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Kickback to the ‘90s: Top cartoons from our childhood

Campus Correspondent

Published: Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Updated: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 01:09


Many find joy in reminiscing and reliving elements of their childhood. I have composed a list of the Top 10 Cartoons of the 90s. In order to qualify for this list, a cartoon must have started its original run in the 90s and have aired at least two seasons in that decade, meaning cartoons such as "SpongeBob SquarePants," and "Ed, Edd, n Eddy" are ineligible. This list of composed of cartoons I saw both and didn't see in the 90s to make sure every show had a chance.

10. "Animaniacs"

"Animaniacs" was created by Warner Bros. and ran from 1993 to 1998. The show consists of a series of sketches based around the Warner siblings, Yakko, Wakko and Dot. Characters are constantly shouting and spewing random pop culture references. The show also shines in the parody department, amongst the most memorable of which are "Bambi" and "Siskel and Ebert." The sketches always appear to be on a sugar rush and the tone slides constantly. All of the above creates some of the best cartoon humor ever made.

With a lot of hidden innuendos thrown in, "Animaniacs" has certainly gotten better with age

9. "Batman"

Following the success of the 1989 live action film, an animated series was created by DC Comics that ran from 1992 to 1995. The transition from film to cartoon is flawless. Every story and character is intricately developed and given an incredible amount of detail. Each character is given its own light and never results in rehashes. The character of Bruce Wayne is given the biggest alteration, as a modest and intelligent man as opposed to the hot- headed scoundrel he is in other adaptations. Brand new characters such as Red Claw, Lock-Up and Harley Quinn are welcome additions to the "Batman" universe. "Batman" remains one of the most artistic and sophisticated cartoons ever made.

8. "Sonic the Hedgehog"

Not to be confused with "The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog," this adaptation of the popular video game series proves it is possible for a video game to work as a television series. The show focused on Sonic and various other characters trying to free their world of Mobius from the hands of the evil Dr. Robotnik. It put a lot of time into character development to coincide with a story that continued and progressed over the entire series. The action scenes were well-crafted, and put a heavy emphasis on kinetic animation. Unfortunately, the show ran for only two seasons, having to compete in the same timeslot as "Power Rangers."

7. "Rugrats"

It goes without saying that "Rugrats" is one the most popular and successful programs in the history of Nickelodeon. It began its run in 1991 and lasted until 2004. The premise was extremely simple: a group of toddlers and the various shenanigans they get into under the watch of their oblivious and neurotic parents. Looking back, it's evident that "Rugrats" really hit its strides with the adult humor that shot over kids' heads. The show is full of very memorable characters and despite having the same premise for the entire run, it never becames repetitive or boring. "Rugrats" was a symbol in and of itself of how enjoyable childhood was.

6. ‘Jackie Chan Adventures"

"Jackie Chan Adventures" was a very successful cross between an eastern action cartoon and a western fantasy cartoon. The show centers on a fictionalized version of Jackie Chan, ironically not even voiced by Jackie Chan, and his various attempts to gain control of supernatural artifacts before they fall into the wrong hands. While the show was heavily based on eastern mythology, it never ventured deep enough to cause culture shock. "Jackie Chan Adventures" is not the only cartoon to take mystical fantasy elements and place itself in a contemporary setting, but is certainly the best.

5. "Johnny Bravo"

"Johnny Bravo" is one of the best generational satires in animation. The show is about the title character, a muscular and flashy, yet unbelievably idiotic, man and his countless attempts to get a woman. Johnny Bravo would constantly, unbeknownst to him, create mayhem and misfortune for both his friends and enemies. While the slapstick humor was phenomenal, "Johnny Bravo" is hilarious on a deeper level. What the creators were clever about was giving Johnny a heart of gold, so you could root for him in his ventures, but still find humor rather than empathy in his failures. "Johnny Bravo" is one of the last and undoubtedly best pure humor cartoons of its era.

4. "Rocket Power"

"Rocket Power" is, in a sense, a complete embodiment of the 90s culture. The show focuses on a group of kids who are into extreme sports, new technology and mainstream media. The episodes display the typical moral lessons often found in children's television, such as humility, teamwork and trust; but coat them in surfing, skateboarding and roller hockey as to avoid ever sounding preachy. The characters are based around, but never fall into, typical childhood stereotypes, except perhaps those of southern Californians, the basis of the show's location. The humor is on a very personal level, and the situations that it revolves around can be found in real life. "Rocket Power" is often considered the last show of Nickelodeon's golden age, and for good reason.

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