The Walt Disney Co. has a history of buying major production studios and maximizing their potential in a way that only the magic of Disney can. Studios including Pixar, Fox Family, and Lucasfilm have all been added to the ever-flourishing Disney family. In 2009, Marvel was acquired by Disney, much to the vexation of comic book and cosplay fans everywhere. Audiences knew that a Disney superhero movie was bound to be coming their way at some point, the question was whether or not the renowned and undisputed champion of fairy tales would be able to pull off a superhero movie that would be relatable to an audience that may not have Disney films at the top of its list of movies to see.

Sure, Disney’s film “The Incredibles” was a very successful and well-acclaimed superhero story, but more was at stake for Disney’s next superhero tale. When “The Incredibles” was released in 2004, Marvel fans had yet to be exposed to films such as “Thor,” “The Avengers,” or any of the highly popular “Iron Man” movies. The box office success and cultural popularity of the recent Marvel releases left the creative minds at Disney’s animation studios high expectations to fulfill from an already antsy audience.

As is the case with the majority of Disney’s film ventures, the animators and concept designers were able to capitalize on their investment by combining elements from Marvel’s comic world while staying true to Disney’s core audience, children, at the same time. Cue “Big Hero 6,” a tale of epic superhero proportions brought to life through the interpretations of Disney magic. “Big Hero 6” includes all of the aspects that a moviegoer can come to expect from a superhero tale, but manages to portray the story in a kid-friendly method.

While combing through the Marvel archives, Disney animators came across a comic mostly unfamiliar with the public, “Big Hero 6,” or sometimes referred to as “Sunfire and Big Hero 6.” The comic followed a boy named Hiro and his team of superheroes as they fought for justice. Disney based its hit film off of the same story line, and maintained much of the same characteristics that are in the original comic.

During the 102-minute runtime, audiences follow the main character, Hiro, as he copes with the death of his brother, an event that is a defining moment in his life. Throughout the movie, Hiro attempts to avenge his brother’s death with the help of a customized robot and his late brother’s circle of friends, who have all assumed superhero roles in order to help Hiro in his quest. The film has been criticized for the resounding themes of death, loss, and revenge, topics that are generally deemed too dark for Disney’s lighthearted tales. However, when creating a relatable and believable superhero story line, there must be a driving force behind the main character’s motives, and with this film, Disney has found a way to eloquently bring these sensitive issues into the story without letting them overtake and distract from the action.

Audiences are treated to a visual masterpiece while watching the film. The depth and detail that the artists used in bringing this story to life are undoubtedly the works of Disney animators. Intricate features of city life and futuristic possibilities bring the setting city of San Fransokyo to life in a magical and wonderful way. The characters are all entertaining and enjoyable and the main character, Hiro, is the ultimate protagonist, as viewing audiences want nothing more than for him to come out on top. Hiro’s partner, Baymax, a robot left behind by his late brother, is a lovable and adorable aspect of the tale and has every quality to become an instant favorite character among children. Scott Adsit and Ryan Potter are the starring voices that bring the duo of Baymax and Hiro to life, and together they take children of all ages on a heartfelt journey of love, discovery, and adventure.