Another Top 10 Best Cartoons You Forgot Existed
For this list, we're taking a look at outstanding animated programs that sadly fell through the cracks after they aired their final episodes, and are overdue for a comeback. Most of these ended some time ago, and probably haven't crossed your mind in a while – but they were awesome nonetheless. If we missed a cartoon you think should've made the list, be sure to check our original video of the Top 10 Best Cartoons You Forgot Existed.
#10: “Mummies Alive!” (1997)
“With the Strength of Ra!” Remember this animated series about ancient Egyptian mummies? After Scarab kills Prince Rapses, he reawakens in the modern world on his quest to find Presley – who now has Rapses’ spirit – so he can become immortal. Luckily, 12-year-old Presley is protected by a group of dedicated mummies: Ja-Kal, Rath, Armon, and Nefer-Tina. Different Egyptian gods and spirits appeared in the short-lived show like Anubis, Set, Geb, and Apep, with each mummy paired with a god in order to fight evil. Unfortunately, it was cancelled after its first season due to low ratings, but with 42 episodes to go through, this gem is worth re-discovering.
#9: “BraveStarr” (1987-88)
Filmation knew a thing or two about making entertaining sci-fi shows; however, very few remember the very last cartoon it ever produced – BraveStarr. A Kerium rush has brought colonists to the far-off planet of New Texas, and most of them are villainous. Fortunately, Marshal BraveStarr and Thirty/Thirty are there to keep the peace. If he’s ever in a jam, BraveStarr can call on the power of the spirit animals to amp up his game. Like most series at the time, BraveStarr offered morals that anyone at any age can learn, with some lessons hitting harder than others. Unfortunately, it couldn’t measure up to shows like He-Man; and after one last origin film, both the show and Filmation were shut down for good.
#8: “Count Duckula” (1988-93)
During his time on Danger Mouse, Count Duckula always dreamed of having his own show. He finally got his wish in 1988 with his very own spin-off… or at least some form of him did. It turns out that the Count actually comes from a long dynasty of vicious vampire ducks; but unlike his villainous predecessor, this new descendant is a vegetarian pacifist with ketchup for blood. Longtime Danger Mouse viewers enjoyed this series for its smart humor and hilarious concept – a vegetarian vampire, how is that NOT funny? Sadly, the fun couldn’t last forever, and the count had to be put to rest from the airwaves. However, like the rest of his dynasty, he will always make a comeback in showbiz.
#7: “The Wuzzles” (1985)
Top 10 Best 80s Cartoons You Forgot Existed
Many remember Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears, but few remember the series that premiered on the same day. Welcome to the Land of Wuz, home of the Wuzzles – strange creatures that are a mix of two different animals. Each Wuzzle has its own “split personality,” from bumblelions – half bumblebees and half lion– to eleroos– half elephant and half kangaroo. And each episode follows the fantastic adventures of these strange hybrid creatures. In addition to its smooth animation, this show offered some very sweet and fun stories that the whole family could enjoy. While its first season was a success, its time on the air was cut short after the tragic death of Bill Scott – the voice of Moosel.
#6: “The Life and Times of Juniper Lee” (2005-07)
Top 10 Best Cartoons You Forgot Existed
Though we can’t see them, there are wild and creepy monsters lurking among us – from prankster gods to money-hungry mummies. Luckily there’s Juniper Lee to keep the balance between the human and magic worlds. Unfortunately, keeping peace between worlds doesn’t help with our sassy protector’s school or social life; but somehow she keeps things flowing. This rare gem has been described as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets The Simpsons;” and although it’s a fantasy story, it was never afraid to make fun of itself. The ratings were not on the show’s side however, and after three seasons, Juniper Lee left the airwaves. Who keeps the two worlds balanced now?
#5: “The Pirates of Dark Water” (1991-93)
Top 20 Best Cartoons You Forgot Existed
Hanna-Barbera-produced cartoons have a solid track record, and this program is no exception. The insidious Dark Water substance is destroying the fictional world of Mer, and only the Thirteen Treasures of Rule can free the planet. Knowing this, Prince Ren and his crew sail off to find these hidden treasures and save their world; the only thing standing in their way is the evil pirate lord, Bloth. Pirates of Dark Water stuck out among other toons of the time with its swashbuckling premise and grit. Tragically, the adventure ended on a cliffhanger; with only eight treasures found, and the Dark Water undefeated.
#4: “Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi” (2004-06)
Top 10 Stars You Forgot Were on Kids' Cartoons
The J-pop group Puffy AmiYumi is immensely popular in Japan, but did you know they had their own animated series in America? Created by Sam Register, a fan of the real-life group, this series follows the hilarious misadventures of our cartoon rock stars as they tour the world to perform rocking music and bring J-pop coolness around the globe. This long-lost comedy took a lot of inspiration from Japanese culture; even the voice actresses – Janice Kawaye and Grey DeLisle - can speak fluent-Japanese. The real-life AmiYumi made live-action appearances throughout the series, and even provided some of the songs. Sadly, even though it increased Cartoon Network’s audience, CN pulled the series’ plug in 2006, and that was that.
#3: “Cadillacs and Dinosaurs” (1993-94)
What would happen if the dinosaurs suddenly returned after years of extinction? A savage future where nature’s gone wild and only the strong can survive, that’s what. Based on the Xenozoic Tales comics, the series follows Jack Tenrec and his crew of mechanics as they struggle for survival in this untamed land, while also facing corrupt politicians and merciless poachers. This series was definitely ahead of its time; in addition to being well-written and animated, the story tackled some very deep environmental issues, like crooked governors who hate nature for taking their world, and freedom fighters who want to make peace with nature. Despite its cult following, the show ended after only 13 episodes with no renewal plans.
#2: “Bucky O’Hare and the Toad Wars” (1991)
In the faraway Aniverse, an empire of toads controlled by a rogue computer program threatens the galaxy and plans to turn every animal into slaves. However, Captain Bucky O'Hare and his crew of The Righteous Indignation are ready to croak those toads with the help of their new human engineer, Willy. Based on the Continuity Comics series, this well-animated toon explored a vast and expanding universe of animals while following an intense story arc about intergalactic war. Sadly, it only lasted 13 episodes on the air; but at least it ended with a major victory for the funky green rabbit. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - “Sagwa, the Chinese Siamese Cat” (2001-02) - “Eek! The Cat” (1992-97) - “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” (1990-96)
#1: “Megas XLR” (2004-05)
Chicks dig giant robots, and so do we. 1000 years in the future, Earth is at war with the alien forces of the Glorft; and the only hope for humanity is a giant time-traveling robot called MEGAS. Unfortunately, it travels too far into the past… and gets discovered and modified by two slackers, Coop and Jamie. Now Commander Kiva must train the two primitives to pilot MEGAS and defeat the Glorft for good. The pilot first aired as part of a contest to see which show Cartoon Network would greenlight, and audiences LOVED this action comedy. Sadly, there wasn’t much love when it came to the ratings, prompting its unfortunate cancellation. However, longtime fans still have hope for a revival.
0
0
report