Superheroes and cartoons are inseparable.
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While it is true that blockbuster studios are shifting their focus to live-action films recently, there are still fans who adamantly prefer animation.
So, really, it’s great that there are so many animated superhero series.
Superhero cartoons date back all the way to the 1940s with Superman leading the way. However, the genre gained popularity quickly in the 1960s when shows such as Superman-Batman Adventure Hour and Spider-Man hit televisions. That line-up only grew with time as series like Super Friends were released. And, by the 1980s, superhero cartoons had become a television staple – something that has remained true even until today.
There are dozens of beloved animated superhero series which fans look back on fondly these days. But, if you’re new to the genre, then there’s no need to fret. Plenty of cartoons have come out in the past sixteen years that will save your day and your Netflix queue.
We’ve assembled a list of six popular superhero cartoons from the new millennium in no particular order. Each of these shows will get comic book fans fired up, and if you like what you see, then you can also find other older suggested series as you go.
Batman Beyond
There are plenty of Batman cartoons out there, but none are perhaps as refreshingly dark as Batman Beyond.
The series, which ran from 1999 to 2001, goes gritty in the best way possible. The acclaimed series follows an older Bruce Wayne who has resigned from the Justice League and retired from vigilantism. Held up in his mansion, Bruce keeps away from the outside world until a teenager stumbles upon his properly. The boy’s name is Terry McGinnis, and Bruce helps the kid chase off members of the Jokerz gang who are after him. After the fight, Terry eventually discovers Bruce’s alter ego and persuades the hero to train him into Gotham’s newest vigilante.
Other Suggestions: Batman: The Animated Series
Spectacular Spider-Man
If you are totally unfamiliar with the Spider-Verse, then it might be time you watched Spectacular Spider-Man.
Created in 2008, Spectacular Spider-Man is one of the more recent series to star Queen’s famous vigilante and garnered critical acclaim. The series houses two seasons which follow Peter Parker as he comes to terms with his spidey senses. Juggling personal drama with vigilantism, Peter quickly discovers how complicated his life has become. The budding hero deals with raging hormones, unrequited love – and of course – maniacal villains such as Vulture and Electro.
Other Suggestions: Ultimate Spider-Man, Spider-Man (1994)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Cowabunga! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back and ready to eat pizza. Oh, yeah, and fight crime too.
Nickelodeon revived the anthropomorphic turtle team back in 2012 to rave reviews. The series reboots the classic TMNT cartoon that debuted in the early 1980s. As such, fans will see plenty of familiar characters like Splinter, Shredder, April, and the comical heroes themselves. The show retells the origin story of the turtles and follows their adventures after they finally venture into New York City as teens. However, the superhero squad soon learns their family is being threatened by a baddie who is out to kill their ninjutsu master.
Other Suggestions: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003, 1987)
X-Men Evolution
X-Men: Evolution takes some time to find its stride, but when it does, the series reminds fans why they fell for the mutants in the first place.
The series debuted in 2000 to mixed reviews despite the efforts of Marvel Studios. The first season introduces a diverse cast of familiar mutants like Professor X who have been aged down considerably for a younger audience. Many core characters such as Shadowcat and Rogue are now high school students who must balance X-Men training with group projects.
However, the series finds its footing by the second season. The show introduces several key heroes such as Beast while also fleshing out its cast of villains. And, as for its plot, X-Men: Evolution levels up and explores canon-compliant stories involving Bolivar Trask and Apocalypse.
Other Suggestions: Wolverine and the X-Men, X-Men: The Animated Series
Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
The creators of Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes must have taken in class called “How To Do Comics Justice 101.” The fan-favorite cartoon did what many thought was impossible: it rivaled the quality of Marvel Studios’ live-action productions.
Created in 2010, the show follows The Avengers when they team up to recaptured 75 of the world’s most feared villains. The original squad assembled heroes like Iron Man, The Wasp, Ant-Man, Hulk, and Thor. But, to keep in-line with the comics, the show features a rotating line-up of Avengers as Captain America, Vision, Captain Marvel, and others sometimes join the gang. Later episodes even introduce Marvel mainstays like Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Bucky Barnes, and Galactus.
Sadly, this show only lasted two seasons, leaving many to lament its early end. The series spun-off another cartoon titled Avenger Assemble which many fans find inferior to Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Other Suggestions: Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (film)
Young Justice
If you like teenage superheroes, then Young Justice is for you. And, if you don’t like younger heroes, Young Justice is probably still up your alley.
The series premiered in 2010 and follows several superhero sidekicks on their journey to receive recognition. The first episode of Young Justice sees characters Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, and Speedy enter the hallowed Hall of Justice. However, the teens soon realize they aren’t satisfied their with current superhero statuses and decide to from their own sub-unit under the Justice League. Called Young Justice, the new team recruits members like Superboy, Miss Martian, and Artemis.
After watching Young Justice, be sure to check out one more acclaimed cartoon about teenage superheroes. Teen Titans (2003) stands as one of the greatest animated superhero series as it introduced fans to characters like Starfire, Cyborg, and Raven. The show balances levity with dark undertones, and many fans consider Young Justice to be the spiritual successor to Teen Titans.
Other Suggestions: Teen Titans, Justice League, Justice League: Unlimited
