Adult characters with childlike bodies are an interesting trope and concept. On paper, the psychology of a character being stuck in permanent childhood has incredible storytelling potential, but, alas, many depictions of this idea are poorly represented, misrepresented and/or sexualized.

The adventure-fantasy anime Seven Deadly Sins (2014 – 2021) is an egregious example. There’s a minor character named Elaine, a Fairy who looks and acts like a child despite being over 1,000 years old—and considered young by Fairy standards. Despite this, she enters a romantic relationship with Ban, an adult human.

No amount of mental gymnastics will justify how Ban, a grown adult man, is romantically involved with someone who looks and acts like she’s 12 years old. Nothing will justify him being romantically involved with someone established to be a child—context and worldbuilding can’t fully overcome that disconnect. It’s creepy, and it’s problematic.

In contrast, the adult-animated superhero show Invincible (2025–present) handles this trope significantly better. Monster Girl is a minor character who is a superheroine with a curse—every time she uses her powers, her body physically regresses by a week. Thus, despite being 24 years old, she looks like she’s 13.

The show thoroughly explores the ramifications of this condition and trope through her love life, especially the difficulties she faces and how she deals with people attracted to her despite her appearance. They even pair her with another character going through a somewhat similar situation: Robot.

It’s completely understandable and justified that some people find this trope inherently problematic, especially if characters of this trope are presented as love interests. However, if the story and narrative consider the psychological and social consequences of the character’s situation seriously, it can ultimately provide a foundation for a compelling story.