Rainbow Bubblegem – The New Animated Series About Rainbow Mermaids
Who would have ever said that the sea hides so many secrets? And instead, with Rainbow Bubblegem, the new animated series that comes directly from Korea but is now conquering fans all over the world, we notice it from the first episode. If you thought that the “magical girls” and princesses genre was exhausted, prepare to think again: Bubblegem is a small phenomenon and a perfect example of how a seemingly simple story can hide levels of depth and originality that can speak to both the little ones and adult animation enthusiasts.
A plot that mixes magic, growth and adventure
The series revolves around Princess Purple (also known as Purple Star), a young and curious mermaid who has always dreamed of exploring the human world. And, as often happens in the best animated stories, her restlessness causes chaos: when her identity is at risk of being discovered and her guardian Pink Star intervenes to save her, she ends up scattering the powerful Bubblegem, magical gems essential to maintain the balance between sea and land.
And this is where the story takes flight: Purple will not be alone in her mission. Six other mermaid princesses are sent to the surface to help her recover the Bubblegems before they fall into the wrong hands, namely those of the inevitable evil witch of the deep. A classic treasure hunt? Yes and no, because the real challenge for these princesses will be to learn to live on land, attend a human school, make friends and above all learn to trust each other. An irresistible mix of adventure, personal growth and plot twists that never gets boring.
Characters who leave their mark
The real strong point of Rainbow Bubblegem are the characters. Purple Star, the main character, is the perfect example of the classic “imperfect” heroine in whom we can easily identify: enthusiastic, clumsy, often naive, but with a big heart and a natural talent for teamwork. Her journey from a somewhat irresponsible princess to a true leader is told with delicacy and irony, without ever falling into the usual stereotypes.
Among the other princesses, one stands out Indigo Keen (Princess Indigo), which adds a darker nuance to the story: she is mysterious, shy, marked by a painful past and the loss of her kingdom. Her complicated relationship with the group, made of mistrust, small betrayals and great redemptions, adds emotional depth and creates a truly interesting choral dynamic. Each princess, then, has her own character, her magical abilities and her unique style, making the cast varied and never banal.
An eye-catching design
One of the first things that strikes you when looking Rainbow Bubblegem is the aesthetics: bright colors, fluid animations and a character design that recalls the great icons of Japanese animation, but manages to have an identity all its own. The transformation sequences are spectacular, with rainbow effects and details that will delight lovers of "magical girls". Each princess has a double (or rather, triple) identity - human, mermaid, magical - with outfits studied down to the smallest details: from decorated crowns to star- or moon-shaped tails, to accessories that become true objects of desire.
The attention to detail also emerges in the seabed: whether it is the depths of the sea or the classrooms of the terrestrial school, each environment is alive, colorful, full of little Easter eggs. And the contrast between the world of humans and that of mermaids is exploited not only for visual gags, but also to create a narrative on the theme of diversity and acceptance.
A message that goes beyond entertainment
Beneath the colorful and glittery surface, Rainbow Bubblegem is about very serious things: friendship, collaboration, embracing differences, the ability to ask for help and forgive. Universal themes that, even if intended for an audience of 6 to 9 years old, also reach out to older viewers (don't say I didn't warn you!). The princesses are called not only to fight against a witch, but also against their own insecurities, learning to work as a team and to see the value of others.
The series also deals – albeit lightly – with themes such as loss, guilt and finding one’s place in the world. Think of Indigo and her trauma at the destruction of her kingdom, or Purple’s struggle to always feel “too clumsy” to lead the others. Bubblegem manages to tell these emotions with the simple language of the fairy tale, but without diminishing them.
A success announced… and not only on TV
The secret of the success of Rainbow Bubblegem? In addition to the animated series, a whole parallel world of games, live events, partnerships (such as the one with Toys 'R' Us in Korea) and merchandising that makes the brand truly “experiential”. And that's not all: a third season is already in the works, a sign that the adventures of the mermaid princesses still have a lot to tell.
Why is it worth watching even if you are an adult?
Yes, it is designed for girls, but – as happens with the best animated series – Rainbow Bubblegem manages to involve an adult audience too, thanks to pop references, brilliant dialogues and a narration that never makes fun of the viewer. It is perfect for those looking for a light, colorful vision and at the same time full of small food for thought on the meaning of growth and the value of the team.
Definitely, Rainbow Bubblegem is the proof that the magic of stories is ageless, and that, sometimes, all it takes is a curious mermaid and a handful of rainbow gems to make us smile. Try it and believe it!
