SolarBalls (web series)
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it. |
 |
| SolarBalls | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy Drama Science fiction |
| Created by | Alvaro Calmet Oliver Gilpin |
| Inspired by | the planetballs and Spaceballs formats |
| Developed by | Alvaro Calmet |
| Showrunner | Alvaro Calmet |
| Written by | Alvaro Calmet |
| Directed by | Alvaro Calmet |
| Voices of | Jack Stansbury (the male characters) Maia Luna Cebrelli (the female characters) |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producer | Lucia Sandoval |
| Budget | $155,668 |
| Original release | |
| Network | YouTube |
| Release | 1 June 2022 – present |
SolarBalls is a YouTube web series created by Alvaro Calmet.[1] The series is based on the characters' adventures and misadventures in the Solar System, which are the planets. The series premiered on YouTube on 1 July 2022.[2]
Synopsis
[edit]The series opens with Astrodude, a NASA astronaut who travels to space only to discover that celestial bodies are sentient and expressive . Early episodes are light-hearted and educational: Astrodude plays games in orbit, visits Venus’s surface, and learns planetary science through planetary characters. As the series develops, it weaves together multi-episode arcs such as The Moon Revolution, Solar System Trials, Planet X,[3] The Big Bang, and Planet X Returns, often combining educational elements with socio-emotional narratives.[4]
Development
[edit]The series is a spin-off of the creators’ previous works (MrSpherical, WorkerBoi) and retains the spherical Planetballs art style.[5] Unlike earlier episodic shorts, SolarBalls features coherent storytelling with continuity, character memory, and evolving themes. It shifted from short-form, educational content in 2022 to longer, narrative-driven episodes by late 2023, coinciding with surpassing one million[6] subscribers.
Characters
[edit]Main characters
The Sun - The Sun is one of the most recurring protagonists in the entire series. He has a carefree, cold, and very obsessive personality. He's always demanding that the planets return to their orbits.[7]
Mercury - Mercury has a shy personality, and often always puts up with the Sun when he makes jokes that are not funny or senseless, but over time his personality changed and he knew how to defend himself.
Venus - Venus is very grumpy and always in a bad mood, forcing Mercury to remain in its orbit and not move from its place, although Venus has rarely left its orbit. It usually insults Mercury by calling it "Pipsqueak," however, it also shows concern for others, even if it is through insults.
Earth - Earth is often conceited, narcissistic, and above all dramatic, always boasting of having life on it. Mars is its best friend and often plays cards with it.
Mars - Mars is portrayed as a friendly and outgoing planet, often acting as a mediator and encourager among the rocky planets. He is knowledgeable about the solar system and enjoys sharing this information.[8]
Jupiter - Jupiter is portrayed as intelligent, kind, and a caring "big brother" figure to the other planets. He's known for his wisdom, offering advice and trying to keep his friends out of trouble. He's also portrayed as being logical, helpful, and friendly, with a fondness for Saturn.
Saturn - Saturn is a kind gas giant, though sometimes condescending and embarrassing due to his charming ways. He prides himself on having the largest rings in the Solar System and is very polite to the other planets. He is also sensitive, as shown in "Venus Wants a Makeover!"[9] when he cries after being called an idiot by Venus.
Uranus - Uranus/Caelus is quiet but very sensitive. He doesn't like being bothered by his name or scent, and gets angry easily.[10] He also hates being ignored and having his rings eclipsed by Saturn's. He often feels lonely, but values Neptune's company.
Neptune - Neptune is a strange, random, and forgetful planet. It's seen as the comic relief due to its unpredictable and clumsy nature. Its loneliness leads it to create imaginary friends. Despite its quirks, it has a kind heart and is a good friend, especially to Uranus.[11]
Secondary characters
Pluto - Pluto feels lonely and reflective, seeking to be important in the solar system after its reclassification. It has a tense relationship with the other planets, except for Neptune. It learns that it doesn't need to be a planet to be special and accepts who it is. Together with Charon, they resolve the conflict of the Lunar Revolution.[12]
Reception
[edit]SolarBalls has garnered a diverse range of responses from both audiences and creators. While some viewers appreciate the series' educational content and character development, others have expressed concerns regarding the pacing and narrative structure. Critics have noted that certain story arcs feel rushed, with some episodes lacking significant plot progression. Additionally, there is a perception that the series may be prioritizing quantity over quality in its recent productions. Despite these critiques, the creators maintain that the series' primary goal is to educate and engage viewers, and they continue to refine their approach based on audience feedback.
References
[edit]- ^ "Álvaro Calmet". SolarBalls Wiki. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ SolarBalls (1 June 2022). "Space is normal" they said... United Kingdom. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ SolarBalls (7 December 2024). The Battle of Planet X - Part 1. United Kingdom. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ AthelstanFounder (26 December 2024). "Solarballs". Historia Nobis by Athelstan Founder. Retrieved 2 July 2025.
- ^ The series focuses on the personalities and interactions of the planets and moons, creating a unique way to learn about the solar system.
- ^ "We made it! ONE MILLION SUBS!!!". www.instagram.com. November 30, 2023. Retrieved 2025-07-03.
- ^ SolarBalls (27 May 2023). My Partner, the Sun!. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ SolarBalls (28 June 2022). Why do we want to live on Mars?. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ SolarBalls (19 July 2022). Venus wants a makeover!. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ SolarBalls (8 October 2022). The Secret of Uranus. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Meet Neptune". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ SolarBalls (10 June 2022). Pluto is a Planet again...?. Retrieved 2 July 2025 – via YouTube.
External links
[edit]- SolarBalls on YouTube
- SolarBalls at IMDb