Comicon’s Best Action Adventure Animation Of 2023

All this week Tito W James brings his top picks of the year from the world of animation and anime. Today he runs down his favourite five adventure animations. Check ’em out below:

My Adventures with Superman

My Adventures With Superman is a great example of why I’ve been a DC Comics fan for so long. When a superhero story is done so well, it’s truly a magical thing. The show removes Clark’s confidence but not his strength, making him a lovable gentle giant. Alice Lee’s performance has reinvented Lois Lane, making her the most appealing (and crush-worthy) character in the show. The anime influence is not merely an aesthetic choice but is also baked in its approach to the villains and world-building. My Adventures With Superman offers a hero for a new generation and a new high point for Superman’s 80- year history.

Castlevania: Nocturne

Castlevania: Nocturne introduces a new cast of intriguing characters and delivers one of the best seasons of the entire show. Richter Belmont and Olrox the Aztec vampire are fantastic additions and it’s easy to empathize with each character even though they are on opposite sides. The thematic elements of religious and political satire are nuanced and expertly woven into the plot and the characters’ motivations. Smart, sexy, and stylish, Castlevania: Nocturne can’t be missed.

Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix

Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is a perfect example of how to take known IP and create something original and meaningful. Captain Laserhawk’s shared-universe of Ubisoft characters acts as as a Trojan Horse for subversive ideas and innovative artistic experimentation. The show warns of a Big-Data dystopia disguised as “kid friendly” consumerism. Captain Laserhawk is also one of many video game adaptations that feature queer representation without losing its edge. May every future video game adaptation be this daring and creative.

Scavengers Reign

Scavengers Reign follows the surviving crew of a damaged deep-space freighter who are stranded on a beautiful-yet-unforgiving planet. Scavenger’s Reign is a winning blend between grounded Sci-fi and surrealism. The mysterious elements on the planet never lose their bewitching quality. The alien flora and fauna are like warped versions of our native plants, animals, and insects. The use of alien body parts as improvised gadgets is brilliantly original and gives Scavenger’s Reign its own aesthetic identity within the wider Sci-fi genre.

Unicorn Wars

Unicorn Wars is a psychedelic anti-war film from Alberto Vazquez that pits a brainwashed group of teddy bears against a shadowy herd of unicorns. As the film progresses, we witness the adorable teddy bears lose all sanity and develop a thirst for blood and power. Haunting, disturbing, and visually stunning– Unicorn Wars will no doubt gain a cult following.

Unicorn Warriors Eternal

Action cartoon maestro, Genndy Tartakovsky reminds audiences what Cartoon Network has been missing for far too long. In Unicorn Warrior’s Eternal, we get a dynamic cast of characters, a richly illustrated fantasy world, and a bold cinematic presentation. The retro-cartoon aesthetics blend perfectly with the steampunk fantasy. The steam-powered automaton, Copernicus absolutely steals the show!

Blue Eye Samurai

Blue Eye Samurai takes its cues from Lady Snowblood and creates a vibrant and visceral revenge tale. The cel-shaded animation takes the shape-language of Eyvind Earle to Feudal Japan. Blue Eye Samurai acts as a solid gateway series for those who are curious about anime but want something geared more towards Western tastes. Fans of Blue Eye Samurai can look forward to another season.