Comic book movies like Suicide Squad target older audiences, leaving kids behind

"Worst. Heroes. Ever." is theslogan for the newSuicide Squad movie and,for parents of younger superhero fans, that may just ring a bit too true.

Pre-teen fans of such characters as Harley Quinn, who first appeared in 1992 onBatman: The Animated Seriesand became a popular comicbook character, will want to see her character portrayed in a new movie.But should they?

Once upon a time, comic book superheroes like Superman and Batman seemed appropriate for readers of all ages. These days, DC Entertainment has taken a different tack, especially when it comes to the filmversions of its popular comics.

• MOVIE REVIEW |Batmanv Superman: Dawn of Justice

Suicide Squad, for instance,follows agang of DC Comicssuper villains who are freed from jail in order to fulfil missions to help the government and save the world.Filmed in Toronto, the$175-million USHollywood movie stars Will Smith (Deadshot), MargotRobbie(Harley Quinn) andJared Leto (Joker).

"There's definitely a lot of sexuality surrounding Harley Quinn's character," said Jules Greco, who curates the children's section at the Silver Snail comic book store in Toronto.

"So I can see why some parents would be uncomfortable with that. And maybe, to some parents, it's not appropriate."

Suicide Squad is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America, meaning parents are "strongly cautioned" because some of the content may be inappropriate for pre-teenagers.

It carries a PG (parental guidance) rating in most Canadian provinces. The Ontario Film Review Board warns of violence, offensive language and says the film is "not recommended for young children."

The Suicide Squad comic books themselves are rated "Teen" by DC Comics, which means they'reintended for readers aged 12 and older.

A darker, grittier tone

Still, some young adult fans have concerns about how comic books have become darker and grittier than since when they were kids not so many years ago.

"I know too many kids who like Deadpool and I don't think their parents realize that he's not just Spider-Man with swords," comic collector Joey Matthews told CBC News.

• MOVIE REVIEW |Deadpoolis a filthy, riotous return for Ryan Reynolds

Deadpool, based on the Marvel Comics anti-hero, was released as a film starring Ryan Reynolds earlier this year and became the highest grossing R-rated film of all time.

"A lot of kids read Walking Dead and that really amazes me," he added.

"There are a lot of parents who don't know some of them aren't for kids. It would be great if more parents were aware of it."

Vera Watson, who was sporting a Harley Quinn T-shirt, said she looksforward to seeing her favourite comic book character in Suicide Squad. She admitted, however, that she prefers the earlier version of Harley Quinn who didn't dress as scantily.

Thoughshe'snot a parent, "I don't know if it's right for kids to go watch and idolize these people who aren't wearing clothes anymore,"Watson said.

Ultimately, it'sup to parents to choose what's right for their kids, according to Silver Snail'sGreco.

"DC has been pushing this grittier, more adult version of their super heroes and maybe they are alienating a younger audience," she added.

For kids or for adults?

Throughout the history of comic books, there has always been a tension between whether they'reaimed at adults or children, saidHope Nicholson, who runs the comics publishing company Bedside Press in Winnipeg.

• Diversity of Marvel comics not reflected in movies

• DC Comics mocked for noting characters spoke 'Pakistanian'

What's confusing for parents is that many characters can be found in works designed for both audiences, despite carrying a very different tone and content:the Harley Quinn from earlier depictions,for instance, is not the same as the highly sexualized and graphically violent character in the new movie.

"You should not be bringing kids to watch Suicide Squad, in my honest opinion," Nicholson said.

"I mean, it's right there in the title: suicide. They make it as clear as possible that this comic and this movie are not for kids."

While recent movies based on comic books seemto be skewing towards an older audience, there are still age-appropriate entertainment choices on television and online for pre-teens who like super heroes, Nicholson said.

In recognition of the need to feed the younger generation some age appropriate superhero fare, DC itself has a new feature-length animated film called DC Super Hero Girls: Hero of the Year, based on the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, coming out direct to video later this month.