1 Hour of CANCELED Marvel and DC Animated Shows

In this video, Owen explains the history of several forgotten superhero cartoons (including Pryde of the X-Men, Spider-Man: Unlimited and Avengers: United They Stand), the behind-the-scenes story of their developments and what caused their untimely cancellations.
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▶ Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
02:35 - Pryde of the X-Men
12:06 - Captain America: The Animated Series
25:27 - Avengers: United They Stand
38:26 - Justice League: The First Mission
49:06 - Spider-Man: Unlimited
1:01:30 - Outro
▶ Music Used:
a l e x - I Need To Paint My Walls
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Blue Wednesday, tender spring - Exhale
www.beatport.com/track/exhale...
Fantompower - Blankets
/ blankets
Fantompower - In a New Space
/ inanewspace
Glimlip x Yasper - I’m Sorry
/ imsorry
Harris Cole - Larkspur
/ larkspur
Home - If I’m Wrong
open.spotify.com/track/2vIk75...
Lee Rosevere - Decompress
leerosevere.bandcamp.com/trac...
Lee Rosevere - Southside
leerosevere.bandcamp.com/trac...
Lee Rosevere - Where Was I
leerosevere.bandcamp.com/trac...
Lukrembo - Branch
/ branch
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Bread
/ bread
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Bored
/ bored
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Cafe
/ cafe
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Daily
/ daily
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - River
/ river
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Sunset
/ sunset
Music from freetousemusic.com
Lukrembo - Waiting
/ waiting
Music from freetousemusic.com
Shopan - There and Back
www.beatport.com/track/there-...
Sleepy Fish - Pond Sketch
/ sleepy-fish-pond-sketch
Sugiwa - Memories
/ sugiwa-memories
Taro - Just to Make Sure
chillhop.bandcamp.com/track/j...
#Marvel #DC #ComicBooks

[@OwenLikesComics]

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[@Tit0Matic]

even as a kid, I remember being FURIOUS with Spider-Man Unlimited. i cant believe they had just left the original series on a cliffhanger

[@emanueljackson1728]

I'm furious it wasn't Spider-Man 2099. That could've been different and competed better with Batman Beyond.

[@andrewaugustus6447]

​@@emanueljackson1728and it was set in 2099

[@WarriorSmurf]

Just think, it was originally going to be an adaptation of the first 25 issues of The Amazing Spider-Man (with a lower budget). I would have preferred that.

[@NIGHTGUYRYAN]

the whole thing felt like they were messing with us

[@shadowanderson2004]

@@andrewaugustus6447 no it wasn’t. It was set in an futuristic alternate reality not the future

[@ianharmon8693]

That randomly Australian Wolverine is downright eerie given who eventually brought the character to the big screen.

[@t.rexking441]

He went from Canadian sounding like an Australian to a Canadian played by an Australian

[@gracekim25]

He’s meant to be Canadian?🤔

[@t.rexking441]

@@gracekim25 Yup

[@gracekim25]

@@t.rexking441I actually had no idea 😅 but alright 🤷‍♀️

[@RayW....]

Yet Hugh didn't have his accent for the part.

[@OptimusMaximusNero]

It's a shame Kyle Rayner didn't become one of the DCAU's main characters after his introduction in the Superman series. He definitely deserved much more protagonism in the DCAU and other movie/ tv shows. I mean, he banged Donna Troy and Jade. HOW CAN YOU JUST IGNORE THE EXISTENCE OF A BADASS CHARACTER LIKE THAT?!

[@Dhampir101980]

DC hasn’t known what to do with Kyle since Geoff Johns brought Hal back. Kyle doesn’t appear in ANY outside media, which is a shame, considering that when he was introduced, he was meant to a green lantern with the sensibilities of Spider-Man.

[@tigerbread78]

​@Michael Head Just like Barry Allen, Hal should have stayed dead (with the exception of occasional time travelling crossovers) Kyle was over with the readers, and Wally was even more so.

