Superhero

""If I could be a superhero

I would be... Awesome Man

I’d fly around the world fighting crime

According to my awesome plan

And if I saw criminals trying to lie

Hurting other people and making them cry

I'd haul them off to jail in my awesome van

'Cause I would be Awesome Man""

- Stephen Lynch, "Superhero"

For a list of tropes common to the genre, see Superhero Tropes.

A series where the main character has powers and/or abilities that set him aside from other people. Usually (unless he's Not Wearing Tights) he is a costumed do-gooder with a colourful outfit (which likely sports a Chest Insignia), a Secret Identity and often unusual and useful superpowers or equipment. Sometimes he's a loner trying to deal with the hand that fate dealt him. Usually his reason for existence is to defeat his nemesis or arch-enemy the Super Villain.

Sometimes the show focuses on a team or other grouping of powered individuals.

The original modern Superhero is arguably The Shadow (first published April 1, 1931 in The Shadow Magazine, seven years before Action Comics #1 introduced Superman). Though he did not initially have have super powers other than being a master hypnotist, he gains psychic abilities beginning in 1937 that let him induce psychological invisibility in the radio series. He was inspired by previous fictional adventurers and crime fighters, such as Zorro. In turn, he has inspired many future superheroes, most notably Batman who was an Expy at first before being differentiated into how he's currently recognized.

The first comic strip superhero would have been Mandrake the Magician (June 11, 1934) and the first spandex-type costumed Super Hero is arguably The Phantom (first published Feb. 17, 1936), who wore a skin-tight purple outfit with a mask. Culturally the concept was crystallized by Superman, who remains possibly doubtlessly the world's most recognized superhero. From there the concept was repeated numerous times, eventually spawning the Justice Society of America which was the first superhero team.

Note that not all Super Heroes are super-powered; Batman is often considered a Superhero despite having nothing but training, intelligence, willpower, minor gadgetry and the writers on his side; Phantom was in peak physical fitness, had excellent reflexes and was a sharpshooter. They are generally considered superheroes, partly because of the costume. In trope terms, they go under Costumed Nonsuper Hero.

Sooner or later, all Super Heroes have an origin story. If the series lasts long enough, the Sorting Algorithm of Evil will introduce the bigger threat of a Super Villain, possibly an Arch Enemy. If the superhero fights enough of them often enough, they may gather a Rogues Gallery.

Superheroes are not limited merely to comic books and their derivations. Greek Heroes like Heracles and Achilles could be considered a sort of ancient prototype. Knight Rider or The Six Million Dollar Man are television examples partaking fairly little of the comic book medium. Anime in particular is chock full of super heroes from Astro Boy to Goku and Sailor Moon. See also Sentai, Magical Girl Warrior. Not to mention Super Robot, which is the Superhero writ very large (and armored).

In some continuities they may be called something other than superhero, but they're usually still recognizable as such. See also Superhero Prevalence Stages and Standard Superhero Setting.

See also The Cape, Stock Super Powers, Form Fitting Wardrobe, and of course the Most Common Superpower. The exact opposite would be the Un Sorcerer.

If you feel you have a handle on the elements of a Superhero comic book, hop on over to So You Want To Write A Superhero Comic and see what you can contribute.

