Top 10 Best Adult Animated Series as Invincible Season 2 Begins
ORÇUN ONAT DEMİRÖZ
The Invincible series in Prime Video‘s catalog, with the first season released in 2021, is one of the most remarkable animated series of recent years. Written by Robert Kirkman and published by Image Comics, the Invincible series is in a very special place in the world of comics.
Kirkman started writing the series in 2003 and continued for 15 years until 2018. Ending with its 144th issue, the series guided the new generation with its original, epic and rule-breaking antihero narrative. Invincible, which was actually based on Kirkman’s idea of a malicious Superman and the idea of this malicious Superman having a child, brought a different dimension to superhero stories.
Prime Video first adapted Garth Ennis’ series The Boys for TV, which changed the rules of the game and transformed superhero narratives. The Boys‘ bloody, tough, sarcastic and uninhibited universe became a global phenomenon. This universe began to branch out with spin-offs such as Gen V.
Following The Boys, the Invincible series has also managed to become one of the stars in Prime Video’s catalog. Adapted to TV by Kirkman, the author of the series, Invincible conquered hearts with its first season and hit the bull’s eye. The long-awaited series returns with its second season. Let’s see where the bloody duel between Nolan Grayson (Omni-Man) and his son Mark Grayson (Invincible) will lead and how the multiverses will be involved in the story.
As we eagerly await what’s to come in season 2 of Invincible, why not take a look at some of the best anime and adult animated series on TV? Let’s take a look at some of the iconic animated series on TV.
1- Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)
“I am vengeance! I am the night! I am Batman!”
Batman: The Animated Series is an unforgettable series, especially for those who were kids in the 90s. With a total of 4 seasons and 85 episodes, Batman: The Animated Series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and has won three Emmy Awards.
Inspired by Tim Burton’s gothic Batman films that reflect the comic book aesthetic, the series highlights Batman’s “detective” identity. Combining the “art deco” style with the “film noir” genre, Batman: The Animated Series is a very dark series that offers a deep narrative for its characters. Of course, another reason why this series is so memorable is the success of the voice acting.
Batman is voiced by Kevin Conroy and the Joker by Mark Hamill. The voice cast also includes Ron Perlman, David Warner, Roddy McDowall, Richard Moll, Adrienne Barbeau, Paul Williams, John Glover, Robert Costanzo and Arleen Sorkin.
2- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
Avatar: The Last Airbender can be considered one of the cult anime series on TV. Airing on Nickelodeon in 2005, Avatar: The Last Airbender took the whole world by storm and reached a massive audience of all ages. The series, which lasted a total of three seasons, carries Far Eastern philosophy and fighting arts aesthetics.
The script for the series was also written as a series of books. A good example of the hero’s endless journey, Avatar: The Last Airbender is also the story of a child growing up. The series allegorically describes the process of protagonist Aang becoming the Avatar and his struggle to stop the Fire Nation’s despotism against other nations.
In essence, Avatar: The Last Airbender is a critique of modern industrial societies. The series also has a movie made by M. Night Shyamalan. Avatar: The Last Airbender‘s place in popular culture, new projects are on the way.
3- Rick and Morty (2013- )
Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty is one of the most different and visionary series of recent years. Rick and Morty, which is based on the Back to the Future theme, handles the subject of alternative universes very well. The character of Rick Sanchez in the series, which has been continuing since 2013, is a reflection of Dr. Emmett Brown, portrayed by Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future.
Rick is a genius who has found a way to travel to multiverses. Rick, who can travel to different realities with a portal gun, also has a great mystery. Morty is Rick’s grandson and his companion in these travels. Rick and Morty is full of philosophical and pop culture references from beginning to end, and uses absurd humor in a multifaceted way.
4- One Piece (1999- )
One Piece is a huge collection of manga written by Japanese mangaka Eiiçiro Oda and published since 1997. This manga, which is followed with attention all over the world, also has an anime series that has been running since 1999. Breaking broadcast records, this series has a cult status with its storytelling, artistic aspects, and characterization elements.
Centered on the story of Monkey D. Luffy, who wants to become the “King of Pirates”, the series is about the treasure hunting and relentless adventures of the “Straw Hat Pirates” gang. This popular manga and anime series also has a live-action series adapted by Netflix. The series, which aired its first season in 2023, was also loved by fans.
