May 30, 2013 2:36 AM
Favorite Western Cartoons
Anime Relations:
Cybersix
I'll be honest, I don't watch many western cartoons. Most of the ones I've seen are from my childhood and thus hold much nostalgic value. I have seen a few modern ones though, but either way this list should be viewed with a grain of salt. Well I've given it a fair bit of thought so here are my top 20 favorite western cartoons!
1. Batman the animated series (1992-1995)
I think everyone has a different image of Batman, hes changed so much over the years. When I think of him though, I remember this cartoon and how freaking amazing this was. Every episode was engaging and interesting. It had great production values and is more or less the pure essence of Batman at his finest.
2. Samurai Jack (2001-2004)
Genndy Tartakovsky's masterpiece. There is just so many things this show does right. From the quiet episodes with little to no dialogue and just Jack walking through meticulously detailed backdrops, to the high-octane action packed episodes where Jack fucks shit up. The fights in this were just so engaging and it had so many memorable characters like Aku, The Scotsman and of course Jack himself.
3. The Maxx (1995)
It's rare to find a show with this level of depth in anime and even rarer to find it in a western cartoon. Alan Moore sure has a knack for superhero deconstruction and it shows in this series. There are only thirteen episodes that are about 12 minutes each, so I highly suggest checking this out.
4. Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
I thought about combining this with the earlier Batman entry, but this is just so fundamentally different. The Batmans in both shows have a similar yet almost opposite code of morality. Warner Bros wanted a more kid friendly Batman, but what they got was this and I loved every second of it.
5. Justice League/ Justice League Unlimited (2001-2006)
If you haven't noticed by now you'll be seeing a lot of DC on this this list. What better representation of the DC universe than a show about just that. The only flaw of this show is not having enough development for side characters. Which is easily forgiven IMO, due to the sheer size the cast.
6. CyberSix (1999-2000)
A fitting place on my list indeed. This might be considered cheating because apparently TMS entertainment had a hand in creating this, but the original comic was made in Argentina and it originally aired here in Canada. The mysterious cross-dressing main character is very memorable and I haven't got much else to say about this show, except it has some great style.
7. The Boondocks (2005)/Black Dynamite (2011)
I have so much respect for this show and it's creators. This show has serious balls and just speaks to me so much to me on a personal level. This more or less replaced the space that Simpsons/Family Guy/South Park occupies in most people. As for Black Dynamite, its more or less Boondocks in the 80's, with more blaxpoitation and a lot cooler looking because of the high contrast art style.
8. X-men the animated series (1992-1997)/ X-men evolution (2000-2003)
Finally some Marvel presence. I was thinking about separating these entries but I was lazy and they are still fairly similar shows. Except Wolverine looks a hell lot cooler in Evolution because hes got the orange and black suit. I will say the 90's cartoon kept it very close to the comics though.
9. Young Justice (2010)
It saddens me that this show got cancelled so early. It seeks to rectify the mistakes of Justice League by having a smaller, more focused cast and while it does increase during Invasion, it still remains manageable. Great show, ended too soon.
10. Avatar the Last Air Bender(2003-2005)/Korra (2012)
Such a great cartoon, amazing production values, very interesting setting and fairly decent characters. An interesting blend of Aboriginal, Chinese and probably a some other cultures I'm unfortunately unaware of. Korra adds industrialism into the mix and while short-lived still proved to be a great experience.
11. Martin Mystery (2003)
A combined project of France, Canada and Japan, this show needs a hell lot more recognition. It's campy and silly at times, but as a horror fan I can't help but love this and all of it's homages to classic horror flicks.
12. Spawn (1997-1999)
A cartoon about my my favorite superhero? Fuck yeah, this was awesome. While it didn't live up to the greatness of Batman, this show was still pretty bad ass for it's time. Spawn is just such an insanely cool character in general even if the show completely sucked (and compared to the comics it sorta did) I would still like it.
13. Spiderman TAS (1994-1998)/ Spiderman Unlimited (1999-2003)
More campiness! This show definitely has it's problems, but I'd say that the good definitely outweighs the bad and damn that intro is awesome. Unlimited, while not as great as the original had a very interesting/unique visual style which really helped with my enjoyment.
14. Reboot (1994-2002)
A Canadian production and another very underrated show, Reboot has one of the most detailed and interesting worlds I've seen in any media. With references to everything from anime to movies to video games. This show also had a surprising amount of depth compared to your everyday cartoon. Don't let the fact that the show is 100% cgi discourage you, they do a damn good job with it, especially given when it was made.