Anime & Manga

 * Astro Boy
 * Pluto
 * The Big O
 * Blade
 * Bleach
 * Bubblegum Crisis
 * Cardcaptor Sakura
 * Cutey Honey
 * Cyborg 009
 * Darker Than Black
 * Demashita Powerpuff Girls Z
 * Devil Hunter Yohko
 * Devilman
 * Devilman Lady
 * D.N.Angel
 * Dororon Enma-kun
 * Dragon Ball
 * Dragon Ball GT
 * Dragon Ball Kai
 * Eighth Man
 * Giant Robo: The Day The Earth Stood Still
 * Guyver
 * Iron Man
 * Karas
 * Kekko Kamen
 * Lyrical Nanoha
 * Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha
 * Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha As
 * Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Striker S
 * Striker S Sound Stage X
 * Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Vi Vid
 * Magical Record Lyrical Nanoha Force
 * Moldiver
 * Needless
 * One Piece
 * Pretty Cure
 * Futari wa Pretty Cure
 * Futari wa Pretty Cure Splash Star
 * Yes Pretty Cure 5
 * Fresh Pretty Cure
 * Heartcatch Pretty Cure
 * Suite Pretty Cure
 * Smile Pretty Cure
 * Pretty Cure All Stars
 * Psychic Detective Yakumo
 * Puella Magi Madoka Magica
 * Ratman
 * Sacred Seven
 * Sailor Moon
 * Codename Sailor V
 * Saint Seiya
 * Science Ninja Team Gatchaman
 * Battle of the Planets
 * Speed Grapher
 * Star Driver
 * Tekkaman Blade
 * Tiger and Bunny
 * Tokyo Mew Mew
 * Wedding Peach
 * Wolverine
 * X-Men

Comics

 * Agents of Atlas
 * Airboy
 * All Fall Down
 * Ambush Bug
 * Animal Man
 * Ant-Man
 * Aquaman
 * The Astounding Wolf Man
 * Astro City
 * The Atom
 * The Authority
 * The Avengers
 * The Ultimates
 * Azrael
 * Batgirl
 * Batman
 * All-Star Batman & Robin the Boy Wonder
 * Batwoman
 * Birds of Prey
 * Black Canary
 * Black Lightning
 * Black Panther
 * Black Widow
 * Blade
 * Blue Beetle
 * Booster Gold
 * Cable
 * Captain America
 * Captain Atom
 * Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew
 * Captain Marvel
 * Catwoman
 * Cloak and Dagger
 * The Creeper
 * Daredevil
 * Darkhawk
 * Darna
 * Dazzler
 * Deadpool
 * The Defenders
 * Doctor Fate
 * Doctor Strange
 * Doom Patrol
 * Elektra
 * Elongated Man
 * Empowered
 * The End League
 * The Falcon
 * Fantastic Four
 * Ultimate Fantastic Four
 * The Flash
 * Fire Breather
 * Gen 13
 * Ghost Rider
 * Gladstone's School For World Conquerors
 * Global Guardians
 * Great Lakes Avengers
 * Green Arrow
 * The Green Hornet
 * Green Lantern
 * Hawkeye
 * Hawkman
 * Hourman
 * Huntress
 * Immortal Iron Fist
 * The Incredible Hercules
 * Incredible Hulk
 * Invincible
 * Iron Man
 * Isis
 * Jack Staff
 * Justice League of America
 * Justice League Dark
 * Justice League International
 * Justice Society of America
 * Kick-Ass
 * Krypto the Superdog
 * The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
 * Legion of Super-Heroes
 * Love and Capes
 * Luke Cage Hero for Hire
 * Mage
 * Martian Manhunter
 * Marvel Zombies
 * Metamorpho The Element Man
 * The Mighty
 * The Mighty Thor
 * Malaak Angel of Peace
 * Miracleman
 * Moon Knight
 * Ms. Marvel
 * New Avengers
 * The New Warriors
 * Nextwave
 * Paperinik New Adventures
 * Pet Avengers
 * The Phantom
 * The Phantom Stranger
 * Plastic Man
 * Power Girl
 * Power Pack
 * Powers
 * Pride High
 * PS 238
 * The Punisher
 * Quantum and Woody
 * Quasar
 * The Question
 * Quicksilver
 * Red Tornado
 * Red Hulk
 * Rising Stars
 * The Sentry
 * The Shadow
 * Shazam!
 * She-Hulk
 * Silver Surfer
 * Spawn
 * The Spectre
 * Spider-Girl
 * Spider-Man
 * JMS Spider-Man
 * Spider-Man Index
 * Ultimate Spider-Man
 * Spider-Woman
 * The Spirit
 * Sleeper
 * Stormwatch
 * Stormwatch PHD
 * Squadron Supreme
 * Supreme Power
 * Squirrel Girl
 * Supergirl
 * Superman
 * All Star Superman
 * Super Young Team
 * Supreme
 * Swamp Thing
 * Taskmaster
 * Teen Titans
 * Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
 * Thunderbolts
 * Top Ten
 * The Umbrella Academy
 * The Vision
 * War Machine
 * The Wasp
 * Watchmen
 * Wild Cards the Hard Call
 * Wildsiderz
 * Wolverine
 * Wonder Girl
 * Wonder Man
 * Wonder Woman
 * X-Men
 * Generation X
 * New Mutants
 * Ultimate X-Men
 * X-Factor
 * X-Men Forever
 * Young Avengers
 * Young Justice
 * Youngblood
 * Zsazsa Zaturnnah

