For the last ten years, DC movies were... let's be honest, a bit of a mess. They were dark, convoluted, and half the time, Superman didn't even want to be Superman. Enter James Gunn. He’s the guy who made us all cry over a talking raccoon in Marvel's world, and now he’s running the show at DC.

The "reboot" means they are wiping the slate clean. No more Henry Cavill, no more Ben Affleck. We’re starting over with a unified story across movies, TV, and even video games. This is great because it makes it easier to follow, but it's also a marketing machine that will be aimed squarely at your kids' eyeballs for the next decade.

We’re seeing a massive shift in how "Superheroes" are marketed. For a while, everything was trying to be The Dark Knight—brooding, violent, and "adult." But kids are tired of that, and frankly, so are parents. The 2025 era is leaning into optimism.

However, there is a secondary "Absolute" line of comics launching alongside the movies. This is where things get tricky for parents. While the main movies are aiming for that "family-friendly but cool" PG-13 sweet spot, the Absolute comics are intentionally "edgier." If your kid sees a cool new Absolute Wonder Woman cover, just know she’s carrying a massive sword and the world is a lot more brutal than the cartoons they see on Saturday mornings.

Ages 10+ This is the big one. David Corenswet is the new Clark Kent. From what we’ve seen of the new suit (yes, the red trunks are back!), this is going to be a much brighter, more "classic" take on the character. James Gunn usually balances heart and humor well, but his movies often include some "PG-13" language and stylized violence. It’s not Bluey, but it’s likely safer than the Snyder-era movies.

Ages 7+ If you want to get your kid into DC without the grit, start here. It’s on Max and Cartoon Network. It feels like a modern anime—bright colors, high energy, and a focus on Clark, Lois, and Jimmy as interns. It’s the most "wholesome" Superman content we’ve had in years without being "babyish."

Ages 6-12 Look, I know the songs are annoying and the humor is 90% fart jokes and "Ohio" energy, but kids love this show. It’s a gateway drug to the DC universe. Is it "brain rot"? Maybe a little, but it’s harmless. If you want something with a bit more substance, try the original Teen Titans from the early 2000s.

Ages 12+ This recently hit Amazon Prime. It’s a spiritual successor to the 90s Batman: The Animated Series. It’s "noir," meaning it’s dark, moody, and focuses on detective work. There’s some violence and "scary" imagery, so it’s better for middle schoolers than the preschool set.

Ages 10+ This is a free-to-play fighting game (think Super Smash Bros) where Batman can fight Shaggy from Scooby-Doo. It’s fun and competitive, but like Fortnite or Roblox, it lives and breathes on "Gleamium" (the in-game currency).

Learn more about managing in-game spending in MultiVersus

Navigating the comic book aisle is harder than navigating the movie theater. Here is how to break down the "tiers" of DC content for your family:

Stick to DC Kids on YouTube or shows like Batwheels. These are designed to sell toys and keep things light. Also, the DC Super Hero Girls series is fantastic for showing that superheroes aren't just a "boys' club."

This is where most of the new James Gunn DCU will live. Think Blue Beetle or the upcoming Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. There will be some "damn"s and "hell"s, and people will definitely get punched through buildings, but the moral compass is usually pointed in the right direction.

This is where The Batman (the Robert Pattinson one) and the new Absolute comics live. These stories deal with trauma, corruption, and more graphic violence. If your teen wants to read Absolute Batman, just be prepared for a version of Bruce Wayne who is a construction worker and uses his cape as a weapon. It’s cool, but it’s intense.

The biggest hurdle for parents in 2026 is going to be the brand confusion. For years, "Superman" meant one thing. Now, there are three different versions of him running around:

If your kid asks for a "Superman comic," they might end up with something very different than what they saw in the movie.

Pro-tip: Look for the DC Compact Comics line. These are $10 graphic novels (the size of a standard book) that collect classic, complete stories like Watchmen (definitely for adults!) or All-Star Superman (great for kids). They are a much better value than the $5 monthly issues that never seem to end.

Check out our guide to the best graphic novels for middle schoolers

Superheroes are basically modern mythology. They are great jumping-off points for conversations about:

The DC reboot is a "soft reset" for your family’s digital and media consumption. It’s an opportunity to move away from the grim-dark era of superheroes and back into stories that actually have some color and hope.

Just keep an eye on the Absolute branding—it’s the "Parental Advisory" sticker of the new DC era. If you stick to the main DCU movies and the animated shows on Max, you’re generally in safe territory for the 10+ crowd.

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