superhero
Comic book savior
A superhero is a fictional character with extraordinary powers or abilities who fights evil and protects the innocent—Superman, Spider-Man, Wonder Woman.
The term emerged with comic books in the 1930s and now dominates popular entertainment.
Superhero can describe anyone who performs remarkable feats: My mom was a superhero getting us all through that year.
The compound implies powers beyond ordinary heroism.
Morally ambiguous main character
- avengerRetribution dealer
- crusaderZealous advocate for change
- outlawFugitive from justice
- renegadeDeserter of a cause
shadow · darkness · vengeance · retribution · nocturnal · prowler · unmasked · wanted
Shouldered sleeveless wrap
- maskFace-worn concealment
- spandexElastic synthetic fiber
- cowlHooded monastic garment
- suitMatched formal garments
tights · emblem · alter-ego · armor · boots · gloves · insignia · symbol
Boldness before danger
- courageFortitude facing danger
- valorCourage in danger
- selflessnessPrioritizing others over oneself
- fearlessLacking any apprehension
defender · savior · rescuer · champion · noble · gallant · dauntless · intrepid
Distinct flat section
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
- rebootCycle power intentionally
- storylineSequence of fictional events
- arcCurved line segment
issue · annual · one-shot · penciller · inker · colorist · letterer · Marvel
Subordinate adventure partner
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- lairAnimal's hidden dwelling
- headquartersCentral command location
- team-upJoin forces with another
league · squad · assemble · mentor · protégé · mantle · legacy
Exceptional physical power
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- invulnerabilityImmunity to all damage
- telekinesisMental object manipulation
- telepathyDirect mental communication
invisibility · regeneration · shape-shifting · kryptonite · mutation · radioactive · bitten · gamma
antihero
Morally ambiguous main character
renegade · shadow · darkness · vengeance · retribution · nocturnal · prowler · unmasked · wanted · underground
cape
Shouldered sleeveless wrap
suit · tights · emblem · alter-ego · armor · boots · gloves · insignia · symbol · disguise
bravery
Boldness before danger
- courageFortitude facing danger
- valorCourage in danger
- selflessnessPrioritizing others over oneself
fearless · defender · savior · rescuer · champion · noble · gallant · dauntless · intrepid · bold
panel
Distinct flat section
- crossoverGenre-blending work or transition
- rebootCycle power intentionally
- storylineSequence of fictional events
arc · issue · annual · one-shot · penciller · inker · colorist · letterer · Marvel · DC
sidekick
Subordinate adventure partner
- nemesisPersistent source of ruin
- lairAnimal's hidden dwelling
- headquartersCentral command location
team-up · league · squad · assemble · mentor · protégé · mantle · legacy
superstrength
Exceptional physical power
- flightAerial journey by aircraft
- invulnerabilityImmunity to all damage
- telekinesisMental object manipulation
telepathy · invisibility · regeneration · shape-shifting · kryptonite · mutation · radioactive · bitten · gamma · serum
iconic
Widely recognized, enduring
pantheon · epic · renowned · celebrated · beloved · phenomenon · franchise · fandom · cosplay · merchandise
- genresaction, comedy, detective fiction, fantasy, horror
- heroesheroes, heroines, Superman, Batman, Spider-Man
- costumeswitch, costume, vampire, pirate, ghost costume
- pretend playmake believe, pretend, pretend play, dress-up, dollhouse
- comicscomic books, comic book, comic strip, comic art, comic panel
- film genreshorror, comedy, drama, action, romance
superherosupervillain
Powerful fictional evil antagonist
villain · nemesis · archenemy · bad guy · criminal mastermind
superheromere mortal
Regular person, not godlike
everyman · common man · average Joe · mortal · civilian
- superhero filmsGenre featuring costumed crimefighters
- superhero comicsStories of powered crimefighters
- real superheroActual courageous person
- superhero capeFlowing garment worn by costumed vigilantes
- superhero landingDramatic knee-and-fist touchdown pose
- superhero originHeroic powers' source narrative
superheroes, superheroic, superheroine, superheroines, superheroism, superheroics