A superhero is a type of fictional character who has powers that ordinary people do not, and uses them to protect innocent people from danger.
Superheroes in concept have been imagined since the times of Ancient Greece, but the modern idea of superheroes arose with the creation of Superman in 1938.
Modern superheroes typically have superhuman powers. For example, they may have increased strength, and speed. Usually, a superhero is courageous and noble. They often have an iconic name, and wear recognisable costumes.
Some superheroes do not actually have super powers but are merely individuals who want to do good in the world. For example, Batman does not have any superpowers, but trained for years to become one of the strongest and most intelligent humans on Earth, so that he can fight crime.
Secret Identities
Most superheroes keep their identities a secret by wearing a mask. This protects their friends and family safe from being hurt by villains. Because superheroes do not fight within the regulations of the law like police officers do, they would be arrested for vigilantism if they revealed their identities.
Origin Stories
Many superheroes have tragic backstories that play into why they're superheroes in the first place. Batman, for example, saw both of his parents murdered in front of him and dedicated himself to fighting crime to prevent things like that happening to other people. Spider-Man, believing it to not be his responsibility, let a thief go that he could've easily stopped. That same thief later broke into his home and killed his uncle, causing Spider-Man to realise that he had to be responsible with his power and use it to help others.
History
In 1936, a hero named The Phantom was created, by Lee Falk. He starred in a daily comic strip of his own and had no superpowers. The first widely agreed upon definition of a superhero came with the creation of Superman by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel in 1938. In 1939, Batman would be created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger and thus began the Golden Age of Comic Books.
In 1939, Timely Comics, the original name of Marvel Comics, created their first superhero, Namor the Submariner. Months later, they debuted The Human Torch, and a year later, Captain America. In 1941, Wonder Woman, the first woman superhero, would be created by William Moulton Marston and Harry G. Peter.
The Silver Age of Comic Books began in 1956 with the creation of The Flash. This era of superheroes is defined by sci-fi origin stories, in which tragic accidents grant special abilities to a once ordinary person. In 1960, the first major superhero team, the Justice League of America would be created. In 1961, Marvel Comics launched The Fantastic Four, and in 1962, Spider-Man. The Hulk, Iron Man, the X-Men, and Daredevil soon followed.
The Bronze Age of Comic Books began in 1970, marked by more intense, violent superheroes. In 1974, Wolverine would be created by Len Wein and John Romita Sr.
The Modern Age of Comic Books began in 1985 began with an expansion on darker, less traditional themes, with books such as Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns. Many popular superheroes followed this era, such as Deadpool, Harley Quinn, Invincible, and the anti-superhero vigilante group The Boys.
Superpowers
Most superheroes posess mighty abilities known as Superpowers. Superpowers come in many different shapes and forms.
Superhuman strength is one of the most common superpowers. It allows a superhero to lift heavy objects, such as cars.
Superhuman durability allows a superhero to withstand damage that would hurt or kill any normal person. For example, they may be immune to bullets.
Flight is another common superpower. It allows a superhero to freely move through the air, often at high speeds.
Superhuman speed allows a superhero to be very fast. Superheroes with this power are often referred to as "speedsters".
Telekinesis is a power that allows a superhero to move objects with their mind.
Telepathy allows a superhero to read or control minds.
Shapeshifting is a power that lets a superhero change their body into anything they want.
There are kinds of superpowers that are recognisable to one superhero. Wall-crawling is a power that allows a superhero to climb any surface, and is often attributed to Spider-Man. Superhuman stretching allows a user to stretch their limbs out to far distances, a power used by Mister Fantastic.
Some superheroes do not have powers but instead rely on training and technology. Batman dedicates himself to fighting crime using technology developed with his vast fortune, and Iron Man uses a highly-advanced suit of armor to protect the world.
