Teen Titans (2003)

Teen Titans is one of those shows you can't believe was made for children. The themes of friendship are handled with more depth than most adult dramas. Glen Murakami's vision is unmistakable.

More people should watch Teen Titans. It never got the cultural attention it deserved while it was airing. the emotionally resonant finale is genuinely brilliant and the the burden of heroism exploration is more sophisticated than most prestige live-action drama.

Teen Titans has a few weak episodes scattered through its run but the high points more than compensate. Cyborg's storyline is beautifully handled. Glen Murakami had a rare clarity of vision for the whole series.

Teen Titans pushed the boundaries of what animated storytelling could do. The exploration of the burden of heroism was groundbreaking for its medium. I still think about Robin's arc regularly.

Teen Titans shows its age in places but the core of what made it special remains. Raven's dark emotional arc is still funny and Cyborg is still endearing. Some references land flat now but the heart is intact.

What makes Teen Titans work is the characters. Beast Boy is one of the most fully realised animated personalities ever created. Glen Murakami gave them enough depth that their choices always feel meaningful.

Ask anyone to name the best animated shows ever made and Teen Titans will be on every list. Starfire is one of animation's great characters. The friendship theme gives it lasting relevance.

Teen Titans works on two levels: kids get the surface entertainment and adults get the subtext. Glen Murakami's writing treats its audience with respect. The episode Apprentice is as good as any live-action drama.

I did not expect Teen Titans to make me cry but here we are. Apprentice hit me completely off guard. Cyborg is written with such care that the emotional moments land with full weight.

I watched Teen Titans as a kid and rewatched it as an adult. It's even better the second time. the emotionally resonant finale is only apparent when you're older. Cyborg remains one of the great animated characters.