Adventure Time: Side Quests Review: Reimagined Visuals Take the Show Back to Basics

Few animated shows have ever been as influential as Adventure Time. Pendelton Ward’s iconic show changed storytelling on Cartoon Network while embracing artistic chaos and emotional storytelling. Various spin-offs, video games, and comics have continued to expand the world in the years since Finn and Jake’s adventures “ended.” However, under the leadership of Nate Cash, an alumnus of the original series, Adventure Time: Side Quests brings the same heart that made the original show so good.

What is Adventure Time: Side Quests about?

Set in the world of Ooo, Adventure Time: Side Quests checks in with new adventures for many of the original characters. However, to leave the emotional stakes of the original ending intact, Side Quests serves as an alternate series of stories that took place alongside the original series. Picking back up with Finn (Sasha Knight) as a twelve-year-old, we follow the adventures of the human and his dog Jake (John DiMaggio).

A new style and light storytelling lead to a general good time.

It would be tempting to go the prequel route with Adventure Time: Side Quests, there is already considerable lore to keep account of in Ooo. Instead, Cash and his team choose to tell new stories that occur alongside the original show. With the animation change, which keeps the character design intact, we’re able to shift to a version of the series with lower stakes. There are still brilliant storytelling beats on an episode-to-episode basis, but overall you can enjoy the more relaxed storytelling that loves to spend time in the world of a carefree pre-teen.

Additionally, the painter-like versions of the characters provide some cool meta-commentary for Adventure Time: Side Quests. Because these are occurring alongside the original series, the dreamlike quality of these episodes stands out. Audiences can choose to believe these moments really occurred for Finn and Jake, or they can leave them. Either way, the beauty of the animation helps establish a more surrealist experience that evokes the distant memories of characters we’ve grown to love. New fans will have no problems falling in love with the style, and longtime fans will appreciate the visual distinctions.

While Adventure Time certainly owned a unique place in the hearts of the audience, it could shift between pure insanity and the darkest storylines imaginable. The emotional stakes grew heavier on the show as it progressed, allowing the audience to evolve and mature with their favorite characters as they grew older. Choosing to revert Finn to a younger boy allows Cash to tackle the lighter attitude of the original seasons while still planting us in a world that is familiar.

Adventure Time: Side Quests still has its emotionally devastating moments, especially through the Ice King (Tom Kenny returns to voice Finn’s antagonist). The stories they choose with him are quietly devastating, but simultaneously overflow with comedy. The humor is particularly welcome, as it helps reestablish the silliness that helped build the fandom from the start. Many other voice actors return to give Adventure Time: Side Quests a foundation to build from. Even if the world feels a little different in its aesthetics, there’s plenty to ground us in the tale.

Many will question why we’re getting Adventure Time: Side Quests. It’s not as visually or narratively daring as Fiona & Cake or the handful of limited series shows that have popped up over the past decade. Yet there’s something powerful about the idea of just revisiting the characters with new stories. It is nostalgic, sure. However, by telling wholly unique stories, it’s not simply an exercise to grab some quick cash. Instead, it challenges the storytellers to remain extremely well-versed in the world, so they do not screw up the timeline. In our opinion, no such issues reared their heads.

Is Adventure Time: Side Quests worth watching?

Yes, Adventure Time: Side Quests is every bit as fun as the previous shows. The world continues to open doors for incredible storytellers. Cash and his team find a unique avenue to explore, and the series is incredibly fun. The world is better off when new Adventure Time is in it, and Side Quests more than qualifies. There’s a hopeful joy in the season, and that lo-fi vibe comes in the perfect moment in the calendar. Few things are more satisfying than a nice summer show with our favorite bros fighting new monsters and foes across Ooo.

Adventure Time: Side Quests releases June 29, 2026. Ten episodes were provided for this review.

Adventure Time: Side Quests Review: Reimagined Visuals Take the Show Back to Basics