History GrowingTheBeard / WesternAnimation

* ''WesternAnimation/LegionOfSuperheroes'' started off strong, but also has accusations of being a ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans2003'' ripoff. The show gradually gets its own identity as it goes on, especially in season 2.

* ''WesternAnimation/{{Ninjago}}'' did this in season 2 as the characters matured and more backstory was revealed, leading to some [[TearJerker genuinely]] [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments moving]] episodes. As the real plot of defeating the GreaterScopeVillain kicked off, it jumped from a MerchandiseDriven show running mostly on RuleOfCool and NarmCharm to a show with genuinely interesting characters and storylines (although the other two elements were still present to varying degrees).

** ''WesternAnimation/TransformersPrime'' started off fairly strong but some people complained that it was too reminiscent of the [[Film/{{Transformers}} Transformers film series]] in both look and story structure ([[HumanFocusedAdaptation although with a greater focus on the robots]]). Once the initial miniseries was over and the series proper got started, fans started to pick up on the high-tension/horror-themed episodes like "Scrapheap," "Predatory," "Operation: Breakdown" and "Rock Bottom." Those episodes in particular started to show how dedicated the series was towards balancing both story and characters. "Partners" is also where there was a sense of a MythArc forming, where Starscream [[spoiler:defects from the Decepticons and becomes neutral.]]

** The show has been steadily growing the beard since "Roger n' Me", finally becoming a classic with the third season episodes "Meter Made" and "Dope & Faith", the latter containing [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome several sublime moments]] including a subplot resolution that involves Roger the alien on cocaine and [[ExtravertedNerd Steve Smith]] defeating the BigBad by [[ItMakesSenseInContext waving a chopstick and shouting "wash your hands" in Spanish]].

* Creator/TexAvery's ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'' shorts are unanimously considered to be hilarious classics, but [[WesternAnimation/TexAveryMGMCartoons his tenure at MGM]] was where the gloves came off and he was able to push the comedic limits of cartoon animation.

* ''WesternAnimation/BarneyBear'' benefited from taking cues from Avery and applying [[DenserAndWackier improvements in timing and pacing to the later shorts]], and giving Barney a [[ArtEvolution much-needed redesign]].

* ''WesternAnimation/ReadyJetGo'' started off as a fairly decent edutainment series in the first half of season 1. By episode 21 ("So Many Moons / Project Pluto"), the show had more vibrant and cinematic animation, more developed characters, stand-out songs, and more mature plots. Although some argue that the beard-growing started earlier with "Beep Has the Blues", which was emotional and somewhat dramatic.

* The third season (specifically, "[[Recap/FuturamaS3E2ParasitesLost Parasites Lost]]" and "[[Recap/FuturamaS3E14TimeKeepsOnSlippin Time Keeps on Slippin']]") is the first real glimpse of what ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'' is most highly regarded for -- the ability to mix comedy and melancholy, which leads into its centerpiece plot.

*** It also features some big development for Megatron, who rapidly became [[NighInvulnerability one]] [[AuthorityEqualsAsskicking of]] [[ManipulativeBastard the]] [[MrFanservice character's]] finest incarnations.

* The ''Franchise/{{DCAU}}'' has some examples:

* ''WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor'': The show was a series of unconnected stories about five kids sticking it to the adults, and a certain bunch of kids who live down the lane. While hints of something greater were present in the season one finale, it wasn't until the season two finale ("Operation: E.N.D.") that the writers started developing the organization more, putting the characters in more danger, and showing that not every operative is a good guy. The sixth and final season was a similar turning point, with a splinter cell that comes into focus, followed by mysterious events happening to [[ConspiracyTheorist Numbuh One]]. It all leads up to a master plan that comes to play in the GrandFinale, "Operation: I.N.T.E.R.V.I.E.W.S.", giving the show a brilliant sendoff, albeit a TearJerker.

* ''WesternAnimation/MiraculousLadybug'' began growing the beard around the second season. Reasons are because Ladybug and Cat Noir got some new powers, their relationship started getting explored further, Nino, Alya, and Chloe become superheroes in some episodes, and we finally discovered Hawk Moth's identity and his purpose of trying to take Ladybug and Cat Noir's miraculouses.

