First Look: "Teen Titans Go!"
The original cartoon, based on the DC comic with the same name, first aired in 2003. It had five seasons and developed a large, loyal fanbase. Last year, Cartoon Network released some short animations based on the series using simple, cartoony animation, the original voice actors and used only the comedic elements of the original series. And now, these shorts are full length episodes.
The old...
Here’s a conversation that went on in a meeting at Cartoon Network between CEO Mr Bumbledumb and his right hand man Mr Peterson:
Yes, that conversation is completely accurate.* With the cancelation of Young Justice and Green Lantern still fresh in a lot of DC animation fans’ mind, you have to wonder why Cartoon Network thought stripping away all serious elements of an older, beloved cartoon was a good idea. The internet seems to have gone a bit crazy with the release of this new Teen Titans Go. There’s a lot of... creative comments on Cartoon Network’s Facebook page and the official Teen Titans Go photos. Of course, any negativity could be down to fans jumping the gun and judging it before the release. Well, now it has been aired. And yeah, they’re still not happy. The show isn’t bad, though. In fact, it’s quite enjoyable. The animation style IS delightful, the jokes are funny, the characters are great and the cast is fantastic. But, it’s impossible not to draw comparisons with the original. Especially since they brought back the original cast. 
...and the new.
The comedic elements of the original were great because they contrasted the serious nature of some of the plot points. This new series, however, has no serious elements to play off and is a totally new show. But getting fans to see it that way is understandably difficult. The episode is split into two stories, as is standard with cartoons like this. The first one follows the team as they try to create the perfect sandwich. It has its moments and Robin’s time in the Super Market was funny enough but it’s the second half that makes the show enjoyable. The second part is about Cyborg’s birthday. Beast Boy, his best friend, is out to get him the present he thinks Cyborg wants, leading him to get a job in the pie place they frequent. 
This story actually goes to a pretty dark place, though. It’s not a serious plotline like the original series but if you’re desperate for some grown up elements, the pie shop is where you’ll find it. The jokes were as predictable as the plots, for the most part. Raven, the gothic demon girl, likes My Little Pony. There’s a pie fight in a pie shop. Pin the tail on the donkey involves a real donkey. They’re not bad jokes; they’re just not new and can be found in every show like it. I tried my best to watch this without thinking of the original, to view it as a whole new show. I found it enjoyable, but it’s a reminder that the more serious cartoons never last, that the original Teen Titans is gone. But it’s not aimed at me. It’s not aimed at the fans of the original, either (at least, I hope not). I don’t think Cartoon Network cares if fans of the original like it, as long as little brats buy the toys and watch the show. It’s unfortunate, but still... In the end, what we have is a show that can be enjoyable as long as you don’t think about anything. Mindless fun. Although fans will want this to Teen Titans Go Away. Get it? Teen Titans Go... Away. Get it? Shut up. *Not an actual conversation at Cartoon Network. So, have you seen the new Teen Titans? What did you think of it? And do you have any information of the location of Peterson’s wife? Let us know! 
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