Robin. Speedy. Kid Flash. Aqua Lad. Bucky. Jan, Jayce and
their pet money, Blip. What do all these comic and cartoon characters have in
common? They’re all sidekicks! For some reason sidekicks don’t get the same level
of recognition and respect as other heroes.
In an episode of Young
Justice, four superheroes—Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow and the Flash—invite
their sidekicks on a tour of the famed Hall of Justice as the first step in
becoming full-fledged members of the Justice League. When Roy Harper, better known
as Speedy, complains that their initiation seems more like a glorified
back-stage pass, Green Arrow responds, “Roy, you just need to be patient.”
“What I need,” Speedy snaps back, “is respect.” Turning to
his youthful colleagues, Speedy complains, “They’re treating us like kids.
Worse, like sidekicks!”[1]
Despite Speedy’s strong sentiments to the contrary, being a
sidekick isn’t such a bad thing. In fact, the concept is quite biblical. Jesus himself
mentored not one, but twelve sidekicks! He called them disciples. These twelve sidekicks
lived with Jesus for three years. They traveled with him from town to town,
watched him perform breath-taking miracles and absorbed his life-changing
teachings. They often performed menial tasks as part of their training, like distributing
food to thousands of people when Jesus multiplied the five loaves and two fish…
not to mention cleaning up the leftovers. But the disciples’ most important job
was simply to learn from the Master—to follow in his footsteps. The more they
listened to Jesus and learned from him, the more like him they became. When
Jesus ascended into heaven, their training ended and these twelve sidekicks
became full-fledged heroes. They continued Christ’s mission and ministry, and
trained others to do the same. From one generation to the next, this process
continues.
Superhero sidekicks often experience a similar cycle. Kid
Flash eventually assumed the mantle of the Flash and trained his own sidekick
named Impulse. Thanks to Batman’s tutelage, Dick Grayson, the original Robin,
became the leader of the Teen Titans, adopted the superhero persona Nightwing, and
even filled in as Batman for prolonged periods, during which time he mentored
two other Robins—Tim Drake and Damian Wayne. Even Speedy eventually graduates
from sidekick to superhero.
In an issue of Justice
League, Green Lantern and Black Canary show up Roy Harper’s home with an invitation
to join the Justice League. At first, Roy can’t believe it. “This is a joke,
isn’t it?”
“It’s not a joke,” Black Canary replies. “We don’t joke
about this. Now would you like to join the League?”
When Roy hesitates, Green Lantern hands him a package,
saying, “Maybe this will convince you.” Inside, Roy find a red replica of Green
Arrow’s costume, complete with a “R” insignia on the belt. As Roy dons his new
costume, Green Lantern smiles, “Ollie will never say it, kid, but this is what
he was training you for… Welcome to the League, Red Arrow!”[2]
The mentor/sidekick relationship is essential not only for
superheroes, but also for Christians. If you’re relatively new to the Christian
faith, seek out a spiritual mentor who can help you grow in you walk with Christ.
If you’re a veteran Christian, be on the look out for new and young believers who
could benefit from your wisdom and experience. In either case, our work isn’t done
until our sidekicks have sidekicks of their own.
“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by
many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who
will be able to pass them on to others.”
(2 Timothy 2:2 NLT)
[1] Young
Justice. Season 1. Episode 1: “Independence Day”
[2] DC
Comics. Justice League of America (2006) #7.
