If you're anything like me, you've been a little down about the world lately. Maybe you crave a simpler time. A time when you sat around in pajamas, eating cereal and watching cartoons. Maybe that was yesterday. But on the off-chance it wasn't so recent, I'd like to give you a few suggestions for the best cartoons to binge-watch as a free-willed adult with a box of lucky charms.
1. Steven Universe
Watch this if you like: Avatar: The Last Airbender, Adventure Time
Perhaps one of the best shows currently on the air, "Steven Universe" is also perhaps the most difficult to summarize in simple terms. I could begin with the backstory: 6000 years ago, the Earth was invaded by aliens who threatened all life on the planet, but were stopped by the "Crystal Gems," a rebel faction of the aliens lead by the now-gone Rose Quartz. Or I could stress the quality of the animation, which produces a beautiful experience full of lush pastels, thriving backdrops, and a world that shows the wonders of life on earth.
But "Steven Universe" is ultimately a show about the heart, and I think that it should be sold through the heart of the show: Steven Universe himself. Steven is half human, half gem (on his mother's side) and is the first of his kind. The show is (ostensibly) about his childhood, and as such, it is full of music, humor, and positivity. But at the same time, the show tackles difficult conversations, like: human nature; coming to terms with disability; how to deal with dishonesty and intimacy; even life and death. Steven Universe will make you feel like a child again, not just because of the humor and bright colors, but because of how it approaches these topics with an earnest and honest heart.
2. Gravity Falls
Watch this if you like: Rick and Morty (But PG Rated), Futurama
Though the show has ended after only two seasons, "Gravity Falls" still maintains a passionate fan-base. Gravity Falls, on its surface, is about a pair of twins (Dipper and Mabel Pines) who are shipped off to their Great Uncle Stan's place for the summer. He lives in the town of Gravity Falls, Oregon, which the twins soon find hides strange natural forces and creatures. Guided by a mysterious journal and their individual wits and talents, they solve the mysteries and discover oddities hiding in plain sight in the strange town of Gravity Falls.
Though this show developed such a strong fandom thanks to codes and puzzles hidden within the show, it is no less enjoyable simply as a lighthearted show, like the "Hardy Boys" meets "Adventure Time." The show's depth is complimented perfectly with a (dare I say) "Wacky" sense of humor that is eminently quotable and refreshing. The Twins' "odd couple" pairing of personalities leads to many of their adventures, but also gets them through several. Whether it's the gnomes, "man-o-taurs," or shape-shifters, the creature of the week will always entertain as much as it can and (occasionally) terrify.
If it helps convince you at all: Gravity Falls' creator Alex Hirsch is good friends with none other than Justin Roiland - Creator of "Rick and Morty."
3. Wander Over Yonder
Watch this if you like: Looney Tunes, Powerpuff Girls, Animaniacs
"Wander Over Yonder" is not a show I have seen a lot of. But it is a show I always want to see more of. The show has a pretty simple premise: Wander and his trusty steed Sylvia travel across the galaxy freely, occasionally foiling the plans of Lord Hater, a tyrant bent on total domination. The show playfully makes clear that it is capital F-U-N fun, making playful use of slapstick comedy, classic sound effects straight out of Bugs Bunny toons of yore. But even with all of the homages and respects being paid, there is still a strikingly modern streak through the show. Classic cartoons show that the clever (Bugs Bunny) always beat the dumb (Elmer Fud). Here, it's not so simple.
Yonder is a stubbornly optimistic character who still has his adulthood, and isn't simply a bright-eyed simpleton. Lord Hater is a villain of Marvin the Martian-level villainy but still has lines he won't cross. The show is very much about the clash and tension between slapstick classic comedy in a world where cartoons are pushing for more serious episodic story-telling (see above entries), but through it all, the show retains its optimism, humor, and fun.
4. Over The Garden Wall
"Over The Garden Wall" is frightening, it is fun, it is full of heart and intrigue. This mini-series follows the story of young siblings Wirt and Greg, who become lost in a forest called the "Unknown," and chronicles their attempts to find their way home. The story is dark but has frequent moments of humor and light that prevent it from being too much. Even though there are horror elements and some are quite disturbing (by kids' standards), there is just as much fanciful entertainment. This series is a modern fairy tale, having wonderful takes on surprise princesses, talking animals, and dark monsters. Carried by the star power of Elijah Wood as Wirt ("Lord of the Rings" ), Christopher Lloyd (Doc Brown in "Back to the Future") and even Samuel Ramey (A noted operatic singer), this show is of an incredible quality, winning the Emmy in Animation the year it aired.
Of these shows, only Steven Universe is still continuing on the air, which makes them perfect for binging over the course of a week (or day or two), and who knows, maybe they'll spark a renewed love of cartoons in you, just as they did in me.