* ''WesternAnimation/IronManTheAnimatedSeries'' had a rough go around to say the least, when it debuted in 1994. Season 1 of ''Iron Man'' was [[StrictlyFormula formulaic]][[note]]Whatever complexities about [[ComicBook/IronMan Tony Stark]] that were inherent in the comics, including his womanizing nature and his alcohol addiction, were discarded in favor of a more [[LighterAndSofter child friendly]] premise. In this case, a [[BlackAndWhiteMorality cut and dry]], ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983''/''WesternAnimation/GIJoeARealAmericanHero'' style battle between the [[SuperTeam heroic]] Force Works against the [[BigBad villainous]] Mandarin and his super powered team of [[{{Mooks}} goons]]. More to the point, every episode played out the same way: The Mandarin attempts another goofy [[TakeOverTheWorld world domination]] plot or to steal a new Stark invention, there is some dissension caused within Iron Man's team, Mandarin's evil plot seems to succeed but Force Works settle their differences in time to save the day.[[/note]], bland and [[PacingProblems boring]] at times. More to the point, the first season's episodes were often comprised of meandering scripts, which were usually needlessly [[KudzuPlot complex]]. The scripts also had some [[HumorDissonance ill-fitting humor]]. To make matters worse, Season 1 of ''Iron Man'' contained choppy animation[[note]]Artwork would constantly go [[OffModel/WesternAnimation off-model]] and character movements were strictly twelve frames per second. Furthermore, in order to [[CuttingCorners save costs]], the animation studio would use a lot of [[StockFootage stock footage]] from past episodes in subsequent ones with no effort made to cover the cost cutting measure.[[/note]], and inconsistent [[VocalEvolution voice acting]]. But Creator/MarvelComics radically retooled ''Iron Man'' for its second season. The glut of regular characters was [[PutOnABus cut down]][[note]]The Mandarin was reduced to appearing in minuscule vignettes at the end of each episode while his lackeys [[ChuckCunninghamSyndrome mostly disappeared]]. This allowed for a [[CreateYourOwnVillain fresh batch of villains]] such as Firebrand and AIM to appear. Meanwhile, after Tony Stark [[WhatTheHellHero betrays their trust]], Force Works is [[BreakingTheFellowship broken up]] and his inner circle is for the most part, now comprised of ComicBook/WarMachine and ComicBook/SpiderWoman.[[/note]], the formulaic style of Season 1 was discarded in favor of directly [[AdaptationDistillation adapting]] popular storylines from the Iron Man comics. There is also a greater sense of [[{{Arc}} continuity]] as the affects of events in one episode[[note]]There were in general, more [[CharacterFocus character centered]] episodes that dealt with [[CentralTheme common themes]] that anyone can relate to such as phobias, trust, the price of beauty and obsession.[[/note]] carried over into the next. Another [[{{Retool}} change in direction]] was Creator/KokoEnterprises replacing Rainbow in the animation department. In return, the [[ArtShift art]] became more detailed and [[DarkerAndEdgier moodier]][[note]]The color scheme lost the decidedly bright, cheery look of Season 1 in favor of heavier blacks and more angular designs.[[/note]] and the animation became much [[AnimationBump smoother]]. Finally, the mind-numbing [[TitleSequence opening credits]] of Season 1 are replaced with a fairly [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic awesome]] rock theme.

