This year's Halloween may look a little different than it has in the past thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. That being said, most people still plan on celebrating the spooky season in one way or another, and one of those ways they plan on celebrating is by dressing up in costumes. According to the National Retail Federation, when it comes to superheroes, children usually prefer to dress up as Spider-Man and adults prefer to dress as Batman.
This could indicate that adults are more cynical than children in their general outlook on life. Spider-Man is known for being a more chipper, happy character than the brooding Batman. They also generally have a different outlook to what they do. Spider-Man helps his neighborhood, and while he does appear in bigger heroic operations, he also finds value and joy in the small victories. Batman on the other hand generally feels that Gotham is doomed and any action he does has no ultimate impact on the betterment of society as a whole. Batman saves the city time and time again, yet often feels like a failure.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken an emotional and psychological toll on the general public beyond the physical limitations implemented by the necessary restrictions and safety guidelines. People are feeling isolated and frustrated. Perhaps dressing as a superhero who perseveres through pain and suffering could serve as an emotional crutch during this difficult time. In 2008's The Dark Knight, Alfred tells a frustrated Bruce Wayne to "Endure... that's the point of Batman." Facing the stress of the pandemic may be easier dressed up like the hero known for his endurance. Batman feels a taxing and punishing obligation to his role as The Dark Knight, just like adults may feel towards their role in the pandemic, and in adult life in general.
Children of course are impacted by the pandemic, but perhaps they are generally more hopeful and upbeat about their situation. Spider-Man always picks himself up and endures, but he does so in a brighter, less morose style than Batman. There is a joy and sense of wonder present in Spider-Man that Batman lacks, and perhaps it is that energy that kids are responding to by dressing up as the web-slinger. The famous line from Spider-Man canon is "With great power comes great responsibility." Perhaps kids feel drawn to their potential to change the world for the better and respond directly to that call to action in a positive way.
There can be a sense of liberation or escapism that comes with donning a costume for a night. When adults choose to dress as Batman over Spider-Man, it may simply be because they grew up on the Michael Keaton Batman films, while kids choose Spider-Man because the Tom Holland films are recent and popular. Still, it could possibly say more about the generational perspective on the state of the world than simply one film's prominence in a given decade. Either way, it is entertaining to ponder while selecting your own costume for the spooky season.