Superhero Reading Ideas
Traditionally, the word "superhero" refers to a fictional character with at least one magical or superhuman ability or power (most often found in comic books). However, superhero has also come to refer to everyday or historical heroes that stand out from the crowd for their exceptional courage or skill. You can read about superheroes in comic books, stories from Greek myths, historical biographies and in current events publications such as newspapers and magazines.
Other People Are Reading
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Comic Book Superheroes
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The most traditional approach to reading about superheroes is found between the pages of a comic book. The iconic works of both DC Comics and Marvel have endured for decades as readers read and re-read the adventures of superheroes such as Batman, Superman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Green Arrow, Green Lantern and Starman in DC Comics and Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, Thor and Captain America in Marvel comics. These comics are available in single issue comic books that are generally numbered in order of their issue but can also be obtained as bound book-form editions of many issues. Another comic book super hero, Tarzan, was created by Edgar Rice Burroughs for Tip Top Comics.
Mythological Superheroes
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The ancient Greeks provide stories (or myths) that focus on the fantastical exploits of heroes who rival any comic book superhero in strength and ability. The Puffin Classics book, "Tales of the Greek Heroes" combines stories of the legendary exploits of Jason, Hercules, Perseus and the superheroes of the Trojan War such as Achilles and Odysseus. The ancient writer Homer also wrote two book-length poems, "The Illiad" and "The Odyssey," that relate the bloody battles fought by Greek superheroes in their victory over Troy and the fantastical adventures of Odysseus as he voyages home from that war to his wife and son.
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Historical Super Heroes
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Look for biographies about many of history's most famous superheroes -- often military leaders who changed the face of their nation or the world through their acts of bravery and skill. Alexander the Great and Charlemagne consolidated empires that affected much of the entire globe, while George Washington and Abraham Lincoln took memorable action to lead the United States through times of war. Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi changed the face of political unrest and dissent through nonviolent efforts. You may read about all of these superheroes from the pages of history in printed biographies and online.
Everday Superheroes
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Everyday superheroes are usually singled out for their outstanding courage and service to their fellows during an unexpected crisis or natural disaster. We honor the bravery of those who act above and beyond the call of duty to rescue victims of disasters such as the firefighters and police at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and the many health and rescue workers who acted with courage, skill and bravery during Hurricane Katrina. Read about these heroes online, in magazines such as "Time" and "People" and in books such as Diana Gallagher's "No Ordinary Heroes."
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