As we look back a decade later, holds up as a surprisingly sharp (pun intended) piece of action-comedy storytelling. Here is why the first thirteen episodes are a hidden masterpiece of tween mythology.
You cannot talk about Season 1 without discussing the best "best friend" in animation. Howard is lazy, gluttonous, and morally flexible, but he is also the only person who knows Randy’s secret. Their chemistry drives the show. In "Monster Dump," Howard’s desire to skip gym class accidentally unleashes a trash monster. In "Sword Quest," Howard almost ruins Randy’s destiny because he wanted a cool sword of his own. Randy Cunningham 9th Grade Ninja - Season 1
The fight choreography in Season 1 is kinetic. When Randy uses the "Ninja Sense" (that green, Spidey-sense aura), the backgrounds invert into neon wireframes. It felt like playing a Tony Hawk game mixed with a manga. The soundtrack, full of synth drops and electric guitar riffs, makes mundane scenes—like Randy sneaking past a teacher—feel epic. As we look back a decade later, holds
If you missed it the first time, treat it like a comic book. Read one episode a night. You’ll laugh, you’ll cringe, and you’ll wonder why we don’t get ninja-anime-punk-rock hybrids anymore. Howard is lazy, gluttonous, and morally flexible, but
Currently available on Disney+ (as of 2025).
Unlike later seasons where Howard is occasionally flanderized, Season 1 Howard feels real. He is the guy who will eat your last pizza slice but will also jump in front of a laser to save you.