The new series from DC Comics based on characters from the Hanna-Barbera cartoon library have experienced varying degrees of success. Now it’s time to look at other series and characters which could benefit from their own reboot and comic book series in the near future.
10. Quick Draw McGraw
What would The Magnificent Seven be like if they were all animals? This would be the perfect answer. Instead of the Quick Draw of yesterdays, this book would be a more serious western comic starring all of the western themed characters from the studio, such as Ricochet Rabbit and the western versions of the familiar characters introduced in The Good, The Bad and The Huckleberry Hound. Use Quick Draw McGraw as the center of this new book and the story writes itself.
9. Sealab 2020
After the popularity of Sealab 2021, which used footage of the original series for comedic purposes, this series could be a great way to split the difference. Just have the series have the more dramatic and scientific stories from the original show, but have the characters act like their comedic counterparts from 2021 and hilarity will ensue.
8. Yogi’s Space Race
This attempt to once again use the Wacky Racers formula to show different characters racing through the galaxy would be a great way to have a new space based adventure. You could also tie in other space themed series such as Galaxy Goof Ups and Casper and The Angels, and a story about space cops investigating the race for corruption can easily be established.
7.The Arabian Knights
Arabian Knights was one of the many cartoon shorts featured in The Banana Splits Adventure Hour. It featured a cast of characters, each with their own powers and abilities, fighting against a corrupt Sultan who was trying to control Baghdad. Team books are great ways to introduce a group all at once. Plus, a book with positive portrayals Middle Eastern characters would be welcomed by those who enjoy Kamala Khan in Ms. Marvel and Simon Baz in the new Green Lanterns series.
6. An Animal Action Team
Think of this. Take all the super powered animal characters Hanna-Barbera has created over the years – Atom Ant, Secret Squirrel, and Hong Kong Phooey – and have them go on missions as a team to take care of problems they wouldn’t be able to handle on their own. You can even use the title that the company used for TV films in the 80s and call it The Hanna-Barbera Superstars. Hey, DC! Like this idea? Email me, we’ll talk.
5. Galtar and the Golden Lance
Galtar was one of the many action series to come out of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera. This series focused on Galtar, the wielder of the legendary weapon, the Golden Lance, and his two companions as they worked to fight against the tyrant Tormack. The series was canceled before the final battle between Galtar and Tormack could occur. A proper miniseries filled with great sword action would be perfect to tell a proper ending to this series.
4. Captain Caveman and The Teen Angels
Thanks to his time in various Flintstones series, Captain Caveman became a fan favorite from Hanna-Barbera. Sadly, no one seems to remember the Teen Angels, the trio of women who rode around with him and helped to solve crimes. The Teen Angels, Brenda, Dee Dee, and Taffy, could come across as more buff and redesigned version of Captain Caveman, form a bond with him, and then go around and solve crimes together just like in the old days.
3. The Jetsons
They already did The Flintstones, so now it’s time to look at the first family of the future. Seeing as how the original show was based on what people thought the future would be for the time period, it would be interesting to see a distant future based on today’s expectation. Also, if things get going, there can be a event crossover with The Flintstones.
2. SWAT Kats: The Radical Squadron
The action series which was so popular that it successfully launched a Kickstarter for a reboot series called SWAT Kats: Revolution in 2015, which was funded for the minimum goal in the first day. This helps to prove just how loved this show is, and how an audience exists that is eagerly waiting for more adventures of T-Bone and Razor as they take to the sky in their slick jet, the Turbokat.
1. The Pirates of Dark Water
One of the greatest action cartoons of the 90s which was cancelled far too early. The concept involved the world of Mer being taken over by the mysterious living shadow called Dark Water. It followed a crew whose mission was to find thirteen magical treasures to seal the Dark Water, but the series ended with only eight being found. A comic series would be able to tell the show’s proper story and give fans what they have always wanted, closure.
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What are some of your favorite Hanna-Barbera shows you wish could get some attention? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
