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When someone scrolls through Netflix, they’re most likely looking for an action movie for a thrill, something scary for adrenaline, or something cheesy with romance to feel giddy inside, but they probably aren’t actively looking for a show whose target audience is children… Which is exactly what I was doing when I came upon The Dragon Prince.
It’s actually an incredible show with amazing but also very relatable characters. The representation is amazing, and the plot is simple but entertaining enough for people of all ages to enjoy. The Dragon Prince is also very similar to previous animated shows which were loved by people of all ages likeAvatar: The Last Airbender (which is written by the same person) and Voltron: Legendary Defender. If those bring back some good memories, then I assure you that The Dragon Prince won't disappoint. |
Where to watch: Netflix Age Rating: TV-Y7 Number of seasons: 4 Overall Rating: 10/10 |
Background Information
The Dragon Prince is set in Xadia where humans, elves, and dragons live. Xadia is rich with magic, so the elves and dragons get their powers from the six primal elements: the moon, the sky, the ocean, the earth, the sun, and the stars. Since humans didn't have the power to harness the elements, they started meddling in dark magic. In order to work, dark magic needs to drain the life force of living creatures. The Dragon King, Avizandum, didn’t like this, so he banished all humans to the western region of Xadia and created the Human Kingdoms. After nearly 2,000 years, the humans of Katolis, led by King Harrow and high Mage Viren, go back to Xadia in order to kill the dragon king and his only egg, the unborn Dragon Prince.
Now in the present day, the moonshadow elves are planning to take revenge for the Dragon King by killing King Harrow of Katolis. King Harrow was aware of the assassination plot and insead of fighting against it, he decided to accept it, but before that he had to send away his sons to keep them safe. King Harrow is father to 10 year old Prince Ezran and stepfather to Callum. They are very against leaving their father to die, but when they realize that someone is after them too, they finally agree.
The elf that was sent to kill the princes is Rayla. Rayla is a trained moonshadow elf assassin who, surprise surprise, hasn’t killed anyone. Fast forward to Rayla chasing Ezran and Callum around the castle dungeon. Callum finds an elemental orb that allows humans to harness the power of the elements. Thanks to Callum’s magic, he uncovers the one thing that could stop the war between Xadia and the Human Kingdoms: the Dragon Prince egg. Now two human children, an elf, and a glow toad have to make the long gruesome journey to Xadia in order to reunite the dragon prince with his mother.
I’ll leave it here for now in hopes that it was enough to pique your interest. But let me move on to my favorite aspects of this show.
Now in the present day, the moonshadow elves are planning to take revenge for the Dragon King by killing King Harrow of Katolis. King Harrow was aware of the assassination plot and insead of fighting against it, he decided to accept it, but before that he had to send away his sons to keep them safe. King Harrow is father to 10 year old Prince Ezran and stepfather to Callum. They are very against leaving their father to die, but when they realize that someone is after them too, they finally agree.
The elf that was sent to kill the princes is Rayla. Rayla is a trained moonshadow elf assassin who, surprise surprise, hasn’t killed anyone. Fast forward to Rayla chasing Ezran and Callum around the castle dungeon. Callum finds an elemental orb that allows humans to harness the power of the elements. Thanks to Callum’s magic, he uncovers the one thing that could stop the war between Xadia and the Human Kingdoms: the Dragon Prince egg. Now two human children, an elf, and a glow toad have to make the long gruesome journey to Xadia in order to reunite the dragon prince with his mother.
I’ll leave it here for now in hopes that it was enough to pique your interest. But let me move on to my favorite aspects of this show.
Representation and inclusion
Going into the show, I don't know what I was expecting, but I for sure wasn’t expecting as much representation as the show gave us. Below are some of the most wonderfully executed things.
A deaf military leader: Amaya
General Amaya is, as stated before, deaf. But she doesn’t let that get in her way. She is one of the best military leaders Katolis has ever had. She has found means to communicate with others and live her day to day life no differently than others. Amaya communicates with sign language and has her most trusted lieutenant Gren with her at all times (they also translate her sign language to others). Amaya is able to lip read amazingly well, and although she uses sign language, she is able to show her personality and sarcasm unapologetically. Not only does the show include Amaya being deaf, but it's amazingly executed. All the sign language is accurate to perfection. By including her in The Dragon Prince as a regular person, they show others that certain disabilities don’t limit the things a person can accomplish.
