Strong, genuine, and lovable characters—both protagonists and antagonists—are at the core of a solid story; however as every story is interactive in one way or another, it’s not just about how these characters stand on their own. Equally, if not more, important a cast needs to build off of one another to play into a dynamic that is appealing in some way, shape, or form.
As with any live-action films and television series, characters in animated works can blatantly lack chemistry with one another. Friendships can feel forced or shallow; and as such, real connections (even in fictional worlds) can be difficult to come by.
However, there are some key series that subtly preach friendship in ways that are filled with sincerity, or in extreme cases, conveyed as believably unbreakable bonds.
There are many different types of friendships showcased in animated works. Some great portrayals that are highlighted in this article include:
- Enid, Rad, and K.O.’s sweet and charming connection in OK K.O.
- Jen, Nikki, Caitlyn, Jude, Jonsey, and Wyatt’s fun and playful group dynamic in 6teen
- Star and Marco’s dance between romantic and platonic in Star Vs. the Forces of Evil
- And basically everyone under the X-Mansion’s roof’s family relationship in X-Men Evolution
Each of these series present a different variation of cartoon friendships that can easily be translated into a spark that is comparable to genuine connections in reality. The chemistry of a group of people on screen can make or break how invested viewers are in these characters, and how likely they are to be pulled into a series as a whole.
The Charming Connection
Enid, Rad, and K.O.’s charming connection presents an unlikely group of friends with varying personalities that fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. They learn more about one another throughout the series, and have grown incredibly fond of each other as well. They are incredibly supportive, acknowledge each other’s strengths, and fill out each other’s weaknesses. The way these personalities bounce off of one another makes the character-driven series addicting to watch, and has become one of its greatest and most defining features [also see Milo Murphy’s Law and We Bear Bears].
The Playful Group Dynamic
The six protagonists of 6teen present a group dynamic that centers the series. It’s a simple episodic show which premise is about the day-to-day life of 6 teenagers who spend the vast majority of their time outside of school hanging out at a local mall. These characters fit into commonly-used tropes; hence, their personalities are not necessarily complex:
- Jen, the athletic overachiever
- Nikki, the goth who takes a sarcastic approach to life
- Caitlyn, the spoiled and shallow girl with a secretly large heart
- Wyatt, the reserved and struggling musician
- Jonesy, the lady-obsessed narcissist
- Jude, the chill skater dude
Perhaps this overtly-stereotypical cast wouldn’t work in this day and age where uniqueness is the way to go (hello Adventure Time and Steven Universe), but when 6teen was at its prime in 2005, this playful dynamic was all the rage. Circling back to the topic of this article, not only is there at least one character that most people watching can resonate with, but the group as a whole bounces off one another seamlessly [also see Stoked, Craig of the Creek, Voltron: Legendary Defenders, Danny Phantom, The Emperor’s New School].
Being so different works exceptionally well; not only for the series’ creators to get all of their bases covered, but they each share a different perspective and approach to zany issues that ultimately have them working together to fill one another’s shortfalls—personality and otherwise. Despite being such a contrast in characters, they fit together like the perfect jigsaw puzzle.
In universe, the main dynamic showcased in 6teen can be described as exciting, playful, youthful, relatable, and comedic. But it can also be described as caring, empathetic, supportive, and lifelong. This series has taken a snapshot of what it is like to be a young person living with a core support system outside of family, and definitely deserves more credit in displaying such exciting relationships.
The Romantic vs. Platonic Question
Star and Marco of Star Vs. the Forces of Evil share a special nuanced relationship. These characters have been friend only for 2 entire seasons before the question of more than friends hit smack during its mid-season-2 finale (Kim Possible anyone?). Star and Marco bounce off of each other very well; Star being the adventurous crazy type, and Marco granted the unsolicited nickname of “safe kid” throughout the series’ entire first season.
What’s great about their on-screen dynamic is that it is one of the most believable friendships that has graced animated television in recent time. The amount Star and Marco care for one another is immense—to the point where, as they have grown so much together, it only makes sense that the idea of a blossoming romantic relationship is in the question.
The way these character’s relationship is built is so genuine, that the romantic angst which follows comes naturally. During the series’ most recent season, our duo’s relationship has only grown more complex as their romantic timing is completely out of sync. But despite Star being in another relationship, the protagonists are beginning to realize that they are perfect for one another.
Both friendships and romantic relationships are arenas difficult to maneuver within—especially at a young age. It’s only natural that new feelings are explored and the characters grow both together and apart. To put it simply, where the latest season leaves off, Star and Marco’s relationship can be best described as increasingly awkward. But this does not even begin to change how much these characters care for one another and how much they still see each other as a huge part of their lives. They will silently fight through and mishaps and emotional struggles to stay within each others’ radar. These emotions are powerful, and conveyed as relatable and believable.
