National Superhero Day

A group of diverse individuals wearing colorful superhero costumes, standing in a cityscape with bright skyscrapers and their capes flowing in the wind.. — National superhero day illustration

Birds, assemble! Or, rather… ‘Superhumans, unite!’ Welcome to our flying exploration of the day we set aside to celebrate masked marvels, dynamic do-gooders, and awesome avengers: National Superhero Day! Get out your capes and cowls, and prepare to join us in the superhero signal-lit sky of internet history.

When is Superhero Day?

It's national superhero day on the 28th April.

A Day for Dynamic Duos and Singular Sensations

The digital realm was given an extra shot of power when National Superhero Day first hit the web. Our online sensors picked up about 47,101 mentions of this day. Whether it's celebrating actual superheroes or just your everyday heroes (like your coffee-barista who hits that cappuccino-foam just right), online users were thrilled to mark the occasion. And, hold onto your utility belts, because the chatter reached a high-flying peak on April 28th, 2016. The web was virtually vibrating with virtual ‘kabooms!’ and ‘pows!’

Channeling Our Inner Hero

Superhero Day isn't just about donning a disguise, clambering onto your nearest rooftop and uttering profound things about power and responsibility. Nope, it's a day when we can all channel our inner superheroes. Tear up that to-do list like it's a mad scientist's evil plan, or help your old neighbor with her groceries like you're rescuing hostages from a dastardly villain. It's an affirmation that we can all be heroes, even in small ways.

Pow! The Origin Story

Did you know National Superhero Day was created by Marvel employees in 1995? It's a classic origin story, plotted not in the pages of a comic, but in the imaginative minds of comic book creators. And just like with all good origin stories, from these humble beginnings it has since exploded into the mainstream.

History behind the term 'Superhero'

1938

Birth of the superhero genre

The term 'superhero' was first introduced in the year 1938 with the publication of Action Comics #1, which featured the debut of Superman. Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, Superman was the first character to possess extraordinary powers and use them to fight crime and protect the innocent. This marked the birth of the superhero genre and paved the way for numerous iconic characters to follow.

1940

Expansion of the superhero universe

In the early 1940s, the superhero genre experienced a rapid expansion with the introduction of several popular characters. Among them was Batman, created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, who made his debut in Detective Comics #27 in 1939 but started gaining significant popularity in 1940. Other notable superheroes introduced during this time include Captain America, The Flash, and Green Lantern. The diverse range of powers, backstories, and motifs showcased the versatility of the superhero concept.

1961

The Marvel revolution

The year 1961 marked a turning point in the superhero genre with the launch of Marvel Comics' Fantastic Four #1. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four ushered in a new era of superheroes with relatable flaws and complex personalities. This departure from the traditional 'perfect' superhero archetype resonated with readers and laid the foundation for the Marvel Universe. The subsequent creation of characters like Spider-Man, Hulk, and Iron Man further solidified Marvel's impact on the superhero landscape.

1978

Superheroes on the silver screen

The late 1970s saw a significant milestone in the progression of superheroes as they made their way onto the silver screen. In 1978, the film 'Superman,' directed by Richard Donner and starring Christopher Reeve, was released. It became a blockbuster success and set the stage for superhero movies to become a mainstay in popular culture. This marked the beginning of a trend that continues to dominate the box office to this day.

2008

The Marvel Cinematic Universe

A major milestone in the superhero genre occurred in 2008 with the release of 'Iron Man,' kickstarting the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Robert Downey Jr., introduced a connected universe where various superheroes coexist and their stories intertwine. This groundbreaking approach not only revolutionized superhero movies but also influenced storytelling in other cinematic franchises. The MCU went on to become a global phenomenon, comprising over 20 interconnected films.

2017

Diverse representation and cultural impact

In recent years, the superhero genre has evolved to incorporate diverse representation and address contemporary social issues. Movies like 'Black Panther,' released in 2018, and 'Wonder Woman,' released in 2017, showcased the power of representation and shattered box office records, proving that diverse stories can resonate with audiences worldwide. With superheroes reflecting a wide range of genders, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds, the genre continues to have a profound impact on popular culture and serves as a platform for exploring important societal themes.

Did you know?

Superman, one of the most iconic superheroes, was originally intended to be a bald character obsessed with world domination. His creators, writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, later reimagined him as a heroic character.