15. Sonic the Hedgehog
Ah, yes, who can forget that gorgeous blue speedemon? Not only does this year mark his 30th anniversary (although I’m more looking forward to Pokemon’s 25th). But his live-action movie (which I adore, by the way) is already preparing a sequel!
Granted, the franchise has been spit on due to, well...crappy games.
Come on, like we’re ever going to forget the awful Sonic ‘06. And let’s not forget how bad Sonic Boom was.
But we have some enjoyable ones. Sonic Mania was a positive fix. Sonic Lost World was...okay-ish.
And who could forget Sonic Unleashed? Definitely not the furry community!
Out of any monster/abomination Sonic has dealt with in his entire career...his werehog form trumps all!
There was that one plot where most of the Sonic characters end up becoming zombies. But zombification has basically become an overrated approach to re-popularizing a franchise (just look at the Archie comics).
Even though Sonic Unleashed was not an easy game, at least Werehog Sonic garnered enough fanfic fuel.
I won’t lie. I never bothered to keep up to date with the comics. Too many plots. Too many “new” characters. And too many love interests for Sonic to shag (which is it? Sally? Amy? Blaze? What about Rouge?)
The best I’ve done was collect most of the Sonic Boom comics. And that series was a comedic mess. Although Knuckles one-upping Amy in the whole feminist thing will undoubtedly be the greatest moment in the history of that series.
And I will not lie, Sonic Boom was at least a LITTLE better than the sh*t-show known as Sonic X (they took our fanfic fantasies and crushed them!).
14. Afterlife with Archie
Speaking of zombification, the same company that makes the Sonic comics decided to do the same for ARCHIE of all people. I never watched Walking Dead, but I got a good feeling it gave Archie Comics some brilliantly absurd ideas (did you know they did a comic with Sharknado?). The Betty-Veronica love triangle thing was hard enough without throwing in the living dead!
Let me say a few things:
- I think the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina from Netflix is trash and completely bastardized everything the original, beloved Melissa Joan Hart version gave us.
- Riverdale is a horrible, perverted version of the classic Archie comics. What I think is really messed up is not only did they take Dylan Sprouse from Disney’s “Suite Life of Zack and Cody” to play a dark, moody, troubled teen that is supposed to be Jughead. But the fact that they made Miss Grundy a f*cking sexual predator!
Thankfully, Afterlife is just Archie and friends in a completely different dimension where Riverdale isn’t a tall sundae.
Veronica and Betty’s friendship is more toxic. Reggie is a perverted dickbutt who’s willing to kill in order to get laid. Sabrina gets forced to become the bride of Cthulhu. And don’t get me started on the Blossom twins...
I will admit, while I refuse to look at this comic series as an “Archie and Friends” adaptation. It really raises the bar on horror.
And this all started because a certain asshat (who won’t get another guy’s girlfriend off his mind) decided to run over someone’s beloved pooch...
13. Steven Universe
A young boy inherits his mother’s gem after she gives up her life for him to be born. Now under the guidance of her companions, the Crystal Gems, Steven Universe must tackle each day’s newest danger. Other than fighting corrupted gem monsters and keeping his human neighborhood safe, the boy will also deal with something he’s still oblivious too: life.
I personally am an on/off fan of this series. Well, more off than ever considering the Future season was bullsh*t.
This show was among many that helped drag Cartoon Network from the Dark Ages of animated shows (does anyone remember CN Real and Fried Dynamite?). Although after SU ended in 2020, the network began digging itself a new grave.
I have a lot of issues with most of the characters. Mainly the Crystal Gems.
I sort of find myself personally attacked every time they criticize Steven for any little mistake. And they kept adding the weight of responsibility on his shoulders just because he is Rose Quartz’s son.
He’s just a kid, and he has to fix his mom’s mistakes?
The only times I actually enjoyed this series was when Steven was with someone else that wasn’t Amethyst, Garnet, or Pearl.
I can’t exactly say much about how I feel about the Gems, let alone Rose Quartz because 1) The toxic fandom will get on my ass about it (like they do toward any person with a different opinion) and 2) The feeling is obviously mutual even though most refuse to admit it.