General Amaya is, as stated before, deaf. But she doesn’t let that get in her way. She is one of the best military leaders Katolis has ever had. She has found means to communicate with others and live her day to day life no differently than others. Amaya communicates with sign language and has her most trusted lieutenant Gren with her at all times (they also translate her sign language to others). Amaya is able to lip read amazingly well, and although she uses sign language, she is able to show her personality and sarcasm unapologetically. Not only does the show include Amaya being deaf, but it's amazingly executed. All the sign language is accurate to perfection. By including her in The Dragon Prince as a regular person, they show others that certain disabilities don’t limit the things a person can accomplish.
LGBTQ+ Aspects
Sexuality inclusion was not something that the Dragon Prince creators shied away from. There were various different characters that were represented incredibly well. They didn’t treat them like people who were above everyone else and should be worshiped for being different. They also didn’t make a big deal out of it before the characters' relationships were introduced. They treated LGBTQ people like they should be treated: like everyone else.
Sexuality inclusion was not something that the Dragon Prince creators shied away from. There were various different characters that were represented incredibly well. They didn’t treat them like people who were above everyone else and should be worshiped for being different. They also didn’t make a big deal out of it before the characters' relationships were introduced. They treated LGBTQ people like they should be treated: like everyone else.
- Runaan and Ethari
- Amaya and Janai
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Breaking the “bad step family” stereotype
In most works of fiction, step-families are viewed as bad, whether it be a bad stepmother/father or a jealous half sibling, but this show presents none of that. Callum and Ezran love both of their parents equally. While Callum may feel distant to Harrow sometimes, he knows that they both love each other unconditionally whether they are blood related or not. Another thing is that Callum and Ezran have easily the most beautiful relationship in this show. They want to protect each other and always put the other first. If there is ever a conflict, they talk it out; which is honestly a lot more responsible than some sibling stories I’ve heard. |
Race Diversity
As stated before, The Dragon Prince has one of if not the most diverse set of characters I have ever seen. They are presented as people who actually advance the plot and aren't there just for comedic relief. They’re presented like we see people in day to day life. Regardless of race, there are people in political/higher power. King Harrow and Janai are perfect examples of this.
As stated before, The Dragon Prince has one of if not the most diverse set of characters I have ever seen. They are presented as people who actually advance the plot and aren't there just for comedic relief. They’re presented like we see people in day to day life. Regardless of race, there are people in political/higher power. King Harrow and Janai are perfect examples of this.
plot
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The plot was honestly a lot better than I expected. I thought it would be expanded for over maybe a season or two, but it's already on its fourth season with another three planned, and I'm not bored in the slightest! Each season has its own specific problem/aspect of it, but it still ties in perfectly with the previous seasons and world story. Speaking of world stories, The Dragon Prince does an amazing job in getting you immersed in the world of Xadia. It gives so much information from creatures to spells, but it's not complicated to the point where it gets Lord of the Rings confusing. It's a beautifully complex but simple story. Also a special shout out to how awkward but amazing Rayla and Callum’s relationship is.
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Art styleThe art style is honestly one of my favorites of all time. As stated before, this show depicts very similar resemblance to both Avatar: The Last Airbender and Voltron: Legendary Defender. I'm not sure if this resemblance was intentional, but they are all indeed beautiful. Some examples are below: 
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Nevertheless, The Dragon Prince is truly beautiful in all aspects of the show. From art style to character issues, everything feels real. I hope you have the same joy and entertainment from watching this as I did.
characters (main cast)
Callum
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The “step-prince of Katolis” Awkward asf A MAGICIAN Super smart when he wants to be A simp for Rayla even though he won't admit it when he's mad Needs a hug every once in a while |
Rayla
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A moonshadow “assassin” Can't kill anyone tbh Sarcasm is her middle name A bit of a depressed problem child Wants to keep callum no matter what The New Dragon Guard |
Ezran
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A ball of sunshine Couldn’t ask for a better King The only person with a sane mind Get this boy his jelly tarts Deserves all the good in the world |
Azymondias (Zym)
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Literally a puppy The Dragon Prince A rebellious teenager in season 4 and its great sPaRkY Took a while to learn how to fly The trios child |
Bait
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A glow toad Bright and shiny Get this man some jelly tarts x2 Best character ngl Cutest when he's happy |
soren
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A fighter with a heart of gold Got manipulated by his dad Was smart enough to be a good kid and fight to protect Xadia One of the best redemption arcs of the entire show (low key pretty cute) A giant goofball Might have gotten betrayed by his sister but he still loves her and tries to tell her she’s on the wrong side of the war. |
Eli Torres
