superheroes and cartoon Once thought to be just for kids, this is no longer the case. Over the years, a number of superhero cartoons have emerged that are aimed at an older audience. These cartoons are often dark and gritty depictions of classic superheroes from comic books. This includes characters from DC Comics, Marvel, and even Saturday morning cartoons.
Some of these cartoons take advantage of the darker world to explore more dramatic or action-packed stories. Others prefer to be comedic, poking fun at classic superhero movies, or offering something completely surreal.
Superheroes aren’t always the center of attention in these cartoons, either. Sometimes, the villains are the stars of the show. After all, getting older often means realizing that the villain in the story was probably right. Of course, there are also a few superhero cartoons for adults that are specifically designed to give viewers who grew up with a classic character new stories to enjoy. Here are the best superhero cartoons that definitely weren’t made for kids.
10 Supermansion (2015)
Supermansion It is a stop-motion animated series created by the creators of Chicken robotTitanium Rex is an aging superhero who leads the Liberty League, which is based in Supermansion. Many of his teammates are parodies of other famous superheroes. For example, one of his teammates is Black Saturn, who actually looks like Batman if his parents were still alive. Then there's American Ranger, a parody of Captain America, who comes complete with the political correctness, or lack thereof, of the past.
Superheroes living under one roof
The series is particularly noted for its voice acting, which includes Bryan Cranston as Titanium Rex and Chris Pine as the villain Dr. DeVoe. The stop-motion animation also helps the series stand out from other superhero cartoons.
The pilot was originally slated to air on Adult Swim, where it competed with other channels to get the green light. It won, but the series ended up moving to Crackle, even though Adult Swim aired it widely.
9 Marvel's MODOK (2021)
Modok from Marvel It is an animated series starring co-creator Patton Oswalt as the eponymous villain of the series. With AIM (Advanced Idea Mechanics) bankrupt and things not going well at home, MODOK is having a midlife crisis..
“MODOK will get it all!”
The stop-motion animated series effectively places the archetypal characters of superheroes and supervillains within a comic series. Notably, Super Villain Monica Rappaccini He was reimagined as an enemy of MODOK in the works. MODOK's daughter inherited his powers, but she mostly uses her intelligence to socially control the children at school. There is even a MODOK who has come back in time known as “The Anomaly”, who resents his future self for failing to take over the world, further fueling MODOK's insecurities.
However, the series can be dark when it wants to be. It is known that because the series was cancelled after one season, it ends with Modoc Family Murder As part of his ambitions to take over the world. This will likely be a cliffhanger ending, as MODOK vows he will get them back.
8 Kite Man: Oh My God! (2024)
Sub-product of Harley Quinn, Kite Man: Yes, of course! revolves around The supervillain of the same name buys a bar. With him Friend, Golden GliderTheir organization is particularly concerned with villains, falling under the shadow of the Army of Death. The cast is completed by a few other villains, such as Malis Fundabarintroduced as Darkseid's godson, and curseI also work in a bar.
Come to Noonan
Kite Man started out as a minor character in the comics, and seeing him get his own show makes the series a true “hero’s” journey. However, part of the charm of the series, such as Harley Quinnis that it gives the villains their own story. Some characters from the previous series also return here, such as the Queen of Fables, who even gets some alternate bodies.
Broadcast on Max
7 Harvey Birdman, Attorney (2000)
One of Cartoon Network's studios The first animated series aimed at adults., Harvey Birdman: Lawyer The superhero sees from Birdman and the Galaxy Trio Change of career. Harvey now works as a lawyer, representing Hanna Barbera's Various Charactersand help them overcome their legal problems. Some of Harvey's old enemies have also turned to the legal field, such as the brainy Judge Mintock.
Who is the man in the suit?
The series is perhaps best known for poking fun at various classic cartoon characters and old fan theories. In one famous example, Harvey represents Scooby-Doo and Shaggy in a drug case. The series is also notable for its voice cast, including Gary Cole and Stephen Colbert. The show later inspired a spinoff, bird girl.
6 Batman: Caped Crusader (2024)
Batman: The Caped Crusader Offers Black look at the famous heroIt takes place in Gotham in the 1940sIn this series we see Batman protecting the city from criminals once again. This show noticeably takes some cues from the earlier series. Batman Comics, including Alfred's design.
The Dark Knight Turns Noir
Although the intention is Follow up on Batman: The Animated SeriesThe show takes advantage of its older target audience to deliver More violence, corruption and psychological tortureOf course, the previous animated series was also dark in its own right.
