Sidekicks, why have them?

FaxModem1 · Post by **FaxModem1** » 2003-07-10 05:34pm

Why does Batman have a Robin, Green Lantern have Kairo, Aquaman have a Aqualad? What purpose do they serve(besides the thing that is captured every time and the hero has to rescue)

So what is their purpose?

thecreech · Post by **thecreech** » 2003-07-10 06:05pm

Don't know? I hate sidekicks. They're dumb,

Post by **Ghost Rider** » 2003-07-10 06:06pm

Created soley for sale to a younger generation...seriously.

They serve almost no purpose and are considered basically hostage fodder.

Dizzy D · Post by **Dizzy D** » 2003-07-10 06:13pm

2 words: human shields.

I'm Batman, I'm not bullet-proof, the little guy in the cape is wearing yellow and red, I'm wearing grey and black. They'll see him before me. Bad for him, good for me.

thecreech · Post by **thecreech** » 2003-07-10 06:22pm

Dizzy D wrote:2 words: human shields.

I'm Batman, I'm not bullet-proof, the little guy in the cape is wearing yellow and red, I'm wearing grey and black. They'll see him before me. Bad for him, good for me.

LOL... i never thought about it like that. Batman is smart

Warspite · Post by **Warspite** » 2003-07-10 06:23pm

It's for young readers to have someone they can relate to, not matter how useless they are. Kinda like kids using mecha...

neoolong · Post by **neoolong** » 2003-07-10 06:31pm

In case you ever become gay while wearing those tights.

paladin · Post by **paladin** » 2003-07-10 07:39pm

I agree with Dizzy D. Sidekicks are just human shields!

thecreech · Post by **thecreech** » 2003-07-10 07:47pm

Well i guess it would be good to have a girl sidekick if i was a superhero...

"Fetch my slippers, make me a cup of joe and give me a blowjob"

Post by **Alyrium Denryle** » 2003-07-10 07:52pm

neoolong wrote:In case you ever become gay while wearing those tights.

Too late

Post by **Sea Skimmer** » 2003-07-10 07:58pm

Plot opportunities

Sriad · Post by **Sriad** » 2003-07-10 09:45pm

Servant: Okay Aqua-lad, you can go on patrol with me tonight, but first wax the car, clean the oven and make me some toast!

Baron Mordo · Post by **Baron Mordo** » 2003-07-10 10:03pm

Somebody to talk to. I remember seeing an early sketch of Captain America, and it had a note on it mentioning the need for a young ally, so Cap "wouldn't be talking to himself all the time." You know, for the purposes of exposition.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2003-07-10 10:25pm

Often it can be for good dialogue opportunities. (See Buffy)

DPDarkPrimus · Post by **DPDarkPrimus** » 2003-07-10 11:10pm

1) To attract bullets/arrows/attention/what have you from the villians.

2) Plot devices, whether they be angsty personal issues, or the fact that their bumbling causes the hero to have to rescue them.

Slartibartfast · Post by **Slartibartfast** » 2003-07-11 04:09am

Baron Mordo wrote:Somebody to talk to. I remember seeing an early sketch of Captain America, and it had a note on it mentioning the need for a young ally, so Cap "wouldn't be talking to himself all the time." You know, for the purposes of exposition.

What he needs is a butler, then. Much less annoying.

SAMAS · Post by **SAMAS** » 2003-07-11 03:42pm

To be "realistic," it depends on the hero and sidekick in question.

#1: For backup -- oftentimes, two pairs of fists are better than one, so to speak. But sometimes, a full-fledged partner isn't available. So you make one. Or maybe they're just considered a sidekick, because you are more powerful or something like that.(Example: Static and Gear in Static Shock)

#2: For a sucessor -- In case something happens to the Hero, somebody can take his/her place. Better to start on them now rather than when they're really needed.(Example: Batman and Nightwing in the comics)

#3: So you don't have to fight them later. -- If you're a hero, and you come across some poor kid who's somehow gained some(or is developing) some serious power. So you teach them, or at least keep an eye on them, maybe calling on their help occasionally. This has the advantage of some criminal or terrorist influencing them first. (Example: Batman and Huntress(Close) in the comics, or him and Static(Long Distance) in Static Shock)

#4: Because what the hell else are you going to do with them? -- Sometimes, a person just finds out your secret, and/or is acting on their own. They may show some skill, but are too stubbourn(or stupid) to give it up. So you might as well show them how it's done.(Examples: Batman and Robin(any).)

Peregrin Toker · Post by **Peregrin Toker** » 2003-07-11 04:20pm

Haven't you forgot the REAL reason for sidekicks:

ODIOUS COMIC RELIEF!!

Darth Gojira · Post by **Darth Gojira** » 2003-07-11 08:23pm

Simon H.Johansen wrote:Haven't you forgot the REAL reason for sidekicks:

ODIOUS COMIC RELIEF!!

Touche

Admiral Johnason · Post by **Admiral Johnason** » 2003-07-12 10:09pm

Dizzy D wrote:2 words: human shields.

I'm Batman, I'm not bullet-proof, the little guy in the cape is wearing yellow and red, I'm wearing grey and black. They'll see him before me. Bad for him, good for me.

That explains why Superman doesn't have one. He already is bulletproof.

SyntaxVorlon · Post by **SyntaxVorlon** » 2003-07-13 02:36am

IIRC superman DID have a sidekick at one point.

The real reason:
Gay kiddie porn is expensive.

Mark S · Post by **Mark S** » 2003-07-13 10:50am

I think that it's also a Knight/Squire thing. They're basically heros in training to those good enough to train them.

Off topic, does anyone remember the episode of The Tick where they go to a superhero bar and Arthur isn't allowed in because he's only a sidekick? He had to wait out back in a little shack with the other sidekicks (one of them being a dog). It was hilarious.

FaxModem1 · Post by **FaxModem1** » 2003-07-14 01:20am

I remember that episode,that was the one where another 'The Tick' fought the Tick for that title.

Slartibartfast · Post by **Slartibartfast** » 2003-07-14 08:44pm

Barry.