Top 4 Recent Cartoon Shows You Should Check Out!

One of our writers posted a piece a while back on the 5 reasons why adults don't watch kids cartoons anymore and if want you to read that article, click here. In keeping with the topic I decide to write about the cartoons you should be watching and that are just as good as any serialized TV show currently on (in their own way of course). This isn't the "best cartoons of all time list," since that would be cause all sorts of commotion but will consist of recently finished or currently ongoing cartoons aimed at kids but will also appeal to an older audience.

Why CN do you give us such good shows and then take them away from us? [Image: sodahead.com]

True quality transcends mediums of entertainment and the cartoons on this list do just that. So read on and find out what shows made the list after the jump.


Adventure Time
This first show on our list could easily have two articles written about it, let alone share a place on this one. Adventure Time is currently on its fifth season and its also probably the most popular show on this list next to "Legend of Korra". Adventure Time revolves around Finn the last human alive and Jake a magical dog, who have adventures together in the phantasmagorical post-apocalyptic Land of Ooo. Adventure Time has it all! Laugh out-loud humor, action, drama (yes I said drama!), a rich supporting cast and one of the most intriguing ever expanding universe's you'll see.

The show is made up of independent episodic stories and short mini story arcs running through it at various times in the series. Now that may sound confusing, but it works for Adventure Time allowing new viewers to jump in nearly any time in the series without having to dig up earlier episodes. It also helps that each episode is only 12 minutes long meaning it’s perfect for marathon sessions or bite sized watch and run.

I wasn't kidding about Adventure Time having a rich deep world of characters (with exception of one or two) [Image: adventuretime.wikia]

Now I know what you're thinking "Really? Its sound childish and the art style looks weird." To that I say shame on you! This is a show that captures pure imagination while combining it with some very intelligent writing and strong characters. Adventure Time is one of the biggest game changers for US animation in recent memory from very humble beginnings as a web short. For those who love great Television (no "2 Broke Girls" and "Grey's Anatomy" don't count as great TV) you should definitely check this out no question. Also check out Bravest Warriors a animated web series created by Pendleton Ward the man behind "Adventure Time", but with a bit more profanity.

[You can catch Adventure Time on Cartoon Network]

The Legend of Korra

Legend of Korra is the sequel to the immensely successful Avatar: The Last Airbender series and no not that god forsaken film adaptation by M. Night Shyamalan (shudder). Legend of Korra is set seventy years after the events of the last series, where our main protagonist Korra is currently in training to become the Avatar. As the Avatar, Korra must help bring balance and peace to the world like her predecessor Aang did before her by mastering the four elements.

Korra's creators were heavily influenced by anime, steampunk, martial arts and Chinese mythology giving this show a very unique style in terms of the look and feel of this world, setting it apart from so many other cartoons. Legend of Korra also has undoubtedly the best animation for a TV cartoon this side of the pacific and damn it looks good. It doesn't just stop there as fight scenes alone are so beautifully choreographed, fluid and bombastic that they could give some Kung Fu movies a run for their money.

Images: avatardestinyportal                                                                                                                                                                      

Whats that? Epic top quality animation not enough for you? Then you're in luck as the Legend of Korra has everything you want in a great TV show, a strong cast of characters, high production values, an intricate mythology and extraordinary world building. If you haven't watched The Last Air Bender worry not, as the writers have crafted something that anyone can sink their teeth into and feel at home. But seriously check out The Last Airbender, that show will blow your mind.
[You can catch Legend of Korra Season 2 on Nickelodeon this spring]

Sym-Bionic Titan

Now this is the only show on this list to get only one season before being unjustly cancelled. So what makes this so worthy to be here on the list? Well aside from it being a brilliant show, you just need to know one name really "Genndy Tartakovsky". Ring any bells? No? Well you should because chances are you've seen some of his cartoons and probably watched them religiously too. Tartakovsky is the brainchild of such iconic works such as Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars (the 2003 2D version) and had a hand in the making of Powerpuff Girls. If these credentials alone aren't enough of a reason to watch Sym-Bionic Titan then I don't know what is.