5- Death Note (2006-2007)
Death Note, written by Tsugumi Ohba, holds a special place in the hearts of manga readers. Ryuk, a “shinigami”, the god of death, throws the “Death Notebook” into the world for fun. 17-year-old high school student Light Yagami finds this supernatural notebook and uses it to make himself “God of the New World”. The manga series, which was adapted to anime in 2006, is one of the most beloved and respected works in the anime world.
Consisting of 37 episodes in total, Death Note combines crime, drama and thriller elements in a fantastic way. Death Note, an anime series known all over the world, also raises important questions about concepts such as life and death, good and evil.
6- Castlevania (2017-2021)
Castlevania is actually a gothic adventure game created by Konami. This game, which can be played on many platforms, also has comics and an anime series. The story of Castlevania is inspired by the historical personality of Vlad Dracula (Vlad the Impaler). The anime series, which is mainly based on the Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse game, follows the story of Dracula as he wages war on humans and the church, but as the seasons progress, the universe expands and side stories come to the forefront.
Indeed, Castlevania‘s success lies in its brilliant writing and storytelling. Warren Ellis, who wrote the anime series, has given the comic book world such a cult work such as Transmetropolitan. With this series, Ellis reminded us again what a unique and epic storyteller he is. With its 4th season coming to an end, Castlevania is a visually superior production. Additionally, a spin-off of this series called Castlevania: Nocturne was released in 2023. You can watch Castlevania and Castlevania: Nocturne on Netflix.
7- Cowboy Bebop (1998-1999)
Cowboy Bebop is a series that has been very popular in many different cultures, in many different countries, including Japan and the USA. The series, which consists of 26 episodes in total, takes place in the near future. In 2071, Cowboy Bebop centers on a group of bounty hunters traveling through the solar system on their ship named “Bebop”.
Combining the genres of neo-noir, science fiction and space western, the film is inspiring in its nuances of script, editing and music. Influenced especially by the jazz music of the 1940s and 1950s, Cowboy Bebop takes its name from here. Bebop or bop is a jazz genre based on harmonic structure and characterized by a rapid tempo.
Considered one of the most successful anime series for many years, Cowboy Bebop also makes a difference with the rigor of its character arcs.
8- Arcane (2021- )
Arcane is the TV adaptation of League of Legends, a MOBA game developed by Riot Games. Set in the League of Legends, or “LoL” universe, the series has been entrusted to French animation company Fortiche Productions.
Particularly notable for its character designs and animation style, Arcane has a structure where visuality is at the forefront. The series, which shines with the delicacy in the use of CGI and the craftsmanship in universe design, is also attractive with its dramatic elements. It is a fact that Arcane, which shattered Netflix’s viewing records at the time of its release, broke new ground in terms of animation techniques and artistic aspects. The new season of Arcane, a highly enjoyable series to watch, is expected to arrive in 2024.
9 – Hellsing (2001-2002)
Hellsing is a legendary manga series written by Kouta Hirano between 1997 and 2008. Hellsing, which also has an anime series, tells the story of the fight against vampires and supernatural enemies. Hellsing is a secret organization and its greatest weapon is Alucard. Alucard, the alter ego of Dracula, the first and most powerful vampire known, is among the most brutal and charismatic characters in the anime world.
Hellsing, which blends horror, drama and action genres well, also differs from the manga series. There is also an OVA (original video animation) version of this anime series called Hellsing Ultimate, which is closer to the manga series. The main difference between the two series lies in the drawings and plot.
10- BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
BoJack Horseman is undoubtedly one of the best animated series of recent times. Offering a modern and innovative touch to the fable genre, the series has “dramedy” codes. BoJack was a famous TV actor in the 90s, but his star faded over the years. Losing his popularity, BoJack drifts into depression, drug addiction and alcoholism.
Focusing on BoJack’s life in Hollywood and his relationship with his social circle, the series shines with its existential aphorisms, dialogues and black humor. The series also draws attention with its statements about the destruction brought by fame and its messages on current social problems. BoJack Horseman, which is the product of very good writing in terms of character evolution and story continuity, is a unique work with its references and details.
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