I can say is that after the series ended, I think the Crystal Gems (and probably the Diamonds) need a f*cking therapist too (especially Pearl).
The comics provide a relieving slice-of-life read. There are the occasional monster battles. But those simmer down quickly with a comedic conclusion.
12. Uncle Grandpa
Want to break away from the emotional unstable and mean-spiritedness that is Steven Universe? Follow Uncle Grandpa and he’ll help you see that life can be fun! Even in the sourest of times. He’s not just your Uncle Grandpa, he’s everyone’s Uncle Grandpa. And like any grandpa or uncle, he’ll brighten your world and greet each day with a “Good morning!”.
Oh, my god, this series basically made Cartoon Network. Well, until the higher-up assholes cancelled it and decided to jizz our nostalgic eyes with Teen Titans and brainwash newbie CN watchers (those poor kids).
What can I say about Uncle Grandpa besides the fact he really helped me get through the toughest times? He, Mr. Gus, Pizza Steve, and Giant Realistic Flying Tiger weren’t afraid to challenge neigh-sayers. They weren’t even afraid to challenge the network.
UG and the gang taught us to appreciate ourselves. They showed us to understand each other better. Show a little compassion and don’t just jump into new things with hate in your heart (even though it seems weird at first).
He basically taught us to give things a chance.
I gave his show a chance. Loved it.
I gave Teen Titans Go! a chance. F*cking sucks, man.
Uncle Grandpa was the sole reason I even gave Steven Universe a chance.
While the most toxic of the SU fandom will outright say that the crossover “Say Uncle” was terrible, and that Rebecca Sugar was forced into making it (she’s actually good friends with the creator of Uncle Grandpa and they collaborated like two excited kids on a school project); I will continue arguing and say Steven Universe NEEDED that episode to happen.
Unlike Steven Universe, Uncle Grandpa didn’t make me think of the world as sh*t.
Which is why I was hellbent on collecting as many of the comics as I could before CN pulled the plug. I cherish them as much as I cherish my 70s Archie collection.
Like the series, each issue demonstrated a mundane activity and made it something adventurous.
A simple day at the beach ends up becoming an underwater adventure involving a giant squid.
Picture Day isn’t a race against time for the perfect picture. It’s a race against time to get rid of a “funny face” that could probably make you die laughing.
And let’s not forget Uncle Grandpa’s amazing RV. You thought Snoopy’s dog house was endless? There are practically thousands of dimensions in that single vehicle!
So, yes, there is monster activity in the comics much like the cartoon. But you’ll laugh about it more than fret about it (unlike a Marvel comic that always ends on a cliffhanger).
11. Ducktales (the reboot version)
2017 marked the 30th anniversary for the Disney classic cartoon Ducktales. And that year was the perfect time for them to release the incredibly well-liked reboot. There are a few things different from the original. But overall it is exactly what we “big kids” needed. And what’s the best thing about this reboot, you may ask? Donald Duck getting a bigger role than in the original.
By the time you’re reading this article, you may be well-aware of the series’ fate.
Actually, let’s not sugarcoat it.
Disney f*cked up. Just like they f*cked up Star Wars.
I cannot believe that the only GOOD reboot that we’ve gotten in years is going to end after only 3 seasons. And you know what hurts the most? That the DT crew had prepared for this to happen (because it’s DISNEY).
So get the comics while you still can. I’m happy owning a small collection alongside my Uncle Grandpa one.
The series gave us a lot. Great character development. Suspense. And so much love for the original carefully adapted through references and Easter eggs.
And let’s not forget how this series gave us grown-up kids callbacks to DISNEY AFTERNOON.
Rescue Rangers. Goof Troop. Tailspin. And let’s not forget they actually brought in Darkwing-freaking-Duck!
When this series ends, I’m going to re-read my comics. And cry.
10. The Powerpuff Girls (the classic version, not the sh*tty reboot version)
Before the Avengers, in came the Powerpuff Girls. Fighting crime Pokey Oaks Kindergarten. Giving bad guys like Mojo Jojo the regular beatdown. And saving the day all before bedtime. DC and Marvel wish they had heroes like these.
