Superheroes make kids feel strong, special and, well, super! Something about not just having these traits but also finding the right outfit to match makes kids feel even more important. Heroes are “the good guys,” fighting for what is right in a troubled world. We learned just how resilient our youth are these past few months, so no wonder that it was easy to find kids in Beijing who dress up like their favorite characters whenever possible. Costumes aren’t just for Halloween anymore, not in a post-pandemic Beijing.
Here are some of the heroes who walk among us daily — even if they do still have to hold their parent’s hand when crossing the street. Who knows? You may run into these amazing kids and more at this weekend’s Burger Fest, sponsored by The Beijinger and JSS.
These four-year-old twins know their strengths
Callum and Freya Crawford-Dionco are four-year-old Irish-Filipino twins who have lived in Beijing half their lives.
Callum loves Ultraman because “he can fly, fight big monsters, and ask for help from his other Ultraman friends.”
Freya likes Miraculous Lady Bug because “she’s the color red with black circles and she has a cat friend who fight bad guys and she also like butterflies.”
Both of their choices rely on their friends in a pinch, which is such a great fact of life for kids to learn.
This must be the MCU Spidey if he’s hanging with Captain Marvel
Hayden (6) and Harper Ramsburg (2) are such big superhero fans that for Hayden’s Zoom birthday party, they even asked their friends to dress as their favorite caped crusader!
Hayden loves Spider-Man because “he can shoot webs and swing from building to building.” Who wouldn’t want that superpower in Beijing?
Harper loves Captain Marvel because “she is pretty and strong.” Higher, further, faster, indeed!
Time Magazine named the Burqa Avenger in their most Influential Fictional Characters of 2013
Not all superheroes wear capes. The Burka Avenger is a schoolteacher for young girls by day, and by night? “She looks like a ninja and I like her black costume.” Says Masooma Zainab Abbas (7). “She fights bad people and takes care of everyone in her town. She is also a schoolteacher.”
Teachers are true heroes these days, we agree!
The cloak really makes the outfit
Eight-year-old River K. loves Elsa. Mom Angie can’t pinpoint exactly why, but figures it’s “probably because there aren’t too many princesses who have powers.” The Frozen franchise certainly turned that norm on its head!
Elsa’s power comes straight from her heart, and that includes her love for her sister Anna. So how perfect that River’s own sister Everest K. is there to help Elsa save the frosty day!
Anna is so much more than a sidekick
Who doesn’t love a good redemption story?
Jonah P is 11-years-old now, but in the second grade, his favorite hero was Lloyd from the TV series Ninjago. He likes Lloyd because he “starts as a bad guy and turns into a good guy.” What a great character arc for kids to see, especially as Lloyd then turns all his powers to saving his city.
Space Rangers just get younger and younger!
Mateo P (4), loves Buzz Lightyear “Because he comes from the space, can fly and has a laser light. And he is always helping others, to infinity and beyond!”
His sister Paula P. (8) created Birthday Girl, “because she can get a present and a cake to all kids on their birthdays!” What a very sweet superhero. I want her on my team.
This weekend, the Beijinger and JSS present 2020’s Burger Festival — Sep 18, 19, and 20 in the entire north half of 望京小街 Wangjing Walk. Sidekicks under 1.2 meters are free, and your favorite canine heroes should also join us!
Get your super tickets today! Sidekicks — canine or human — under 1.2 meters are absolutely free!
KEEP READING: Burger League Unite! Taobao’s Best Superhero Costumes for Burger Fest
Photos: Courtesy of the families
