Cartoons are a funny thing. Back in the day, it was pencil and ink, and several pages of hand-drawn animation. The days of monochrome Mickey Mouse, and some may say traditional animation, are either long-forgotten or so rarely used.
But let's say somebody stuck with it. Let's say somebody created a character that was maybe...special. Someone with whom you made so many memories with that it almost felt like they were a real person...and...what if they COULD be? What if there was a way to bring that cartoon, any cartoon you made, to ACTUAL life? What would that mean for you? What would it mean to them? What would it mean to everyone? And what...if something went horribly wrong...?

Bendy and the Ink Machine.

At first thought, it might sound like some childhood game that involves drawing with splatters of ink, with a promising career as a rorschack painter later down the rode. But nope, this is a (somewhat - for now) survival horror game instead.
The story, from what I can tell, involves a guy named Henry who was invited by a long-ago friend (associate?) named Drew to come see him at his animation studio. Henry, though, hasn't been back in the place for THIRTY years, and boy, do things seem strange. First, it doesn't seem like anybody's there to begin with. Every work table is barren of an artist, with their sketches laid out in abandon. Film wheels keep spinning, ink is splattered on the floor and ceiling...something happened here...
The wooden walls are decorated with posters of animated features (or shorts) depicting what I assume is Drew's brainchild, Bendy. Bendy is a mischievous devil of sorts, but not much is overly known about him as far as my knowledge goes. I'm not sure if he was Drew's "Mickey Mouse" thirty years ago, and now he would be considered a relic of animation time. But with the posters, cardboard cut-outs, and various memorabilia, it's clear that Bendy was a star.
As Henry explores, he comes up to the titular Ink Machine, a weird square with a thick nozzle that, for it's simplicity, makes quite a presence. For expeditiousness, Henry seems to want to turn the thing on. How? Well, lets say it's not as easy as flipping a few switches. Turns out Drew seems to have set up some weird "offering room", where (as we learn from one of the scattered audio tapes) he had his employees offer up items from their desks to "appease" something, and anybody with a sense of witch magic knows that personal possessions can be used to great effect...
While looking, though, Henry comes upon a body. And no, it's not human. It's of Boris, a character that accompanied Bendy in his cartoons. A supposedly friendly fellow (or really Bendy's foil), it seems Boris met what seems to be a gruesome end, for he seemed to have been operated on and seems to be deceased.
Anyway, when Henry finally manages to turn the ink on, he gets the shock of seeing "Bendy", having boarded up access to the Ink Machine. As ink starts to overflow the studio, Henry nearly reaches the exit before he falls through the floor.
Surviving, Henry presses on with an axe in hand to a room filled with coffins and a pentagram...before flashbacks daze him to the point of knocking him out.

For $1, you can't expect much from Episode 1. It's a decent couple-minute journey. Episode 2 ramps up a little more. Henry uses his axe for more than breaking wood, a clear antagonist is given, and the mystery of what is going on in the studio gets bigger.

Personally, as far as horror goes, BIM has it's jumpscares, but it's not a focus on gore or overtly disgusting creatures. There are tense moments, and unnerving sequences that don't make you scream...but give you a feeling of dread that builds up to the big scare moments.
What gets me actually is the mystery surrounding this game's story and concept. It gives questions and wonderment to just what is going on. Who exactly IS Henry? Why did Drew suddenly want him to come back after 30 years, and what did he want to show him (some would say it's obviously the Ink Machine, but WAS it?)? What's happened to the people in the studio? What IS the Ink Machine? These are just some of the many questions.
I like the deep concept here. The thought that Drew or the Machine brought these cartoons to LITERAL life sounds like something out of a charming Who Framed Roget Rabbit skit. But it goes into a more realistic sense thanks to it's horror aspect.
What does it MEAN for an animated character to be REAL? If Boris is any indication...a toon can die in the real world...but can seemingly be REBORN thanks to ink. So in a way, does that mean, as long as they have ink, these toons are immortal? Could that be what those pentagrams are about? Is that the explanation for Drew's actions explained thus far? Did he somehow bring Bendy and the others into reality to somehow learn how to become immortal like them? Is that why the Ink Machine was turned off when Henry arrived, because somebody tried to stop Drew??
See! Ugh, it's like a mystery infection. It's not so much about the horror, it's about the story and the mystery surrounding it. It gives you so many questions that have enough possible answers that you speculate like mad till the next Episode makes or breaks them...or adds even more! I mean, heck, look at all of THIS, and there's only TWO Episodes of this thing!

