Netflix’s animated series Skull Island, set in the MonsterVerse, brings together familiar and fresh faces. These are the characters we adore.
Warning: The following article includes spoilers for Skull Island.
With the surge in adventurous, diverse adult animation, streaming platforms like Netflix are now willing to take risks on genres they previously overlooked. A prime example of this is the visually stunning and captivating MonsterVerse anime, Skull Island. Drawing inspiration from the King Kong universe, particularly the 2017 film Kong: Skull Island, the series delves into the lives of a group of shipwrecked individuals who find themselves intimately acquainted with Kong and the multitude of monstrous creatures that inhabit the island.
While the first season provides substantial character development for the main protagonists, the true stars of the show are undeniably the colossal mutants roaming Skull Island. With such a vast array of monsters encountered by the shipwrecked crew, it can be challenging to keep track of them all and choose a favorite. That’s where we step in! Join us as we rank these incredible creatures in Skull Island, from the least formidable to the most awe-inspiring. And if we happen to overlook your personal favorite, we eagerly await your kind comments and suggestions in the section below. Crossing our fingers
Plant-Shelled Turtle
Despite being one of the less threatening creatures on Skull Island, the inclusion of turtles in the show is a delightful addition. These beloved reptiles have long been cherished and playfully teased as potential pets across the United States. While their slow pace may resemble a fanless summer night, there’s an air of wisdom that surrounds them. The sight of this particular turtle with its majestic plant-shell is enough to evoke a heartfelt reaction from Cap (played by Benjamin Bratt), perhaps bringing a tear to his eye.
Giant Dodo
In comparison to your average ostrich or even the formidable cassowary, this gargantuan bird is undeniably more intimidating. However, when measured against the other creatures found on Skull Island, the giant dodo, making its debut in the fourth episode titled “Breakfast Fit for a Kong,” poses little threat to our heroic characters. With ease, Annie’s dog, an even larger companion, swiftly dispatches the bird.
Annie’s Dog
While most of the monsters inhabiting Skull Island are portrayed as antagonistic, there is one notable exception: Annie’s enormous canine companion. This majestic creature serves as both her trusty steed for riding, a hunting companion, and a loyal protector against the island’s perils. If we were ever stranded on a remote, fantastical tropical island, we would undoubtedly yearn for such a compelling and gentle creature in our lives. While Annie’s dog may not be Clifford the Big Red Dog, he willingly suppresses his violent tendencies for the sake of his adoptive owner. The dynamic between these two characters is a delightful one to follow throughout the series’ eight episodes.
Giant Crab
For Charlie (played by Nicolas Cantu) and Mike (played by Darren Barnet), the monster they encounter upon their initial arrival and shipwreck on Skull Island serves as a harsh awakening to the perils of this exotic and enigmatic location. The giant crab, with its ability to conceal itself within the sandy terrain, disorient its victims with a massive claw, and launch sneak attacks from unexpected angles, proves to be a formidable adversary. However, when the crew manages to defend themselves using spears, it marks a triumphant first victory for the human captives.
Giant Crocodile
There’s something about amphibians and reptiles that triggers goosebumps and sends shivers down the spines of even the toughest and battle-hardened individuals. Whether it’s their otherworldly appearance or the menacing teeth concealed within their skulls, magnifying the size of a crocodile is sure to elicit some genuine scares. In the opening sequence of the third episode titled “What’s Up, Croc?”, Charlie and Mike find themselves engaged in a desperate struggle for survival. As they navigate a treacherous river hurtling towards a waterfall, a colossal crocodile locks its sights on them, thirsting for their flesh and bones. Their only salvation from the creature’s agility, audacity, and formidable claws comes in the form of Kong himself!
Skullcrawler
Among the numerous monsters inhabiting the island, the Skullcrawler stands out as one of the most feared. While its presence in the series may differ from its role in 2017’s Kong: Skull Island, encountering this creature is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. With their elongated bodies and weaponized tongues, these formidable beasts prove to be adversaries befitting a king. Their menacing presence adds an extra layer of tension and excitement to the already perilous journey on Skull Island. As our protagonists navigate through the dangers that lie ahead, the Skullcrawlers pose a constant threat, making their encounters all the more harrowing.
Kraken
In the first episode, the crew is confronted by a nightmarish aquatic foe that sends them straight to Skull Island. This creature is a chilling embodiment of terror, emerging from the depths of one’s darkest imagination. With its formidable, muscular arms extending in twisted proportions, the Kraken from Skull Island is a remarkable portrayal of this iconic monster from the rich lore of past Kong movies and shows. The Kraken’s ability to ensnare its victims from various angles, wrapping them in its powerful grip, heightens the sense of danger and adds a thrilling intensity to the series. It stands as a worthy addition to the lineage of fearsome creatures that Kong has faced throughout his storied history.
King Kong
Regardless of the iteration of King Kong we are presented with, there is always a distinct aura that surrounds his presence. The embodiment of a fearsome ape, Kong reigns as a towering force of nature, evoking both awe and apprehension. His character is shrouded in an air of curiosity, as we eagerly anticipate what monumental challenges the furry behemoth will overcome next. In the early episodes of Skull Island, Kong’s appearances are judiciously rationed, building anticipation for the moment when his full might is unleashed in all its magnificent splendor. And when that moment arrives, it certainly lives up to the lofty expectations. Witnessing Kong’s power firsthand is an exhilarating experience that leaves no room for disappointment.