OK fine! Sym-Bionic Titan is a show based on an alien princess, her bodyguard and their robot who crash land on earth to escape a planetary coup and so must blend in by passing off as high school students. But when the General of the rebellion learns of their escape he sends in his creatures of mass destruction to try and end the royal bloodline.

Sym-Bionic Titan could have been Genndy Tartakovsky most complete work had it not been cut short by the network. Its a perfect blend of high school comedy, retro sci-fi, slight touches of horror (episode 4 creepy!) and fist pumping action. The show pays homage to anime mech cult classics such as "Voltron", Japanese giant monster movies and teen movie staples like "The Breakfast Club". Let's not forgot to mention that this show looks amazing during the epic set piece monster battles and Tartakovsky showcases his eye for action as a director. Cartoon Network have always been hit and miss with the shows they keep and cancel, but they absolutely dropped the ball on this one. One could say that Sym-Bionic Titan was the Firefly of Cartoon Network, a show cancelled despite its vast potential and quality. Do yourself a favor and check out Sym-Bionic Titan.
[You can catch Sym-Bionic Titan reruns on Adult Swim's Toonami block]

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

I'll admit I enter this with some reservations at the beginning. Especially after the disappointing (while not as bad some fans might have us believe) Star Wars movie prequels and it was hard to look at any new Star Wars property with a raised eyebrow since. With that said the prequels did bring us one good thing, "The" Clone Wars series. Even though I prefer the animation style of the 2003 shorts under the same title, but without the "the" in front of Clone Wars, you'll quickly get use to the CG animation and it gets vastly better with each new season.

The Clone Wars (and its 2D cartoon predecessor) did what the movies prequels couldn't, they successfully cut away the unnecessary fat that bogged the story and memorable set piece battles. The writers and creative team at Lucasfilm deserve high praise for being able to tell a interesting space opera while being contained by the continuity of the poorly written Star Wars prequels, which bookend the TV series. All this is while adding much needed depth and personality to the characters that populate its expansive universe. This show doesn't hold any punches when dealing with the darker elements of war and science fiction fantasy. That is the wonderful thing these shows on this list have in common, they don't pander or talk down to the kids and its partially because of that these shows can appeal to an older audience.

Admit it! If there was anything cool about Episode I it was Darth Maul "Rumors of my demise were greatly exaggerated!" Image: thegeektwins.com

I must plead you from watching the 2008 CGI movie they leads into the series, just dive in head first in to TV series. "Trust me on this!" Now this show isn't as strong as the shows I previously mention at the beginning, but if you're a fan of Star Wars or sci-fi I highly recommend you stick with it because payoff in the later seasons is nothing short of extraordinary. At least we got 5 seasons of it before Lucasfilm and Disney decided to abruptly pull the plug. Fear not as not all hope is lost, they announced they will be still be continuing/finishing production on new Clone Wars story arcs (season 6) and other bonus content.
[You can catch Star Wars: The Clone Wars on Cartoon Network]

Other Cartoons worth checking out:
Young Justice: Focusing on the younger heroes in the DC universe and a more serious take on a Teens Titans formula. While not as great as the Justice League: Unlimited series (IMO) its still beats out its predecessor in terms of well crafted action scenes, high production values and a interesting look at young heroes team dynamics. 
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes: Marvel's super hot property gets the cartoon treatment and it deliver a more truer to the comics story arcs than the films can currently adapt because of the whole which heroes belong which studio debacle. The cringing opening song aside, this is actually a very fun action packed show. 
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic: OK the shows on this list are primarily targeted at boys so this is one for the girls(and guys not embarrassed by watching MLP), its well written, funny and has tons of easter eggs for the older fans if your paying attention (Hint: The Big Lebowski & Star Wars). 
The Looney Tunes Show (2011): A sitcom set in the Looney Toons world where Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck are roommates. While not as super wacky as they used to be, but the show delivers some great laugh out loud moments in true Looney toon fashion in situations you don't usually see these iconic characters in.

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