Summary
Ben 10
has had a total of five animated shows featuring the titular hero and his alien alter-egos, but not every show has been a success.
The original
Ben 10
series from 2005 was a hit with young viewers and ranks among the best Cartoon Network shows.
The most recent entry,
Ben 10
(2016) served as a reboot but was the least impressive, receiving a low user rating and lacking coherence compared to the original.
Ben 10 has had a total of five animated shows featuring the title character and his alien alter-egos, but not all of them have been successful. The original Ben 10 premiered in 2005 on Cartoon Network and quickly became a favorite among young viewers. They were captivated by the concept of a young hero who could transform into various super-powered aliens. With the help of his cousin Gwen, his grandpa Max, and some friends introduced in later series, Ben Tennyson utilizes the Omnitrix's power to protect the universe from evil forces time and time again.
5 Ben 10 (2016-2021)
: The original Ben 10 stands out as one of Cartoon Network's top shows. However, not every version of Ben 10 reached the same level of greatness, and some failed to capture the essence of the first series. Including the original animated series in 2005, the sequels featuring a 15-year-old Ben, and the recent reboot that concluded in 2021, a total of 416 episodes have been produced, showcasing the adventures of the incredibly versatile hero across five different Ben 10 shows of varying quality.
The latest addition to the Ben 10 animated series falls short of expectations. Acting as a reboot for the franchise, it aired for a total of 188 episodes before concluding in 2021. Unfortunately, this particular installment received a meager user rating of only 2.8 on IMDb, which is significantly lower compared to its predecessors. This outcome is not surprising as the show lacks coherence, merely attempting to emulate the original in an episodic manner. Additionally, the animation and style veer towards a more juvenile direction, resulting in a loss of the original's edginess and creativity.
The content fragment is as follows:
4 Ben 10: Omniverse (2012-2014)
The series delves into Ben's thrilling escapades with the Omnitrix, assuming that the audience is already familiar with the events leading up to young Tennyson becoming bound to the extraterrestrial timepiece. However, even for those who are acquainted with the story, it lacks significant context and story elements, such as understanding that Ben is trapped with the Omnitrix and unable to remove it. As the series progresses, more information about the watch and each alien is unveiled, and beloved characters from the original and sequel series eventually make appearances. Nevertheless, the timeline does not follow a linear path like the other shows, and it lacks the same heartfelt essence and overarching purpose of the original series.
Ben 10: Omniverse marks the culmination of Ben's original story that began in 2005 with the first series. The art style in this installment is distinct from its predecessors, striking a balance between the style of the 2016 reboot and the earlier shows. Ben's cousin Gwen and his once-enemy-now-ally Kevin Levin bid farewell to the team as they embark on their college journey, while Ben persists in combating the forces of evil alongside Rook Blonko, an extraterrestrial Plumber. Running from 2012 to 2014, this series consists of a total of 80 episodes and boasts a more respectable user rating of 6.3 on IMDb.
3 Ben 10: Alien Force (2008-2010)
In the concluding episode of Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Ben encounters the creator of the Omnitrix, who replaces his Ultimatrix with an upgraded version of the Omnitrix, revealing the previous one as a prototype. The enhanced Omnitrix possesses the remarkable capability to transform into over a million distinct alien species, encompassing every previously encountered alien from the earlier series'. Subsequently, Ben embarks on a thrilling series of escapades, engaging in intense confrontations with a formidable adversary named Khyber. This antagonist wields the Nemetrix, a powerful device that empowers him to assume the form of the most dominant predators found across the galaxy. Throughout Ben 10: Omniverse, we witness familiar faces making appearances, creating a delightful homage to the past. Ultimately, the series concludes the narrative in a satisfying manner.
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien follows the continued exploits of 15-year-old Ben Tennyson, picking up where the original series left off. After successfully removing the Omnitrix and embracing a normal life, Ben is unexpectedly thrust back into his heroic role. Tasked with the rescue of his Grandpa Max, he enlists the assistance of his cousin Gwen and reformed ally Kevin. Despite its brevity, this series boasted an impressive 46 episodes.
With Grandpa Max being taken hostage, Ben makes the decision to once again wield the Omnitrix. As a result of his slightly older age, the Omnitrix undergoes a reboot, granting him the ability to access a fresh assortment of alien species equipped with brand-new powers. Serving as the primary adversaries in this particular series are the Highbreed, an alien species consumed by their relentless desire to eradicate other life forms. This series represents a notable leap forward in terms of maturity and themes, as the storyline delves into deaths and more intricate narratives compared to the original series. Such developments paved the way for the franchise to enter a new era that expanded alongside its growing audience.
2 Ben 10 (2005-2008)
The world was first introduced to Ben Tennyson, voiced by the incredible Tara Strong, in the original Ben 10 series. Alongside his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max, Ben embarked on a thrilling adventure when he stumbled upon the Omnitrix. This device would bring him face to face with the villainous Vilgax, who coveted the Omnitrix's power. Meanwhile, Ben and Gwen discovered the hidden truth about their Grandpa Max's involvement with the Plumbers, a secret organization responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the galaxy.
The original series transformed Ben into a true hero, imparting upon him the vital lesson that great power necessitates great responsibility. As he acquaints himself with the Omnitrix and its incredible abilities, he harnesses its potential for the betterment of society, safeguarding his loved ones while conquering personal selfishness. Serving as the cornerstone, the original series laid the groundwork for subsequent expansions and introduced a captivating notion that enraptured the imaginations and stirred the enthusiasm of children worldwide.
1 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien (2010-2012)
Ben 10: Ultimate Alien continues the narrative of Ben 10: Alien Force. Following the destruction of the Omnitrix and the revelation of Ben's true identity, he obtains the Ultimatrix, enabling him to morph into enhanced versions of each species within the device. The series delves deeper into the storyline and showcases the growth of the team, as they navigate the complexities of being esteemed heroes in the public eye.
Ben demonstrates his selflessness by assisting the Ultimatrix aliens in attaining sentience and cooperating with Ben, despite facing significant personal sacrifices. Not only do Ben and his companions showcase their growth, but the storylines also exhibit remarkable development. The introduction of a thrilling lineup of heroes equipped with even more extraordinary ultimate powers distinguishes this series from its predecessors, making it truly exceptional. Ben 10 successfully captivated the interests of numerous children, and Ben 10: Ultimate Alien further illustrates how these shows can continue to engage and resonate with young viewers as they progress together.