Ben 10 & Generator Rex

Ben 10 has proven itself to be a hit cartoon, managing to last several seasons before evolving into the Alien Force & Ultimate Alien sequels. Ben 10: Alien Force & Ultimate Alien see the main heroes as slightly older and wiser teens. Ben & Gwen have changed drastically within a short number of years from hilarious to serious. As a result, Ben 10 lost its old charm of fun, silly humour to sarcastic wit.

However, the characters have gained maturity (well, Gwen mostly) and the story line has become darker, which leads Ben & Gwen on a dangerous mission to find Grandpa and uncover an alien conspiracy. The series leads to a new addition in their team - Kevin, who contributes the sarcasm to the mix. Somehow, Kevin & Gwen remind me of Casey Jones & April (TMNT).

Anyway, Ben 10 Alien Force season 1's 2-parter finale was awesome. Subsequent seasons of Alien Force fell a little short, and Ultimate Alien felt rather forgettable.

Well, I enjoy all the series for different reasons. With the original Ben 10, I can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. With Alien Force & Ultimate Alien, I cringe or face-palm at Kevin's sarcastically lame jokes, Ben's cravings (for smoothies, chilli fries and attention), and at Kevin & Gwen's on-off relationship. But it's all good.

The plus points about all the Ben 10 series and movies are the continuity between them and subsequent reappearances of past characters. Even the new transformation in the live action movie features in the cartoon. It's great to see old allies and villains return.

*Edit*

I'm so glad to see a fan-created sequel, 5 Years Later, which sees Ben team up with Danny Phantom. I'll be keeping an eye out for the next chapters.

Besides Ben 10, I'm also catching up on some Generator Rex, also created by Man Of Action. I actually like most of the characters, except for Rex. He's like an alternate world Ben Tennyson. In terms of plot, Generator Rex is potentially interesting in terms of science and ethics. However, Ben 10 has way more popularity and sci-fi space and time travel plots, which gives it an "infinite possibility" potential. Man Of Action is smart.