The series also features a notable voice cast, including Hamish Linklater, Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, and Minnie Driver. Even the cast should be familiar with Batman Fans that include Batman: The Animated SeriesBruce Timm, The batMatt Reeves, J.J. Abrams, and comic book writer Ed Brubaker.
5 Invincible (2021)
invincible The story is adapted from the comic book series of the same name produced by Image Comics. The story revolves around teenager Mark Grayson, who He was trained to become a superhero. Under the leadership of his father Nolan, also known as his alter ego Omni-Man. Much like a parody of SupermanOmni-Man is an alien sent to Earth from the planet Veltrum. However, there are More about the Veltrum Empire More than Mark realizes.
“In the grand scheme of things… yes.”
At its core, the series takes a subversive view of the superhero world. It also offers a more dramatic storyline, whereas many adult animated superhero shows are often comedic. Fans of both DC and Marvel can also enjoy the way the series pokes fun at popular characters from both sides. Notably, Omni-Man is a parody of Superman just like J. Jonah Jameson, with J.K. Simmons providing his voice.
4 Spawn: The Animated Series (1997)
Todd McFarlane's Birthalso known as Spawn: The Animated Series Or just spawnThe story begins when Lt. Col. Al Simmons becomes betrayed and killed By his best friend. After being cursed by God to hell, he swore revenge, clinging to the hope of being reunited with his wife Wanda. The demon Malebolgia allowed him to return to Earth in exchange for Being his own “hellspawn”.
Hero from Hell
But there are some obstacles: it's been years since his death, Wanda has remarried, and his body has decomposed to the point where he hides behind a mask. Despite this, Spawn vows to protect the women he loves. Of course, the real obstacles may be the real reason Spawn was sent to Earth.
When the show's protagonist literally rises from hell, it's clear that the show is intended for an older audience. In fact, the series is known as one of the darkest animated series of its time, as well as one of the darkest animated series ever made. Of course, this audacity has helped the series remain a classic. It also helped that the art style closely matches the comics. Keith David's performance as Spawn also won over fans of the animated series.
3 Harley Quinn (2019)
in Harley QuinnThe Joker's exploited henchman, voiced here by Kaley Cuoco, leaves him and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He decides to make making a name for herself in Gotham's underworldShe teams up with a variety of other villains, including Poison Ivy, Clayface, and Doctor Psycho. Soon, all manner of DC characters appear in the series, often going even crazier than usual.
“It has comedy, action, and incredibly gratuitous violence…”
At its core, the series explores the idea of Harley Quinn as an anti-heroine and what it means to be a villain, which shapes most of the show's protagonists and antagonists. Harley has long been a fan favorite and many of the ideas introduced in the series, such as the focus on Harley and Ivy's relationshipIt has proven popular with fans. The series has also inspired a number of spin-off comics, as well as Kite Man: Yes, of course! series.
2 X-Men 97 (2024)
X-Men '97 It acts as continuation X-Men: The Animated SeriesThe film takes place a year after the season finale, with Xavier receiving treatment in space after surviving an assassination attempt. The team now finds itself with a new leader: Their former enemy, Magneto..
A super show that grows with its audience.
The series is a spin-off of a children's series, but X-Men '97 The show is aimed at an older audience, as evidenced by the levels of gore, violence, and even language. This is most likely because it is aimed at viewers who watched the show in the 1990s, and who may no longer be children. Many of the actors from the original series have even returned to reprise their roles or voice new characters. It also helps that the show is very clearly set in the 1990s.
1 Space Ghost Coast to Coast (1994)
Ghost Space Coast to Coast It parodies classic talk shows while starring a classic 1960s Hanna-Barbera superhero. While the classic series Space Ghost It is a live-action superhero show, the 90s series. The virtue of surrealismwith the show's eponymous superhero as host interviewing real-life guest stars. Villains from the original series, Zorak and MoltarThey are also forced to work on the show as crew members.
The first fully produced series on Cartoon Network.
The series also inspired a few spin-offs, such as the more kid-friendly version. Cartoon planet and Show bracka parody of a comedy starring someone else Space Ghost The enemy turned into a comedy. The series was one of Cartoon Network's first original shows, as well as one of the first for adults. The series is even credited with Create Adult Swim and Cartoon Network's Further Adventures in Original AnimationWilliams Street Productions, Adult Swim's in-house production arm, began as Ghost Planet Industries.
