OK, I'll admit it. I'm an old f*rt. I have no interest in today's kids movies, or popular hero/robot films. So the only superheroes I'm familiar with date from the old 1960's Marvel comic books, such as Superman, Supergirl, Batman and Spider-Man. (I know, the latter has lately been resurrected, but I didn't see the movies).

So I need help! If I want to create a hero-themed routine, I'll need to know a few current-day superheroes that kids identify with. What are the most popular? Can anyone help with suggestions for me to research?

Sorry Arthur. Once I passed eight I lost interest. I would still watch the original two Superman movies, but beyond that I would have my teeth pulled before watching that sort of silliness! But I suspect they have not changed, and you would be safe with Superman, Batman, and Spiderman. I know when facepainting the ones I am asked for are Batman, Spiderman, Teenage Mutant Turtles, and Power Rangers. I always have to google the latter two.

Spiderman is big, iron man, Captain America, Thor, Batman, Superman, anyone from The new Avengers movies. There is an Ant Man movie coming out but I don't know if it will be big. And there is a new movie called Big hero6 I believe, I didn't see it but it's popular. Teenage Mutant Ninja's, Teen Titans Go.

You might mention some non-super heros like Pasture or Firemen or classic heros like Sinbad, Gilgamesh or Hercules.

The subject of Heros and what kinds of people others look up to has some intrinsic interest to Kids if handled lightly in passing.

Kids have a lot of interest in what others like and what qualities they hope to have.

Sometimes just a brief mention helps set the stage for the subject and you don't need to bond it with a Magic effect.

Super Heros are more commercial but there is a basic reason for their popularity. Heros have always been popular in stories from many cultures.

-Mary Mowder

A new TV series just started based on DC's "The Flash." Another new series is based on Marvel's "The Avengers."
You might want to visit a local comic book shop for some inspiration.
Also, places like party stores have a section of birthday party paraphernalia (table cloths, napkins, cups, plates, etc) devoted to comic book superheroes--both Marvel and DC. You could take a superhero napkin and do a torn and restored trick.

This topic was also discussed on the Magic Café back in 2012:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......forum=17

----- Sonny

My 2 year old grandson would like to vote.

Many of the classics are still very popular, Arthur. A Supergirl movie is in the making and Superman, Batman, Spiderman, X-Men, Ironman, Hulk, and Captain America are all hot. Then there's Mutant Teenage Ninja Turtles and the Ninjago Ninjas - always popular. Disney's Incredibles are still popular. Thinking outside of the box, one might be able to squeeze Harry Potter, Anakin and Luke Skywalker, and Disney's Elsa into the category.

Of course, the real heroes are our service men and women, police officers, teachers, nurses, firemen, EMTs - devoted mothers and fathers - pretty much anyone who makes a real difference in a child's life.

Can we expect an awesome Hero library show theme song soon? (Crossing Fingers!)

My 2015 Library program will feature stories, songs, puppets and magic with heroes with and without capes.

Nigel will be decked out in his new Spider-Man outfit.
Kid President says "if your bitten by a radioactive spider, don't put on tights, go see a doctor.".

It should be a fun one, as I have been reading comics, (aka Graphic Novels) since they were 12 cents.

...and don't forget Super Media Specialist Woman..aka your favorite Librarian. (Schools these days seem to call the library the Media Center, but I still use the library)

Harris...still trying to find a phone booth...(oh there is one -my Inner Outer Boxes)..that seems quite a bit larger on the inside than the outside..

Thanks for all your help, folks! I appreciate all your insights. It sounds like the tried and true characters from 50-60 years ago have endured. I also believe that soldiers, firemen, teachers, policemen, librarians et al should be part of the hero category.

Skip ... YES! Leslie and I will be releasing a Hero theme song for performers doing 2015 summer reading programs. Probably shortly after tax time. Will post in this section when the time comes.

Hey Arthur! My kids and I went to see Big Hero 6. Then we had to go back 2 more times. Now we have it in our iPad. They love it. (So do I actually). It's big right now. I've made a coloring book routine out of it. Bought a few Big Hero 6 books and just colored them myself.

Otherwise, you're fine with Batman, Spider-Man, and Iron Man.

Oh. One more thing. Depending on the age group. Lego versions of the superheroes are big also. My son is obsessed with Star Wars Legos now, but it used to be superhero Legos--especially Batman and Spider-Man.

Though all ages attend many preschool and young age kids are brought by parents, grandparents and day cares.

In my writing today, I am considering changing my female persons to become my
Kindergarten teacher -Ms Donald.
Donning a wig, I will share stories and perhaps a song.
I might use a kids book such as Charlie's Super hero Underpants as inspiration.
Played of course on my ukulele or guitar.
A beach towel will go from the nap rug to a hero cape for the next routine.

I primarily do balloon twisting. I would say the most requested superhero balloons are Batman, Spider-Man and Hulk (probably in that order).

That said - if you're looking for a group of heroes that go well together, consider basing the routine on the current Avengers lineup. Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor. To a lesser extent, Black Widow and Hawkeye (they're members of the Avengers, but they've been supporting characters in the other guy's movies and never got their own big movie).

...and what about side kicks.
Perhaps a helper could be the magicians sued kick.

Robin
Bucky
....?????