Ink & Imagination: 2D Animated Series That Inspire the Next Wave
2D Animation is regarded as an eternal art form, enchanting viewers for decades. It generates the appearance of animated characters and items within the two-dimensional space, relying on skillful illustration, vibrant color palettes, and fluid motion to bring stories to life. Despite the rapid growth and innovation in 3D animation due to technological progress, 2D animation remains a dominant force in the animation industry, cherished for its accessibility, artistic flexibility, and nostalgic charm. In reality, there are several 2D animated series of such high quality that they continue to motivate and inspire new artists to enter this arena, pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling.
In this blog, we will explore some of the best 2d Animated Shows that changed people’s perspective of seeing animation in a certain way and become the inspiration for the creators.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z, the follow-up to the 1996 television series Dragon Ball, made remarkable strides in 2D animation by expanding the limits of what could be achieved within the medium, demonstrating its adaptability and artistic potential for dynamic action scenes and character transformations. The series showcased how 2D animation could be utilized to produce dynamic, visually captivating battles and emotionally powerful moments, influencing later anime and animation aesthetics.
Popeye the Sailor
Popeye the Sailor has motivated countless creators with his unique combination of humor, determination, and quirky appeal. His over-the-top animation approach, unique character designs, and focus on the power of the underdog inspired a surge of imaginative narratives in comics, animation, and movies. By transforming a modest, quirky sailor into a cultural symbol with striking imagery and purpose-driven escapades, Popeye demonstrated that passion and creativity could prevail over tradition, inspiring emerging artists and animators to adopt their distinct styles and forge unconventional heroes
Pokémon
Pokémon ignited the imaginations of a generation with its rich world-building, endless creature designs, and the thrill of discovery. By blending adventure, strategy, and emotional bonds between trainers and their Pokémon, it showed creators the power of interactive storytelling and character-driven universes. Its success across games, TV, and merchandise proved that a creative vision rooted in curiosity and connection could become a global phenomenon, encouraging new creators to dream big, build immersive worlds, and create stories that evolve with their audience.
One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese manga series that narrates the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his crew ‘the straw hat pirates’ as he travels through the Grand Line in pursuit of the legendary treasure called the ‘One Piece’ to become the next Pirate King. It has been lauded for its narrative, artistic character development, and comedic elements. It was the top-selling manga for eleven straight years from 2008 to 2018.
The Midnight Gospel
The narrative centers on a spacecaster named Clancy Gilroy, who resides on the Chromatic Ribbon, a tape-like planet consisting of a membranous structure located in a vibrant void where simulation farmers employ advanced bio-organic computers to replicate numerous universes from which they extract natural resources and innovative technology. This animation displayed a distinctive and non-traditional method of storytelling, utilizing visuals to craft a surreal and psychedelic experience, with audio interviews forming the narrative foundation.
Rick and Morty
Renowned for its dark comedy, this American animated show inspires creators to challenge limitations with sharp, clever humor and multiverse narrative techniques. The show follows the adventures of Rick Sanchez, a jaded mad scientist, and his good hearted but anxious grandson, Morty Smith, as they alternate between everyday life and interdimensional quests spanning countless realities, frequently journeying to different planets and dimensions. This program sparked witty interpretations and complex scientific concepts intertwined in ridiculous storylines.
The adventure of Tenali Raman
The adventure of Tenali Raman’s cultural narratives, humor, and straightforwardness captured the interest of both viewers and creators. It was the first Indian animated TV series. Inspired by the folk stories of Tenali Raman, it presented moral teachings and historical narratives in a lighthearted and approachable manner, motivating young creators from India and elsewhere to delve into regional folklore and animate local tales. The series demonstrated that a straightforward design can remain highly effective when the storytelling is compelling.
SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob is a renowned animated show popular for its comedic timing and over-the-top character performances. This series chronicles the journey of a yellow sea sponge called Spongebob who resides in an underwater city. Its vibrant animation style and bizarre situations encouraged creators to unleash their creativity and try new things. It also commented on the meme culture.
Dexter’s Laboratory
There are animators who grew up watching this and want to recreate that blend of science, sarcasm and chaos. The series follows Dexter, an enthusiastic-boy genius with a science laboratory in his bedroom which he keeps as a secret from his unsuspected parents. His elder sister Dee Dee often visits the Laboratory and unintentionally disrupts his experiments. It inspired creators with its straightforward, artistic style and heightened emotions. Dexter’s Laboratory established a framework for concise, impactful storytelling featuring a distinct voice.
The Powerpuff Girls
The series centers on the escapades of three girls in kindergarten who possess a range of differing superpowers. The storyline of an episode typically involves a comedic twist where the girls utilize their abilities to protect their town from villains and enormous creatures. Moreover, the girls also face typical problems that young kids encounter like sibling competition, lost teeth, etc. This was the initial series that merged adorable character design with thrilling action and vintage aesthetics.
Scavenger’s Reign
The recently released animated series, Scavenger's Reign, has made a significant impact on atmospheric storytelling and environmental animation. The story centers on the survivors of a damaged interstellar cargo vessel, who find themselves on Vresta, an alien world teeming with plant and animal life yet rife with threats. At first, the survivors are divided into three groups. Local existence exhibits remarkable intricacy, interconnected layers, and extraordinary life processes. This series motivated users to have confidence in their visuals and embrace the ambiance.
Bandhbudh aur Budbak
This animated series from India highlights the humor and simplicity of school life and the chaos of childhood. This series achieved success and demonstrated that desi content can be cherished without imitating Western styles. It motivated creators to discover storytelling treasures in the everyday cultures and peculiarities of India. This program also imparts lessons on friendship, honesty, and the boundary between good and bad.
The above mentioned shows are not even a handful of the inspired shows. These shows, along with several others, emphasize the lasting ability of 2D animation to engage viewers and inspire creativity. Through the display of various artistic styles, creative narrative methods, and profound emotion, they act as a source of motivation for new artists. Notably, the accessibility of 2D animation allows artists to experiment with bold visuals and unique storytelling approaches, fostering innovation within the medium. For emerging creators, these productions highlight the ability of 2D animation to go beyond technological boundaries, demonstrating that with creativity and enthusiasm, the medium continues to be a lively avenue for storytelling and artistic expression. Moreover, the global reach of these works connects diverse audiences, proving that 2D animation remains a universal language for sharing powerful stories.