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| Superhero | |
| Classification: | Occupation |
| Associated genres: | Action/Adventure Superhero fantasy |
| Associated franchises: | Batman DC Animated Universe DC Television Universe Marvel Cinematic Universe Superman Wonder Woman |
| Related articles: | Sidekick; Supervillain |
A superhero is a character who is noted for feats of courage and nobility and who usually has a colorful name and costume which serve to conceal their true identity, and abilities beyond those of normal human beings. A female superhero is sometimes called a superheroine, although this term has fallen out of favor in the modern era.
The word superhero originated with Superman, who debuted in 1938, and the stories of superheroes - ranging from episodic adventures to decades-long sagas - have become an entire genre of fiction that has dominated American comic books and crossed over into several other media.