[@LikaLaruku]

Pryde of the X-Men would have been unbelievably camp with the most over-the-top ham acting. & I still would have enjoyed it. Ya'll need to look up "Magneto defeated by wooden gun" That shit is hilarious.

[@snootch2nootch]

Its moments like this when you feel old lol. All these 'forgotten' cartoons, are the same shows i grew up watching a lot (or in case of Pryde, rewatching the VHS release of the pilot on repeat).

[@thetruej7872]

Spider-Man Unlimited was pretty cool imo. I loved his new suit and The Hero Green Goblin was pretty interesting.

[@HishamA.N_Comicbroe]

I haven't really seen the others but man I was in love with S-M: Unlimited when I used to watch it. The whole nanotech suit was really cool for my kid brain.

[@avisionleshawn1116]

If it wasn't for spider man the animated series the Incredible Hulk animated series Batman the animated series and Superman the animated series my love of comic books wouldn't be around today once again thank you Owen for your spectacular insights in the world of comics

[@WarriorSmurf]

According to Stan Lee, Hasbro planned to make an X-Men toyline. Had an ongoing show debuted post-Pryde of the X-Men, it would've featured a different team and most likely would've aired in primetime. The revised plan for (Fox Kids) X-Men was to start as a miniseries chronicling the original team's origin. Also, Fantastic Four and Iron Man weren't Fox Kids-exclusive shows. It aired on other channels.

[@CalciumChief]

I do feel like Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes should be here. It did have 26 episodes, which is twice what Spider-Man Unlimited got, but seems like no one talks about that. It's a weird mix of some redesigned looks and CGI graphics that may not be the best, and yet I kinda enojoy it more than the 90's show. You'd think I'd be all over the 90's version, since both its season just copy stories from Lee/Kirby run of the title and stay closer to the look of the comic. The 00's cartoon also adapts the classic stories, but also does more of its own stuff.

[@GaTech379]

Loved that show

[@OwenLikesComics]

Definitely a show I'd like to cover in the future! The reason it's not in this video is actually because I don't think I've fully watched it.

[@AMBafoon]

I’m a 2000’s kid and that 1990 animated Spider-Man intro is still steered into my brain

[@EloteConChurro]

I just finished the series a hour ago ironically and it was great! Loved it! Can’t wait to see this version in Across the Spider-Verse!

[@vaderfett3229]

GREAT video as always, Owen! Well done mate! I really enjoy the Marvel and DC Animated shows of the 80s and 90s. I still have my VHS copy of PRYDE OF THE X-MEN. Hey, did you know there were once very early plans for a DAREDEVIL animated series in the 80s? Matt would have had a 'guide dog' as a sidekick! My all-time favourite will always be SPIDER-MAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS

[@IsiahBradley]

THANKS for this!!! I'm glad you are pointing out how ridiculously popular "Pokemon" was in the late 1990s--it was, to date myself, "Smurf"-like! Unlimited"'s costume is still in my top three. I'm assuming you'll do a Part 2 with "Spectacular." I love TAS more but I yield to "Spectacular"'s superior overall quality (with the co-creator of "Gargoyles" as showrunner, how could it have not?). As you well know as a KZbinr, "Spectacular" is still remembered very fondly: there was a low murmur in my theater during Spectacular's brief appearance and comment in "Across/SpiderVerse." Please consider putting "Phantom 2040" in Part 2 because a) it was GREAT and b) it fits your criteria.

[@troymilanharrison2023]

Whenever Owen drops a video, you are legally required to drop everything

[@rjones6127]

It has problems, but I loved Spider-Man Unlimited. The costume, the theme song, the conflict with High Evolutionary, Karen & Naoko, etc. Hopefully one day we get a resolution to the cliffhanger.

[@DonShotta24]

That shit sucked.