The Roommate-Turned-Familial Ties
Finally, the relationship of the X-Men: Evolution cast is wonderfully realistic. A group of people who’s deviation from the norm, or “mutant abilities” if you will, brings them together. The cast of X-Men: Evolution exemplifies this dynamic exceptionally well. These are characters who don’t necessarily have a ton in common, but stay united as they’re the only ones who understand each other on a fundamental level. This understanding is enough to forge an unbreakable bond, despite their friendship likely not thriving in any other case.
This type of relationship is more so defined by people of stark contrast coming together via obligation or necessity above all else [also see Young Justice, Teen Titans, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Mysticons, & Phineas and Ferb]. Since these characters are essentially forced out of circumstance to spend many waking hours with one another, their tolerance/adaption soon transforms into deep friendships with some, and supportive acquaintances with others. Overall, this defines a familial relationship where characters learn to get along with each other to the point where they still heavily support one another when it matters despite clashes in values, characteristics, and personalities.
This type of relationship defines what it is like to be a part of a family: not necessarily seeing eye to eye, but supporting one another regardless.
Overall, there are many cartoons out there that present friendship as deep as an empty shell; however, there are also many great titles that actively focus on building strong relationships between its characters. The latter is made up of excellent animated works that draws viewers in because the characters are so addicting to watch—even if the series isn’t specifically character-driven.
What is most evident is that many of the series mentioned above have a spark that cannot be easily replicated. It takes a level of careful consideration to come up with, not only stand-out characters on their own, but those that light up a room when they’re together. Characters that play off of one another form an iconic cast that is addicting to watch on screen (Yzma and Kronk anyone?).
A/N: What a great batch of surreal friendships (literally)! As someone who didn’t have many close friends growing up, I would vicariously live through these—and many more—cartoon characters. Sad, I know. But hey, if I didn’t drown my sorrows in animation as an escape from my oh-so-difficult 12-year-old reality, this blog would probably not exist. So yeah..
Female portrayals are improving immensely within the arena of modern-day cartoons. Alongside the increase of women showrunners, writers, and storyboard artists within the animation industry, many female characters are being placed in the roles of leaders, fighters, and influential advocates. A few examples include: Star Butterfly of 
Characters who are beloved by many, myself included, do not escape negatively stereotypical traits. Some examples include: Robin of 
Another problematic trope commonly portrayed through male cartoon characters can be identified through an opposing set of traits: clueless, frightful, clumsy, and emotional are some adjectives that define this stereotype. Characters like Ron Stoppable and Danny Fenton (in civilian form) embody this personality. And despite often being well-loved by the audience, they are typically completely disrespected within the context of their respective series. These characters are seen to hold a low social ranking and are often bullied as a result. They typically carry relatable human insecurities that are openly seen as unfavourable, with other characters treating them as the punching bag of the series or viewing them as a form of comedic relief.
The TED Talk titled 
Stokes summarizes that the media text that young boys and girls are exposed to need to present male characters as working alongside their female counterparts—they need to learn to work in unison with others regardless of gender rather than constantly being fed the idea that men are built to fight alone; because in reality, no one should face adversity on their own, head on. 
The characters of Stretch Armstrong are both down to earth and likable. They truly feel like dynamic people, as opposed to walking stereotypes (with the exception of Ricardo who is still presented as quite one-sided). Both Nathan and Jake are full of insecurities, which seem to vanish once they step into their superhero personas. The confidence that they gain while keeping their city safe is realistically shown to influence each character in their day-to-day lives—in that they are more willing to take social risks given they willingly put their own lives in danger for their city whenever needed. The trio’s team dynamic works extremely well in that Nathan and Jake have been friends for an extended period of time due to their clear similarities, while Ricardo is forced into the group due to school circumstances, and correspondingly influences their routine. They each have unique traits that are more than enough to differentiate these characters from one another, utilizing a wide range of personality traits that audiences can relate to on, at least, some level.
Characters of Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters are presented as realistic and relatable in part due to their dialogue. Not only is there plenty of wit in their conversations, but they also speak among each other very realistically. Nathan in particular is the most relatabe character in the way that he is written. He says whatever is on his mind, no matter how rash or off-topic it may be given the circumstance—a common way of speaking with close friends in actuality. He isn’t afraid to admit his flaws or insecurities, and corresponding to this, is able to see and vocalize his own strong points as well. Aside from some awkward taunting puns while in superhero form, which is hallmark to the superhero genre, the Flex Fighters exercise a solid amount of amusing self-awareness. Teasing one another, along with superhero stereotypes as a whole, keeps the characters’ dialogue comedic and witty.
