when i was 4 or 5, i looked at morning cartoons in black and white. there was no color TV unless you were rich, well off or in your prime years. i remember marveling the day my grandmother got a color TV. she was “it!”
cartoons should be “in color,” and because they are today, it fascinates children. if it’s in pixlar it’s even better! but to answer your question, it has to be engaging, and these days, cartoons are just that: engaging. gone are the days of funny cartoons.
i’ll overhear audio while my kids watch cartoons and i’ll laugh out loud, not even watching. my kids will continue watching never cracking a smile or seldom laugh out loud. they’ll ask, “dad, what’s funny?” i’ll say “guys, that was really funny.” and that’s where cartoons are today: adult overtones with sophisticated production.
cartoons appeal to the ear for adults and engages the eyes for kids.