DC Super Hero Girls
The animated television series "DC Super Hero Girls" (2019) reintroduces iconic DC heroines, including Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Green Lantern (Jessica Cruz), Bumblebee, and Zatanna, as high school students balancing their adolescent lives with their secret superhero identities. Aimed at girls in the tween and early teen demographic, the show is an action-comedy that emphasizes themes of friendship, acceptance, and female empowerment, often drawing comparisons to "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" due to shared creative talent. The narrative typically follows episodic adventures, focusing on humorous situations, character development, and the girls' efforts to hone their powers while confronting a gallery of villains.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumExplicit LGBTQ romantic or gender identity content is not overtly present within the series. However, parental reviews and discussions note a general lack of focus on traditional heterosexual dating, with some critics desiring more exploration of female relationships beyond platonic friendship. The show's creator, Lauren Faust, is known for her work on 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,' which has inspired fan interpretations of LGBTQ themes, though not canonically explicit in that series either. The focus remains on friendship and individual growth.
1. "Plugged In" noted that while the characters are "more interested in fighting for truth and friendship than dating, you never know when that might change … or in what direction it might lead," suggesting an open-ended interpretation of future romantic interests or a lack of explicit heterosexual romantic plots. 2. A review from IGN for the 'DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power' game, based on the series, expressed a wish for "a bit less obsessing over men and more stories about themselves and each other," indicating that some characters do show interest in male counterparts (e.g., Barbara geeking out over Batman, Carol stalking Hal Jordan), but also highlighting a desire for the show to focus more on the girls' own dynamics, which could be interpreted as an opening for non-heteronormative relationships, though not explicitly shown in the series.
Violence
MediumThe series features typical cartoon superhero violence, including punching, kicking, and smashing, consistent with its TV-Y7-FV rating. While generally mild and non-graphic, some scenes can be intense or depict collateral damage to the city. The violence is usually slapstick or fantastical, with characters rarely sustaining serious injuries. Compared to its predecessor, some reviews note the violence can be 'more realistic' within the cartoon context.
1. In one episode, the Super Hero Girls use their powers to "punch, kick, smash and subdue the beasts," and scenes depict a "burning, crumbling city" in the background, showing property damage but not graphic injury. 2. The episode "#MeetTheCheetah" includes intense scenes where "something stalks the and picks them off one at a time in the darkened hallways," and the transformed Cheetah character attacks Diana and the team, which is described as 'darker and edgier' and having 'more realistic' violence than previous iterations of the franchise.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe show incorporates fictional magic and occult elements primarily through the character of Zatanna, a stage magician with actual powers. Other instances involve curses and magical creatures, all within a fantasy context and generally not depicted as dark or malicious, but rather as part of the superhero narrative.
1. Zee Zatara (Zatanna) is explicitly a character with "actual magic powers," which she uses regularly in her superheroics and daily life. In one episode, she asks Kara to look after her "two magical bunnies," which multiply uncontrollably due to their magical nature. 2. In the episode "#MeetTheCheetah," Barbi Minerva uses a "cheetah statuette from her dad's collection to place a curse on Diana," which inadvertently transforms Barbi herself into the villain Cheetah. This involves a clear depiction of a magical curse leading to a physical transformation and antagonistic actions.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series contains some moments of suspense and mild intensity, particularly during villain confrontations or when characters are in peril. These scenes are generally not prolonged or graphic and are resolved within the lighthearted tone of the show. However, certain episodes may feature slightly more unsettling elements for younger viewers.
1. The episode "#MeetTheCheetah" is described as having "Darker and Edgier" moments, including a scene where "something stalks the and picks them off one at a time in the darkened hallways," creating a suspenseful and mildly frightening atmosphere. 2. Instances of a "burning, crumbling city" are shown during superhero battles, implying danger and destruction, which can be intense visually, though without graphic detail of casualties.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe characters, being teenage superheroes, occasionally display mild disrespect, backtalk, and rebellious attitudes common for their age group. These behaviors are typically played for comedic effect or are part of the learning and growth process, often leading to lessons about responsibility and teamwork. Supergirl is notably portrayed with a rebellious personality.
1. The heroines are sometimes portrayed as "bratty teenagers" who "get into petty squabbles, call each other names and struggle to overcome jealousy and embarrassment," indicating typical adolescent displays of disrespect and conflict among friends. 2. Supergirl (Kara Danvers) is characterized as "more rebellious, tomboyish, and brash" than her traditional comic book persona, demonstrating a more defiant attitude compared to her peers.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content is minimal and very mild, primarily consisting of crushes or implied attractions typical of a high school setting. There are no explicit sexual acts or graphic displays of affection. The show focuses more on platonic friendships and superheroics, though some characters express interest in boys.
1. The Plugged In review notes that the young women "seem more interested in fighting for truth and friendship than dating," indicating a general de-emphasis on romantic relationships. 2. IGN's review of the 'Teen Power' game mentions characters like Barbara "geeking out over Batman" and Carol Ferris (Star Sapphire) "literally stalking ex-boyfriend Hal Jordan," which depicts mild, often humorous, romantic obsession or past relationship drama, but without any sexual content.
Profanity
LowThe series contains very little to no profanity. The language used is consistently mild and appropriate for its young target audience, focusing on comedic dialogue and lighthearted interactions rather than offensive terms. Reviews generally indicate a clean language environment.
1. No specific instances of profanity were found in reviews or content descriptors. The show's general tone is described as "silly fun" and "lighthearted," which is inconsistent with the frequent use of strong language. 2. Parent reviews consistently do not list profanity as a concern, implying an absence of strong curse words or offensive language. This aligns with the target demographic of young children and tweens.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, throughout the series. The content is kept clean of such themes, consistent with its young target demographic.
1. No search results or reviews mention any instances of alcohol consumption, drug use, or smoking by any characters. 2. The overall focus of the show on school, friendship, and superhero adventures leaves no narrative space or appropriateness for substance use themes.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe series does not contain any explicit anti-Christian themes or content. Religious references are absent, and the show focuses on secular superhero narratives and universal themes of good versus evil, friendship, and personal growth.
1. No mention of Christianity, religious symbols, or criticisms of faith were found in any of the reviewed content or discussions about the series. 2. The show's narrative is centered on a fantasy superhero universe without delving into real-world religious topics, ensuring an absence of anti-Christian sentiments.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-Y7-FV (Fantasy Violence). This series is recommended for children aged 7 and older. The "FV" descriptor indicates the presence of fantasy violence, which, while not graphic, involves superhero battles and action sequences. The show also includes mild thematic elements such as cartoon violence, some suspenseful moments, and instances of teenage sass and rebellion, all presented within a lighthearted and generally positive framework.
Additional Notes
The "DC Super Hero Girls" (2019) series is primarily designed to empower young girls, featuring a diverse cast of characters who learn to navigate challenges both as ordinary teenagers and as superheroes. While largely episodic, it subtly addresses themes of self-confidence and teamwork. The series maintains a lighthearted tone, suitable for its intended audience, with character development often occurring within the context of specific episodes rather than through overarching arcs. Parents should note the 'Fantasy Violence' rating, which aligns with typical animated superhero action.
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