* The [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness first season]] of ''WesternAnimation/FantasticFourTheAnimatedSeries'' is a telltale example of how not to produce a superhero cartoon. Premiering in 1994, alongside ''WesternAnimation/IronManTheAnimatedSeries'' as part of the syndicated ''Marvel Action Hour'' series, ''Fantastic Four'' contained painfully bad, low quality animation[[note]]The characters looked [[LimitedAnimation too stiff]], especially the Thing. They would also make [[StockPoses weird poses]] in-between a mediocre [[{{Overcrank}} frame rate]]. More to the point, art-wise, the designs lacked detail, the colors used were [[ArtStyleDissonance bright and cheery]], and characters continually went "off-model". For example, ComicBook/DoctorDoom looked badly [[HeroicBuild out of proportion]], and the ComicBook/SilverSurfer looked like a walking piece of melted wax.[[/note]] (provided by Creator/KennedyCartoons and Creator/WangFilmProductions), rather weak storylines[[note]]That were [[ArcFatigue tired]], [[ClicheStorm clichéd]], and with a seemingly general disregard to the [[AdaptationDecay source material]]. While most of the first season storylines were adapted from various Creator/StanLee comics, they had none of their wit, drama or characterization.[[/note]], herky-jerky lines of [[RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic dialogue]][[note]]Many times, characters will [[MrExposition over-explain]] themselves to the audience in dialogue like "The impact has made me become visible. I must find a way out." Or villains will [[EvilGloating talk us]] through their [[TakeOverTheWorld world dominating schemes]] in step-by-step [[LaymansTerms simplification]].[[/note]], and an obnoxiously [[Narm/{{Music}} cheesy]] [[ExpositoryThemeTune expository theme tune]][[note]]Composed by Music/GiorgioMoroder.[[/note]]. There were also [[TheScrappy annoying supporting characters]] such as a pesky British landlady voiced by Creator/StanLee's wife Joan. The nadir of Season 1 has to be when on separate occasions, the Thing and the ComicBook/HumanTorch are [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy rapping]]. It's an understatement to say that the second season was a massive improvement. For [[{{Retool}} Season 2]], Creator/MarvelComics [[ArtShift changed its animation studios]] to Creator/PhilippineAnimationStudioInc [[note]]There was now a higher level of detail, darker colors, and more consistent and smoother artwork.[[/note]], replaced Ron Friedman with Tom Tataranowicz as the showrunner, and boasted a more [[BattleThemeMusic heroic]] sounding theme tune. Also, the {{camp}}y, [[HumorDissonance corny humor]] of the first season was replaced with more mature narratives and actual human drama. Sadly, it may have been a case of too little, too late, as ''Fantastic Four'' along with ''Iron Man'' was cancelled at the [[ShortRunners end]] of Season 2.

* The [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness first season]] of ''WesternAnimation/FantasticFourTheAnimatedSeries'' is a telltale example of how not to produce a superhero cartoon. Premiering in 1994, alongside ''WesternAnimation/IronManTheAnimatedSeries'' as part of the syndicated ''Marvel Action Hour'' series, ''Fantastic Four'' contained painfully bad, low quality animation[[note]]The characters looked [[LimitedAnimation too stiff]], especially the Thing. They would also make [[StockPoses weird poses]] in-between a mediocre [[{{Overcrank}} frame rate]]. More to the point, art-wise, the designs lacked detail, the colors used were [[ArtStyleDissonance bright and cheery]], and characters continually went [[OffModel/WesternAnimation "off-model"]]. For example, ComicBook/DoctorDoom looked badly [[HeroicBuild out of proportion]], and the ComicBook/SilverSurfer looked like a walking piece of melted wax.[[/note]] (provided by Creator/KennedyCartoons and Creator/WangFilmProductions), rather weak storylines[[note]]That were [[ArcFatigue tired]], [[ClicheStorm clichéd]], and with a seemingly general disregard to the [[AdaptationDecay source material]]. While most of the first season storylines were adapted from various Creator/StanLee comics, they had none of their wit, drama or characterization.[[/note]], herky-jerky lines of [[RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic dialogue]][[note]]Many times, characters will [[MrExposition over-explain]] themselves to the audience in dialogue like "The impact has made me become visible. I must find a way out." Or villains will [[EvilGloating talk us]] through their [[TakeOverTheWorld world dominating schemes]] in step-by-step [[LaymansTerms simplification]].[[/note]], and an obnoxiously [[Narm/{{Music}} cheesy]] [[ExpositoryThemeTune expository theme tune]][[note]]Composed by Music/GiorgioMoroder.[[/note]]. There were also [[TheScrappy annoying supporting characters]] such as a pesky British landlady voiced by Creator/StanLee's wife Joan. The nadir of Season 1 has to be when on separate occasions, the Thing and the ComicBook/HumanTorch are [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy rapping]]. It's an understatement to say that the second season was a massive improvement. For [[{{Retool}} Season 2]], Creator/MarvelComics [[ArtShift changed its animation studios]] to Creator/PhilippineAnimationStudioInc [[note]]There was now a higher level of detail, darker colors, and more consistent and smoother artwork.[[/note]], replaced Ron Friedman with Tom Tataranowicz as the showrunner, and boasted a more [[BattleThemeMusic heroic]] sounding theme tune. Also, the {{camp}}y, [[HumorDissonance corny humor]] of the first season was replaced with more mature narratives and actual human drama. Sadly, it may have been a case of too little, too late, as ''Fantastic Four'' along with ''Iron Man'' was cancelled at the [[ShortRunners end]] of Season 2.

