Emma Papangelopolou (Y10)
(Cred: The Amazing Digital Circus Wiki, Fandom. Uploaded by Robloxian493. https://tadc.fandom.com/wiki/Kinger)
If you’re chronically online, chances are you’ve heard of The Amazing Digital Circus. But if you haven’t, it’s an indie animated show on YouTube (and now on Netflix, too!) consisting of eight 30-minute episodes, with the ninth and final episode releasing in just a few months. The plot revolves around a group of humans trapped inside a digital realm with an AI ringmaster who makes them go on fun, wacky, and often traumatising adventures. I strongly recommend going to watch the show if you haven’t already, it’s absolutely worth your time!
Now, without further ado, allow me to go into unnecessary detail over why Kinger is the best character of this show. (Spoilers ahead for episode 8 – you have been warned.)
- Pure, unrivalled AURA
(Cred: The Amazing Digital Circus – Episode 3, uploaded by GLITCH on YouTube. Screenshot taken by me and 8-bit glasses poorly cropped in Canva. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKjfw77cxeQ)
No, seriously: Kinger is the coolest character in the show. I mean, who else has taken down both an angel’s head and decapitated body with just two clean shots (and in almost complete darkness)? But if you somehow need further proof of his aura, just take one look at the amount of fan art there is of buff Kinger. Seriously, there’s a lot…
- Kinger is a girl dad
(Cred: The Amazing Digital Circus – Episode 6, uploaded by GLITCH on YouTube. Screenshot taken by me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOvhHim78YA)
Does this one even need explaining? He’s always been there for the rest of the cast, but Ragatha and Pomni especially- providing comfort, wisdom, and a helping hand when they needed it most. From Ragatha’s first day in the circus to her quiet moment of vulnerability in episode 6, and during Pomni’s utter hopelessness and despair in episode 3, Kinger has always been there, willing to help and willing to listen, just like a father figure.
- Cutie patootie
(Cred: The Amazing Digital Circus – Episode 3, uploaded by GLITCH on YouTube. Screenshot taken by me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKjfw77cxeQ)
Looking at a single picture of Kinger isn’t enough to determine his character or personality, but it certainly confirms that he’s absolutely adorable. His big blue eyes, clueless expression (which is about 80% of his screentime), and small, detached hands are the cutest things ever, and anyone who’s watched the show knows that Kinger is to be loved and cherished at all times.
- Husband material (literally)
(Cred: The Amazing Digital Circus – Episode 8, uploaded by GLITCH on YouTube. Screenshot taken by me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMNlzf8PiEM)
Not only is Kinger basically the cast’s adoptive father, but he’s also a loving husband who cares deeply for his abstracted wife, Queenie. Despite hating bugs in the past, Kinger is known for now having a hyperfixation on insects, all due to Queenie’s passion for entomology. And during the flashback in episode 8, the couple recognised each other almost immediately, despite having lost both their names and bodies. If that’s not true love, then I don’t know what is.
- Silly chess man
(Cred: The Amazing Digital Circus – Episode 6, uploaded by GLITCH on YouTube. Screenshot taken by me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOvhHim78YA)
I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. I mean, how can you not love a silly chess piece that has amnesia and isn’t even fully lucid for half the show? While his backstory is heartbreaking, Kinger is one of the silliest and goofiest characters in the circus, especially during the earlier episodes. His animations are fun and unique, he spends most of his time inside a pillow fort, and he has many, many iconic lines. For instance, “I’m right behind you, aren’t I?” or “Could you repeat that? I couldn’t hear you over the KNIVES.”
If this article still wasn’t enough to convince you to love Kinger, then you’re lying. Because this little chess piece is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, even when Gooseworx seems determined to traumatise the fandom with the latest episode.
i absolutely love kinger