Myth arcs/arc driven animated series: what makes them unique?

Though it's obviously not a given, some of the best cartoons are the ones which have long running plotlines and story arcs; Gargoyles, Justice League, Avatar, Earth's Mightiest heroes.

And before someone asks, yes I think they're unique. My question is a bit more about personal opinion; what makes arc driven shows unique in your experience?

For me, it's how the plot is gradually built and seeing how the characters progressed. It's also fun to see recurring elements and chehvov's guns.

Maybe it's because they stick out in an industry mostly focused towards humor.

Well, we have to remember, the plot isn't the only thing that makes them unique. I'd say all of those (and other popular plot driven shows) have good characters, nice animation and humour as well. Not that other, more episodic series don't, but when you combine them with an overarching story, its just one other thing to love.

Not to mention, they do get more serious and tend to deal with more mature themes. Maybe it doesn't get into True Art Is Angsty levels, but people appreciate things which can deal with a whole range of emotions.

Western Cartoons, unlike Japanese ones, are geared toward stand-alone episodes; that is why running plotlines are more noticeable there. Does that make them better? That's a matter of opinion. I'd say so, but I'm a continuity fan. A series may not have an apparent episode order and still be very good.

(And then there's the rare show that, while still officially having an episode sequence, not to mention character development, does it so subtly it can still be watched in any order and still be enjoyed without your even noticing it. Gravity Falls is an example of this.)

edited 21st Nov '12 7:14:34 AM by Sijo

Always enjoy it when they manage to balance things out like that.

They're unique because it keeps the writers from doing lazy bullshit like Status Quo Is God or hitting the Reset Button all the time. You try that with an arc driven story and sooner or later the fans are gonna get tired of you putzing around.

They're a double edged sword, though, because if you don't last long enough (and we know American TV executives are much more willing to screw action cartoons than episodic comedies), you'll end up with an unfinished, unsolved mess in your hands.

There can be another problem in that a show may continue long after its myth arc has concluded. Done bad and it can lead to stagnation of a show that doesn't go anywhere, or make people think its overstayed its welcome and should have ended a long time ago. Of course, some shows can handle going past the myth arc fine as long as the writers are good and the show is one that still has potential.