Film (Animated)

 * The Adventures of the American Rabbit
 * Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
 * Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero
 * Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
 * Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
 * The Batman vs. Dracula
 * DC Universe Original Animated Movies
 * Superman Doomsday
 * Justice League: The New Frontier
 * Wonder Woman
 * Green Lantern First Flight
 * Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
 * Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
 * Batman: Under the Red Hood
 * Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
 * All Star Superman
 * Fire Breather
 * The Haunted World of El Superbeasto
 * The Incredibles
 * Marvel Animation
 * Ultimate Avengers
 * The Invincible Iron Man
 * Next Avengers Heroes of Tomorrow
 * Hulk Vs
 * Thor: Tales of Asgard
 * Megamind
 * The Return of Hanuman
 * Teen Titans Trouble in Tokyo

Film (Live Action)

 * The Adventures of Captain Marvel
 * The Avengers
 * The Batman
 * Batman and Robin
 * Batman
 * Batman Returns
 * Batman Forever
 * Batman and Robin
 * The Dark Knight Saga
 * Batman the Movie
 * Black Scorpion
 * Blade
 * Blankman
 * Catwoman
 * Captain America 1990
 * Captain America the First Avenger
 * Daredevil
 * Defendor
 * Dragon Ball Evolution
 * Fantastic Four
 * The Fantastic Four
 * The Green Hornet
 * Green Lantern
 * Hancock
 * Hulk
 * The Incredible Hulk
 * Hellboy
 * Iron Man
 * Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie The Flying Ghost Ship
 * Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan the Movie
 * Kamen Rider the First
 * Kamen Rider the Next
 * Kamen Rider G
 * Kamen Rider X Super Sentai Super Hero Taisen
 * Kick-Ass
 * Man of Steel
 * Mega Monster Battle Ultra Galaxy Legends
 * Mercury Man
 * The Meteor Man
 * My Super Ex Girlfriend
 * Mystery Men
 * Puma Man
 * The Shadow
 * Skyhigh
 * The Specials
 * Spider-Man
 * The Amazing Spider-Man
 * Super
 * Super Giant (Japan's first movie superhero)
 * Supergirl
 * Superman
 * Superman II
 * Superman III
 * Superman IV the Quest For Peace
 * Superman Returns
 * Swamp Thing
 * The Return of Swamp Thing
 * Thor
 * Unbreakable
 * Ultraman Zero the Revenge of Belial
 * Watchmen
 * X-Men
 * X Men 1
 * X 2 X Men United
 * X Men the Last Stand
 * X Men Origins Wolverine
 * X Men First Class

Literature

 * H.E.R.O.
 * Hottie
 * Bystander
 * Confessions of AD List Supervillain
 * Charlotte Powers
 * Hero
 * The Milkweed Triptych
 * Bitter Seeds
 * The Coldest War
 * The Shadow
 * Soon I Will Be Invincible
 * Super Folks
 * Those Who Walk in Darkness
 * What Fire Cannot Burn
 * Wild Cards
 * Wearing the Cape

