Animator Kevin Delgado is publishing a steady series of animated shorts. Most recently, we reviewed his bloody WWII adventure, Mission 19, and now we move to the next alien invasion comedy-thriller, Dak and Zoltan Visit Earth.
In the futuristic setting of Dubai, now a hub for interplanetary diplomacy akin to the United Nations for planets, a groundbreaking treaty averts war between alien civilizations. A treaty has been struck between a race of reptiles and robots. The agreement, however, is delayed in ratification, leaving a tense period of uncertainty.
Amidst this, two alien robots, Dak and Zoltan, secretly visit Earth to experience human pleasures. To blend in, their consciousness is transferred into human bodies—ironically, those of Mexican cartel members—and they plan a visit to Las Vegas for some wild human experiences.
“Dak and Zoltan… secretly visit Earth…their consciousness transferred into human bodies—ironically, those of Mexican cartel members.”
Meanwhile, trouble brews back in space. Reptilian beings hostile to the robotic faction launch an attack, decimating the robots and leaving only Dad and Zoltan alive. Meanwhile, Dak and Zoltan’s escapades in Las Vegas unravel as their borrowed identities lead them into complications tied to their cartel connections. The Reptiles go after our heroes…but did I mention they are in the bodies of Cartel members?
In Dak and Zoltan Visit Earth, filmmaker Delgado pushes the boundaries of decency and off-the-shelf animation software. Here, he mixes an alien invasion with legalized Vegas prostitution and adds a no-holds-barred battle on the strip and in the sky. Blood and guts are the soup de jour.
Like Mission 19, the animation is pretty basic. It uses the limited animation techniques that made Saturday Morning Kid shows popular. Most shots are made from a medium angle, and the animation focuses on mouth and limb movements. Delgado also uses squashing techniques from the destruction. Basic, simple, but effective.
Dak and Zoltan Visit Earth delivers a raucously entertaining blend of interplanetary politics, dark comedy, and absurd adventure. While the animation remains delightfully simple, the wild storytelling more than compensates. If you’re in the mood for a cosmic romp that doesn’t shy away from taking risks, this one’s for you.
"…Blood and guts are the soup de jour."
