2024 was a somewhat strange year for superhero content (whether it be in live action or in animation). The MCU seemed to take a year off from theaters (with Sony’s “SpiderMan Villain universe” cranking out two flops in it’s place (“Venom: The Last Dance” and “Kraven the Hunter”). DC was also on a hiatus in live action, with the conclusion of “Superman and Lois” on the CW bring an end to the “Arrowverse”, and the only DC film in theaters was a questionable “Joker” sequel. Animation was still a highlight for superhero content this year though, and while we could sing the praises of multiple shows/animated films this year, we’re focusing on the stuff that was a major hit for us personally.
What was the Best Superhero content of 2024? Here’s our News & Review Staff’s Picks:
The 1990s were the Golden Age of superhero cartoons, and that era’s X-Men was arguably the second most iconic next to the Batman cartoon released around the same time period. It received a second wind rerunning on Jetix in the 2000s and a third wind streaming on Disney Plus. So big a third wind, that the show got a modern continuation, this time edgier and more adult. It ended up being perhaps the biggest blockbuster release of Disney Plus, animated or live action. Hearing Cal Dodd as Wolverine was nostalgic music to many fans ears, the animation and action scenes modernized the series masterfully. The soap opera drama X-Men is known for is there in spades, and this series is everything that an X-Men fan could want. This is one of the few times the modern sequel to a beloved 20th century property surpasses the original, relinquishing itself from the shackles of Fox’s strict standards and practices in the 1990s (although the 1990s Spider-Man had to deal with the censors even more than it did), along with the low budget animation, and other issues the still awesome original cartoon had to deal with. If you loved the 1990s X-Men cartoon, this mature continuation is a must watch.
Although this series does not have the nostalgia power X-Men ’97 had, it does continue the trend of great adult superhero cartoons. This series is known as a very dark and edgy take on superheroes (the series was created by Walking Dead mastermind Robert Kirkman), but the main character is just as much a paragon of heroism as Superman or Spider-Man, who he is obviously inspired by. This series is set in a world where villains are just as silly and hammy as they were in the Silver Age, but with the dark twist of actually going all out and inflicting severe bodily harm on heroes. The fight scenes are wonderfully animated, albeit graphic. The series has pioneered the hour long drama, allowing for more character development. Like X-Men ’97, there is lots of comic book style soap opera drama and the characters are almost as engaging as that series. The show might be a lot to stomach, with graphic violence and lots of suffering, but Invincible is a compelling show with a lovable hero that’s worth cheering for.
The Penguin may not be a traditional superhero show – the main character is after all a supervillain. However, it is a great character study of a Batman villain who has never received the same appreciation as the Joker. The Penguin is a murderous gangster here, with none of the campy umbrella and bird based schemes people might recall from his early comic book appearances. The series begins by having him murder a member of the prestigious Falcone crime family. While he makes common cause with Sofia, a Falcone he used to chauffeur, this doesn’t last as an all out gang war breaks out. The scenes with Oswald and his dementia suffering mother are moving and hard to watch. The Penguin’s relationship with his henchman Vic is also a source of much suspense, as we are left wondering throughout the show if Vic is going to get out of this in one piece. The Penguin is a pitiful man, but by the end of the series, his actions both past and present reveal what a monster he really is. Few other stories have delved into the Penguin in such depth, and this might be the best exploration of his character yet.
A modern animated take on the adventures of Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen that does a good job at balancing out the action, comedic and romantic plots. Its second season that aired this year brought new challenges such as Supergirl and the ever popular Lex Luthor, all the while building on some of the plots started in the first season, such as Superman’s alien heritage and its connection to the evil Brainiac. The show also planted some seeds for future stories, which will hopefully pay off just as well. Looking forward to the upcoming third season, where another member of the Superman family was confirmed to appear.
Yes, we’re throwing this one more under “Superhero” than “Pure Anime”, for our lists. An Elseworlds tale featuring the Suicide Squad created as a co-production between DC, Warner Bros. Japan and WIT Studios. The story was decent (perhaps just a bit too wacky), but the real treat here is the animation, alongside the characters’ designs, and their interactions amongst each other, all of which combines to make for one of the most unique (and engaging) superhero shows of the year.
But that’s our picks. What are yours?!?
The post Anime Superhero Presents: The Best Superhero Series/Films of 2024! appeared first on Anime Superhero News.
