You have to admit it. Cartoon Network has really been slumping these past years; especially with (Canadian remarks aside) these new Canadian shows like Johnny Test, Total Drama Island, 6Teen, and others coming into the spotlight that just plain... well... blow. However, under all this mediocrity, there is a gem of a show that actually caught my attention, and this show, ladies and gentlemen, is a show worth watching.

First off, the character designs are off-setting--who didn't cringe when they saw the premiere in '07? Its art direction is reminiscent of Teen Titans; something I know divided people in liking or hating the show (I personally couldn't stand it with the anime cues,) but the wonky designs that stray from the familiar, original Transformers cartoon [Generation 1] actually work in this show. This show is FUNNY. The characters are cute, admirable, and memorable (see Bumblebee and Bulkhead)--these are some of the few traits that makes a cartoon (and even a Japanese anime) great and makes one want to watch over and over again, talk ecstatically with friends (drool over for fangirls), and maybe even take a shot at drawing.

The writing is well done. This show gets into some pretty dark stuff "that leaps beyond its origins and becomes an engrossing tragedy. It creates characters we come to care about." (quoted from Roger Ebert's Dark Knight review that works perfectly for this.) Moreover, Transformers: Animated showcases a young female protagonist that is actually sweet and likable, compared to your usual whiny leading characters.

If you liked Fullmetal's approach with the balance of light hearted-ness and serious themes, this show will not waste your time.

Thanks for the read.