In 2023 it seems to be a different story. There are almost only strong series, many of which have come to an end. Of course, there are series that did not live up to expectations (and some that, in my opinion, can be nominated for the most disappointing series of the year), but in general a good year for superhero series. Ten series may be nominated for the prestigious award of best superhero series of 2023. The series nominated in this category were determined based on a number of different factors: my fellow reviewers, the results of the poll and of course the most important factor; the readers of MySeries! All in all, this resulted in a list of ten nominees.
Below, in alphabetical order, the top ten nominees of the best series from 2023 in the Superhero Series category;
DC's Stargirl
The first nomination is for DC's Stargirl, one of the six DC productions that entered this nomination list this year. The series is about a high school student who finds a cosmic staff and gains supernatural powers. The series is set in the "Arrowverse", a shared universe that includes several DC series, such as The Flash (2014), which has also been nominated in this category. Although the reviews (on Rotten Tomatoes) of DC's Star Girl for the first two seasons were very positive, 89% and 100% respectively, the third season was unfortunately the last season of DC's Stargirl. This series is one of the many victims of the new DC plan rolled out by Warner Bros, which essentially means starting with a largely clean slate.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about DC's Stargirl.
Doom Patrol
Another series from DC and of which the last season has also been broadcast. This series has also probably been canceled due to Warner Bros' new DC plan. Doom Patrol is about a group where everyone has powers, but the members have actually been rejected due to various circumstances. Most members of the team have been cared for by the same medical specialist and that is also a connecting factor. Doom Patrol has received only positive reviews (on Rotten Tomatoes) namely 96% for the first season, 97% for the second season and 100% for the last two seasons. It is right that this series has been given a place in this list of nominees.
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written about Doom Patrol as of yet
Gen V
The first series in this list of nominees that does not come from DC. It is a spin-off of The Boys, one of the (in my opinion) better superhero series of the moment. Characters from The Boys are often referred to and some characters also make the transition to Gen V. Just like The Boys, Gen V is very crude and the most unexpected twist occurs regularly. I don't think the style is for everyone. Someone walked into my home during a fairly explicitly visual scene and asked what kind of bizarre series I was watching. Apart from the rudeness, it is an excellent series. Plenty of action and unique in its kind. And the series is also well rated: 97% on Rotten Tomatoes. Gen V is about a university, especially for people with superpowers. This way you see many different forces passing by. The powers often also have an unpleasant downside, which often makes the series a bit darker in style. And of course, there is something wrong at university that you will learn more about throughout the series.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Gen V.
Gotham Knights
Another series from DC, this time focusing on the "Batman family". Well-known names such as Harvey Dent, Robin and of course Batman are featured. But this time it's not about Batman, but about his adopted son Turner Hayes. This series, unlike a number of other DC series, has received particularly poor reviews. The series only gets a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is not good. Given the completely new DC strategy of Warner Bros and the fact that this series was not profitable, which was probably also a reason for the bad reviews, Gotham Knights was canceled after one season.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Gotham Knights.
Invincible
Invincible is the only animated superhero series nominated for best superhero series of the year. The series is about a teenager whose father is the most powerful superhero in the world. Shortly after he turns seventeen, he discovers that he also has powers that continue to develop. The series is based on a comic by Robert Kirkman, the creator of The Walking Dead, and has received almost nothing but positive reviews. The first season had a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and the second season 100%. Like many other nominations from this list, a very well-deserved one!
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written about Invincible as of yet
Marvel's Loki
The first Marvel production on this list and in my opinion a real contender. Marvel's Loki is a fast-paced, interesting and unique series with an excellent protagonist: Tom Hiddleston. The first season ended with 'He Who Remains' who was Kang in other Marvel productions (see the picture). The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has fully focused on the character Kang and he has already played an important role in a number of films and series, including in the second season of Marvel's Loki. Kang would also be the big bad in the next Avengers film. However, the actor who plays Kang (Jonathan Majors) has committed a number of crimes for which he was recently convicted. Disney immediately said goodbye to the actor. It is still unclear how they will respond to this: new actor, a different storyline, or a completely different solution? In any case, it is not optimal. In the second season of Marvel's Loki, it basically comes down to his wanting to save the different timelines within the multiverse. Just like in the first season, he does this with the help of the TVA. I thought it was a very entertaining series that you fly through. I'm already looking forward to the sequel (if it comes). The reviews (via Rotten Tomatoes) are also good, but not excellent: 92% for the first season and 81% for the second season.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Marvel's Loki.
Secret Invasion
The second and last Marvel production on the list of nominees. Secret Invasion is about Nick Fury who, as the title suggests, tries to end a secret invasion. This is the first Marvel production where Nick Fury is central, whereas the character is usually the connecting factor among the Avengers. Of course, Samuel L. Jackson is back again to take on the role of Nick Fury and that is of course always pure entertainment. The series offers plenty of action and good depth into the background and past of Nick Fury. The series is not very innovative and the reviews are not completely positive either. The series has a 53% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, it's still an entertaining series.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Secret Invasion.
Superman & Lois
Superman & Lois is about, you guessed it, Superman and his beloved Lois Lane. Another DC production in the list of nominees. The third season of the series was released this year and the fourth and final season of the series will be released next year. There is a good chance that the end of the series is also due to Warner Bros.'s new DC strategy. One thing is certain: next year there will be a lot fewer DC series on this list as almost all of them end. Superman & Lois was generally very positively received. Season 1 has received 86% and season 3 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. Very decent scores and it certainly justifies a place as a nominee in this category.
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written about Superman & Lois as of yet
The Flash (2014)
And another DC series. This time about the Flash: the fastest person on earth (or is that Superman?). The Flash (2014) is also part of the "Arrowverse", which shared universe will soon cease to exist. The series ended at the beginning of 2023 after nine seasons. I think it's only a matter of time before a new production about The Flash (2014) is released. Throughout its seasons, The Flash (2014) has consistently received good reviews. Each season has achieved between 80% and 95% (on Rotten Tomatoes). It is right (as far as I'm concerned) that The Flash (2014) has won a coveted nomination for best superhero series for the last time.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about The Flash.
Titans (2018)
The last nominee on this list and again a DC production. Titans (2018) is about a group of teenage superheroes within the world of Batman and Superman, which also features well-known locations and characters. For example, a central role is played by Dick Grayson, also known as Robin, Batman's side-kick. This DC series has also received pretty consistently good reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the first season has received 78%, the second season 81%, and the third season 100%. The fourth season of Titans was released this year and was also the last.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Titans.
As you can see, this year many DC productions have been nominated in the best superhero series category. All those series have ended or will end soon. In the coming years, the superhero series landscape is expected to look completely different. In general, the nominated superhero series have also received good reviews and winning the Award for Best Superhero Series will be fully justified. I'm curious about the outcome!
These were all the ten nominees that have been chosen by you, the writers and myself. Want to choose a different series instead? You can always decide to use your wildcard. Good luck voting!