[@mattjvr6189]

My brother and I loved Spider-Man unlimited, Venom to as our favourite from Spidey's rogues gallery and we enjoyed how different it was from Spider-Man the animated series.

[@ozwiz]

I love how you mention Australian Wolverine like he's an entirely different character lmao

[@outpostalpha]

Super interesting stuff! Learning how and why these forgotten shows failed is always fascinating.

[@NoOne-lc8qj]

I love this video, I watched the full video while working on an assignment, it helped a lot

[@iconicbastard]

Love how the reasons for Marvel’s failed 90’s cartoons can be pretty much summed up as “LOL Pokémon”.

[@ArcTrooperRod-269]

Spider-Man Unlimited Was such a Fun Idea, It deserve it at least one more season

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

MAU was on Fox, UPN, and syndication. Unfortunately, the UPN disabled Hulk from being in Spider-Man's Secret Wars.

[@joefixit4561]

Spider-Man Unlimited was an underrated show that deserved a 2nd season. I honestly thought the Silver Surfer cartoon would have been on this list.

[@EnsignRedSquad]

90’s X-men and 90’s Spider-Man are perfect.

[@JoeLovesComics]

Great video!

[@nikkigrace5288]

great video!! obviously a little more modern, but I feel like young justice was pretty forgotten

[@jesusfernandez974]

Great video 👍.

[@ryanricardo]

Love this thank you

[@wondercub]

How about an episode with Wonder Woman and The Star Riders?

[@puzzlepupwoody6574]

I watched all of these cartoons...as an 80s kid....I was truly blessed. Always dreamed of multiple Marvel/DC crossovers. But.....that's what action figures are for.

[@mister-x2]

5:37 In the latin-american dub, for some ungodly reason. Australian Wolverine's name was translated as "aguja dinamica" (The Dynamic Needle). Its such a meme worthy name I always have to mention it 😂.

[@retrodude5891]

Me and Eric Lewal share the same birthday! I know cause we got to celebrate one together back in my comic con days!

[@theomnibusprime4046]

Since there is only 1 DC entry in this list just shows that DC has perfected the side of adapting comic books into animated shows and movies.

[@chinyereugwu9431]

Well they've been doing it since the 1940's with that old-timey Superman animated series

[@dylanbusby7851]

Are these compilation videos because I swear you’ve talked about pryde of the xmen before?

[@remyandmjswork]

Yes it’s literally reuploads in one big compilation… lazy as hell

[@dylanbusby7851]

@@remyandmjswork I don’t mind the reuploads but I wish it would say that they are reuploads

[@EnsignRedSquad]

Didn’t even know NBC had an animated Hulk in the 80’s.

[@ethankillion786]

I actually really loved this show. It had some problems, but they didn't even bother me. The first time I watched it, I stopped about halfway through the first episode because the animal people on pink hover bikes were just too much. But somewhere along the way I got over it. What really got me to appreciate the show was the art style. I've never seen a cartoon with such comic-like art. Just look at these stark shadows. They did such a good job at emulating the inking in comic books in a way that didn't look awkwardly animated. It gives it the perfect "noir" look, too. I think people give the show a hard time. It's no Batman Beyond, but it's VERY imaginitive.

[@masterrserch3971]

Avengers: EMH was so friggin good, and I'm 45 years old now lol... but they had so many cool villains and storylines that both of whom I'd never thought we'd see

[@michaelturner2806]

Halfway through this I decided to check out Avengers United They Stand before even knowing you'd talk about it more in depth. I got about 70% through the first two parter. Action timing was horrible, it has that color palette with shading I dislike, and there was only one character I halfway liked who got effectively killed off halfway through. I know I couldn't stomach any more of it.

