With the announcement of a Nightwing movie in the works, a question presents itself: why aren’t Marvel and DC including child superheroes in their cinematic universes?
Young heroes are integral to the comic world, as well as film, and should be reflected in movies.
It’s possible companies fear the exposure of child heroes will lead to children doing dangerous things. But even without Robin, children are still going to idolize superheroes like Batman, Captain America, Wonder Woman or Jean Grey.
It’s not the job of movie producers to ensure kids aren’t jumping from building to building. It’s the parents’ problem.
Having child superheroes could increase the franchises’ younger readers. In 2015, GraphicPolicy.com used Facebook data to see how many people “liked” DC and Marvel comics, therefore getting a general understanding of their demographics. People aged 17 or under account for 9.69 per cent of DC U.S.’s total of over 12.3 million “likes”.
Over at Marvel, young people in the same demographic account for 6.39 per cent of Marvel’s U.S. total of approximately 22 million. Although this demographic isn’t the companies’ most lucrative, it could still increase their profits.
Over at Marvel, young people in the same demographic account for 6.39 per cent of Marvel’s U.S. total of approximately 22 million. Although this demographic isn’t the companies’ most lucrative, it could still increase their profits.
People aged 17 or under account for 9.69 per cent of DC U.S.’s total of over 12.3 million “likes”. Over at Marvel, young people in the same demographic account for 6.39 per cent of Marvel’s U.S. total of approximately 22 million. Although this demographic isn’t the companies’ most lucrative, it could still increase their profits.
Robin is a hero people grew up with: a staple in the DC universe. Dick Grayson, a.k.a. Nightwing, was the first Robin, introduced in the 1940s.
Like Batman, Grayson’s parents were murdered when he was young. Both heroes had similar lives and tragedies, yet grew up to be different people. This contrast wouldn’t be made if Robin were not included in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
Grayson is integral to the Batman lore and is an immense part of who Batman is. Through Grayson, and the Robins in general, Batman learned to be a father figure through taking them in as his wards.
Dick Grayson is known to many young fans, as Robin and Nightwing are in many animated movies as well as the popular children’s/teen’s TV shows, Teen Titans and Young Justice. These demographics would bring in a lot of young fans, but only if Robin is included in the DCEU.
To start with Nightwing as an adult avoids an important part in both Grayson’s as well as Bruce Wayne’s life, and will diminish the effects both characters have on the DCEU.
Another child hero is Bucky Barnes. Barnes, more commonly known as the Winter Soldier, was a child sidekick, just like Robin. In Captain America: The First Avenger, Barnes appeared to be in his twenties.
Barnes’ father died at a young age leaving him without any parents. His father was military, so Barnes followed in his footsteps. Barnes became Rogers’ sidekick shortly after.
Near the end of World War II, Barnes was supposedly killed during a mission with Captain America. This is important because it shows real consequences.
Barnes’ story doesn’t glorify child heroes, but rather demonstrates the real-life ramifications to what a child superhero may experience. The exclusion of Barnes’ comic origin was unnecessary, and less impactful to the lives of both Barnes and Rogers. The death of Barnes affected Rogers’ life for decades to come.
Children need to have child superheroes. Having child heroes in the DCEU and the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), gives children and young people someone they can appreciate and relate to and this is important. Young people need to see someone their own age reflected in movies because people connect, and feel more appreciated if they see someone like them in films.
While children don’t always understand or fully comprehend complicated issues, like world hunger, incurable diseases or abuse, they do understand superhero conflict. This conflict, though it’s not real, might teach them more about the consequences and hardships in life.
Superheroes are going to teach children they can make a difference in the world, just like Robin or Bucky Barnes, and will benefit them in the long run. They will learn superheroes don’t exist, but heroes do, and will strive to be a hero just like the boys and girls they idolize in the movies.
There are many reasons why comic book movie franchises like DC and Marvel should include the child superheroes from their comics. Including these child heroes in their movies will give children and young people someone their age to look up to, and will inspire them to make a change, just like the heroes they love.