Unforgettable.
That’s what I’d like to describe this gem of the old Cartoon Network era.
Like everyone else who grew up with the 2000s, I would wait for the weekend to happen. And the Cartoon Cartoon Fridays theme would play.
And this show among many classics would entertain my Friday night.
Cartoon Network had it all back then.
Which is why it really hurts to think about where it is today.
Who in their f*cking mind decided “Hey, let’s reboot the PPG! But instead of respecting Craig McCracken’s concept, let’s completely bastardize it with internet memes, awful trends, and millennial/Gen Z garbage! And let’s not forget to add twerking! The kids love that!”?
I remember there used to be this Warner Bros store that my mom would often take me to. It was a love letter to all things WB: Pokemon, DC, and even Looney Tunes and Cartoon Network.
The store was closing, and they were giving away these PPG comics. I still have them to this day.
The f*cking reboot is a slap in the face. And I’m glad it finally ended back in 2019.
If you ever come across PPG comics, but you’re not sure if it’s the real version or the sh*tty one, here’s some tips:
Look at Bubbles. If she’s not wearing those blue hair ties, then it’s the classic version.
Don’t forget that they made the 2016 logo different from the original’s. It’s lazy and looks like it was doodled on a student’s desk.
9. Rise of the TMNT
The Turtles have gone through many adaptations. From dark, gritty, and depressing to comedic. To a bit of both. And then there was Fast Forward and Back to the Sewer (which both sucked). Let’s not forget the 2012 version (we all know April was just playing Donnie). And then finally, in 2018, we got what has to be the BEST VERSION of TMNT ever.
And why do I say that:
Raph’s the leader.
April isn’t portrayed as a “sex object” for male audiences to wank off to.
Master Splinter is a total dad. (the turtles literally call him dad!)
I have not laughed so hard over any TMNT adaptation as this one. All the characters have some good quality about them. But it doesn’t deter them away from the seriousness the show brings out, which also enhances the comedy.
I love this version because instead of the pole-up-the-ass suckup, Leo is given the fun guy personality. Practically a slacker, which is very different from his previous versions.
Donnie went from being a pacifist doormat to an almost diabolical genius who doesn’t take sh*t from anyone. Not even Master Splinter. I love how he is almost like an example of “nerds are evil”.
Raph doesn’t harbor the trademark bad attitude and temper. He’s actually a cuddly sweetheart in this version, and he really looks out for everyone. And he is willing to fight for animals! This is the best Raphael ever!
And Mikey? Well, he’s not doing that stupid “Cowanbunga!” thing. And the writers actually gave him more personality and perks to bounce off of. He’s not just the young one.
Yes, they got to protect the city from mutant creatures and deal with more enemies than just the Shredder. But even they can be each other’s worst enemy. In the most hilarious way possible (who still remembers the episode where Donnie basically turned all his brothers into versions of himself?).
Nick was stupid to pull the plug on this show so soon. I hope to god Netflix will fix things (like how they saved Glitch Techs).
Until we get the news that the turtles are hitting a streaming service, enjoy the comics. They are just as funny on the pages as they are in the series.
8. Looney Tunes
If you can’t catch Looney Tunes at 3 in the morning on Cartoon Network (that is, if they’re still airing them), grab one of their comics for entertainment. Or stream Space Jam. You think Garfield can make your Sundays more fulfilling? Take the Looney Tunes all week long and you’ll forget you just conquered Monday.
No surprise that even the Looney Tunes would have their own comic series. It’s a slice-of-life and all the characters get a moment to shine. Hell, even some of the less memorable characters get at least a few pages.
I still can’t stand Daffy Duck being the greedy asshole punching bag instead of the wacky, “HOO-HOO!” guy from the original adaptation. But thank god for HBO Max, right? (seriously, watch that version)
My recommendation for which Looney Tunes comics to read? Anything with Marvin the Martian or even Gossamer. Those guys deserve a lot more love and spotlight.
7. Monsters Inc: Laugh Factory
Ever wanted to know what happened after the events of Monsters Inc? Sure, Sulley became the CEO of the new and improved factory that now collects laughs instead of screams. And, of course, he got to see Boo at the end of the movie. But what happened after all that? And what problems are being faced when enemies suddenly come back?
