April 28 is National Superhero Day, celebrated annually since its creation in 1995 by Marvel employees. That’s Marvel, as in Marvel Comics, the creators of The Fantastic Four, The Avengers, X-men and super-villains like Magneto, Green Goblin and Loki. However, supervillains are unworthy of their own day. The idea behind superhero day is to honor those who serve and protect while fighting evil. Whether you are a fan of the Marvel Universe or icons of the DC Comic variety, like Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash or Superman, honoring heroes, real or fictional, area worthwhile cause.
National Superhero Day Activities
1. A cosplay dinner party
Halloween is still months away and mostly for children. But cosplay can be for any time, 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 orjust invite people to come as their favorite hero, a dinner table boasting the likes of Silver Surfer, the Huntress and Iron Man is bound to be fun!
2. 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 renting or cueing up movies like Iron Man, Justice League, Logan or even Captain Underpants.Just make sure you have plenty of candy and popcorn on hand; maybe some masks too for the immersion experience
3. Honor your own real-life superheroes
What makes a super hero? Usually it’s the attribute of powers, but don’t let that stop you from taking the day to thank your own heroes who make your life just super. You can thank an entire group, like firefighters or police officers by bringing them brownies or writing a letter of thanks, 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
A. It honors all superheroes
Start a debate amongst comic book fans about who is the best superhero and you will 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.
B. It’s not just about fiction
Although we can all embrace the movies, books and video games that bring to life our fictional heroes, there is a lot to be said for the heroes that exist in reality. 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!
C. It’s inclusive
Superheroes come in all colors, genders, religions and incarnations. What’s not to loveabout 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 loyalfollowing and although she may not reach the status of having herown day, she is certainly a superhero.
