A sampler of brilliance from the year’s best cartoons.
Its a great age for TV animation, offering wonders for every age and taste.
This list honors our favorite animated series of the year by offering new viewers a signature episode.
Credit: DC Universe
Think of it as a sampler platter, and trust us, youll want more.
But…Dracula died at the end of season 2.
Without Dracula sucking up all the oxygen,Castlevaniawas free to pursue all-new story avenues in season 3.
Netflix
Everything has been dialed up in season 3: The humor, the stakes, the meta-inventiveness.
In the home stretch, they started drawing inspiration from every other Disney Afternoon cartoon too.
Disney, if youre listening, c’mon greenlight aDarkwing Duckspin-off stat!C.H.
Netflix
Probably not, but its still a hilarious take on well-worn characters.
YetAdult Swims brutal prehistoric epicturned unexpectedly timely in this freaky tale of a destructive virus running rampant.
Except one of the travelersisRick Sanchez, who doesnt want to do an anthology episode.
Disney XD
In true RPG fashion, these disguises help the characters become more comfortable with themselves.
The short-run follow-upSteven Universe Futuretook a closer look at the now-teenaged Steven (Zach Callison).
How do I move on from all the stuff Ive been through?
Adult Swim
How do I live life if it always feels like Im about to die?
The original series is a rewarding watch, but Growing Pains sums up this epilogue series unique therapeutic qualities.
Its one of the best shows ever made about dealing with the worldnotending.D.F.
Adult Swim
A standout episode in a deliriously unique TV series.D.F.
Netflix
Cartoon Network
Netflix
