Even people only peripherally aware of comics know about Batman's ward and fellow crime fighter Robin. But lesser known are the many superhero sidekicks developed after the Boy Wonder's introduction and popularity. This pantheon of young heroes inevitably gained their own comic franchise, culminating in the terrific 2010 Cartoon Network series Young Justice. It was cancelled after only two seasons, but the first is now available on Netflix to enjoy.
The pilot, a blockbuster two-parter appropriately titled Independence Day, doesn't waste time delving into convoluted backstories. Instead it dives straight into what we all care about: the characters themselves. Robin, Kid Flash, Aqualad, and Speedy (Green Arrow's aid) are psyched to finally gain access to the Justice league HQ but dismayed when their mentors shut them out from a meeting and order them to wait in the lobby, effectively serving as fodder for tourist snapshots while the "real" superheroes get to do "real" heroic work. Speedy stalks out, going rogue as the independent hero Red Arrow, leaving the remaining trio hurt and confused. A fire at a local genetic research lab provides a convenient release for their emotions and a chance to prove themselves.
Any other show would follow the typical Hollywood script of youthful rebellion proving to be the right thing to do. But Young Justice rises above the stereotype by showing that while these heroes are reaching the cusp of maturity, they've still got a ways to go. Their inexperience and lack of teamwork quickly get them in over their heads, and in fact, it's only with assistance from an unlikely, wiser head that they manage to escape with some grace and heroics. The pilot ends with the formation of the Young Justice team, adding two members: Miss Martian, Martian Manhunter's nice, and a rescued Superman clone. Eventually the group expands to include a new archer, Artemis, and the magical Zatanna, adding very welcome girl power to an already great team.
Young Justice is fun popcorn for Saturday morning, but there's far more than caramel and salt to whet the appetite. The action's top notch and there's plenty of humor, but the plots themselves are where the show really shines. Each character is an individual, with strengths and weaknesses. Even with so many different tugs the story never loses sight of the team aspect. An even greater strength is how the team and its members learn from the older Justice League members who mentor them: adults in this world aren't a hindrance to growing up, but a necessary source of guidance and encouragement. No where is this fact more demonstrated than with Superboy, who's initial estrangement from Superman hampers his growth, and Red Arrow, who's rebellion is never glorified and has very real, devastating consequences.
Equally wonderful are the female characters of the show. Artemis defies the powergirl stereotype by showing real vulnerability, and her arc proves a girl can balance both emotional and physical strength. Miss Martian is a more cerebral gal (she is a telekinetic warrioress, after all), but also goes through a great transformation across the first season to discover her hidden depths of courage and power.
There's one final strength of Young Justice, pushing it beyond a mere kid's show into truly great television: there are real stakes with real, sometimes tragic outcomes. I don't wish to overstate things, but I was continually impressed at how the heroes didn't win them all. Characters were forced to face up to their mistakes and learn from their defeats. There could be losses and consequences alongside victories that reverberated across later episodes. I can't think of a single episode I'd skip on a rewatch: each installment held real emotional meat that both furthered the overall series plot and the characters' development.
While fun, powerful, and well-written, Young Justice is not a show for the very youngest superhero fans. I'd say the action is too scary for those in primary school or younger (which may vary depending on your family), but it'd make a great family viewing opportunity for those in upper elementary school and beyond. Just don't believe you have to wait for such a moment to dive in; I'm an adult with no kids for an excuse, and I loved it. Now if only Netflix would air Season 2.
