My Top 10 Favorite Cartoons of 2020
So like I’ve done in the past
I decided to make a list of my favorite cartoons of this past year. Now here’s
a friendly reminder of the rules I use when making these list and how they
work.
1. No Anime! :
This is a list of cartoons, not anime. Although there are some anime out there
I really enjoy, like My Hero Academia and RWBY, it just doesn’t seem right to
include them on this list.
2. I actually had to have watch the show for
it on this list. I know there are a lot of different shows out
there that a lot of people liked or have mixed feelings on. However, for this
list I have to base it on the shows I did watch and my own initial viewing
experience. If I didn’t include a show I probably wasn’t that interested in it
to begin with so it wouldn’t earn a spot on this list.
3. The show needs to have had new episodes
this past year. With streaming being a thing, I know old
shows are coming back a lot especially now, but I don’t really think they
should count as 2020 show if it didn’t initially release in 2020. This means no
entries like Avatar or Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!
4. Movies and Specials don’t count! If
an animated cartoon got a movie this year, or had a TV special premiere it
doesn’t count. So Phineas and Ferb; Candace against the Universe nor Miraculous
Ladybug qualify for this list.
And with that let’s get onto
the entries.
10. Steven Universe
Future
Steven Universe had their big
finale in 2020 and I’m putting it on this list because of the impact this
Cartoon had on the world overall. Like it or hate it Steven Universe was
revolutionary when it came to representation in media and helped paved the way
for many shows on this list. Steven Universe is all about promoting healthy
communication and acceptance.
However, I found Steven
Universe Future didn’t always communicate this message in the most effective
way. I’ve heard different opinions on Future about how it works or doesn’t work
and personally I think it could’ve been done better. There are a lot of scene
where characters just seem to be off or don’t really seem like themselves
(Garnet especially).
Overall, I
just don’t feel as satisfied with Futures ending, because I fell it focuses too
much on the titular character, rather than the ones like. Maybe one day we
could revisit them similar to how distant lands revisits the world of adventure
time, but until then I’m just grateful for what we got.
9.
Transformers War for Cybertron
After some consideration, I
think Transformers War for Cybertron might deserve a place on this list. This
is a unique new twist on the classic story and while siege is a little
predictable at times, the character interactions more than make up for it. Meanwhile,
Earthrise was a much more varied expedition having the Autobots travel though
the stars encountering all sorts of new enemies and other struggles.
This is basically transformers own prequel trilogy,
telling how they left their world and got to earth with some interesting twists
upon the way. Now I’m a hard core transformers fan, so I love all the callback
to staples of the franchise and all the new twists they put on things. It’s
clear that the writers’ have a real love for the franchise and are able to
craft an excellent story for the transformers.
However this series isn’t without its flaws either. For Siege I found the story a little too predictable and Earthrise really drags in the first half. Still there’s a lot of characters appearing in this show to be hyped for, like Alpha Trion, Elita-1, The Quintessions, Doubledealer, Scorponok, Sky Lynx, Galvatron, and more. It may not be one of the best shows out there, (not even one of the best transformer shows) but it’s still earned a spot as one of my favorites.
8.
Ducktales (2017)
I said it before and I’ll say
it again. Ducktales (2017) is the perfect example of a reboot done right. Every
time I make a list of my favorite cartoons Ducktales is definitely going to be
on it. This show has as much heart behind it as some of the best cartoons, like
Avatar, or Clone wars. The creators generally care about the franchise and want
to right by it.
I find
it a shame this show isn’t more popular because it’s really good. All of the
characters are really well-written and fleshed out. Plus, the show always
carries good themes that really embody the source material, weather they got
the idea from the classic cartoon or comic. I love how each of the triplets
reflect a core trait of scrooge himself and seeing just how far scrooge has
come since the pilot.
Even though the show is
currently on its final season I’m not sad to see it go, I’m satisfied from what
I got and I think that’s an excellent way to leave your fan’s feeling.
Ducktales is just an animated masterpiece and I enjoy it as much as any other
classic show.
7. Infinity Train
First premiering
in 2019, Infinity train got an additional two incredible seasons this year.
