A superhero is a fictional character with extraordinary powers or abilities who fights evil and protects innocent people. Superman can fly and has super strength. Spider-Man can climb walls and has a “spider sense” that warns him of danger. Wonder Woman has superhuman strength and her Lasso of Truth. Each superhero has their own unique powers, but they all use those powers to help others and stand up to villains.

Superheroes usually wear distinctive costumes or uniforms, often with capes, masks, or special symbols. Many have secret identities: Clark Kent is really Superman, and Peter Parker is really Spider-Man. They keep these identities hidden to protect the people they care about.

Superheroes first became popular in comic books during the 1930s and 1940s. Today they appear in movies, TV shows, video games, and books. The most famous superheroes come from Marvel Comics (like Iron Man and Captain America) and DC Comics (like Batman and The Flash).

While superheroes have fictional superpowers, the word can describe real people too. Someone might call a brave firefighter their superhero, or a teacher who goes the extra mile for students. In this sense, a superhero is anyone who courageously helps others, even without the ability to fly or shoot lasers from their eyes.