* The [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness first season]] of ''WesternAnimation/FantasticFourTheAnimatedSeries'' animated is a telltale example of how not to produce a superhero cartoon. Premiering in 1994, alongside ''WesternAnimation/IronManTheAnimatedSeries'' as part of the syndicated ''Marvel Action Hour'' series, ''Fantastic Four'' contained painfully bad, low quality animation[[note]]The characters looked [[LimitedAnimation too stiff]], especially the Thing. They would also make [[StockPoses weird poses]] in-between a mediocre [[{{Overcrank}} frame rate]]. More to the point, art-wise, the designs lacked detail, the colors used were [[ArtStyleDissonance bright and cheery]], and characters continually went [[OffModel/WesternAnimation "off-model"]]. For example, ComicBook/DoctorDoom looked badly [[HeroicBuild out of proportion]], and the ComicBook/SilverSurfer looked like a walking piece of melted wax.[[/note]] (provided by Creator/KennedyCartoons and Creator/WangFilmProductions), rather weak storylines[[note]]That were [[ArcFatigue tired]], [[ClicheStorm clichéd]], and with a seemingly general disregard to the [[AdaptationDecay source material]]. While most of the first season storylines were adapted from various Creator/StanLee comics, they had none of their wit, drama or characterization.[[/note]], herky-jerky lines of [[RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic dialogue]][[note]]Many times, characters will [[MrExposition over-explain]] themselves to the audience in dialogue like "The impact has made me become visible. I must find a way out." Or villains will [[EvilGloating talk us]] through their [[TakeOverTheWorld world dominating schemes]] in step-by-step [[LaymansTerms simplification]].[[/note]], and an obnoxiously [[Narm/{{Music}} cheesy]] [[ExpositoryThemeTune expository theme tune]][[note]]Composed by Music/GiorgioMoroder.[[/note]]. There were also [[TheScrappy annoying supporting characters]] such as a pesky British landlady voiced by Creator/StanLee's wife Joan. The nadir of Season 1 has to be when on separate occasions, the Thing and the ComicBook/HumanTorch are [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy rapping]]. It's an understatement to say that the second season was a massive improvement. For [[{{Retool}} Season 2]], Creator/MarvelComics [[ArtShift changed its animation studios]] to Creator/PhilippineAnimationStudioInc [[note]]There was now a higher level of detail, darker colors, and more consistent and smoother artwork.[[/note]], replaced Ron Friedman with Tom Tataranowicz as the showrunner, and boasted a more [[BattleThemeMusic heroic]] sounding theme tune. Also, the {{camp}}y, [[HumorDissonance corny humor]] of the first season was replaced with more mature narratives and actual human drama. Sadly, it may have been a case of too little, too late, as ''Fantastic Four'' along with ''Iron Man'' was cancelled at the [[ShortRunners end]] of Season 2.

*** They wanted to increase the scale of the stories with larger backgrounds, more character models animated in critical scenes, bigger stakes, a visceral sense of physical contact and added emotional conflict even between the heroes. The rationale was "the show doesn't necessarily have to be ''dark'', but it has to be ''intense''" in order to make sure viewers were engrossed. The action became faster, more chaotic, more creative, and less repetitive. Green Lantern was even chastised for being too [[GreenLanternRing straightforward with his ring]].

* While season one of ''WesternAnimation/SantiagoOfTheSeas' 'was considered well done, season 2 has shown a big jump of quality, especially in terms of writing, music, and animation. The stories have higher stakes and dive a lot more into the lore of the world, and hints to having a continues narrative arc that will span the season, which is rare in a preschool series. The series has also taken to [[FakeInteractivity talking to the audience]] much less - now only addressing them at the beginning and end of the episode.

* The first season of ''WesternAnimation/StarTrekLowerDecks'' was criticized for having too much violent gross-out humor (similar to ''WesternAnimation/RickAndMorty'') and unlikable characters. These elements started be phased out as the season went on, with episodes soon focusing on comedic versions of typical ''Star Trek'' plots, more world-building for an era of ''Star Trek'' that had been ignored for some time, and [[TheBusCameBack including more legacy characters like Q and Riker]]. The first season finale also brought back the Pakleds (a one-off joke villain from TNG) and turned them into an actual threat, making them the perfect antagonist for a comedy show. By Season Two, the characters had grown considerably and started to show more dimension, veering less into UnsympatheticComedyProtagonist. The season two finale was so well-received, some argued it was like a regular TNG episode with some comedy thrown in.

