New 'FLCL' Looks Just as Stylish and Inscrutable as Original Anime

For a series that was only six episodes long, FLCL sure was a classic. The insane anime entertained and confused viewers when it aired in the United States on Adult Swim more than 15 years ago, but now, it’s coming back. And, based on the trailer for the two new seasons that will air on Adult Swim starting this summer, it hasn’t gotten any less wonderfully bonkers in the decade and a half it’s been MIA.

On Tuesday, the network unveiled the trailer for the 12 new episodes, which Adult Swim announced, jeez, almost two full years ago. The trailer contains scenes from both upcoming seasons, the first of which is subtitled Progressive while the second is Alternative. As with the original series, the new seasons appear to be coming-of-age stories, except they feature outlandish pink-haired girls from outer space, Vespas, monsters, and the use of guitars as weapons.

Here’s the official plot synopsis:

FLCL: Progressive tells the story of 14-year-old Hidomi, her classmate Ide, and two otherworldly beings, “Jinyu” and “Haruha Raharu,” who are determined to unlock their hidden potential. Mixed up in this is an all-powerful force known as “ATOMSK,” a gorgeous vintage car… and a certain Vespa Scooter.

Following FLCL: Progressive will be another new season, FLCL: Alternative, which hands the series over to a totally different team of young creators who will redefine the meaning of “sequel.” The series centers on the misadventures of 17-year-old Kana, a high school junior who spends her days hanging out with her besties, Mossan, Hijiri, and Pets. They live unremarkable lives, until the day a Mecha falls out of the sky, along with a strange woman named “Haruko.” Her plans for Kana and her friends involve the force known as “ATOMSK.” Kana will have to risk everything to decide whether or not to help… like she really has a choice!

The series doesn’t appear to be a reboot but rather a continuation, though the pink-haired Haruko, voiced once again by Kari Wahlgren, appears to be the only returning character. Also returning are the Japanese alternative rock group The Pillows, whose music is about as essential to the original FLCL as the bonkers storyline and insane visuals.

The first episode of FLCL: Progressive will premiere on Saturday, June 2 at 11:30 p.m Eastern on Adult Swim. Alternative will premiere in September.