[@freddiemartin699]

Wow! You totally skipped over the early history of DC Comics cartoons. In the 40's Superman had a cartoon done by Flesher studios. In the late 60's Superman, Superboy, Aquaman, and Batman had cartoons done by Filmation. In addition, Filmation did three Justice League of America, Flash, Green Lantern, Atom, Hawkman & Teen Titans cartoons. In the 1977, a Batman cartoon was done by Filmation. From 1972-1984 Hanna & Barbera had done several Super Friends Cartoon as well as have Batman & Robin team up with Scooby Doo and the gang twice in The New Scooby Doo Movies. In the 70's Wonder Woman & Superman guest starred in one separate episode of the Brady Kids. In the mid-80's there was supposed to be a New Teen Titans cartoon but was scratched as the Super Friends series ended. In the Early 80's Ruby/Spears did a Superman series lasting one season. In the mid-70's there was a SHAZAM! (DC's Captain Marvel purchased from Fawcetts comics) & The Secrets of ISIS live action show and a SHAZAM! cartoon in the 80's. You seem to spend a lot of time on Marvel but not DC. However, there were a few Marvel cartoons you missed. In the early 80's there was a Fantastic 4 cartoon where Herby the Robot replaced the Human Torch. The Thing also had a solo series done by Hanna & Barbera. Part of the Fred & Barney meets the Shmoo. And before Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends in the 80's, There was a Spider-Man solo cartoon lasting one season. Your homework was not complete unless you decided to only do cartoons you liked.

[@OwenLikesComics]

This video is about specific cancelled superhero cartoons. Your list is extensive, and there's plenty of great shows there, but the purpose of the video wasn't to chronologically discuss every Marvel and DC show. Instead it was to spotlight and explain a handful of interesting projects that either weren't made or became forgotten.

[@maxnorton1209]

Now I remember why I originally thought Wolverine was Australian instead of Canadian. Weird change.

[@superpaul79]

I'm listening to this as I clean my kitchen. Its making the chore much more tolerable.

[@mathieuleader8601]

The Fox Marvel Universe was awesome shame it went away

[@RickReasonnz]

Oh my... Roland Poindexter just might be the nerdiest name I have ever witnessed.

[@diamonddylanpage7150]

Have you not heard Wolverine's voice in Spidey and his Amazing Friends?? 😂😂😂

[@jamesorion8316]

Kinda funny how Hugh Jackman is an Australian Wolverine HAHAHAHA

[@nohomers100]

I feel like the word toyetic was invented to describe Avengers united they stand

[@markmagician2471]

I enjoyed Spider-Man Unlimited they should've least gave the last episode before cancelling the show absolutely ridiculous!

[@radien239]

I always felt like spider man unlimiteds costume design resembled 2099 on purpose

[@GilmerEricSmith]

Rino Romano the forgotten Spider-Man and Batman

[@LikaLaruku]

I'm surprised there hasn't been a much sillier take on X-Men. This year in an X-Men comic set in an alternative future, Mr. Sinister killed Thanos by putting Juggernaut in a canon & shooting him through the head like a giant bullet. Funny shit.

[@shelbybayer200]

50:49 My favorite series

[@Kwad_rat]

Is this just a compilation episode? I feel I watched this already.

[@Red-Wolf-Ben]

Tommy Tompkins? Are you kidding me? That's from DC! 😂🤣

[@AceMcSch00ly]

90s Fox Kids Marvel Universe was Ace, everyone talking about Spider-Man Unlimited. Sorry but Spider-Man the animated series all day. The carnage and venom arks were highly memorable.

[@BladeDexter]

An Australian Wolverine, so that's why Hugh Jackman got the role in the movies

[@kintarricrawford4976]

LOVED STAN LEE'S VOICE🙏🏿😪🙏🏿

[@JFranTheGreat]

Ect about Spider-Man The New Animated Series?

[@Rayyman]

The Pryfe of the x men had awesome animation

[@uk_carnage]

With the 90s cartoons I loved them growing up. However they always seemed to play the same episodes over and over. After a while it got boring, and I would stop watching them. I wonder how many cartoons got axed because of this problem.

