National Superhero Day Date in the current year: April 28, 2024

A superhero is a stock character that has superpowers and uses them to protect the public, fight crime, and help the world become a better place. Although the word superhero dates back to 1899 and inspirations behind costumed superheroes can be traced back to ancient mythologies, the active development of superhero fiction didn’t begin until the 1930s.

The bulk of well-known superhero characters were introduced during the so-called Golden Age of Comic Books, which lasted from 1938 to 1956. They include the Atom, Aquaman, Batman, Captain America, Captain Marvel (Shazam), Doctor Fate, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, the Flash, Hawkman, the Human Torch, the Sub-Mariner, Superman, and Wonder Woman.

The Golden Age of Comic Books was followed by the Silver Age, when several popular superheroes were given new origin stories and many new superheroes were created. It was during the Silver Age that DC superheroes teamed up to form the Justice League, and Marvel Comics introduced Daredevil, The Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Thor, and the X-Men.

Although the first attempts to adapt superhero comic books for the screen were made as early as in the 1940s, all successful superhero film and television franchises developed in the early 21st century. In recent years, the world of superheros has become much more diverse, with heroes of various ethnicities, religions, sexualities, and gender identities. There are even disabled superheros, many of whom are portrayed by disabled actors in adaptations.

Superheroes are more than just beloved characters. For many people, they are role models and an inspiration because, in addition to superpowers, it is their qualities such as courage, modesty, righteousness, humility, compassion, selflessness and hope in humanity that make them superheroes. Superhero stories can teach children about the importance of teamwork and inspire them to make the world a better place.

National Superhero Day was created by a group of employees at Marvel Comics in 1995. At first, its main goal was to popularize Marvel’s superheroes, but since its inception the celebration has since evolved to include real-life superheroes who have dedicated their lives to helping others and serving their communities. Military personnel, firefighters, police officers, rescuers, doctors and nurses, educators, and volunteers might not have superpowers, but they are still superheroes to those they help.

To celebrate National Superhero Day, buy a comic book about your favorite superhero, watch a superhero TV show, invite your friends over for a Marvel or DC movie marathon, throw a superhero-themed party, draw a superhero or write superhero fan fiction, and spread the word about the holiday on social media using the hashtag #National Superhero Day. This is also the perfect day to thank real-life superheroes for everything they’re doing and show your appreciation.