Infinity Train stands out from other modern cartoons just by premise alone, as
the show is really more about the setting than the characters. Throughout the
three seasons we follow the journeys of three different groups and see what
struggles they face on the train.
While the
first season showed us the train from an outsider’s perspective, Book two took
the interesting root of making MT the main character of the season. While
Jessie is the newest passenger we follow, the season is more about MT’s own
struggle to adjust to supporting role, while trying to obtain some sort of
individuality. This struggle is unique because life on the Infinity train was
created for the sole purpose of helping others, so the question remains is it
possible for a denizen to escape and have their own life and independence.
Book 3 is
also amazing as instead of putting the train against the passengers, we see the
passenger’s working against the train. Following the introduction of the apex
from Book 2, Book 3 follows the journey of their leaders after they get
stranded away from the faction and have to travel back on their own. The arc
Grace and Simon undergo this volume is fantastic and full of parallels to one
another. As Grace becomes more empathetic and compassionate, working to redeem
herself, we see Simon continue to grow cruel and controlling, eventually
becoming an insane monster.
I can’t stop enjoying how incredible this show manages to be and how each new season manages to flesh out the setting even more. The Infinity Train is a dark and dangerous place, but it also manages to be a place of wonder and fun like no other. Overall, Infinity train is truly unique and I’m looking forward to seeing it again.
Two years ago, Netflix premiered the critically acclaimed series Hilda, based off the graphic novel series by Luke Pearson. While the first season was good in its own right, looking back there were a few issues I had with the story and character dynamics. However, I can honestly say that Hilda season 2 is great and worth the wait.
Everything feels more solid in this season, from the characters, to the stories, to the conflicts. There is so much going on and it everything clicks well. The animation is beautiful, the writing is excellent, and upon my initial viewing, I was invested in nearly every episode of this season.
Hilda harkens back to the shows I would watch growing up where kids would get into all sorts of misadventures, troubles, and explore the unknown. Hilda discovers so much about the world around her and the secrets her town holds it’s hard not to enjoy it. The characters are big source of enjoyment for me as well as we see them develop their own interests and goals to overcome.
5. Glitch
Techs
When it comes to the screwing
over the production of cartoons there is no bigger screw up than Nickelodeon.
Its why wasn’t surprised after first being announced four years ago, Glitch
Techs finally got released on Netflix due to their new deal with Nickelodeon.
Still this show is an underrated masterpiece that was well worth the wait.
Glitch Techs stars Five and
Miko, two teenagers who find out there local video game store, Hinobi tech
actually has a secret task force of gamers that fight video game monsters that
glitch over into the real. The two eventually prove themselves and join glitch
techs as their newest recruits. This show looks incredible as, the animation,
the writing, the character designs, and the action are all really well handled.
Although the concept of having digital monsters have been done before, Glitch Techs brings a fresh spin on things by calling back to classic games like, Castlevania, Mortal Kombat, Five night’s at Freddy’s, Pong, and more. The show also does an excellent job of representing gaming culture and etiquette. Overall I enjoyed watching this show a lot and hopefully Netflix will actually manage the production way better than Nickelodeon ever could, so we can get another season.
4.
Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts
Kipo and the Age of
Wonderbeasts is truly a breathtaking cartoon with powerful messages about
prejudice, violence, and more. The show premiered early in January of this year
and was immediately well received by critics and audience alike. This earned
the series a relatively large fanbase for its inclusive cast, colorful designs,
rocking soundtrack, and phenomenal writing.
Despite the show lasting only
three season, each of them stand apart and have their own unique structure. In
season 1, Kipo is on the run while looking for a way home; season 2 has her struggle
to control the power with in herself to help save her people, and season 3 has
her try and reconcile peace between her two worlds to build a brighter future.
This is storytelling at some of its finest and I love it.
Kipo and the age of
Wonderbeasts also has some gorgeous animation and unique music that gives the
show its own unique sense of style. This show is truly one of a kind and while
it may not have stayed around that long, it definitely left an impact. Overall
Kipo is simply a beautiful, high-quality cartoon, which is not only
entertaining, but will move you as well.
