On June 1, kid's network The Hub premiered SheZow, a gender-bending, animated superhero adventure. The show has begun to attract a sizable adult audience, as well as the wrath of the notorious One Million Moms.
The premise of SheZow is simple: Twelve-year-old Guy finds the SheZow power ring, originally worn by his late Aunt Agnes, and puts it on. The ring gives him superpowers, but was only meant to be worn by a woman. And so, Guy dons drag as SheZow, the heroine who protects the City of Megadale from supervillains.
"I'm a dude!," says Guy in his drag persona of SheZow.
One Million Moms, the conservative group that organizes boycotts against entertainment it views as "unwholesome," has stated that SheZow is transgender.
"This is just another example by the gay, lesbian and transgender community to indoctrinate our children into accepting their lifestyles," stated One Million Moms on its website. "Christian parents don't need a TV show that might contribute to what might be a real problem children are having. Thousands of Christian counselors and pastors all across the country are available to help anyone who is struggling with any kind of sin, including homosexuality and gender identity disorder."
The Hub released several statements regarding the claims being made by One Million Moms.
"We decided to broadcast SheZow because we see it as a light hearted animated comedy that goes back to some of the earliest cartoons like Bugs Bunny, who could make kids laugh by wearing a dress and a wig," was the network's official statement. "Hub Network is dedicated to providing quality entertainment that is enjoyable to kids and their families."
"I set out to create a comedy in SheZow, not a political statement," said series creator Obie Scott Wade. "While the character of Guy does learn many things about himself by becoming SheZow, the main focus is on responsibility and less on gender. The SheZow mythology is a classic heroes journey. It's about the conflict surrounding an ordinary slacker who is suddenly forced to save the world, but with a unique story element that adds a lot of comedy. Beginning at age 5, I dreamed of making my own TV show with a magic secret. I was profoundly influenced by classic TV shows like Bewitched."
The Million Moms boycott may have backfired, as SheZow is now generating quite a buzz, most of it in support of the show. Fast paced and funny, the adventures of SheZow are a throwback to the Saturday morning cartoons that were so popular during the 1960s and 70s, albeit with more sophisticated animation and a wry sense of humor.
SheZow airs every Saturday on The Hub. Episodes can also be viewed online at www.hubworld.com .