This article is about the stock character. For the genre, see Superhero fiction. For other uses, see Superhero (disambiguation).
A superhero (sometimes rendered super-hero or super hero) is a type of hero or saviour possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or superhuman powers[1] and dedicated to protecting the public. A female superhero is sometimes called a superheroine (also rendered super-heroine or super heroine).
While the word "superhero" itself dates to at least 1917, the term "Super Heroes" is a typography-independent 'descriptive' USA trademark which is co-owned by DC Comics and Marvel Comics.[2]