Live-Action TV

 * The Adventures of Superboy
 * The Adventures of Superman
 * Automan
 * Batman
 * Beetleborgs
 * Bibleman
 * The Bionic Woman
 * Choujin Barom 1
 * Blade
 * Buffy the Vampire Slayer
 * The Cape
 * Denjin Zaboga
 * Denkou Choujin Gridman
 * The Greatest American Hero
 * Heroes
 * The Incredible Hulk
 * The Invisible Man
 * Lois and Clark
 * The Lone Ranger
 * Japanese Spider-Man
 * Kaiketsu Zubat
 * Kamen Rider
 * Kamen Rider
 * Kamen Rider V 3
 * Kamen Rider X
 * Kamen Rider Amazon
 * Kamen Rider Stronger
 * Kamen Rider Skyrider
 * Kamen Rider Super-1
 * Kamen Rider ZX
 * Kamen Rider Black
 * Kamen Rider Black RX
 * Kamen Rider ZO
 * Kamen Rider J
 * Kamen Rider Kuuga
 * Kamen Rider Agito
 * Kamen Rider Ryuki
 * Kamen Rider Faiz
 * Kamen Rider Blade
 * Kamen Rider Hibiki
 * Kamen Rider Den O
 * Kamen Rider Kiva
 * Kamen Rider Decade
 * Kamen Rider Double
 * Kamen Rider OOO
 * Kamen Rider Fourze
 * Kamen Rider Dragon Knight
 * Metal Heroes
 * Space Sheriff Gavan
 * Space Sheriff Sharivan
 * Space Sheriff Shaider
 * Kyojuu Tokusou Juspion
 * Jikuu Senshi Spielban
 * Choujinki Metalder
 * Sekai Ninja Sen Jiraiya
 * Kidou Keiji Jiban
 * Tokkei Winspector
 * Tokkyuu Shirei Solbrain
 * Tokusou Exceedraft
 * Tokusou Robo Janperson
 * Blue Swat
 * Juukou B-Fighter
 * B-Fighter Kabuto
 * B-Robo Kabutack
 * Tetsuwan Tantei Robotack
 * Masked Rider
 * Misfits
 * Misfits of Science
 * Moonlight Mask
 * Mutant X
 * My Hero
 * Nightman
 * No Ordinary Family
 * Ocean Girl
 * Power Rangers
 * Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
 * Power Rangers Zeo
 * Power Rangers Turbo
 * Power Rangers in Space
 * Power Rangers Lost Galaxy
 * Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue
 * Power Rangers Time Force
 * Power Rangers Wild Force
 * Power Rangers Ninja Storm
 * Power Rangers Dino Thunder
 * Power Rangers SPD
 * Power Rangers Mystic Force
 * Power Rangers Operation Overdrive
 * Power Rangers Jungle Fury
 * Power Rangers RPM
 * Power Rangers Samurai
 * Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon
 * Robot Detective
 * The Secrets of Isis
 * The Secret World of Alex Mack
 * The Six Million Dollar Man
 * Smallville
 * Super Sentai
 * Himitsu Sentai Goranger
 * JAKQ Dengekitai
 * Battle Fever J
 * Denji Sentai Denjiman
 * Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan
 * Dai Sentai Goggle Five
 * Kagaku Sentai Dynaman
 * Choudenshi Bioman
 * Dengeki Sentai Changeman
 * Choushinsei Flashman
 * Hikari Sentai Maskman
 * Choujuu Sentai Liveman
 * Kousoku Sentai Turboranger
 * Chikyuu Sentai Fiveman
 * Choujin Sentai Jetman
 * Kyoryu Sentai Zyuranger
 * Gosei Sentai Dairanger
 * Ninja Sentai Kakuranger
 * Chouriki Sentai Ohranger
 * Gekisou Sentai Carranger
 * Denji Sentai Megaranger
 * Seijuu Sentai Gingaman
 * Rescue Sentai Go Go Five
 * Mirai Sentai Timeranger
 * Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger
 * Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger
 * Bakuryuu Sentai Abaranger
 * Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger
 * Mahou Sentai Magiranger
 * Go Go Sentai Boukenger
 * Juken Sentai Gekiranger
 * Engine Sentai Go-onger
 * Samurai Sentai Shinkenger
 * Tensou Sentai Goseiger
 * Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger
 * Tokumei Sentai Gobusters
 * Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger
 * Ultra Series
 * Ultraman
 * Ultra Seven
 * Return of Ultraman (aka Ultraman Jack)
 * Ultraman Ace
 * Ultraman Taro
 * Ultraman Leo
 * Ultraman Eighty
 * Ultraman Tiga
 * Ultraman Dyna
 * Ultraman Gaia
 * Ultraman Neos
 * Ultraman Cosmos
 * Ultraman Nexus
 * Ultraman Max
 * Ultraman Mebius
 * Ultra Seven X
 * Ultra Galaxy Mega Monster Battle
 * Los Unicos
 * VR Troopers
 * Zorro