* The [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness first season]] of the 1990s ''WesternAnimation/FantasticFour'' animated series is a telltale example of how not to produce a superhero cartoon. Premiering in 1994, alongside an animated adaptation of ''WesternAnimation/IronMan'' as part of the syndicated ''Marvel Action Hour'' series, ''Fantastic Four'' contained painfully bad, low quality animation[[note]]The characters looked [[LimitedAnimation too stiff]], especially the Thing. They would also make [[StockPoses weird poses]] in-between a mediocre [[{{Overcrank}} frame rate]]. More to the point, art-wise, the designs lacked detail, the colors used were [[ArtStyleDissonance bright and cheery]], and characters continually went [[OffModel/WesternAnimation "off-model"]]. For example, ComicBook/DoctorDoom looked badly [[HeroicBuild out of proportion]], and the ComicBook/SilverSurfer looked like a walking piece of melted wax.[[/note]] (provided by Creator/KennedyCartoons and Creator/WangFilmProductions), rather weak storylines[[note]]That were [[ArcFatigue tired]], [[ClicheStorm clichéd]], and with a seemingly general disregard to the [[AdaptationDecay source material]]. While most of the first season storylines were adapted from various Creator/StanLee comics, they had none of their wit, drama or characterization.[[/note]], herky-jerky lines of [[RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic dialogue]][[note]]Many times, characters will [[MrExposition over-explain]] themselves to the audience in dialogue like "The impact has made me become visible. I must find a way out." Or villains will [[EvilGloating talk us]] through their [[TakeOverTheWorld world dominating schemes]] in step-by-step [[LaymansTerms simplification]].[[/note]], and an obnoxiously [[Narm/{{Music}} cheesy]] [[ExpositoryThemeTune expository theme tune]][[note]]Composed by Music/GiorgioMoroder.[[/note]]. There were also [[TheScrappy annoying supporting characters]] such as a pesky British landlady voiced by Creator/StanLee's wife Joan. The nadir of Season 1 has to be when on separate occasions, the Thing and the ComicBook/HumanTorch are [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy rapping]]. It's an understatement to say that the second season was a massive improvement. For [[{{Retool}} Season 2]], Creator/MarvelComics [[ArtShift changed its animation studios]] to Creator/PhilippineAnimationStudioInc [[note]]There was now a higher level of detail, darker colors, and more consistent and smoother artwork.[[/note]], replaced Ron Friedman with Tom Tataranowicz as the showrunner, and boasted a more [[BattleThemeMusic heroic]] sounding theme tune. Also, the {{camp}}y, [[HumorDissonance corny humor]] of the first season was replaced with more mature narratives and actual human drama. Sadly, it may have been a case of too little, too late, as ''Fantastic Four'' along with ''Iron Man'' was cancelled at the [[ShortRunners end]] of Season 2.

