“Dexter’s Laboratory” had a patent absurdity. How did his parents not hear his tinkering? Where does his accent come from? How does DeDe’s often simple actions manage to destroy such advanced technology? Dexter’s concepts were always vividly imaginative and wildly epic.
The 90s cartoon iteration of the turtles is without a doubt the most definitive. These are the Ninja Turtles Michaelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo and Raphael we all remember. Before this cartoon the turtles were actually comic book characters, rather dark and not kid friendly ones at that.
“Rugrats”
This show always seemed to be one of everybody’s favorites. It may just be the realism of it all that made it so popular. Kids were engrossed by the quartet’s magnificent imagination and precociousness. Parents could relate through the archetypes of adult life. Things like Chaz’s shyness, Stu’s failure but unwillingness to give up his passion, and Angela’s doting parents were all relatable treats for the older crowd.
“Hey Arnold”
This show was a strange encapsulation of the city life. Arnold’s life seemed to be filled with odd details like his high-tech room, the mysterious Mr. Smith, and the hilarious fact that his closet is actually filled with nothing but the same outfit. The cartoon did an impressive job of showing the diversity of the modern city’s residents.
“The Ren & Stimpy Show”
“Ren & Stimpy” is definitely the oddball out of the classic Nicktoons. Sexual innuendo and violence was abundant, resulting in the creators getting in many a fight with Nickelodeon executives. The more adult humor, however, went over the heads of children who simply enjoyed it for its frenetic gags.
There are plenty of great cartoons airing now, but it seemed like nostalgia was almost built into the animation the 90s gave us. Revisit the past and watch these timeless gems, it’ll brighten up your day.




