When was the last time you watched a cartoon? Was it SpongeBob? Ed, Edd, n’ Eddy? South Park? When was the last time you even turned on Cartoon Network? Not recently, I’m guessing.
Or maybe you think you’ve seen everything already! Well, it can’t possibly be that bad. So what? Have you rewatched Avatar the Last Airbender enough to quote every scene? Or maybe you’ve rewatched “Simon and Marcy” from Adventure Time enough that it doesn’t make you cry anymore? Yeah, maybe it’s that bad…
What if I told you that there was a cartoon just for you? Really! There are hundreds of cartoons waiting for new viewers just like you. Fantasy, drama, niche internet dark comedy, there’s a little bit of everything in the world of western animation. It can be difficult to sift through it all with so much variety. But don’t worry. I’ve likely seen more cartoons than I can count and with more planned on the way. So, with me as your guide, here are three cartoon recommendations that you might not have heard of from almost three decades of cartoons.
2000’s – Teen Titans
Starting off easy, we’ve got Teen Titans. Aired in 2003 on Cartoon Network, Teen Titans follow five teenage superheroes from the DC Comic Universe as they fight crime and protect the world from evil while going through their own teenage problems like love, friendship, and their future. Every character has their own unique personality and powers. As they grow in the series, we grow with them, getting attached to their lives and stories.
I recommend the show if you love action, comedy, or need a good pick me up from time to time. Teen Titans hits the same today as it did almost 20 years ago. Each season has a well-developed storyline that shows the growth of every character and their relationships with one another. It also has intriguing villains, interesting side characters, and enough history and lore to leave you wanting more. Available on HBO Max, the characters and stories of Teen Titans prepare the viewer for hours of fun and content.
2000’S Runner Up: W.I.T.C.H
2010’s – Helluva Boss
With only one season and six episodes, Helluva Boss has definitely made its mark on adult animation. Aired in 2019 on YouTube, Helluva Boss follows the company I.M.P. (Immediate Murder Professionals), hitmen from hell who can kill the living on Earth. With an arrangement of gory tactics and weapons, I.M.P. gets the job done. The team deals with their silly antics and gushy romance (among other things).
I recommend this show if you love raunchy humor, a good story, and big, heart-wrenching cliffhangers that lead to bigger and better plot arcs. While there is only a limited amount of content, the series is still in development with creator Vivienne Medrano on YouTube and is free to watch. I can recommend this show if you’re willing to wait and watch history-in-the-making for adult animated content.
2010’s Runner Up: Young Justice
2020’s – Arcane
I know, I know. So when we saw the words “League of Legends,” we all ran for the covers. Rest assured, though, because this show is nothing short of perfection. Aired in 2021 on Netflix, Arcane follows the twin cities of Piltover and Zaun. One is a utopia, the pedestal of riches and beauty. The other lives in the shadows of ruin from their sister city. We follow a cast of colorful characters as we are torn between a story of sisters, lovers, and enemies, all along the border of light and dark.
I recommend this show if you love fantasy worlds filled with rich lore and world-building, love rooting for the underdog, and love intense stories that leave you on the edge of your seat. While only one season is out, another season is in the works and aimed for a post-2022 release. Available on Netflix, I can’t recommend the show enough for someone willing to immerse themself in a world of magic, tech, and plenty of twists and turns.
2020’s Runner Up –Inside Job
Visual Created By Talisa Trevino