5 Great Cartoon Dads

When it comes to family animation, parents tend to get the short end of the stick. Whether they're dead, or in the background, or only visible from the chest down, it's hard to come up with some really iconic and good dads in animation. Generally, when they do appear, dads tend to be the aloof comedy good for nothing side character, but this list will go against that and focus on father figures that try to live up to their title.

5. Hugh - The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius

At first glance Hugh is exactly the type of character that shouldn't be on this list. He's more than aloof, not particularly reliable, and is definitely a comedic relief character, but behind all the jokes, and his adorable misunderstandings, he really tries to be a good father to Jimmy. He's always there for Jimmy, even when Jimmy doesn't want him to be, and genuinely gives him advice, whether good or bad, based on his own unfiltered thoughts. Hugh may not be the brightest bulb to give meaningful, life changing, advice, but his heart is always in a good place and he's at least attentive to his son's hormonal emotions.

4. Tenzin - The Legend of Korra

Tenzin is a complicated character. He was the last air bender. He represents the air nation on the council at Republic City, he's trying not to let centuries of air bending tradition die, all on top of being a father to the most skilled and rambunctious kids you'll ever meet. What makes Tenzin a great dad is his ability to learn. He has to come to terms with his own standing and self multiple times throughout the series that shows his humility and respect to his family, especially his daughter Jinora when she becomes a master. Tenzin is constantly reshaping himself to better him and his family, making him an evolving father to his kids, his wife, and even those around him like Korra.

3. Solomon - The Secret Saturdays

Solomon "Doc" Saturday is a very pragmatic man. He tries to keep his cool amidst his eccentric family but always crumbles under their unwavering enthusiasm. What makes Doc a reliable father is that he's always there for his family. He may not like how his wife and son can manipulate him into doing what they want, but he's always supportive at the end of the day. Doc has mastered fourteen forms of martial arts and is always trying to imbue his son with life lessons of responsibility. He may get flustered among his family's antics but he'll always stand by you and be a pillar of support whether his son needs it or not.

2. Robert Hawkins - Static Shock

Robert is the Uncle Phil of cartoon fathers. He's a social worker and passionate about the social and racial politics of his city. He's a single father with two kids, one of which is a superhero, and while it can be difficult for him, he tries his hardest to be the solid foundation that his kids can rely on. He's not afraid to speak his mind, like when he calls out Virgil's best friend's dad for being racist, and is a silent supporter of his son's superhero antics. When the main focus of a superhero is obviously his son, it's impressive that Robert is able to make equally memorable moments with significantly less screen time to an audience that is mostly made up of kids.

1. Splinter - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2003)

It's hard to make a list of fathers and leave off this selfless saint. Splinter not only saved his turtle sons lives, but also trained them and gave them a way to survive in this cruel harsh world known as New York City. The turtles have absolute respect for their adoptive father, even if some of them can get out of hand at times. Splinter, even in his old age, is up to face Shredder in order to save his family and live a happy life. Wise, caring, selfless, supportive, Splinter is a saint that he still values these attributes after everything his sons put him through.