I’m not going to lie, I both like and dislike this comic. Mainly because I was hoping for Pixar to actually make a sequel. (Instead we got a prequel, but I actually do adore Monsters University!).
So Randall somehow came back from the human world after being beaten by some trailer trash folks? I honestly expected more (like an almost two-hour film that would delve deeper).
And as someone who hates the Pixar Theory but LOVES Easter eggs...what was even the point of bringing in Sid from Toy Story?
I mainly read the comics because I fell in love with Celia and Boo’s interactions. That was something I wanted when I hoped for a sequel.
Everything else was just messy. And I hope to god this isn’t canon.
6. Scooby Doo
Everyone knows those meddling kids and their talking dog. We’ve had so many TV shows, spin-offs, films, live-action films, and even Emmet from The Lego Movie acknowledges them (one of Velma’s best crossover roles). They’ve met Batman, The Three Stooges, Family Guy, and even crossed paths with We Bare Bears (watch their movie finale, you’ll see them). So if you ask, “Who’s Scooby Doo?”, then you must not have had a real childhood.
I honestly lost track of what these guys are up to now. I just found out they did a crossover with the cast from Supernatural. And recently watched the series finale of Mystery Incorporated.
I still haven’t watched the 2020 film yet. And now I’m just hearing that the Velma from that version is going to get her own series?
I can’t wait for when the writers decide to have the Mystery Gang meet Donald Trump (he doesn’t need a mask to scare people).
5. Deadpool
Want a real hero? How about one that won’t die no matter how much you kill him? If Happy Tree Friends was a Marvel character, this is the one. Deadpool may not claim himself as an Avenger, let alone even call himself “Batman’s dildo”. But he’s got balls to do what no sane Marvel hero can do. And he should know. He’s fondled Wolverine’s balls just to make his movie happen.
Never have I laughed at something as graphic as this guy. Yes, he’s pretty much a mercenary and an anti-hero at best. But I think I would rather take him over someone like say Tony Stark (sorry, Spider-Man).
I didn’t know who Deadpool was until my friends introduced me to some of his comics. And like I said, this dude has balls. And he’s not afraid to let anyone, even his enemies, touch them.
I will never forget watching his movie in theaters with my dad back in 2016. Oh, my god, I can still feel the discomfort and embarrassment. And FYI, my dad is a super serious Christian man. When the movie was over, I could feel the disappointment he had about the overall film.
We both really thought it would be like the other Marvel movies! We thought it would be like Spider-Man!
4. Samurai Jack
Forced to leave his home as a young boy, Jack has travelled the world under the guidance of many teachers. Now a young man, he must face his destiny. The evil god Aku awaits Jack’s return, and will finish what he started all those years ago. And Jack will be ready.
The only Cartoon Network show to make it onto Adult Swim.
Because let’s be honest, there’s no way CN would have allowed the creator to get away with the stuff in the long-awaited season (and we thought Fruit Basket’s second season was a long, hard wait).
The violence is superb. The humor still lays there even after the classic Cartoon Network era. And we fans who grew up with Jack couldn’t be more happy the show got its long awaited real season.
Okay, actually...yeah, we all felt depressed after the finale. I’m not going to spoil anything. But you will end up hating the world (or the writers) once you watch it.
Back in 2019, I actually met the voice actor of Samurai Jack, Phil Lamarr, at WonderCon. Just like Jack, he was kind and very considerate.
When I told him how sad the finale made me, he told me, in SAMURAI JACK’s voice:
Do not feel saddened. The show may have ended. But the story will always continue.
Thank you, Mr. Lamarr. Like Samurai Jack, keep making us smile with whoever you become next.
3. Darkwing Duck
He is the terror that flaps in the night! He is the gum under your shoe that won’t come off. He is Darkwing Duck! And if you’re a bad guy and end up meeting this purple vigilante, chances are you’ll be in jail before DW can come up with another hero quip.
If there’s one Disney Afternoon classic just as popular as Ducktales, it’s Darkwing Duck.
