I’m a geek. I love superheroes, comic books, and sci-fi and fantasy stuff. I am an artist so I constantly draw this stuff as well. But a lot of people ask me since I’m the one person they know that seems to know a lot about superheroes, comics etc.–is what super heroes should I introduce my kids to?
Well there are a lot of great superheroes out there actually. Kids are going to love superheroes because superheroes were made for kids, even though there are a ton of people like me in their 30’s, 40’s and up who read these books and line up to get the comics weekly.
I started giving my girls comics at the age of 2. My oldest daughter immediately became infatuated with Batman mainly from my enthusiasm about him as well as the Justice League cartoons I frequently watched and now the Brave and the Bold series on Cartoon network. But then she started to love Superman, Green Lantern, Spiderman the Hulk and more. Now she’s hooked.
But I think Superheroes are great for my kids. I would rather have my children idolizing Batman, Superman and their ideals rather than some spoiled millionaire athlete who has the I.Q of a cucumber. So I’ve compiled a list of eleven Super Heroes that you’re child should know about right away. Kids and Superheroes are a good thing and these are all great superheroes for kids at various ages. Below are my rankings, some age suggestions and some products we indulge in at my household about these characters. I will not recommend a superhero I don’t endorse personally so all of my suggestions come from the heart, because I live in “comic-land” daily
1. Superman: He’s handsome, has the body of a Greek God, is the most powerful superhero ever created, he’s the alien from Krypton that is more human than you, me or your neighbor. Superman is a wholesome, honestly good character who never wavers from justice and always does what’s right. Superman is the ultimate superhero your kid should know about.Superman is good for children of all ages.
2. Batman: Batman is tough as nails, has no real superpowers except a brain like a computer and the tech gadgets to pretty much keep up with any other superhero. In my mind Batman is the greatest superhero ever because he has overcome terrible pain by the loss of his parents at an early age, to become a legendary crime fighter with skills achieved by hard work, determination and brainpower. He’s human and relates to children of all ages because DC and Mattel have been smart about marketing him in various ways. Batman is a dark character in the comics but the show Brave and the Bold and some of the toys out there definitely focusing on his lighter side for kids, which is good. Let them wait until their teens to get into the depths of Batman’s mind. Chose wisely which toys you buy for your young kids.
3. Spider Man: Your friendly neighborhood Spider Man was my favorite character growing up. in 1984 when Spider Man got his black suit, I was in 4th grade and I flipped out. That black suit is the reason I still draw comics to this day. I loved it. But now he’s back to his red and blue suit and has been for a long time. Marvel has done very well banking on Spider Man who is definitely their most successful franchise. But Spider Man is really a great character because Peter Parker is also human underneath that mask. He’s a “wiseguy” whose brain is often the reason he succeeds as well. Your kids will love web head, he’s a great superhero for all ages.
4. Iron Man: He’s kind of like Batman but a little more hip, a little more cocky and the ego is all about how he can keep building better technology–specifically a great suit of armor. I’ve always liked Iron Man. Like Batman, he’s very human and very flawed as Tony Stark, whose playboy attitude often leads to trouble. But the movie Iron Man was possibly the best superhero movie ever made. Iron Man is good for kids of all ages and a great superhero for your kid.
5. Wolverine: In the comics and when I was growing up, Wolverine was a very dark character but very, very cool. I didn’t get into him until I was in 4th grade or so but when I did I fell in love with him. But it’s a different story now. Wolverine is very commercialized and is good for younger kids these days. He’s a tough mutant with metal claws and a never say die attitude that should inspire your kids to never give up. He’s awesome.
6. The Incredible Hulk: Big, green, gorilla-like caveman of few words and few brain cells, the Hulk is a much needed Frankenstein like Superhero who is the result of a botch scientific experiment and reflection of the cold war and times of nuclear dread. He’s just easy to deal with because there’s not much to him, just bulk and jumping and smashing. The Hulk is all rage and kids love him. He’ll always be Lou Ferrigno to me, and I’ll never forget these lines, “Mr. McGee, don’t make me angry, you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry.” The Hulk is good for kids of all ages, but some of his stuff is geared more for adults so just chose wisely what cartoons and items you buy.
7. Captain America: Cap is another amazing guy, very much in the mold of Superman morally but with Batman’s skills and just a tad more strength due to his super soldier serum. Captain America was a pillar of revolt against Nazi Germany in World War II and he has lost a little relevance today but Marvel is working to change that by re-introducing Cap to a new age bracket. I’m thrilled that a movie and new cartoon are in the works with him. I have always loved him and think that America needs him now more than ever. Your kids will love him too and Captain America is a great superhero for kids of any age.
8. Wonder Woman: She’s a hot Amazonian Princess and Goddess who wields a magic lasso that forces evildoers to tell the truth. Wonder Woman has the ideals of Superman and is almost as tough. She’s the ultimate female superhero and she is great for girls because she’s really the only actual female superhero that gets any play out there, which is kind of sad being the father of two daughters I would like more variety for sure. Wonder Woman is great for kids of all ages.
9. Green Lantern: Hal Jordan is the man. He’s a galactic guardian with a green energy ring that emits power that he generates from his mind. Anything he can think of he can create with his ring. He’s great morality wise for kids as well as their imagination as he’s very science fiction oriented as well. There are ton of Green lanterns out there as well and 3 on Earth, including John Stewart, a very popular African American superhero. Green Lantern is a superhero great for kids of all ages.
10. Robin: Batman’s sidekick takes a lot of crap from everyone. Gay jokes aside, Robin is a very popular character and very likable because he’s human and kids love him. He’s great for kids of all ages and the Teen Titans TV show is fun and done in an anime style that any kid will really be into.
11. Thor: Thor, son of Odin and a Norse God, Thor wields his magic hammer and is the God of Thunder! He’s built like a bodybuilder with golden locks like a rockstar and is tough as they come. Thor is a great character for kids of all ages and is truly a god-like superhero that can educate your children on mythology.
There is a lot of great superhero stuff out there for your kids. I personally get most of my stuff from Amazon which is Toys R Us, Target and Walmart for my children. From costumes to action figures to books and DVDs, I highly suggest introducing your children to superheros.
You could also check out the Avengers and Super Hero Squad for more Marvel characters and Justice League for more Dc characters and combined superhero action. With superheros and kids, you can’t go wrong–for boys or girls.
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