* ''WesternAnimation/IronMan'' had a rough go around to say the least, when it debuted in 1994. Season 1 of ''Iron Man'' was [[StrictlyFormula formulaic]][[note]]Whatever complexities about [[ComicBook/IronMan Tony Stark]] that were inherent in the comics, including his womanizing nature and his alcohol addiction, were discarded in favor of a more [[LighterAndSofter child friendly]] premise. In this case, a [[BlackAndWhiteMorality cut and dry]], ''WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983''/''WesternAnimation/GIJoeARealAmericanHero'' style battle between the [[SuperTeam heroic]] Force Works against the [[BigBad villainous]] Mandarin and his super powered team of [[{{Mooks}} goons]]. More to the point, every episode played out the same way: The Mandarin attempts another goofy [[TakeOverTheWorld world domination]] plot or to steal a new Stark invention, there is some dissension caused within Iron Man's team, Mandarin's evil plot seems to succeed but Force Works settle their differences in time to save the day.[[/note]], bland and [[PacingProblems boring]] at times. More to the point, the first season's episodes were often comprised of meandering scripts, which were usually needlessly [[KudzuPlot complex]]. The scripts also had some [[HumorDissonance ill-fitting humor]]. To make matters worse, Season 1 of ''Iron Man'' contained choppy animation[[note]]Artwork would constantly go [[OffModel/WesternAnimation off-model]] and character movements were strictly twelve frames per second. Furthermore, in order to [[CuttingCorners save costs]], the animation studio would use a lot of [[StockFootage stock footage]] from past episodes in subsequent ones with no effort made to cover the cost cutting measure.[[/note]], and inconsistent [[VocalEvolution voice acting]]. But Creator/MarvelComics radically retooled ''Iron Man'' for its second season. The glut of regular characters was [[PutOnABus cut down]][[note]]The Mandarin was reduced to appearing in minuscule vignettes at the end of each episode while his lackeys [[ChuckCunninghamSyndrome mostly disappeared]]. This allowed for a [[CreateYourOwnVillain fresh batch of villains]] such as Firebrand and AIM to appear. Meanwhile, after Tony Stark [[WhatTheHellHero betrays their trust]], Force Works is [[BreakingTheFellowship broken up]] and his inner circle is for the most part, now comprised of ComicBook/WarMachine and ComicBook/SpiderWoman.[[/note]], the formulaic style of Season 1 was discarded in favor of directly [[AdaptationDistillation adapting]] popular storylines from the Iron Man comics. There is also a greater sense of [[{{Arc}} continuity]] as the affects of events in one episode[[note]]There were in general, more [[CharacterFocus character centered]] episodes that dealt with [[CentralTheme common themes]] that anyone can relate to such as phobias, trust, the price of beauty and obsession.[[/note]] carried over into the next. Another [[{{Retool}} change in direction]] was Creator/KokoEnterprises replacing Rainbow in the animation department. In return, the [[ArtShift art]] became more detailed and [[DarkerAndEdgier moodier]][[note]]The color scheme lost the decidedly bright, cheery look of Season 1 in favor of heavier blacks and more angular designs.[[/note]] and the animation became much [[AnimationBump smoother]]. Finally, the mind-numbing [[TitleSequence opening credits]] of Season 1 are replaced with a fairly [[SugarWiki/AwesomeMusic awesome]] rock theme.

* ''The Marvel Action Hour'', the 1990s ''WesternAnimation/FantasticFour'' and ''WesternAnimation/IronMan'' cartoons both grew their beards in season 2; while not rejecting their first seasons, the shows suddenly took a leap forward in quality. Basically, the entire production crew from the first season was fired and replaced. The animation style changed for both shows and most of the Force Works characters from ''Iron Man'' were written out to concentrate on better solo stories. Much like the TropeNamer having Riker grow a beard, the ''Iron Man'' show also had its growth symbolized by Tony adopting the mullet he has in the '80s.

* While generally not considered bad, the first season of ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' is jarringly different from other seasons to more recent viewers, due to the show's slower pace, Homer's voice, the quirks of the animation style, etc. The show starts to pick up in the second season, and then hits its stride by the third season. The reason was largely financial: the initial Tracey Ullman shorts were done on the cheap (starting with a two-man animation team, one of whom was Creator/MattGroening), and improved as more funding was added. The first season was a half-length trial - with the second season, they got full funding and were able to set down a regular writing and production cycle and firm up the designs.

* ''WesternAnimation/LegionOfSuperheroes'' started off strong, but also has accusations of being a ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'' ripoff. The show gradually gets its own identity as it goes on, especially in season 2.

* The first season of ''WesternAnimation/TeenTitans'' was slow, {{Anvilicious}}, and couldn't escape the label of [[AnimationAgeGhetto "Justice League lite."]] Something at the end of season 1 just clicked and showed that yeah, they can do drama. Then season 2 said "Yeah, we can also do superhero comedy!" In particular, "Masks", the episode that kicked off the Robin story arc at the end of the first season, introduced the "not so different" dynamic between Robin and [[BigBad Slade]], and started developing Slade's motives and plans beyond the generic evil of his first few appearances marked the moment of beard growth for many.

* ''WesternAnimation/UltimateSpiderMan'''s season one finale has earned a more glowing reception than expected after previous episodes. After it, season 2's reception improved from the previous one, having more character development and bringing in fan-favorite Spider-Man villains, though the quality remains highly contested.

