Ultimate Spider-Man

I want to climb, too!

Ultimate Spider-Man produced by Disney.

Plot: After some disastrous attempts to act as a solo hero, Peter Parker accepts Nick Fury's offer to join S.H.I.E.L.D. and become the Ultimate Spider-Man. To reach this point, Spider-Man will work with a team fellow superheroes. He also must conquer super-powerful villains, unexpected conflicts, questionable allies, and family issues. Still, some things can only be gained through working together. Some of the harder aspects of teamwork will forever test the budding hero, though.

Genre: Cartoon, Animation, Adventure

Reading Level: I believe most episodes are rated TV-Y7.

Similar Titles: Avengers Assemble, Batman Brave and the Bold

Personal Thoughts. I...honestly hate the first season. A lot of the team and Fury's actions toward Spider-Man just seem so hostile and mean-spirited. The second season amends this greatly. While his allies still tease Parker mercilessly, they also regularly defend and support him. They act less like a plot device and more like a united cast.

The series itself balances the drama and comedic aspects of the original comics. Spider-Man constantly riffs and quips his foes, and a few members of his team gladly join him. Additionally, Spider-Man often slips into "imagine spots" highlighted by anime-influenced animation, adding further comedy and variation to the episodes' pacing. However, injuries, arrests, and losses still have realistic effects, particularly when they are caused by the heroes' short-sighted or rebellious actions. As a result, the cartoon enjoys seriousness and silliness in a comprehensive and entertaining manner.

 

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic produced by the Hub.

Plot: The series follows the adventures of Twilight Sparkle, a smart but socially awkward unicorn, as she learns to make friends in Ponyville. Most episodes include her five best friends: Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack. Each pony displays a particular gift and impediment regarding friendship. For example, Fluttershy is kind, but painfully shy and non-confrontational, so she must learn to maintain her gentleness without becoming a doormat. Throughout the episodes, the six ponies experience the ups and downs of working with each other in a magical, brightly-colored world.

Genre: Cartoon

Reading Level: Rated TV Y

Similar Titles: The Powerpuff Girls; Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends 

Personal Thoughts: The remake of an older show has proven very successful for a number of reasons. The cast is reduced, allowing character development to take precedence over toy advertisements. Each character maintains a distinct personality, allowing viewers to pick and follow favorites. Additionally, the stories contain jokes pleasing to adults without being necessarily aimed at them exclusively (a la Shrek) so the episodes remain enjoyable without becoming exclusive.  The series remains generally wholesome without being too sappy. Some episodes do become slightly overhanded in the message, but the overall presentation of the series allows viewers to enjoy a genuinely uncynical, fun show.

Disney XD

Disney XD presented by the Disney Channel. Retrieved from http://disney.go.com/disneyxd/

Plot: The webpage describes and advertises Disney XD, an aspect of Disney aimed at male tweens. As part of the Disney Channel's Internet presence, Disney XD enjoys the best marketing can offer. The page displays colorful and often animated displays, buttons, and options. In addition, users can access games, create personal avatars, and watch videos of shows offered by Disney XD. In addition, the page links to other webpages, including ones regarding more popular shows, such as Phineas and Ferb, The Avengers, and Naruto.

Genre: Website

Reading Level: Most shows are rated TV-Y7 or TV-G

Similar Titles: Naruto Shippuden, Nickelodeon website

Personal Thoughts: The site enjoys high potential. Not only does it offer information about the channel, it also gives users an opportunity to socialize and play online in the relative safety of a Disney-based website. In addition, it does offer clips and full episodes of more popular shows, allowing users without cable to still enjoy them. However, the massive advertisements, particularly in the form of commercials during the videos, can be disconcerting. Also, navigating to particular programs tends to be a lengthy and frustrating endeavor.

Phineas and Ferb

Phineas and Ferb, produced by Walt Disney Company

Plot: Phineas and his stepbrother, Ferb, want to experience the ultimate summer vacation. To accomplish their goal, they plan elaborate adventures and create unbelievable inventions. However, their older sister, Candace, is determined to expose their behavior to their mother. Meanwhile, Perry, the boys' pet platypus, works as a secret agent to stop the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz from causing havoc. The climax of the Dr. and platypus' fights inevitably prevent Candace from busting the boys, leaving her stunned and stuttering at the end of every episode.

Genre: Cartoon

Reading Level: Rated G

Similar Titles: Spongebob Squarepants, Penguins of Madagascar

Personal Thoughts: While some reviewers complain about the show's repetitive nature, most viewers easily understand the cartoon's appeal. It is just a goofy, over-the-top, funny show. It does not try to take itself seriously. It does not discuss the horrors of being a tween or teen. It does not try to teach kids trivia. It simply focuses on entertaining its audience, and it does so very well.

P.S. Dreamworks dragon does not approve of your viewing of Disney Channel shows (you can just barely see him glaring at you over the computer screen).