Niko and the Sword of Light (2015–2019) User Reviews (12)

An exemplary children's cartoon

[benjaminburt · 8/10 · 1 August 2017]

Niko and the Sword of Light is an interesting amalgam, trying to balance some good storytelling and a unique fantasy world with the censorship and simplicity of children's programming. To be clear, this is very much a children's program, with on-the-nose dialogue, simple character motivation, and easy-to-understand message themes. Nevertheless, show is able to distinguish itself by being well-paced and engaging.

The animation is also hard to pin down, as sometimes it looks like some low-budget direct-to-video stiff animation, while other times it suddenly jumps into unique, flowing, and exciting action.

The setup is surprisingly similar to Samurai Jack - a 'shape- shifting master of darkness' is challenged by a pure-hearted hero with a magic sword. This show gets points for having a plot, though. The backstory of the villain and of princess Lyra are both fleshed out a little more than Samurai Jack, but that's not saying a whole lot.

All in all, a unique and engaging children's cartoon.

A great series...with a sadly lackluster ending

[whisperstar · 7/10 · 7 September 2019]

I took some time to think on it after finishing season 2 last night, and while I'm not going to give away any spoilers...I found it very disappointing. The most I'll say is that one of the main perks the second season promised us - an exploration of Niko's backstory - is only brought up abruptly in the last half of the last episode. And while it is an interesting concept, it needed more time devoted to it both in-universe and out in order to truly flourish, and the execution of it is very rushed and sloppy and leads to the previously-mentioned ending of disappointment. (Without giving too much away, it's similar to how The Legend of Korra's second season ended off, in more ways than one.)

And while that is unfortunate, it's easier to stomach when season 2 already didn't raise my expectations higher than the first season already had, and since that one already ended on a perfect note, I'd say. The animation saw a marked improvement with many awe-inspiring effects, and some of the new settings were appealing, but the new characters weren't memorable (and never came back like the ones from the first season did), and the interactions between the original team started to get slightly stale after a while. Niko and Lyra reached their peak at the end of the first season, so their interactions here usually amount to sibling-like banter and such, Mandok is his usual cowardly self...and the one other thing I didn't like is that after growing into such an impressive shape by the end of the first season, Flicker starts off the second by regressing back to his base form, and he stays like that until the series ends. It was like they felt the need to shrink him down to make things more challenging for the heroes, but why not just leave him in Carondolet to begin with?

The second season also ends with hints that there may be a third sometime in the future, but it's worded a little vaguely, and honestly, even if it were true, the way the characters end off this season (one of them, specifically - again, no spoilers) makes it seem unlikely that I'd feel the same endearment toward them if I were to experience the story's continuance. Once you've seen for yourself the past few episodes, hopefully you'll comprehend what I mean.

Imperfect but pretty good

[kerorogio · 7/10 · 13 May 2021]

A decent show that would have deserved more episodes. I'm not sure, but from what I understand, Niko's friends are mostly absent in the comic from which the series is based, and this perhaps even applies to the evil Nar-est . Their inclusion is understandable, the boy's energetic temperament could have been tiring and monotonous. Mandok is fun and Princess Lyra is a sweet "big sister", who acts as the voice of reason, emotional assistant and the two together have an excellent harmony. The villain is also successful even if initially he is a bit reminiscent of Samurai Jack's Aku.

The first season is generally balanced, apart from some ninja evolutions and some excessive swirling of the weapons. It can be said that Niko's advantage over his predecessors is his initial disadvantage, thanks to which he does not go straight to the boss, but gains experience and creates alliances. The conclusion reached in the first season, however, feels rushed in terms of travel, and in general, disappoints the lack of attention given to previous champions ... except Aura.

In the second season, the break of peace is ridiculously short, the devolution of the insect makes no sense and although Niko is reintroduced to us strengthened, in reality it will be much more useless, since the question of exorcizing evil is on a different level. On the other hand, we will see a couple of silly quarrels and negatively a focus on Lyra who, let's remember, is an added character, and from valid helper (wise diplomat and capable fighter), will also become fast: pilot, powerful sorceress, support in Niko's energy rays and also rebel queen. The character remains amiable and the vision of the show remains relatively pleasant, but everything is felt to go in a less spontaneous and more politicized direction.

The ending, imho, makes no sense, not entirely at least, despite taking more time to develop the second season. Their world continues to be interesting, but even if I would have liked a third season, maybe... it's good that the show was stopped before it got completely ruined. Definely, I think it would have been preferable to double or triple the longevity of the first season, even if it meant giving up the second... also to better develop a certain anthropomorphic villain.

In any case, worth a look!

An Excellent Cartoon

[fionashirra · 10/10 · 25 August 2016]

At the request of my 8 year old daughter I am typing up a review for this cartoon.

