Top 10 Animated Series of the 80's

For the inaugural post of RECKLESS ROBOT we'll start with an easy top ten list.
10. Rescue Rangers
Why? Why not! Rescue Rangers was an after school delight. Chip and Dale solving capers with the help of other rodents and a housefly. Dales red and yellow Hawaiian shirt was definitely a favorite of mine.




9. Silverhawks


Bionic policeman....enough said.



8. Voltron


To be honest Voltron was almost unwatchable as it was two different Japanese series that were spliced together and dubbed in English. The saving grace for Voltron is the robot. When the Lions combined to form Voltron Defender of the Universe I would get chills. He would then proceed to demolish whatever monster was on the lineup for the week. The toy was also a complete classic.



7. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

Poor animation and redundant stories but for some reason He-Man dominated the 80's. Why? Because the toys were awesome. Look for a new Hollywood movie in the next couple of years.


6. Bravestar
Bravestar was unique. The main highlight was Thirty/Thirty, he was Bravestarrs sidekick horse that would transform into a gun toting gunslinger tough guy. Strong stories and a cool enemy Tex Hex helped this series survive.

5. Tailspin
I'll just list the highlights:

All of the Jungle book characters but hardcore.
Seaplane
30's Art Deco style
Air battles
Baloo as the wisecracking hero pilot.

4. Transformers
Those of you that know me might be amazed that I don't pick Transformers to be #1 but to be honest the concept of Transformers is what is the most awesome thing about this series. The stories were OK but redundant. What is amazing is that the toys and TV/movie franchise has lasted until today so that our children might delight.

3.Thundercats

Thundercats was similar to He-Man but better stories and animation. The toys were the down side. For sure Thundercats has the most hardcore bad guy Mumm-Ra who was a ten thousand year old mummy that would transform into a hulking buff mummy monster than would terrorize the Thundercats. Seriously I had to cover my eyes when Mumm-Ra would show up.

2.TMNT

Spawning the ownership of countless pet turtles and an extreme addiction to PIZZA! The Turtles were awesome they had great story lines and they jumped perfectly onto the scenes in 1987 when my nerdery was blossoming. Who was your favorite? I always debated between Donatello because he was smart and wielded a Bo Staff but Michelangelo was always a close second because he was cool and ate a lot of pizza. Shredder and Krang were great bad guys. This is another series that has lasted through the past 20 years and I am sure it will keep cruising.......TURTLE POWER.

1.GI JOE

GI JOE had it all. Multiple hardcore bad guys Cobra Commander, Destro, Zartan, and Serpentor. Rockin heroes Duke, Flint, Lady Jaye, Snake Eyes and more. The Joes started in 1982 and ended in 1994 a testament to their multi leveled show. Public service announcements "Now you know, and knowing is half the battle." The best assortment of toys at far less the price of transformers and yes firecrackers were perfect to simulate actual battle damage. YO JOE!

Well there is my list please feel free to comment and let me know your thoughts. Did I miss any series? Poor count down? Let me know.

Updated: Voltron Defender of the Universe