I grew up on this guy. Sure, I grew up on Rescue Rangers, Tailspin, and even Quack Pack (I actually hated that one), but DW was the biggest part of my Toon Disney childhood. Well, that and Bonkers.
The comics are slightly more suspenseful compared to the series. The bad guys aren’t always wacky. And there are a lot of tearjerker moments (do not get me started on the “Toy with Me” story from the Darkwing Duck Annual).
Yeah, I think I’ll stick to the show more than the comics...
I will never forget how much I freaked out when the Ducktales reboot introduced DW himself.
Well, not actually DW, it was more like a Adam West kind of thing...you’d have to watch the episode to understand (it’s season 2, episode 16: The Duck Knight Returns!)
Actually, what I can tell you about the episode is that it can hit a lot of things we often think about when it comes to reboots, remakes, new castings, and even new voice actors.
Like the Ducktales reboot, it may not exactly be the same as the original. But if it’s given a lot of care and dedication that honors its predecessor, then it’s a goodie.
And we can safely assure that Jim Cummings’ role as DW was definitely given to the right guy.
2. Care Bears: Unlock the Magic
The Silver Lining is a place with untold mystery. And the Care Bears set out to explore its wondrous land. As they settle into their temporary home, they must deal with Bluster and his Bad Crowd, terrifying creatures, and especially each other. But if there’s one way things can get resolved, it’s just showing how much you can care.
I used to think the Care Bears franchise was total cheese. I mean, every cartoon that starts off in the 80s is total cheese. But then spin-offs and revivals always fix that, right?
I still get nauseated from the infamous “Welcome to Care-a-Lot” series, dear god…
At first, I had no hope that Care Bears was ever going to have a good one. Well, until seeing Unlock the Magic.
This series isn’t 3D-animated, so that was a hope maker.
All of the Care Bears have different personalities that don’t make them sickeningly sweet or annoying? Hell, yeah!
Grumpy being a total daddy to a cute little Whiffle (which, by the way, has got to be the CUTEST creature the franchise has ever come up with!)? I think I just became a fangirl.
Unlike “Welcome to Care-a-Lot”, the problems don’t go over the characters’ heads. They don’t force “love” to fix problems (like a certain overrated alicorn from a certain other franchise). They actually approach issues and resolve it in the most mature way possible.
I also enjoy their interactions with the antagonist Bluster and his Bad Crowd. King Beastley from the “Welcome to Care-a-Lot” version was overall f*cking annoying and pointless (and ugly). Bluster actually serves a real purpose in keeping the Care Bears from accomplishing their tasks.
Also, as Care Bears baddies go...Bluster isn’t too shabby.
For the first time in forever, I can actually be proud to call myself a Care Bears fan. But only for Unlock the Magic! Don’t you dare assume I actually like any of its predecessors!
1. Archie Vs. Predator
Two classics form one of the most unusual yet most-definitely needed crossovers ever! Archie meets the Predator! And if you think the terrifying extraterrestrial will get “Archie-fied” with sunshine and rainbows, you are wrong. Not even the cartoonish comedy of Archie and Friends can avoid the sadistic alien’s desire to hunt for sport.
This was the comic that made me realize that, yes, Archie Comics really is doing crossovers. If the Sharknado comic didn’t already clue you in, then hopefully seeing the Predator lust over Betty and Veronica will.
You know, for an alien who likes to hunt other species, he’s got good taste. Hell, he could very well be the next Archie Andrews (did I spoil it for you?).
This comic was hard to read. No, it wasn’t terrible. But it’s kind of really depressing to watch your favorite characters get slaughtered one by one (although the Blossom twins were asking for it).
If you’re asking if there’s fanservice, there’s some beach body imagery that happens at the start of the comic (which basically generates the plot once the Predator gets an eyeful himself). And yes, Betty and Veronica are smack-dab in the middle of it all like two hoes to their extraterrestrial pimp.
If you’re a fan of the Predator movies but REFUSE to watch a sequel, spin-off, or even a reboot of such a classic. Then I suggest this comic.
You’ll end up actually thinking Pred is kind of cute.
