To a degree, the Greek and Roman mythological heroes are just the first superheroes. They appeal to children for much the same reason. These gods and heroes may have powers, but they get angry and they do the wrong thing. They are human too.
Rick RiordanI love teaching. I love working with kids... maybe some day I'll go back to the classroom. I'm not ready to say it'll never happen.
Rick RiordanFive shall go west to the goddess in chains, One shall be lost in the land without rain, The bane of Olympus shows the trail, Campers and Hunters combined prevail, The Titan's curse must one withstand, And one shall perish by a parent's hand
Rick Riordan