Choosing a Sidekick: Lessons from the Multiverse and Beyond

Imagine yourself as the sidekick to one of the many superheroes that populate the vast and diverse multiverse of fictional stories. What traits and abilities would you hope to emulate? How would your fictional sidekick mentor assist you in your own development?

From Death Goddesses to Multiversal Mentors

Let's start with Hela, the Goddess of Death from Marvel's universe. Hela excels as a formidable mentor, not just for her magical prowess but for her steadfast dedication to her role. She is the ultimate embodiment of power and control, and learning under her might help any aspiring superhero develop their skills to their full potential. Hela's approach to magic transcends the boundaries of the mortal realm, making her an unparalleled teacher. Her techniques, such as the Hela Palming, allow her to control magic with near-infinite versatility, making her an ideal mentor for anyone looking to master their craft.

Crossing the Multiverse: A Platonic Partnership

Now, let's imagine you're paired with a fictional character, like Kitty Pryde from the X-Men universe. She's an interesting case, given she has her own sidekick in the form of Lockheed, the adorable purple alien dragon. In a hypothetical situation, Kitty Pryde might be your mentor. However, the dynamic between you wouldn't necessarily carry over well. Upon joining forces, you'd likely face a challenging introduction. Even though you were initially excited about the prospect, Kitty's pre-existing sidekick might complicate your relationship.

The Awkward Reunion

Meeting Kitty Pryde in a superheroes universe would be a bit of an ordeal. You might start off with a somewhat awkward conversation:

Me: “and that’s why the Multiversal Gods of Hypothetical Scenarios made me your sidekick.” Kitty: “Oookay. Listen don’t take this the wrong way but I already sort of have a sidekick.” Me: “You do” Kitty: “Yeah Lockheed. He’s this adorable little purple alien dragon… who won’t hesitate to burn and/or eat anyone who tries to replace him.” Me: “Oh I know who Lockheed is. I just thought he was more of a pet than-” Kitty: “Okay whatever you do don’t use the ‘p-word’ in front of him. He’s very sensitive about his independence so he doesn’t like that. Anyways I’m not really sure you’re qualified to be my sidekick. Do you even have any special abilities” Me: “I can touch my nose with my tongue.” Kitty: “Oy vey… Are you at least moderately skilled at dodging things and not dying” Me: “Um… maybe Hey do I get a codename I was thinking that because you’re ‘Shadowcat’ I could be ‘Shadow Panther’ or ‘Shadow Lion’.”

Naming and Training

Kitty's response to your budding partnership wouldn't be kind. First, she'd correct your choice of codenames, emphasizing that she hasn't been called “Shadowcat” for years. You’re already off to a bad start. Secondly, she’d insist on choosing the codename, dubbing you “Shadowkitten.” This decision isn’t just about her pride in using a fun nickname, but it’s also a way to assert her authority and emphasize the challenge of becoming her sidekick.

Shadowkitten Defender of Mutantkind

In this dynamic, you’d be just a shadow of what you might expect from a sidekick. You might protest, but ultimately, you’d have to accept your new status as “Shadowkitten Defender of Mutantkind.” This title, while cute, can come with its own set of challenges as you try to prove your worth and your value to Kitty and the team.

Lessons for Future Sidekick Partnerships

From this experience, you’d learn valuable lessons about fictional mentorships and partnerships in the superhero universe. One, the qualities that make a great mentor extend beyond just having special abilities. Two, the dynamic between you and your sidekick mentor is crucial, and pre-existing relationships can affect that dynamic. And three, accepting challenges head-on and showing growth in the face of adversity is key to becoming a valuable part of any team.

So, when you embark on your journey as a sidekick in the vast and diverse multiverse of fictional storytelling, be prepared for the challenges and growth opportunities that come with it. Remember, even when things start awkward, the lessons learned and the bonds formed can make for an incredible adventure.