** Director Creator/ChuckJones arguably grew the beard in 1942. Prior to this, most of his cartoons looked like imitations of Disney's style: [[TastesLikeDiabetes slow paced, and rather cutesy.]] This changed with two particular cartoons, "The Draft Horse" and "WesternAnimation/TheDoverBoys". They ended up being the first cartoons where he started to include the irreverent humor of the Warner Bros. animation studio and both cartoons got big laughs at the theaters. Then the following year, he released "Super Rabbit" (Bugs Bunny in a Franchise/{{Superman}} parody). He had done several Bugs Bunny cartoons up to that point, but noted that this was the cartoon where he felt that he began to understand what made Bugs work. In fact, Chuck Jones [[CreatorBacklash hated]] all of his pre-1948 works (barring for some experimental shorts), especially "Elmer's Candid Camera", which he considered an OldShame.

* The [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness first season]] of the 1990s ''WesternAnimation/FantasticFour'' animated series is a telltale example of how not to produce a superhero cartoon. Premiering in 1994, alongside an animated adaptation of ''WesternAnimation/IronMan'' as part of the syndicated ''Marvel Action Hour'' series, ''Fantastic Four'' contained painfully bad, low quality animation[[note]]The characters looked [[LimitedAnimation too stiff]], especially the Thing. They would also make [[StockPoses weird poses]] in-between a mediocre [[{{Overcrank}} frame rate]]. More to the point, art-wise, the designs lacked detail, the colors used were [[ArtStyleDissonance bright and cheery]], and characters continually went [[OffModel/WesternAnimation "off-model"]]. For example, ComicBook/DoctorDoom looked badly [[HeroicBuild out of proportion]], and the ComicBook/SilverSurfer looked like a walking piece of melted wax.[[/note]] (provided by Creator/KennedyCartoons and Creator/WangFilmProductions), rather weak storylines[[note]]That were [[ArcFatigue tired]], [[ClicheStorm clichéd]], and with a seemingly general disregard to the [[AdaptationDecay source material]]. While most of the first season storylines were adapted from various Creator/StanLee comics, they had none of their wit, drama or characterization.[[/note]], herky-jerky lines of [[RealisticDictionIsUnrealistic dialogue]][[note]]Many times, characters will [[MrExposition over-explain]] themselves to the audience in dialogue like "The impact has made me become visible. I must find a way out." Or villains will [[EvilGloating talk us]] through their [[TakeOverTheWorld world dominating schemes]] in step-by-step [[LaymansTerms simplification]].[[/note]], and an obnoxiously [[Narm/{{Music}} cheesy]] [[ExpositoryThemeTune expository theme tune]][[note]]Composed by Music/GiorgioMoroder.[[/note]]. There were also [[TheScrappy annoying supporting characters]] such as a pesky British landlady voiced by Creator/StanLee's wife Joan. The nadir of Season 1 has to be when on separate occasions, the Thing and the ComicBook/HumanTorch are [[PrettyFlyForAWhiteGuy rapping]]. It's an understatement to say that the second season was a massive improvement. For [[{{Retool}} Season 2]], Creator/MarvelComics [[ArtShift changed its animation studios]] to Creator/PhilippineAnimationStudioInc [[note]]There was now a higher level of detail, darker colors, and more consistent and smoother artwork.[[/note]], replaced Ron Friedman with Tom Tataranowicz as the showrunner, and boasted a more [[BattleThemeMusic heroic]] sounding theme tune. Also, the {{camp}}y, [[HumorDissonance corny humor]] of the first season was replaced with more mature narratives and actual human drama. Sadly, it may have been a case of too little, too late, as ''Fantastic Four'' along with ''Iron Man'' was canceled at the [[ShortRunners end]] of Season 2.

* ''WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes'': While not necessarily bad, the early shorts started as shallow, musical oriented Disney ripoffs, but in 1935, Creator/TexAvery and Creator/BobClampett decided to bring back the fun of old rubberhose cartoons (at a time when Disney was becoming a major force in the industry) which slowly led to the creation of beloved stars like WesternAnimation/PorkyPig, WesternAnimation/DaffyDuck, WesternAnimation/BugsBunny, and the rest of the Looney Tunes ensemble, while previous Disney-derivative stars like Beans the Cat and Oliver Owl faded into obscurity.

** WesternAnimation/BugsBunny started off as an undeveloped [[ThePrankster prankster]] and fairly unsympathetic. As shorts passed throughout the forties, his personality and design slowly refined and he became the cool headed KarmicTrickster we all know and love.