My theory? I think Drew somehow managed to create a machine that can bring his cartoon characters to life. Joy is had at first...but then things get darker. The cartoons are, essentially, immortal thanks to ink (think of it like a pencil. as long as you have graphite, you can re-draw whatever was erased). Think of what that means to an obsessive artist? And thanks to little sprittles of the occult, Drew goes into experimenting on Bendy's side characters to see what makes'em...well...them. Naturally this doesn't go over well with Bendy and the others, seeing as what happens to Boris ending so wrongly.
But of course, there's lots of holes. I think Bendy isn't really the antagonist. I think he is mischievous and can taunt the player, but that's his nature. We (well, I), don't know exactly what Bendy's personality is like...but if he was a beloved cartoon , it can be said he wasn't a malicious and demonic character. Maybe with what Drew did to Boris, Bendy doesn't seem humans as decent creatures...but I'm not sure if that makes him overtly hateful toward all of them (especially a guy who walked in the door after 30 years). Also, take in the fact, if the wiki's right, that Henry "respawns" at pentagrams, where there's usually a Bendy cut-out.
So in all, I think these cartoon characters might just be victims of a human's obsession (Drew's), and may, in their own ways, be assisting Henry (who, lets face it, probably started the trouble over when he turned the Ink Machine on). I think the "Bendy" we're directly seeing in the game is Drew...possibly a failed outcome of trying to turn himself into an immortal toon.

It sucks that Bendy and the Ink Machine is an episodic adventure....then again it sucks that "episodic adventure" is a THING. Sure, I get it, indies can pull out bits and pieces for a small profit to help them get further....and as far as Squaresoft's FF7 revival is concerned, the game may be TOO massive for one "game". But still, I suppose all the speculation and theories can be part of the fun, it's just that it's like a mystery you CAN'T SOLVE until the lead detective decides to stop being a pain in the tail and just explain things.

Recently, Chapter Three's trailer came out, where we were awesomely treated to an actual cartoon short featuring Bendy and Boris. As we see, Bendy isn't overtly aggressive, but has that mischievous devil streak, and Boris is a foil, but a comical one. Interesting, after a skeleton scare, Bendy's legs shake almost at the onset of a humanoid shadow towering over him....it's almost like the moment where someone, probably Drew, somehow "entered" the short's world or was actually "seen" through the realities by Bendy. Strangely, I think Bendy was smiling before the short cuts out, maybe a sorta sign that he may be aware that he was created by Drew?
Next we get in-game footage, and things are TENSE. with running and dripping ink, terrible noises, and SOMETHING shifting through the halls (which seem to be TWO somethings actually, which may actually be trying to hide themselves...). A new hiding mechanic (which may also be a save station by some guesses) seems to possible (akin to Outlast's), which means this "Bendy" creature may be in a constant stalk mode. And it seems we may meet a new character that may be singing in the ending of the trailer (but who's presence seemed definite in the chapter announcement vid), Bendy's female love interest, Alice Angel (who's halo symbol suspiciously appears on the hiding space in the trailer).

Overall, as an episodic adventure, I wouldn't judge BIM on the first episode alone. It draws you in, but there's a lot of material. Game-play wise, things seem to be improving and evolving with each new chapter. So if you want an interesting, dark cartoony fright experience, this is the one.

Anyway, I ranted enough.
So, drunk on curiosity, and fiddling with the hologram-er with a unique setting, I went into Drew's studio to prove my theory by helping Bendy stop his maker. I also dragged Rigel along, morely so I can use him as a lizard ink-shield. I don't think I've ever had to get ink off a Mag before, and I'm not going to let there be a first time.

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WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD (spoiler tags)
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Update: So Chapter 3 FINALLY came out, Rise and Fall came out (possible with updates with former chapters), which is the reason for this post. Of course, there are streamers, but I settled for a little packed vid from Bijuu Mike to save time. So, as I go through it, I made up this down here. It's spoilers, of course, but hey, excitement excitement..

