8) The Tick (1994-96)
Not all great superhero cartoons were inspired by Marvel and DC characters. Cult favourite The Tick was based on an independent comic book series and proved to be a welcome parody of the superhero genre.
From creator Ben Edlund, The Tick has a zany sense of humour that should have appealed to kids, but the show actually found more of a home with adult viewers who enjoyed the arch, knowing approach it took to superheroes.
For instance, the Tick was a musclebound moron whose associates included brilliant parodies of famous heroes like American Maid (Wonder Woman), Die Fledermaus (Batman) and Sewer Urchin (Aquaman, by way of Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man).
There was a live-action series in 2001, too, starring Patrick Warburton, which also gathered a loyal following – even though it only lasted for nine episodes.