National Super Hero Day

A young adult wearing a superhero costume, striking a confident pose, in a colorful city backdrop, surrounded by cheering people.. — National super hero day illustration

Imagine standing tall, clearly fearless, basking in the adoration of the masses—an image that screams 'Superhero!' Well, hang onto your capes folks, because National Superhero Day swoops into action every year, proving there's a hero in all of us! And guess what? It even trends online, reaching peak popularity on May 26, 2020!

When is Super Hero Day?

It's national super hero day on the 26th May.

The Origin of National Superhero Day

In 1995, the folks at Marvel Comics, no strangers to bold actions, decided it was high time we had a 'National Superhero Day'. Crafted to celebrate those fictional characters who have thrilled us with their extraordinary powers, this day also honors the everyday heroes who travail relentlessly making our world a better place.

Popularity On The Internet

Defying the gravity of obscurity, National Superhero Day soared to harness the power of social media. We detected over 9,711 mentions online, and this day was most celebrated on May 26, 2020. A phenomenal rise, it made even Spiderman's spidey sense tingle with excitement!

How to Celebrate

Don your capes, folks! Get into your favorite superhero costume and spread the joy. Share your superhero love online using the hashtag #NationalSuperheroDay. If you're not a fan of tights, no worries. You can honor the day by celebrating the everyday heroes in your life. You know, our nurses, firefighters, teachers and even that neighbor next door who always lends a hand, they're all superheroes.

History behind the term 'Super Hero'

1938

Introduction of Superman

In 1938, the term 'super hero' was coined with the introduction of the iconic character Superman. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman made his first appearance in Action Comics #1. This immensely popular character possessed extraordinary powers and dedicated his life to fighting for justice and protecting the innocent. Superman's debut paved the way for the concept of a super-powered hero, captivating audiences with his incredible abilities and heroic deeds.

1939

Batman's Dark Knight Rises

The term 'super hero' gained further popularity in 1939 with the emergence of Batman. Created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, Batman offered a different kind of heroism compared to Superman. While lacking superhuman abilities, Batman relied on his intellect, physical prowess, and an array of gadgets to combat crime in the crime-ridden city of Gotham. Batman's brooding nature and dark persona resonated with audiences, solidifying the term 'super hero' as a representation of characters who go beyond ordinary human capabilities to fight injustice.

1941

Wonder Woman's Arrival

The year 1941 marked the introduction of Wonder Woman, created by psychologist William Moulton Marston under the pen name Charles Moulton. As one of the first major female superheroes, Wonder Woman brought diversity to the world of super heroes and played a pivotal role in establishing the term 'super hero' as inclusive of both male and female characters. With her superhuman strength, invulnerability, and iconic lasso of truth, Wonder Woman became an empowering figure for generations to come, inspiring female readers and challenging gender norms.

1961

The Marvel Age of Super Heroes

The 1960s ushered in the Marvel Age of comic books, transforming the landscape of super heroes with characters like Spider-Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and more. Co-created by writer Stan Lee and artists such as Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, Marvel's characters possessed complex personalities, relatable flaws, and intricate interconnected stories. This new wave of super heroes introduced a depth and realism that resonated with readers. The term 'super hero' became synonymous with Marvel as their characters gained immense popularity, creating a lasting impact on comic book culture.

1978

Superman Takes Flight on the Big Screen

In 1978, Christopher Reeve donned the iconic red and blue suit to portray Superman in the blockbuster film directed by Richard Donner. This cinematic adaptation of the Man of Steel further solidified the term 'super hero' in popular culture. The success and cultural impact of the movie not only elevated Superman's status but also the concept of super heroes as a whole. The film's combination of awe-inspiring action, heartfelt storytelling, and Reeve's captivating performance made Superman an enduring symbol of heroism and influenced the way subsequent super hero movies were made.