Supposedly, a character who's role has been in questioned is....actually GOOD. Henry seems to have been kept safe by Borris the Wolf (as first objective is to leave the "Safehouse"). Of course, Borris can't help much, being a character with no "voice", which is kind of cool and correct. Interacting with Borris, and the fact he comes with you outside the Safehouse is pretty cool.
The "Alice Angel" hiding place comes up outside the Safehouse, and you get...a flashlight....oh boy, things are RAMPING UP.
So, up on a locked door, Borris helps out by going into vents and opening it for you. And then, we get a sort of Rapture moment with a...I guess a "living toys" department for the plushies and stuff for the characters....
So, Henry has to fix the toy machine that makes toy merchandise....and apparently from all the Alice Angel dolls, seems like Alice didn't sell too much by comparison....so is Alice...jealous of Bendy? Perhaps hates him because it was mentioned in an earlier chapter that it was thought she might be more popular than Bendy?
So later, Henry comes upon a booth of what seems to be accompanied by Alice's voice (I guess she's the only character with voice acting?). And then...we see HER...and wholly crap...she is NO angel! Could she have ruined things out of jealousy? Did she, with her voice (which Bendy and Borris don't have), and angelic charm...wreck up things involving the Ink Machine?
Later, Henry comes upon a "Demon" and "Angel" Path.....and discovers a recording that the initial voice actress for Alice was replaced...and wasn't happy about that...
Mischievous Bendy's cut-out shows up....and we see Borris again, who hands you a new pipe weapon...seems he really is on your side. With Borris' help, Henry goes to open a double-lock door.....and Henry is then attacked by a...freaky new creature...some strange...melted small humanoid ink creature....
Alice comments on things as Borris and Henry go down an elevator to "Level 9"...what is WITH this studio!? How big IS this place!? Further on, Borris comes up to a...huh? WHAT?! A room full of ink creatures AND himself on operating tables!? What is going on?! And apparently Alice's old voice actress, Susie...seems...rather...Alice-obsessed...
We come to Alice having tortured an ink creature, debating what to do with Henry....the way she sounds...is she...split because she was voiced by two different people? And why is she trying to make herself perfect? Well...turns out she'll let Henry leave if he does some favors. What could she want him to do...? And where did Borris go?
Apparently Alice wants "power cores" from valves...is it something about the ink? How a PLUNGER will help, I dunno. And while Alice is letting Henry do her bidding, he is still attacked by ink creatures....and she warns him about the "Ink Demon".
A puzzle comes up involving ink levels....so I'm guessing getting these power cores will involve new puzzle mechanics. As Henry proceeds, Alice remarks about the Ink Demon hearing everything, and more weird new ink creatures attack. Are they...employees that were experimented on?
After the final ink level puzzle and getting all the cores, Alice remarks on the success. Borris finally shows up again, seeming to hide in the elevator. Alice remarks about Suzie...so is....this Alice Suzie or....some kind of merger of the two? Alice remarks about the "Swollen Ones", filled with ink....and Alice gives Henry an ink tool. So she wants....more ink?
And "Bendy" is sighted, with some strange search light beyond a glass wall...or...is it?
Later on, in ink covered halls, "Bendy" is encountered, who chases Henry...and the walls get darker and darker and....gets caught. It seems Bendy causes the halls to get darker and darker. But it's different....it's the one we've seen, but not the same creature seen beyond the glass wall with a light earlier...
So, again, with a wrench now, have to get some spare parts for Alice....jeez...really are her errand boy. Power Cores....ink....spare parts...what is...she making...?
Gears gotten, Henry returns, and...AGAIN, more to do. She gives him an axe to...cut down Bendy cut-outs. ooooooohhhh yeeeeaaaaahhh...not a good relationship they have do they? Ooooh, but turns out somebody "hates it" when that happens....and "Bendy" shows up, ink dotting the walls....
Returning to the elevator, Borris still there, and getting back to Alice....Alice pleads to Henry to "purge" and kill the...."butcher gang", ink monsters and the new ink creatures. Is there a sorta....war going on? Is Alice and "Bendy" against each other? After surviving the attack, Alice tasks Henry to go down deeper in the elevator to meet "a friend"...and gives him a....TOMMY GUN?....which...disintegrates...
"The Projectionist"....so THAT'S who we saw earlier...just have to avoid his light while looking for more stuff for Alice (hearts or something). Through halls that are running Bendy cartoons....and returning to Alice....finally done. She has him return to the lift....but...come on...yeah right...sure you're going to let him go.
As the lift goes up, Alice cries.....then.....laughs. Maniacally. Apparently she KNOWS Henry! And apparently he "stole" something and....the elevator starts falling....and apparently she wants Borris...as he's..."perfect". Is he...a perfected toon?
After the fall, Henry is out of it, with Borris trying to wake him...but Alice slinks up behind him and takes Borris away.

WOW....the chapter is FAR meatier (pun) than previous chapters, a LOT more mechanics, more enemies, more needed stealth, more danger, more plot, a new talking antagonist...and EVEN MORE QUESTIONS!
Thankfully, it seems Borris IS actually a good guy. He keeps Henry safe for a time, provides help and your first weapon in the chapter. He's rightfully afraid of both Bendy and Alice...but what's the deeper bits here? Why does Alice want him? She HATES the ink creatures...possibly because they're not perfect recreations or forms. This Borris, it seems...IS. Seems Alice may have been experimenting for a "perfect form", and maybe that's what she's trying to do to herself. Maybe she thinks Borris is the key. And maybe Borris knows this, which is why he hides.
And WHAT is Alice? If Borris is an actual toon brought to life (he seems to be), is Alice an imperfect merger of Alice and her voice actress Suzie? And it's interesting to note that Alice had two voice actresses, and that she is the only one with a voice, unlike the silent era Borris and "Bendy". Which makes one wonder...if Borris and Bendy DID have voice actors...what would they say?
The mystery of "perfect" Borris, the merger of reality and fiction with Alice, the powerful "Bendy" creature, the inkblots and macabre animated failures, and this HUGE animation studio....just...what is going on?! Is the ink...somehow distorting REALITY? Did Drew "become" this "Bendy" ? Did Suzie "become" Alice? On that trail of thought....what does that make "perfect" Borris? And on that same trail....what does that make Henry...?

All in all, the chapter seems fantastic, and the story of Bendy and the Ink Machine is getting even more darker and more serious with each entry....oooooh man....this is just...wow.
Well, I am TIRED....so I'm going to sit back, listen to "Blood and Ink" and "Can't be Erased" as I drift off to sleep....yeah, weird song choices, but I'm already drunk on the Ink!