The animated spinoff series, Stranger Things: Tales from ‘85, has been introduced as an attempt to bring back the show's Golden Age. The series follows the Hawkins gang of Mike, Eleven, Will, Dustin, Lucas, and Max as they return to school after winter break following the break of winter break. The show's "midquel" setting, stylized animation style, and self-contained story resemble Star Wars: The Clone Wars, a spinoff animated series that expanded the Star Wars universe into an animated series. However, there are some issues with late-stage Stranger Things, including the absence of Joyce and Jonathan Byers, which are seen as an absence from the cast. Despite this, the show is praised for its portrayal of the Hawkins Investigators Club and the science behind the main threat, which is believable enough while incorporating some Dungeons and Dragons monsters.