Consumers are convincing developers to pay attention to the lack of diversity and creativity in the toy aisle.

For example, a British toymaker recently designed a line of dolls with disabilities so that kids could buy a toy that mirrored the way they looked. Barbie might not walk with a cane or have a hearing aid, but these dolls do. You may have even seen the many people expressing their outrage at the lack of Black Widow action figures from The Avengers: Age of Ultron using the #wheresnatasha hashtag on Twitter.

It’s evident that women, men, and children are looking for something different than the stereotypical doll, or even the stereotypical hero. They want something that they can customize, and they want a strong woman.

Here’s where HeroMe comes in.

What is a HeroMe?

A HeroMe is a 12-inch superhero action figure customized, from start to finish, by your child. Each $40 action figure comes with a 56-page HeroMe Handbook, a customizable ID card, and a reusable rocket-ship box. Kids (and big kids too!) can go online and custom build their HeroMe figure, choosing what his strengths and abilities are, as well as his features.

A HeroMe, according to the company’s interactive website:

• Inspires creativity
• Encourages kids to “Do Good”
• Offers endless options for creative play
• Supports learning through the HeroMe Handbook

The Kickstarter

The company began by making male action figures, but has recently started a campaign to raise funds to create a female line as well. With about a month left, the HeroMe Girl Action Figure Toy Kickstarter has raised $2,662 of its $25,000 goal.

The company believes that kids of all genders need strong women superhero action figures who can be role models. They want to redefine the role of the superhero woman. These toys aren’t traditional woman superheroes either. They are strong, confident, powerful, dressed in a practical manner, and have all of the same gear that the men have access to. These women are confident leaders, and aren’t made out to be anyone’s sidekick.

Another great part about HeroMe is that it really encourages kids to be creative. When designing their hero, kids write their own adventure, backstory, and details about their hero. This way, they have the opportunity to tell a story rather than just pulling one from a film. They can do this using the included HeroMe Handbook. This interactive book is full of games and educational activities that encourage the child to write their own “adventure story about their new superhero friend.”

The heroics don’t stop there. The company believes in reminding the child that they can be an everyday hero too:

“Just as important is the idea that every HeroMe and child can “do good” with the powers they have.  It doesn’t always take superpowers to be a superhero, and we want all children to know that they have the power to do good in their homes, schools and communities.”

Building Your Hero

Online, kids can currently choose between five heads, five arms, and five leg options to create their figure. With HeroMe Girl, new heads and torsos will be available as well. Both male and female heroes will have access to the same powers, arms, legs, and uniforms.

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Rewards

HeroMe is offering a lot of creative rewards for making a donation toward creating their new line of heroes. For $1, they’ll attach your name to a rocket and shoot it into the air. It won’t reach space, but they promise fanfare and undying gratitude, and those are priceless. $50 will get you a HeroMe Action figure of your own. T-shirts, stickers, and a tour of the factory (which may or may not include fresh baked cookies) are also available to anyone willing to put some money toward this Kickstarter.

My favorite reward is the $100 pledge. Contribute $100, and the company will send you a HeroMe Gift Certificate and they’ll donate one to the Ronald McDonald House or Nemours Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Consider donating to this Kickstarter, led by a company who really seems to be focused on doing good for children and their communities alike.