3. Owl
House
Owl House is simply a gorgeous
show featuring an incredibly talented cast, to notch writing, and amazing
animation. This show follows in the footsteps of Gravity Falls, Star Vs. The
Forces of Evil, and Steven Universe in terms of quality and I can’t help but
feel it’s one of the breakout shows of the year. If I would describe the plot
to the show it kind of feels like little witch academia meets The Misfit of
Demon King Academy.
Luz is a non-conformist teen
who doesn’t fit in at her school, you know the normal Isekai protagonist
shtick. She winds up in a demonic realm known as the boiling isles, where she
meets Eda, the owl lady who agrees to teach her how to be a witch. The characters
in this show range from alright to some of the best written characters I’ve
seen. I seriously enjoy every Amity centered episode I’ve seen so far.
However, while the Owl House is great it does have some flaws at times. There are a lot of characters that I felt were underutilized and the first season doesn’t really have a sense of urgency. King and Gus don’t really have large arcs like the other characters do and it almost feels too light-hearted at times. There is some conflict between Emperor Belos and our main characters, but it feels mostly reserved for the finale.
2. Amphibia
Amphibia premiered in last
summer and while season 1 was good, season 2 is a massive improvement to the
show overall. The show continues to flesh out the world of Amphibia and its
unique characters. This time the plantar family visits the capital city of
Newtopia in hopes of finding Anne some answers as to how she can get back home.
While the first season felt
grounded in its setting and had overall light-hearted tone, season 2 feels like
a massive improvement as they explore new locations and add a deep mystery to the
world. One of my favorite parts of this season is how it gives a better
understanding of the three girl’s relationship, what they were like back on
earth, and how has Amphibia changed them so. I especially like
Marcy’s character just because of how nerdy she is and how she used her love of
research to her advantage.
One of the things I really liked was how each of the girls wind up work with a different faction in a way that best suits their personality. Each of human girls who were isekaied into this world have a very strong personality that helps them adapt to their surroundings, make friends, and helps them in their journey home. I also love seeing the conflicts that arise between the friends and their loyalty to each of the factions. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the season will go and how the girl’s dynamics will change next.
1. Star
Wars the Clone Wars (Season 7)
There was never any doubt that The
Clone Wars wouldn’t be the best cartoon this year. There are just some shows
like Avatar, or Gravity Falls that are just instant classics because of their
masterful storytelling and the Clone Wars definitely fall into that category. Star
Wars has entertained generations and the finale to the clone wars cartoon
continues that legacy. I loved Clone Wars growing up and I’m glad that it
finally got the ending it deserve.
Still that being said, Season 7
isn’t perfect, but it does such a good job at concluding the story that I’m
willing to overlook them. The middle arc especially felt like a chore to sit
through. While the characters, themselves are interesting in concept, I found
that the execution of that arc could have been handled better.
That finale, however, was perfect.
It epically wrapped up the show’s biggest loose ends and tie them into the
events of Revenge of the Sith happening
at the same time. Ultimately the Clone wars finale just feels amazing, like
returning to an old book you love and finally finishing it.
Honorable mentions
Animaniacs
The revival of one of my favorite shows growing up. I had
to watch it and see if it was good or not. I thought if any show could beat the
number one on my top ten list its Animaniacs. The original is a comedic classic
full of golden moments that stuck in the brains of an entire generation. The
Animaniacs are wackier than looney toons, sillier than SpongeBob, and more
cartoony than Mickey Mouse. The Animaniacs are truly a pinnacle of what
animation can accomplish and completely opened the doors in children’s
entertainment by how it wasn’t afraid to push boundaries.
Which is why I’m excited for the reboot, because I’ve
noticed a pattern on this list. Most cartoons seem to be following trends and
sticking to what works, while Animaniacs doesn’t follow any rules whatsoever. The
show has always grounded themselves in pure comedic chaos and does whatever
they want without any need for world building, character development, or other
things necessary to construct a quality narrative.
Sadly, it didn’t really live up to my expectations. Sure
the characters and jokes are still funny, but the Warner siblings seem to have
lost some of their youthful energy and Pinky and the Brain seems a little more
mean spirited towards each other. The show definitely has the potential to
recapture the magic of the original and has a little bit, but right now it
feels like there playing it safe too much, which in my opinion is a big
mistake. What they need to do is bring back more characters and just go back to
basics more.
