Let us recognize the cartoon characters who left imprints all over our hearts-- the ones who you shipped with yourself before you even knew what shipping was. We must never forget:
1. Raven, Teen Titans
I’m not talking about small, chibi Teen Titans GO! Raven, we’re talking about dark, mysterious, glowing red eyes Raven. We’re talking about the girl that we all slowly fell in love with as we watched her tragic backstory unfold. She was broody and powerful and adored by all, making her a perfect character to start this list off with.
2. Danny Fenton, Danny Phantom
If only we knew this funny pre-teen ghost boy as well as we knew his show’s theme song. Danny Fenton was a quirky, funny boy who just happened to be a ghost. Imagine it: dates in the ghost dimension as everything glows a strange, yet comforting, blue…
3. Aqualad (Kaldur'ahm), Young Justice
Though Young Justice is a relatively new show (premiering in 2010), “kids at heart” can agree with me that the character of Aqualad definitely deserves a spot on this list. While the rest of Young Justice ran around trying to see who could make the biggest fool out of themselves, Aqualad led the young justice team with wisdom and generally extremely cool sea-creature technology. For someone who was born in the ocean, he’s pretty down to earth. Guiding, do (not that much) harm/take (not that much) crap, and wise, Aqualad proved himself to be caring, supportive, and daring. Season 2 Kaldur’ahm however…
4. Kim Possible, Kim Possible
For many kids, Kim Possible was their first introduction to the strong, independent woman who don’t need no man. She was powerful and sure of herself and loyal and so stinking beautiful. Sharing a naco with her will always remain on the priority list. (Still in shock that it took Ron a million seasons to finally ask this girl out).
5. Leela, Futurama
With later bed times came exposure to the magic that is adult cartoons. Mom suspected but she never stopped. We saw King of the Hill, we saw Robot Chicken, we saw Futurama and we saw Leela. Though she lacks depth perception and is pretty much the most irresponsible leader a group can ask for, she had a place in our hearts.
6. Prince Zuko, Avatar the Last Airbender
If you watched "Avatar the Last Airbender," then you were in love with Prince Zuko. There was no other option. There’s something about a broody, bad-guy-turned-good type of character that just makes your heart sing. You were in love with him without even noticing t was happening and you were (and still are) devastated about this casting decision:
Dev Patel, I’m sure you’re a good actor. I’m sure that you’re a good person. You also just happened to be the person who shattered my childhood dreams.