The premise of Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters is quite childish when broken down—a group of teenagers stumble upon toxic chemicals that grant them elasticity-themed powers. Not only do our heroes receive their powers in the most trope-complying way, but the element of elasticity that connects their powers as a trio is ridiculous at best. The concept of their city being overseen by a powerful technology corporation, head by its charismatic and intelligent CEO, is a huge stereotype (i.e. Lex Luther of Justice League & Young Justice, Abraham Kane of Motorcity, Vlad Plasmius of Danny Phantom). The characters’ personalities and weekly villains’ interesting designs are enough to differentiate the series from others with a similar premise, but not necessarily enough to define it as anything groundbreaking or unique.
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters holds up a subpar comparison to its cousin Spectacular Spiderman‘s plot (but in all fairness, many superhero series don’t hold a candle to this title). Episode one of Stretch Armstrong is full of exposition that is presented in anyway but subtle. When Jake gives Ricardo a tour around their school in the first episode, the series’ writers use this as an opportunity to glorify the facility full of unique and trope-defying student cliques. This presents Ricardo as a mere storytelling device to explain the series’ context to the audience.
Stretch Armstrong and the Flex Fighters’ largest drawbacks are due in large part to the series’ focus on marketability. It follows a specific, seemingly researched, formula that gives the three protagonists distinct colours and personality traits that translates well into merchandising. Additionally, placing one member of the trio on a pedestal, in this case Jake Armstrong, as the leader of the group is another common move done in heavily merchandised series—it’s much easier to focus on a central character as the face of the series on promotional material. And it’s no surprise that the head of the series is the only Caucasian character of the group. Unlike another superhero series that is commonly covered on this blog, Miraculous Ladybug, Stretch Armstrong tries to hide the fact that its entire conception is based on the foundation of merchandising. This approach makes the series a lot weaker, as it tends to undermine the viewers’ level of awareness to capitalistic intentions.
Conclusion
To this date, 26 episodes of Mysticons have been broadcasted and I can confidently say that it is a hidden gem in the world of modern-day animation, and amidst the top animated series to come out of Canada. Yes, there are some cliché moments sprinkled throughout its narrative, but these are largely forgiven due to the sheer charm that the characters, premise, and story emit. In the overcrowded world of entertainment media, originality is becoming a scarcity; thus, a long-winded and child-targeted series is bound to incorporate a few tropes. What sets Mysticons apart however, is how it approaches cliché characterizations and plot points, in that it does an excellent job to provide a fresh take on tired old ideas.
In my previous, admittedly uninformed, review of the series, I praised its unique premise and vast scope. This opinion still stands, possibly even stronger than it did before. It has been a long time since an Americanized animated series has showcased such ambitious prospects for world-building starting from its very first episode. Based on the first minute of watching episode one, the audience is thrown into a world that combines futuristic, fantasy, and modern-day urban elements, in a space occupied by beings ranging from anthropomorphic cats to pint-sized pixies, to regular humans. A quarter into the episode introduces the audience to strong social divides within the central setting of Drake City, featuring an underground community beneath the metropolis full of inner-city occupants.
Comparisons are presented between the “Undercity” environment, home of Piper and Zarya, to the introduction of Emerald and Princess Arkayna who reside in a grand palace as they are tied to the royal family. Showcasing diverse living arrangements within child-targeted animation is a rarity at best, so embracing the mere concept of a city with social divide shows its audience that Mysticons is serious about expanding the scope of its world while even drawing parallels to modern-day social alienation. Additionally, a current plot twist will most likely foster conflict rooted in clashed upbringings of the core Mysticons team.
Not only are the female characters of Mysticons treated exceptionally well by the series’ writers, but they are also well respected within the context of the series itself. The male characters that are featured do not feel the need to exert bravado over our protagonists, nor do they feel intimidated or emasculated by the Mysticons’ deep-seated power. Instead, male and female characters work alongside each other as equal partners striving to reach the shared goal of keeping Drake City safe from evil perpetrators—an element that should be inherent in children’s media, but is unfortunately uncommon within the vast scope of animated works currently available. In more recent years, there have been quite a few well-known series that embrace males and females working in unison without falling into gendered stereotypes (e.g. Star Vs. the Forces of Evil, Steven Universe, Miraculous Ladybug), but in the animated arena as a whole, the dynamic between these characters are often unbalanced and comply with problematic tropes. So on top of production companies straying away from the action genre, the fact that Mysticons falls under this category and presents forward-thinking female portrayals, fills a huge gap in the current animation environment.
In addition to thoughtful characterization, diversity is a major theme presented in Mysticons. Not only in terms of social standing, but as mentioned previously, the series also utilizes a variety of human and inhuman races that coexist harmoniously. The series even showcases the early budding of a same-sex relationship—and not between background or one-off characters, but involving one of the main protagonists and presented in a way that isn’t glorified. This is groundbreaking in the arena of animation that so vigorously attempts to shelter children from progressively-liberal thoughts. 
