20th Anniversary of Ben 10!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today, is the 20th anniversary of the beloved franchise, Ben 10! I was even lucky enough to ask a couple of questions to the longtime voice actor of Grandpa Max, Paul Eiding!

Back in 2005, a brand-new superhero landed on Cartoon Network; and he wasn’t wearing a cape. “Ben 10”, created by the group of artists and writers known as “Man of Action” (Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, and Steven T. Seagle), introduced audiences to 10-year-old Ben Tennyson, an ordinary kid who stumbled upon the Omnitrix, a mysterious alien device that allowed him to transform into ten different powerful alien heroes. The original concept came from the creators’ desire to blend superhero action with the everyday relatability of being a kid. The result was an animated series that stood out in a crowded cartoon landscape, offering a mix of sci-fi adventure, humor, and heart.

The show premiered on December 27, 2005, and quickly became a hit for Cartoon Network. Fans loved watching Ben juggle the challenges of childhood with the responsibilities of being Earth’s most unlikely hero. Alongside him were fan-favorite characters like his cousin Gwen and his grandfather Max, voiced by the legendary Paul Eiding, whose warmth and authority gave the show its grounding presence. Eiding, well-known for roles in “Transformers” and video games like “Metal Gear Solid”, brought depth to Max, making him more than just comic relief; he became the heart of the Tennyson family’s intergalactic adventures.

Ben 10’s success sparked an entire franchise. It grew into four sequel series, multiple reboots, crossover specials, and even live-action movies. The brand spawned a vast line of toys, video games, and comics, cementing Ben as one of Cartoon Network’s most recognizable heroes. With its mix of imaginative alien designs, serialized storytelling, and coming-of-age themes, the show connected with kids who dreamed of what it would be like to wield such power; and with parents who appreciated its messages about responsibility, family, and bravery.

Two decades later, “Ben 10” remains a cultural touchstone in animation. The original series won three Emmy Awards and continues to inspire new generations through reruns, streaming, and reimagined versions of the story. Fun fact: the Omnitrix was originally designed to give Ben ten aliens total, but as the show expanded, that number ballooned into dozens across different series. Today, “Ben 10” stands as one of Cartoon Network’s most enduring franchises, and thanks to the creativity of Man of Action; and the voice talent of actors like Paul Eiding; its legacy of adventure, humor, and heart shows no sign of fading.

Bonus Questions:

Giancarlo: What was it like voicing Grandpa Max?

Paul: I loved Max! He’s the kind of Grandpa I want to be. Loyal, caring, loving.. and tough enough to kick alien butt when necessary.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Paul: Be prepared, show up on time (early), work hard, and be fun to be around. Just be myself!

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo