National Superhero Day
Marvel employees created National Superhero Day on April 28, 1995, to celebrate everyone’s favorite superhero. This is for superheroes only — we all know villains aren’t deserving of their own day. Still, the idea behind Superhero Day is to honor those who serve and protect while fighting evil. No matter who your favorite hero is, honoring the real or fictional people who inspire us is a worthwhile cause this April 28.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SUPERHERO DAY
For a day that’s all about celebrating superheroes, it’s no surprise that National Superhero Day was founded by Marvel Comics in 1995. Now, every year since its birth on April 28, 1995, people come together annually on this day to celebrate all their favorite heroes. No matter if your chosen heroes are fictional or real, this is the day to be thankful for them.
If you don’t know about Marvel Comics, think about all those superheroes you loved growing up (and probably still love). We’re talking about Spiderman, Thor, Iron Man, Black Widow, Captain Marvel, and many other fan favorites. Those heroes are all from Marvel comics, the creators of “The Fantastic Four,” “The Avengers,” and “X-Men.” However, Marvel superheroes aren’t the only ones out there. If you’re a fan of Batman, Wonder Woman, or Superman, those superheroes were created by DC Comics, and they are equally celebrated on this day!
Did you know the first superhero ever was created in 1936? He was named Phantom and he started with his own comic strip in a U.S. newspaper. This was the first known beginnings of a published superhero and, today, there are hundreds of well-known heroes that everyone loves.
As for real-life superheroes, National Superhero Day also recognizes those who we look up to every day. No matter if they wear masks, capes, scrubs, or uniforms, everyone has someone they think of as a superhero. This national day began and grew so that everyone’s role models could get a well-deserved shout-out for whatever hard work they do. Who’s your favorite superhero?
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SUPERHERO DAY 2021
1.Throw a cosplay party
Halloween is still months away. But cosplay can happen anytime, and no time is better than National Superhero Day. So whether you choose a theme, like DC comic book heroes, Marvel heroes, or neighborhood heroes, invite people to come as their favorite! 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 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 to really immerse yourself.
3.Honor your own real-life superheroes
What makes a superhero? Usually, it’s the attribute of having superpowers, 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 2021
A. 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 embrace the wonderful diversity of heroes offered in this, and other, universes.
B. 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!
C. 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 have reached the status of having her own day, she is certainly a superhero.
References:
“National Superhero Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-superhero-day/