15. Thundercats (1985-1989)/(2011)
A very nostalgic series for me, even my parents remember this a little. While the original show surely had it's flaws it was just so much of a classic that I couldn't help but enjoy it. The detailed character designs given the time period are also very impressive. The newer series corrects many of the mistakes that the original had. Like making Liono too powerful or not having enough character development.
16. Mummies Alive (1997-1998)
Kind of a guilty pleasure for me. Theres something about the ancient Egyptian theme that was just so cool to me during the time and even looking back and trying some episodes, I couldn't help, but enjoy re-watching this. Can't forget about that kick-ass intro.
17. Duck Dodgers (2003)
References galore and jokes that I actually find funny for a change. Just a really well-made show in general. Plus dat Queen Tyr'ahnee... dayum.
18. Dexter's Lab (1996-2003)
Tartakovsky strikes again! One of my childhood favorites and just a really fun show. Even the little extra shows in between like Monkey and Justice friends were really well made. A true classic that I hope the next generation doesn't forget it.
19. Teen Titans (2003-2006)
The final DC entry on my list. I don't think theres anyone who doesn't know the Teen Titans, it was a huge hit, but what made it very accessible also limited how objectively good it could be. The light-hearted atmosphere of the show caused many changes from the original comic, like Deathstroke now being called Slade and censoring his relationship with Terra, which could have added a lot more depth to the show. Overall it was still pretty great, but is a bit of a double edged sword in my opinion.
20. Swat Kats (1993-1995)
Something about anthropomorphic cats seems to really appeal to me. This show was totally bad ass. Everything from the visuals to the main characters and the villain. Prime example of 90's goodness.
Honorable mentions: Power Puff Girls, Men in Black, Daria, Invader Zim (Bring this back dammit!), Transformers cartoons, G.I Joe, Jackie Chan Adventures, Pinky and the Brain, Centurions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Archie's Mysteries, He-man, King Author and the Knights of Justice and Sym-bionic Titan.
Stuff I'm looking forward to watching: Archer, Silver Hawks, Exosquad, Gargoyles, Looney Toons(2011), Aeon Flux and Generator Rex.
So I guess I should have a proper explanation as to why I don't have Simpsons, Family Guy or South Park on the list. This is easily explained by the fact that I don't feel like I can pass judgement on a show without watching atleast like 80% of it and for these shows, unless I'm willing to put in tonnes of hours, it's just not happening. While I've seen and enjoyed some episodes of these I feel like I can't really speak for them as a whole, since I've seen so little of them.
1. Batman the animated series (1992-1995)
I think everyone has a different image of Batman, hes changed so much over the years. When I think of him though, I remember this cartoon and how freaking amazing this was. Every episode was engaging and interesting. It had great production values and is more or less the pure essence of Batman at his finest.
2. Samurai Jack (2001-2004)
Genndy Tartakovsky's masterpiece. There is just so many things this show does right. From the quiet episodes with little to no dialogue and just Jack walking through meticulously detailed backdrops, to the high-octane action packed episodes where Jack fucks shit up. The fights in this were just so engaging and it had so many memorable characters like Aku, The Scotsman and of course Jack himself.
3. The Maxx (1995)
It's rare to find a show with this level of depth in anime and even rarer to find it in a western cartoon. Alan Moore sure has a knack for superhero deconstruction and it shows in this series. There are only thirteen episodes that are about 12 minutes each, so I highly suggest checking this out.
4. Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
I thought about combining this with the earlier Batman entry, but this is just so fundamentally different. The Batmans in both shows have a similar yet almost opposite code of morality. Warner Bros wanted a more kid friendly Batman, but what they got was this and I loved every second of it.
5. Justice League/ Justice League Unlimited (2001-2006)
If you haven't noticed by now you'll be seeing a lot of DC on this this list. What better representation of the DC universe than a show about just that. The only flaw of this show is not having enough development for side characters. Which is easily forgiven IMO, due to the sheer size the cast.
6. CyberSix (1999-2000)
A fitting place on my list indeed. This might be considered cheating because apparently TMS entertainment had a hand in creating this, but the original comic was made in Argentina and it originally aired here in Canada. The mysterious cross-dressing main character is very memorable and I haven't got much else to say about this show, except it has some great style.
7. The Boondocks (2005)/Black Dynamite (2011)
I have so much respect for this show and it's creators. This show has serious balls and just speaks to me so much to me on a personal level. This more or less replaced the space that Simpsons/Family Guy/South Park occupies in most people. As for Black Dynamite, its more or less Boondocks in the 80's, with more blaxpoitation and a lot cooler looking because of the high contrast art style.
