ANYTHING”. It doesn’t mean the journey won’t be difficult, or tears won’t be shed, but the vision has been placed in YOU, and you can accomplish it if you are willing to endure the journey.

Do you think Maya, Omar, and Xavier would have been around more if the show had more episodes?

Sydney: Absolutely! Maya was having quite the character arc, as body guard, to stranger, to becoming a true friend. I think Maya would’ve found a new role in the Creek, or maybe even worked to make it a better place for the next gen of kids. 2. I do think for that episode we worked a lot on language, especially when Maya was having a dialogue with her mom. The writers really emphasized the importance of asking me “is that okay to say, would you say this?”, because each culture addresses their parents differently. 3. A FULL SERIES WOULD BE A HECK YES!

What are your highlights for each you to be of apart of such a wonderful show? 

Sydney: A highlight for me would just be watching myself in an anime. Definitely a bucket list accomplishment. I would also say getting to hear amazing feedback from fans like you! It means the world to us.

Rolonda: I love that it’s so empowering for young girls and anyone else who has a dream. It’s a story about resilience and inter-generational mentorship, diversity in friendships, tough love, tolerance and forgiveness, believing in yourself, and so much more. It’s funny, but gets deep … and I also love all of the super surprises among such a motley crew of characters and some of the most fantastic showdowns I’ve ever seen in animation! I’m honored and very proud to play Aunt P – Quesa Poblana! Thanks so much for watching!

Are the characters based on someone you know? And are the characters Andy, Craig and Mikey based on certain characters from animated shows you’ve watched?

Juston: Great question. The characters are kind of amalgamations of people Ive known or encountered in real life. Craig for example is a fusion of a number of people I’ve worked with and went to school with.

And Finally, Aunt P is an incredibly dynamic character, is there anything you’ve learned from Aunt P that you’ve taken into your own life?

Rolonda: Wonderful question … I’ve learned from Aunt P how important it is to encourage the next generation to be great and to also remind them that no greatness comes easily — you have to EARN it – WORK HARD for it and WANT it more than anything else. Also – Aunt P teaches me how crucial it is to be legendary in your field because so many other young dreamers truly depend on you, your wisdom and knowledge. Success leaves clues to their hopes and dreams and you have to lift them along the way. And, finally — a little tough love goes a long way!

 

The AMA has ENDED. Big thanks to the amazing fans from Juston, Sydney, and Rolonda! Watch the Invincible Fight Girl DOUBLE FINALE THIS SATURDAY (12/21) at midnight on Adult Swim.