Dreams do come true: DC launches Super Hero Girls and we’re celebrating
Broader representation within the world of superheroes has been a long time coming — and it hasn’t been without its snags. Aside from the movies, (we’re still waiting for our lady-led superhero flick,) there’s the oft discussed issue that merchandise for films that do include female superheroes usually gloss over the women. See: the fact that Gamora was basically left out of Guardians of the Galaxy merch. Also see: Marvel recently coming under fire when fans pointed out that several items in their online shop did not feature the character Black Widow in the boys’ section.
In this sea of *sigh* moments we now have some happy news when it comes to superheroines and the toys we want. It might have been ages in the making, but DC Comics is partnering with Mattel to launch a fantastic new project — the first official girl action figures! This is music to so many girls’ ears, particularly an 11-year-old girl named Rowan.
Rowan wrote a letter to DC Comics back in January asking for more female superheroes, and the letter went viral. In it, Rowan writes, “There are Superman and Batman movies, but not a Wonder Woman one. You have a Flash TV show but not a Wonder Woman one. Marvel comics made a movie about a talking tree and raccoon awesome, but you haven’t made a movie with Wonder Woman.” DC hasn’t forgotten about Rowan and in their announcements have been sure to give her some well-deserved shout outs.
The fun twist on the toys is that these DC Super Hero Girls will be featured in their teenage years, right as they’re beginning to discover their special abilities.
Since this will primarily be targeted towards younger fans ages 6-12, it’s a great way to introduce a new audience to characters who are already loved by older generations. According to the DC Comics website, “each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero, including discovering her unique abilities, nurturing her remarkable powers and mastering the fundamentals of being a hero.” Given that superheroes are really in right now (then again, were they ever out?) this is a great way to empower girls — especially young girls — and show them that they do in fact matter and totally can save the world.
The initial launch of DC Super Hero Girls is set to happen in fall 2015, with a more digitally interactive component, while the toys, books, and action figures will start rolling out in 2016. Talk about acknowledging your consumer base! This is a great move for DC Comics, and we can only hope that other purveyors of comics and superhero goodness will soon follow suit.
[Featured image via, other image c/o DC Comics.]