[@julianmitchell2186]

I remember being 12 and seeing United they Stand and thinking, Why would they make a show about the Z list Avengers? Which I already thought of as the team of people who can't sell their OWN book.

[@Better_callMe]

I was upset with Spiderman unlimited not because it was so different but because of how the other series ended.

[@diamonddylanpage7150]

Avengers United we stand is set in the early 2020's ....

[@Shift_Salt]

I don't blame Spider-Man unlimited for the original 90s show ending the way it did... but I am pissed this wasn't a 2099 show. Tho I imagine even if it was fans of the 90s show would still be upset at it.

[@DarthAlphaTheGreat]

They didn’t have an Australian Wolverine by accident. They just thought that was what us Canadians sound like! :P

[@dcauwatchtower]

Zeta Zeta Zeta

[@OwenLikesComics]

I couldn't steal your thunder like that, though.

[@Rayyman]

I watched the x men cartoon but the animation was horrible unless it was a still shot of Rogue

[@aguywithalotofopinions412]

The Cap show was doomed from the start. For better or worse, Captain America was a product of it's time, and it wasn't until the MCU gave him a much needed actualization that he became loved again by the general public. Also, it's not that hard to make a multi character action scene, these guys were just lazy

[@gamecitysavior2910]

Keeps mentioning Pokémon but never brought up (my favorite show/ the reason I stopped watching Pokémon) Digimon, got me going like 😱😭😤

[@andrewaugustus6447]

I liked Pryde of the Xmen. Hated Spiderman Unlimited. Unlimited could have 2099.

[@adamquenano8563]

It’s not forgotten, we just choose not to talk about it, because the ending is as frustrating as Berserks

[@gracekim25]

I love learning 😊 1.7.23

[@tolfan4438]

I liked X-Men but got sick of the Phoenix saga being retun

[@samwill7259]

Comic book fans are sitting pretty when it comes to SSS tier cartoons, it's only fair that they can't win them ALL Only MOST of them.

[@LikaLaruku]

Never could get into Spider-Man. Comics, cartoons, or movies, he just can't hold my interest for some reason, even when he does a crossover with the X-Men or Deadpool, he's the least interesting thing happening. Willing to make an exception for a couple of particularly memeworthy low budget so-bad-it's-funny series made between the 60s & 70s. though one was just a reskinned asset flip of Rocket Robin Hood.

[@strozombie.01]

Tommy Thomakins? Really?? 🤨 Smh... 😒

[@stapuft]

not to be a "grammar nazi" but im having a "ted lasso" "sounds become noise" situation here, i started off at about 90% sure there should be a apostrophe on "series" but sitting here trying to convince myself of that has made the word lose all meaning...

[@OwenLikesComics]

As far I'm aware, series is the plural of series. So unless I was using it as a possessive (i.e. "the two series' production..."), I think it's fine to not include an apostrophe.

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

There should be one, it's not a super big deal but the title is just singular series

[@stapuft]

@@OwenLikesComics grazi like i understood what was meant, it was just a odd little voice in the back of my head driving me nuts made me look it up, and that just made me more confused, and ended up saying the word so much it lost all meaning, LOL, have a great day dude.

[@AlvinGomes-ny1lg]

I wish we would have got that Captain America series we missed out on that

[@YakBat]

The shift in animation styles from the classic animated MCU to the trash that Avengers and Spider-Man is what completely turned me off american animation for good. The animation style of the animated DCU straight to dvd offerings were whatt brought me back, only to have the shift to the trash that was New 52 animated DCU to kill my love again. Also love the BS Marvel would try to pull after Spider-Man was cancelled: Here take this POS crap show absolutely no one asked for, nor wanted, and please try to love it cause it'll be total garbage the 1st season but we swear the second season will rock.

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

Australian Wolverine bothers me way too much

[@OwenLikesComics]

*glances at Hugh Jackman*

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

@@OwenLikesComics liiiiisten in the words of hobie brown, "I don't believe in consistency"