Newspaper Comics

 * Mandrake the Magician

Theater

 * Golden Bat (Japan's first Superhero, debuting in 1930)

Video Games

 * Batman: Arkham Asylum
 * Batman: Arkham City
 * Captain Commando
 * Champions Online
 * City of Heroes
 * DC Universe Online
 * Freedom Force
 * Hulk
 * In Famous
 * Prototype
 * Prototype 2
 * Sonic the Hedgehog
 * Twilight Heroes
 * Viewtiful Joe
 * X Men Destiny
 * Zettai Hero Project: Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman

Webcomics

 * The Adventures of Dr. McNinja
 * The Adventures of Superhero Girl
 * Antihero for Hire
 * Axe Cop
 * Blue Yonder
 * The Crossoverlord
 * Crossoverkill
 * Evil Inc
 * Heist
 * Heroes Unite
 * Acrobat
 * The Blonde Marvel
 * Dasien
 * Energize
 * Irregular Elis
 * The Jupiter Palladium
 * Kiwiblitz
 * Lightbringer
 * Magellan
 * Mind Mistress
 * Minor Acts of Heroism
 * Sidekick Girl
 * The Specialists
 * Special School
 * Spinnerette
 * Superslackers
 * Union of Heroes

Web Original

 * Academy of Superheroes
 * Crinoverse
 * The Descendants
 * Doctor Horribles Sing Along Blog
 * Fearsome Future
 * Freedom City Play By Post
 * Global Guardians PBEM Universe
 * Gotham Girls
 * The Guardian Project: When comic book superheroes meet ice hockey.
 * Italian Spiderman
 * Legion of Net Heroes
 * Marvels RPG
 * Metro City Chronicles
 * Red Panda Adventures
 * Superguy
 * Super Teens Stuff
 * Tights and Fights
 * Trinton Chronicles
 * Whateley Universe
 * Worm

Western Animation

 * The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
 * The Avengers: United They Stand
 * The Batman
 * Batman: The Animated Series
 * Batman Beyond
 * Batman: The Brave and the Bold
 * Ben 10
 * Ben 10: Alien Force
 * Ben 10: Ultimate Alien
 * Ben 10: Omniverse
 * Beware the Batman
 * The Condor
 * Cybersix
 * Danny Phantom
 * Darkwing Duck
 * Fantastic Four
 * The Fantastic Four
 * Fantastic Four Worlds Greatest Heroes
 * Freakazoid
 * Gargoyles
 * Green Lantern: The Animated Series
 * Harvey Birdman Attorney At Law
 * The Incredible Hulk
 * The Haunted World of El Superbeasto
 * Iron Man Armored Adventures
 * Justice League
 * Legion of Super Heroes
 * Loonatics Unleashed
 * The Magician
 * Minoriteam
 * The New Adventures of Batman
 * Phantom 2040
 * Pith Possum
 * The Powerpuff Girls
 * Space Ghost
 * The Spectacular Spider Man
 * Spider Man and His Amazing Friends
 * Spider-Man: The Animated Series
 * Spider Man the New Animated Series
 * Spider Man Unlimited
 * Static Shock
 * Stripperella
 * The Superhero Squad Show
 * Ruby-Spears Superman
 * Superman: The Animated Series
 * Superman Theatrical Cartoons
 * Superfriends
 * Swat Kats
 * Teen Titans
 * The Tick
 * Ultimate Spider-Man
 * Underdog
 * Wolverine and The X-Men
 * Word Girl
 * X-Men
 * X-Men Evolution
 * Young Justice

Real Life

 * Wikipedia has an entire page listing real life super heroes.