5 Classic Superhero Cartoons That Really Need a Modern Reboot

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As a huge fan of superhero cartoons, I’ve always felt they’re how a lot of us first really *get* into Marvel and DC. They take all those years of complicated comic book stories and turn them into awesome, easy-to-follow adventures – and honestly, those cartoons often shape how we picture these characters forever. But it’s tough, because not every animated series gets its due. For every show that runs for seasons and becomes a classic, there’s one that gets cancelled way too soon – sometimes because of bad luck, a small budget, or just being too different for its time. It’s a shame, because those shows often have so much potential, becoming either beloved by a small group of fans or just completely forgotten – and a lot of them really deserve another look.

Today’s crowded streaming market, where services are always searching for fresh content, is ideal for revisiting overlooked shows. A reboot allows a promising but short-lived series to finally get the support and creative control it deserves. Or, it’s a chance to fix a flawed show, rebuilding it into something completely new and captivating. The following cartoons fit both descriptions – they were either good shows cut short, or shows with interesting ideas that never quite worked, and are now ripe for a modern comeback.

5) Static Shock

From 2000 to 2004, Static Shock was a popular show on Kids’ WB and an important part of the DC Animated Universe, which started with Batman: The Animated Series. The show followed Virgil Hawkins, a high school student (voiced by Phil LaMarr), who gained the power to control electricity after an accident. But what people really loved about Static Shock was how it mixed exciting superhero action with realistic portrayals of teenage life. The series also didn’t shy away from tough social issues, and it was praised for its smart stories and for giving a new generation of fans a strong, intelligent Black superhero.

It’s surprising that we haven’t seen a new *Static Shock* series, given how beloved the character remains. A reboot could really build on the success of the original, especially with a continuing storyline that explores the backstories of both Static and the other super-powered teens in Dakota City. With James Gunn and Peter Safran creating a new DC Universe, now would be the ideal time to bring Static back. A revival could refresh the show’s important themes for today’s viewers, while still keeping the humor, emotion, and social commentary that made the original so special.

4) Swamp Thing: The Animated Series

The 1991 *Swamp Thing* cartoon is well-known as a particularly bad adaptation. It only lasted five episodes and felt more like an advertisement for toys than a faithful retelling of the comics. The series removed all the complex themes and scary elements of the original, turning Swamp Thing into a typical, lighthearted hero. Voiced by Len Carlson, he fought the silly villain Anton Arcane (voiced by Don Francks) and his group of mutants. The show also abandoned the detailed backstory and lore of the comics, focusing instead on simple messages about protecting the environment.

Swamp Thing is a fascinating character who deserves a fresh animated series. The previous attempt didn’t quite capture his essence, but that provides valuable lessons for a reboot. A new show could really shine by focusing on the terrifying body horror and connection to nature that make him unique, especially by drawing inspiration from Alan Moore’s iconic comics. Animation is the ideal way to bring the strange and beautiful world of the Green to life. Considering Swamp Thing’s upcoming role in the new DC Universe, an animated series would be a fantastic way to introduce viewers to the more supernatural side of that world.

3) Legion of Super Heroes

As a big animation fan, I remember really enjoying *Legion of Super Heroes* when it was on from 2006 to 2008. It was cool to see a young Superman – Yuri Lowenthal did a great job voicing him – get thrown way into the future, the 31st century! He ended up joining this huge team of teen heroes from all over the galaxy. Brainiac 5, voiced by Adam Wylie, was a standout, and Saturn Girl (Kari Wahlgren) brought a lot to the table too. It was a really fun, fast-paced space adventure aimed at a younger crowd, and what I appreciated was how well it handled such a large cast while still delivering exciting stories about a hopeful future.

The Legion has a lot of untapped potential and would work perfectly as a serialized animated show. The previous series was fun, but didn’t fully explore the rich story possibilities within the team’s universe. A new show could really delve into the political landscape of the 31st century and the complex relationships between the Legionnaires. With its expansive setting, the Legion offers endless story options – ideal for the long-form storytelling that streaming services excel at. Plus, an animated series could effectively introduce the team’s intricate history and characters to a wider audience before a potential live-action adaptation in the DC Universe.

2) Silver Surfer

As a longtime comic book fan, I was absolutely captivated by the 1998 *Silver Surfer* animated series – it really was something special. What struck me most was how visually stunning it was; the creators bravely tried to capture Jack Kirby’s iconic style using a really innovative blend of 2D and 3D animation, crafting a truly unique cosmic world. I followed Norrin Radd, brilliantly voiced by Paul Essiembre, on his quest to find Zenn-La and help others, all while dodging the relentless pursuit of Galactus and his forces (James Blendick was fantastic as Galactus!). It wasn’t just a superhero show either; it tackled some surprisingly deep philosophical ideas with a maturity you rarely see in cartoons. It’s a real shame it was canceled after only 13 episodes, especially because it ended on a huge cliffhanger – it left me wanting so much more.

Now is the perfect time to bring back the Silver Surfer. We recently saw a version of the character, Shalla-Bal, in the Marvel movie *The Fantastic Four: First Steps*, played by Julia Garner. A new animated series could reintroduce the original Silver Surfer, Norrin Radd, and finally finish the story that the previous animated show left unfinished. The Surfer’s story is full of sadness, selflessness, and overcoming challenges – themes that would work really well in a complex, ongoing animated drama, allowing a deeper look into his rich comic book history.

1) Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes

Originally shown in 2006, *Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes* is still considered one of the best versions of the Fantastic Four ever made. What made it special was its unique art style, inspired by anime, and how well it captured the relationships between the characters. The show presented the Fantastic Four as a close, but often bickering, family of explorers, skillfully blending exciting science fiction stories with funny and realistic personal conflicts. Sadly, despite being a quality show, it suffered from an uneven release schedule and was cancelled after just one season of 26 episodes.

The animated series *Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes* offers a great starting point for a new animated project now that the team is officially part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The original series got the characters and overall feel just right, and a reboot could bring that same energy to a bigger story within the MCU. This is a chance to finally create the fantastic animated Fantastic Four series that fans have always wanted.

Which old animated superhero series deserves a fresh start? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-09-15 22:55