It seems Amazon have outdone themselves with this cartoon as my daughter was talking about it all morning. Needless to say, she loved this show and describes it as a wonderful mixture of dark and light forces.

A magical show set in a post apocalyptic world with the main character a young boy called Niko, alone in the world and the final hope for mankind. Niko is a brave, and loving boy with a mission to save the world with his Sword of Light (though he still needs some practice using it). Niko is the kind of character that inspires kids, my daughter said, and I quote "he is brave because he never gives up".

The show was funny but with moments of thrilling peril (obviously the kiddie friendly kind) and my daughter is eager to see the next installment and discover how Niko fairs in this challenging new world.

This is one of the best New Cartoons thanks Amazon.

[Jntfurstman · 10/10 · 23 July 2016]

The Show is Incredible and it Has Great Animation. It tell the story of Niko who's the last Human on a quest to Defeat the darkness and restore light to the Kingdom and it's has Great Characters and Fun action scenes it has Great Voice Acting and Great Animation. It's simple yet full of Action. Niko is Adorable and brave and Fun to Watch and it Reminds Me of Batman and Avatar and it's one of the best New series Of 2014 thanks Amazon and to the many people for making this the best new Series yet it's going to be a lot of fun thanks Amazon. P.S. More Episodes of Niko and please More Great Action too Please Thanks Amazon. I also thanks Jim Cummings and Ton Kenny for doing Great Voice work it's Awesome Thanks Amazon. and Please Make More Episodes.

Sign By Teddy Furstman.

Wonderful family entertainment

[winkastw1 · 10/10 · 3 September 2017]

My family loved watching "Niko and the Sword of Light" on Amazon Prime, and got totally swept up by the story and the adventures of Niko and Princess Lyra, rooting for them all the way in the delightful contrast of locations and challenges. The animation is especially well done with great care to rise above all the competition to create masses of family fun and engrossing stories. Well worth the watching time and again, thank you..

Niko and the Sword of Light is an inspirational and beautifully animated new series that's a must for all youngsters!

[sarah_t_pearce · 10/10 · 21 August 2017]

My daughter who is 12 years old has just watched the first episode of Niko and the Sword of Light with me.

She thought the story line was genius, truly original and like nothing she has seen before. She really liked the fact that Princess Lira is very independent and provides a good example to young girls that it's not only male characters who can be strong and heroic.

The story has a great balance of adventure and humour and conveys a strong message about how believing in yourself and never giving up can enable you to achieve great things, even when the going gets really tough! The characters bring this message alive in a way that will really engage and inspire young people.

My daughter loved Niko and the Sword of Life and felt children younger than her will enjoy it too. The humour makes the scary bits not very scary!

Well animated traditional 2D cartoon adventure series with a traditional storyline....

[Poobird · 7/10 · 16 April 2020]

While I appreciate that amazon supports traditional 2D handdrawn animation I must say that I am a bit disappointed by the very "traditional" story line. This is lord of the rings from beginning to end. The volcano is of course mount doom. And the villain is of course Sauron. Even the eye symbol was used here. Although the animation is solid and the voice acting is nice I can only give it a 7/10.

ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER!!!

[kroufai · 10/10 · 29 April 2019]

Niko and the sword of light is amazing show. I really enjoy watching it and I think it is great. Watching the characters grow, develop, and gain confidence is definitely a treat. Niko is the bombdiggity, when I grow up I want to be Niko and battle the forces of darkness on the behalf of my people as their champion. I would like to don his attire as I go journey through the urban landscape cleansing its inhabitants of the evil influencing their actions and doing harm.

Great show!

[nixmancini · 8/10 · 15 August 2020]

This is an awesome cartoon. My 3 year old loves it and I love watching it with her.

lovely animation and storyline

[dontakeitpersonal · 8/10 · 16 November 2020]

I stumbled upon this show when flipping through Prime. I liked the story in both seasons. I didn't think that I would enjoy the 2nd season that much, but it was alright in the end. not a lot of character development, you just follow the Niko while he discovers the world and explore together with the Princess/Queen. Lovely world, where the dark battles with the light. Moral lessons present: greed, friendship, responsibilities, tradition vs new, inner self.

Super fun and epic cartoon with some of everything!

[raddchicks · 10/10 · 4 May 2021]

These days, there are many great fantasy cartoons out there with engaging plots, such as Avatar: The Last Airbender, She-Ra, Adventure Time, Steven Universe, Pokémon, Tangled, Gravity Falls, Voltron, The Owl House, Amphibia, and even more. If you like any of those shows, this will be perfect for you. It is both lighthearted and fun, with emphasis on being fun and funny, but also has a great serious plot that will keep you interested. The animation might put some off as it resembles that of certain gross-out cartoons, but this is not one of those. This is a super fun action and fantasy show for anybody. Even if you don't have kids of your own, you should give it a try. You won't regret it!