Six Sidekicks who deserve their own games

Sidekicks have always been under-appreciated in movies, games, and books; but they should be treated just as important as the hero they support. They could get a spin-off focusing just on themselves. Here’s a list of five universally known sidekicks without their own main role.

1. Chewbacca (Star Wars) – Little words can describe Chewbacca, but yet again, he can’t say many words. Chewbacca is mainly known as the sidekick of Han Solo in the original three Star Wars movies. Although he did get his own two-hour special back in 1979, he could still do better then that. He would be an interesting character to star in his own series since he’s used more in battle sequences then conversations.

2. Boots (Dora the Explorer) - If you've ever seen an episode of Dora the Explorer, you probably know who Boots is. Just in case you don’t remember, Boots is the blue monkey who always follows Dora around and does back flips. I think it’s only fair that if Dora’s cousin, Diego, gets his own show, Boots does too. Nickelodeon recently remade Dora into a “tween” and moved her to the big city, so what happens to boots? Unless he gets sent to an animal shelter, I think it would be a good idea for Nickelodeon to give him his own spin-off instead of ignoring him. Just imagine the marketing potential for a kindergarten show based on Boots, Boot’s T-shirts, Boot’s backpack, and Boot’s boots. But, what really matters is that Boots could be a great role-model to growing children.

4. Misty, May, and Dawn (Pokémon) – Throughout the 13 years (12 seasons) of Pokémon, the writers have written out many people; they always seem to replace the same role every two or three seasons - the female character of the main trio. So far Misty left to lead her water gym, no one knows what happened to May, and Dawn is getting close to her end on the show. But, I still don’t get how a ten-year old child is able to get three girls in a year, but that’s not the point, The point is that there should be a show centered on Misty, May, and/or Dawn. It would be interesting to watch a show not based on Ash, which is why a show based on different characters would appeal to past watchers.

5. Donkey (Shrek) – Some sidekicks are used as comic relief such as Donkey, Shrek’s pet sidekick. We first met Donkey in the first movie, and he has since been a main character. Nickelodeon has started producing computer- animated shows based on movies, such as The Penguins of Madagascar based on Madagascar, and futures shows such as Kung Fu Panda: The Series, and Monsters vs. Aliens: The Series. Donkey would be an ideal character to choose for a spin-off show, because of his comedic style. It could be a show centered on Donkey’s new family with his wife, The Dragon.

6. Toads (Mario) - Technically, they aren't sidekicks, but in a world where Princess Peach and Wario get their own games, these little toad people should too. Their original purpose in games was telling Mario that Princess Peach is in another castle. Even if they don’t get their own platform game, they could at least get a mini-cooking game. What makes these good characters to use in a spin-off, are that they appeal to many people. They are cute, tiny, and have a great smile, which would help Nintendo sell their games.

After all that, it’s obvious that sidekicks deserve just as much of the spotlight as the characters they support. Some are more appealing then others, but all are interesting in their own ways. Some sidekicks could star in their own comedic shows while others star in action movies.

They’re plastered on the side of public buses. Their fashion style has pervaded the boundaries of accepted clothing. Borders has even gone as far as to create miniature action figures of them so teenage girls can whip them out at the drop of a hat and pledge their love to plastic. Society has run amuck with fanged creatures of the night, otherwise known as vampires. Girls wreak vengeance on those who dare deny the possible existence of vampires, insistent on maintaining the quixotic dream that someday, they will meet a blood-sucking hormonal male to call their own. Could it be a characteristic of human nature that attracts us to vampires? Because, of course, a person with deathly pale skin and slightly yellow teeth who could potentially suck you lifeless is very attractive to the average teenager.
Though we may not all readily admit the fact, the immortality of vampires appeals to us. In our current stage of anxiety with what the future holds, it is not unnatural to want time to fulfill all the worldly needs we could possibly have. It is the inability of vampires to die that makes them more than human, elevating themselves on the glorious pedestal of eternal youth. In addition, the media continues to exalt these creatures by making sure that vampires are only the better-looking half of the public, complete with shampoo-commercial hair and model-like physiques. Vampires are the modern day equivalence to our definition of perfection, possessing the precious qualities of eternal life and beauty. We adore their ability to defy the natural boundaries of life that we, dull humans are subject to.
It is an inherent characteristic of human nature to enjoy seeing reflections of ourselves. As much as we admire the all powerful Gods and the destruction they are capable of, they are not characters we can relate to. In other words, we can nitpick the flaws of vampires. Their appeal lies not in their perfection, but their ability to smother their faults and fight temptation. Even their blemishes are easily mistaken for attributes. Just like fashion morphs, the vampire has suffered years of ridicule and disgust to become the adored creature it is today. In the era of Dracula, the vampire was feared and scoffed at, forcing them to hide within the confines of dungeons and foreboding castles. The vampire of today is portrayed as a lover with a tormented soul, seeking to break the stereotype of blood-sucking killer set upon them, which gives them an even greater appeal in the public eye.
The propaganda and media has done much to fuel the vampire craze. CW’s newest investment, Vampire Diaries details the life of a mortal and demure teenage girl torn between two vampires. An already hit series, True Blood on HBO follows a similar plot line. Aside from television series, the world of vampires has also pervaded the world of video games, like Vampire Rain. From the looks of it, vampires are going to be hanging around for a while. Let’s just hope we don’t start having Eclipse-themed proms and creating blood inspired jewelry. Oh wait, too late.