Places I go for inspiration in this kind of genre are:
Legion of Super Heroes (the older the better)
Teen Titans
Teen Champions
Runaways
The Incredibles
PS238
Sky HIgh
X-Men comics that actually are about the younger kids at the school
I’m sure there’s more, but that’s my small list right now.
If you have not read Runaways, do it! At least the first two runs.
Dang it that was the top of my list and somehow missed typing it. The first 2 runs of it are the best!
Either you edited it in there or it was there all along and I’m the fool. Regardless, Runaways is the best.
I didn’t edit … so either I had put it in or there’s magic …
Young Justice – the DCAU Bruce Timm cartoon – should be #1 (or in that ballpark) on that list. I highly recommend it.
Wholeheartedly agree about X-Men comics! I had a lot of fun collecting Academy X with Surge and Prodigy back in the day.
Also, Young Avengers was so great, it really reeled me in.
I remember the original trade being good.
I’ll add my vote for Runaways. It’s perfect for this setting.
X-Men Evolution is another option for those who prefer comics in motion with voices!
Also Worm, a free web serial (though serial doesn’t do it justice)
X-Men Evolution, the Jason Aaron Wolverine & The X-Men run and the Generation X comics from the 90’s are definite influences for me with Masks.
What about the Generation X movie from the 90s?
It’s best to forget that ever happened, Andrew Betts.
Honestly I loved it as a kid …
Andrew Betts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2woRmWMhm0