8. X-men the animated series (1992-1997)/ X-men evolution (2000-2003)
Finally some Marvel presence. I was thinking about separating these entries but I was lazy and they are still fairly similar shows. Except Wolverine looks a hell lot cooler in Evolution because hes got the orange and black suit. I will say the 90's cartoon kept it very close to the comics though.
9. Young Justice (2010)
It saddens me that this show got cancelled so early. It seeks to rectify the mistakes of Justice League by having a smaller, more focused cast and while it does increase during Invasion, it still remains manageable. Great show, ended too soon.
10. Avatar the Last Air Bender(2003-2005)/Korra (2012)
Such a great cartoon, amazing production values, very interesting setting and fairly decent characters. An interesting blend of Aboriginal, Chinese and probably a some other cultures I'm unfortunately unaware of. Korra adds industrialism into the mix and while short-lived still proved to be a great experience.
11. Martin Mystery (2003)
A combined project of France, Canada and Japan, this show needs a hell lot more recognition. It's campy and silly at times, but as a horror fan I can't help but love this and all of it's homages to classic horror flicks.
12. Spawn (1997-1999)
A cartoon about my my favorite superhero? Fuck yeah, this was awesome. While it didn't live up to the greatness of Batman, this show was still pretty bad ass for it's time. Spawn is just such an insanely cool character in general even if the show completely sucked (and compared to the comics it sorta did) I would still like it.
13. Spiderman TAS (1994-1998)/ Spiderman Unlimited (1999-2003)
More campiness! This show definitely has it's problems, but I'd say that the good definitely outweighs the bad and damn that intro is awesome. Unlimited, while not as great as the original had a very interesting/unique visual style which really helped with my enjoyment.
14. Reboot (1994-2002)
A Canadian production and another very underrated show, Reboot has one of the most detailed and interesting worlds I've seen in any media. With references to everything from anime to movies to video games. This show also had a surprising amount of depth compared to your everyday cartoon. Don't let the fact that the show is 100% cgi discourage you, they do a damn good job with it, especially given when it was made.
15. Thundercats (1985-1989)/(2011)
A very nostalgic series for me, even my parents remember this a little. While the original show surely had it's flaws it was just so much of a classic that I couldn't help but enjoy it. The detailed character designs given the time period are also very impressive. The newer series corrects many of the mistakes that the original had. Like making Liono too powerful or not having enough character development.
16. Mummies Alive (1997-1998)
Kind of a guilty pleasure for me. Theres something about the ancient Egyptian theme that was just so cool to me during the time and even looking back and trying some episodes, I couldn't help, but enjoy re-watching this. Can't forget about that kick-ass intro.
17. Duck Dodgers (2003)
References galore and jokes that I actually find funny for a change. Just a really well-made show in general. Plus dat Queen Tyr'ahnee... dayum.
18. Dexter's Lab (1996-2003)
Tartakovsky strikes again! One of my childhood favorites and just a really fun show. Even the little extra shows in between like Monkey and Justice friends were really well made. A true classic that I hope the next generation doesn't forget it.
19. Teen Titans (2003-2006)
The final DC entry on my list. I don't think theres anyone who doesn't know the Teen Titans, it was a huge hit, but what made it very accessible also limited how objectively good it could be. The light-hearted atmosphere of the show caused many changes from the original comic, like Deathstroke now being called Slade and censoring his relationship with Terra, which could have added a lot more depth to the show. Overall it was still pretty great, but is a bit of a double edged sword in my opinion.
20. Swat Kats (1993-1995)
Something about anthropomorphic cats seems to really appeal to me. This show was totally bad ass. Everything from the visuals to the main characters and the villain. Prime example of 90's goodness.
Honorable mentions: Power Puff Girls, Men in Black, Daria, Invader Zim (Bring this back dammit!), Transformers cartoons, G.I Joe, Jackie Chan Adventures, Pinky and the Brain, Centurions, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Archie's Mysteries, He-man, King Author and the Knights of Justice and Sym-bionic Titan.
Stuff I'm looking forward to watching: Archer, Silver Hawks, Exosquad, Gargoyles, Looney Toons(2011), Aeon Flux and Generator Rex.
So I guess I should have a proper explanation as to why I don't have Simpsons, Family Guy or South Park on the list. This is easily explained by the fact that I don't feel like I can pass judgement on a show without watching atleast like 80% of it and for these shows, unless I'm willing to put in tonnes of hours, it's just not happening. While I've seen and enjoyed some episodes of these I feel like I can't really speak for them as a whole, since I've seen so little of them.
Posted by
LoneWolf
| May 30, 2013 2:36 AM |
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