Marvel employees created National Superhero Day on April 28, 1995. That’s Marvel, as in Marvel Comics, the creators of “The Fantastic Four,” “The Avengers,” “X-Men,” and supervillains like Magneto, Green Goblin, and Loki.
However, as we all know, supervillains are unworthy of their own day.
Still, the idea behind superhero day is to honor those who serve and protect while fighting evil. Whether you’re a fan of the Marvel Universe or the DC Comics variety (like Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, or Superman), honoring heroes, real or fictional, is a worthwhile cause.
Holy holiday, Batman! Let’s get started on this…
National Superhero Day Activities
Throw a cosplay party
Halloween is still months away and mostly for children. But cosplay can happen anytime, and no time is better than National Superhero Day. So whether you choose a theme, like DC comic books heroes, Marvel heroes, or neighborhood heroes, invite people to come as their favorite! Look, a dinner table boasting the likes of Silver Surfer, the Huntress and Iron Man is bound to be fun!
Sponsor a superhero film festival
Even if you’ve never wanted to don a cape and save the day, it’s awesome to watch other people do it. So celebrate National Superhero Day by streaming films like "Iron Man," "Justice League," "Logan'" or even Captain Underpants. Just make sure you have plenty of candy and popcorn on hand — and maybe some masks too for the immersion experience.
Honor your own real-life superheroes
What makes a superhero? Usually it’s the attribute of powers, but don’t let that stop you from taking the day to thank your own heroes. You can thank an entire group, like firefighters or police officers, or honor just one person who has demonstrated fairness, courage and compassion. Make this superhero day your perfect day to honor all heroes
Why We Love National Superhero Day
Superheroes unite!
Start a debate amongst comic book fans about who's the best superhero and you'll soon find yourself in the middle of a heated argument. Batman? Some say he’s just a guy with gadgets. Who’s faster, the Flash or Quicksilver? Who’s more powerful, Spiderman or the Green Lantern?
National Superhero day solves this conundrum by honoring ALL superheroes. So quit arguing and embrace the wonderful diversity of heroes offered in this, and other, universes.
They're real
When we consider the attributes that make a superhero, aside from special powers, they embrace truth and justice, fight evil and demonstrate courage. There are many people in our society who embrace those same values and that makes them pretty super too!
There's a hero for everyone
Superheroes come in all colors, genders, religions, and incarnations. What’s not to love about a day that embraces an alien with a green pointy head (Martian Manhunter), a woman with wings (Hawkgirl), or a man half-metal, half-human (Cyborg)? Even Squirrel Girl has her own loyal following, and although she may not reach the status of having her own day, she is certainly a superhero.
That's right. Squirrel Girl.
