We have a plethora of cartoons based on comic book characters. And, while the live-action TV productions haven’t had the same luck, most of them are incredible. It’s hard to think about them and not get nostalgic remembering your childhood. If you want to get that feeling again or find some shows you missed out on, you can count on us. Here are some of the best animations about superheroes!
Spider-Man (1994)
Let’s start with one many people will say is the best of them all: Spider-Man (1994). Peter Parker is one of the most famous and beloved superheroes of all time, and this cartoon is part of the cause. Even to this day, many people discuss it and say it is the reason they started reading comics or became a fan of the character. The show is faithful to the source material and brings a different, but still very similar and likable version of Peter.
Not to mention, it does something we don’t see very often. Throughout its five seasons, we see Spidey interact with a great number of heroes. From Daredevil to the X-Men, Spider-Man (1994) has some of the best crossovers in the history of cartoons. Having so many episodes also allows the show to develop many characters and present Peter’s rogues gallery in detail. Obviously, it does that marvellously.
Justice League Unlimited
Speaking of crossovers, it’s hard not to remember the best iteration of the Justice League. Unlimited has a way bigger cast than its predecessor, pairing up many of our favourite heroes. It also focuses on less-known parts of its roster, like Question and Booster Gold. The cartoon understands their potential and puts it on full display for everyone to see. That also means there’s something for everyone in there.
We can’t forget our big shots. Every major Justice League member has a chance to shine and is utilized to present a diverse set of stories and emotions. Hawkgirl, one of the most important members, but often forgotten, has some of the best episodes. “Wake the Dead,” for example, explores her relationship with Solomon Grundy, and it’s simply impossible not to be devastated after you finish it. The whole series knows when to be fun and when to give you a sucker punch.
Static Shock
Static Shock follows Virgil Hawkins, a black teenager who suddenly gains electric powers. That already makes it a lot different from most DCAU shows, as they focus more on adults and white characters. It’s definitely the lightest and most jokey of them all, but it isn’t afraid of tackling serious subjects. Thanks to that, it feels like its own thing.
The cartoon is at its best when an episode discusses a particular topic, heavy or not. While watching, you’ll constantly see it tackling bullying, racism, school shootings, mental illnesses, and more. As people still discuss all of these subjects, that makes Static Shock feel quite modern at times too.
X-Men: Evolution
X-Men: Evolution turns the majority of the cast into teenagers, unlike its predecessor. That makes it easier for the target audience to see themselves in the show. Not to mention it creates a roster we haven’t seen anywhere else. For example, Scott, Rogue, and Kitty Pryde are different ages in the comics, but they are the same in the cartoon. That also allows it to link the mutant theme of acceptance with teenage struggles, like Spyke’s growing pains.
Spyke is a great example of one of the best aspects of X-Men: Evolution, the character development. Not everyone receives the same treatment, unfortunately, but a big part of the cast has episodes or even arcs focusing on them. Even villains, like Avalanche, get that treatment. And we can’t forget this gave us the Weapon X episode, which focuses on Wolverine, and has X-23’s first appearance.
Young Justice
Fans of Teen Titans must check out Young Justice. It has a different roster of characters, but it gives off the same vibe, while also having a more serious tone. Robin, Kid Flash, and other heroes form a team to deal with operations the Justice League shouldn’t be involved in. That means, the show also has plenty of stealth operations, not only focusing on action scenes.
The best part of it is the writing. Although recent seasons have been more divisive, the consensus is that the first two are almost perfect. Every episode has something important to the overall plot and builds it up. Seeing all the dots connected and realizing how everything was done is always incredible.
Batman Beyond
Cyberpunk is a big concept nowadays and we see it everywhere be it anime, games, or movies. However, Batman Beyond was already doing that more than 20 years ago. Its world has a distinct style from the others also released in that period and also affects Batman and his villain’s designs a lot. It’s definitely one of the most interesting parts of it.
The cartoon also receives a kind of Spider-Man treatment, as Terry, the new Batman, has to deal with school, friends, and teenage struggles besides being a superhero. Even if you aren’t sold at the start, the story proves to you Terry is a great Batman and gives a logical conclusion to the character.
X-Men: The Animated Series
X-Men: The Animated Series is very similar to Spider-Man (1994) in a few things. It created many new fans of the characters, is incredibly nostalgic for many people, and is often seen as the definitive animation of the franchise. It’s fundamental for some people’s knowledge of the X-Men, its villains, and mythos. A few parts of the show haven’t aged as well as other cartoons, but it’s pretty good. And it’s impossible to diminish its cultural impact.
Even though it’s a bit corny and the animation could be better, it’s one of the best superhero shows out there. The incredible intro, the characterization, and its overarching story are only some of its highlights. If you love the X-Men comics and want to see a faithful version of them it’s a must-watch.
The Spectacular Spider-Man
Spider-Man (1994) was most people’s first Spidey show and has a special place in their hearts. But, even so, many people argue The Spectacular Spider-Man is even better. It has a more modern art style and bigger story and character arcs. You can’t find the development Harry Osborn goes through anywhere else, for example. It also isn’t afraid to change a few things, like never shying away from making Gwen the main love interest of the show.
The writing is simply perfect. So, even though it’s a shame the story isn’t complete, it doesn’t ruin the show at all. We don’t get to see as many villains, but all the ones we meet are incredible. Each has something singular about them, so you don’t count them as just “the bad guy of the week.” As mentioned before, the characterizations are great and fit perfectly with the dialogue, the plot, and the drama.
Invincible
Invincible is the most recent cartoon in this list. If you are tired of DC and Marvel, then it’ll give you something very different to experience. The story seems pretty normal at first. Mark Grayson is a 17-year-old boy, the son of a great superhero, who finally gets his powers and is excited to test them out. And, given his name, his path is full of bruises, blood, and a few more bruises.
However, thankfully, the show knows having blood isn’t a synonym for a mature story. We’ll go spoiler-free here, but in the first episode, our view on everything happening shifts completely. We’re thrown into a complex plot and dilemma we don’t see often. What makes it better is that we’re the first ones to know, so we don’t who or when other people will find that out – or, more importantly, how they will react. If you are not watching it, you’re overlooking one of the best superhero stories ever.
Batman: The Animated Series
It’s impossible to discuss superhero cartoons without talking about Batman: The Animated Series. It sets the start of the DCAU and proves comic adaptations can be dark and complex, not only campy. While fans discuss which X-Men or Spider-Man show is the best, Batman has no competition. Even though there are other great cartoons, everyone agrees BTAS is the best.
The noir tone brings an incredible characterization to Batman. But, even so, probably the greatest part about the cartoon is the villains. Some get backstories so incredible the writers changed the originals in the comics. Take Clayface for example: a disfigured actor who needs to use a miraculous cream to save his career, while it destroys his life completely. Even third-rate characters get a spotlight. The series’ sympathy towards them, make the villains and Batman himself even more interesting.
There we have it, our list of 10 best cartoons based on comic book characters. Did any of your favourites make the list? Let us know in the comments below.