National Super Villains Day

Mischievous young woman in a sleek, dark outfit, slyly plotting in a high-tech lair filled with gadgets and monitors. — National super villains day illustration

Welcome, my curious compadres, to the deviously delightful world of National Super Villains Day! Prepare to unleash your inner mischief-maker as we delve into the annals of internet history to uncover the origins and celebrations of this wickedly whimsical day.

When is Super Villains Day?

It's national super villains day on the 28th April.

The Birth of a Diabolical Celebration

Every hero needs a villain to keep things interesting, and National Super Villains Day recognizes the dastardly characters that add spice to our favorite stories. While the internet doesn't reveal the exact date this peculiar day came into existence, it seems to have permeated the online realm around April 28, 2016, when it received four mentions.

Celebrating National Super Villains Day is an opportunity to pay homage to the iconic villains we love to hate. From Darth Vader to The Joker, these nefarious masterminds captivate our imaginations and make even the most virtuous among us secretly root for their success (in a fictional context, of course!).

So how can you commemorate this mischievous occasion? Don your most villainous attire, indulge in some fiendish fun, and perhaps watch a few classic movies or read comics featuring your favorite antagonists. Remember, on this day, it's all about embracing the darker side of our imaginations and casting aside our heroic tendencies, at least for a little while!

History behind the term 'Super Villains'

1939

The birth of a dark rival.

In 1939, DC Comics created the character known as 'The Superman' as a response to the overwhelming popularity of Marvel's 'Superman'. This character was the first to wield superhuman strength, speed, and other extraordinary abilities, but it wasn't until later that the term 'super villain' would come into play.

1939

Introduction of the term 'super-villains'

In 1939, the term 'super-villains' was first introduced in Detective Comics #36. This marked the emergence of formidable adversaries possessing extraordinary powers to combat the rise of superheroes. The term 'super-villains' quickly became synonymous with characters who posed a significant threat to the forces of good.

1961

Introduction of Stan Lee's 'Spider-Man' comic book series

In 1961, Marvel Comics introduced 'Spider-Man', a superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. This marked the beginning of a new era in comic books, characterized by more complex and relatable characters. Spider-Man's rogues' gallery, consisting of powerful and cunning adversaries, laid the groundwork for the popularity of super villains.

1939

The Birth of Superheroes

The term 'super villain' originated alongside the concept of superheroes. In 1939, the first superhero, Superman, burst onto the comic book scene. As superhero comics gained popularity, the need for formidable adversaries grew. Thus, the term 'super villain' was coined to describe the larger-than-life antagonists who posed a significant threat to our beloved heroes.

1940

The rise of a formidable foe.

In 1940, the Batman series introduced the concept of 'super villains' with the introduction of characters such as The Joker and Catwoman. These characters possessed extraordinary abilities and intelligence, serving as powerful adversaries for Batman, and setting the foundation for the term 'super villains' to become a staple in the comic book world.

1962

Debut of 'The Sinister Six'

In 1962, 'The Sinister Six' made their first appearance in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' comic book series. This villainous group consisted of six of Spider-Man's most dangerous foes, including Doctor Octopus, Vulture, Electro, Sandman, Mysterio, and Kraven the Hunter. Their formation marked the first time several super villains teamed up against a common enemy, setting the stage for future collaborations among supervillains.

1940

Golden Age of Super-Villains

The 1940s witnessed the golden age of super-villains with the establishment of iconic archenemies such as the Joker, Lex Luthor, and the Green Goblin. These antagonists not only challenged the physical prowess of superheroes but also reflected the cultural anxieties and fears prevalent during that era. The dynamic between superheroes and super-villains became a cornerstone of comic book storytelling.

1940

Introducing the Joker

One of the most iconic super villains, the Joker, made his first appearance in Batman #1 in 1940. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, the Joker quickly became Batman's arch-nemesis. His maniacal laughter, colorful appearance, and sadistic nature captivated comic book fans, establishing the Joker as the epitome of a super villain.

1963

Introduction of 'The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants'

In 1963, Marvel Comics introduced 'The Brotherhood of Evil Mutants' in 'X-Men' #4. Led by Magneto, this mutant terrorist group opposed the X-Men and fought for mutant supremacy. This marked a significant development in the world of super villains, as the concept of a united group of adversaries with a shared ideology gained popularity.

1962

Spider-Man's Rogues Gallery

In 1962, Spider-Man swung onto the comic book scene and brought with him a vibrant rogues gallery. Characters like the Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, and Venom exhibited superhuman abilities, diabolical schemes, and personal vendettas against the web-slinger. These villains showcased the wide range of powers and motivations that super villains could possess.

1961

Marvel's masterstroke.

1961 marked a significant milestone in the history of 'super villains' with the creation of one of the most iconic villains of all time, Doctor Octopus. This character, who first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #3, revolutionized the perception of villains by introducing complex backstories, motivations, and personalities. Marvel's approach to character development would shape the way 'super villains' were portrayed, making them more relatable and human.

1961

Marvel's Complex Super-Villains

In 1961, Marvel Comics revolutionized the portrayal of super-villains by introducing characters with intricate backstories and moral ambiguity. Notable examples include Magneto, Doctor Doom, and the Green Goblin. These complex antagonists brought depth and nuance to the genre, blurring the line between hero and villain.

1973

The Rise of Antiheroes

During the 1970s, the concept of antiheroes gained popularity, leading to a shift in the portrayal of super-villains. Characters like Venom, the Punisher, and Catwoman showcased shades of gray, challenging conventional notions of heroism and villainy. This evolution reflected changing societal values and a desire for more morally complex storytelling.

1964

Publication of 'The Avengers' #6 featuring the Masters of Evil

In 1964, 'The Avengers' #6 featured the first appearance of the Masters of Evil, a supervillain team led by Baron Zemo. This group, consisting of characters like Black Knight, Radioactive Man, and Melter, aimed to destroy the Avengers. The introduction of the Masters of Evil showcased the ongoing trend of assembling formidable groups of super villains to challenge the mightiest heroes.

1978

Lex Luthor, the Ultimate Mastermind

Superman's arch-enemy, Lex Luthor, has been a prominent super villain since his debut in Action Comics #23 in 1940. However, it was in 1978, with the release of the Superman film starring Christopher Reeve, that Luthor's cunning intellect and thirst for power truly captured the mainstream audience's attention. Luthor cemented his position as one of the greatest super villains in comic book history.

1978

Super villains on the silver screen.

The release of the Superman movie in 1978 helped solidify the term 'super villains' in the public consciousness. The portrayal of Lex Luthor, played by Gene Hackman, showcased the power and intelligence of a formidable adversary. This successful cinematic adaptation of a 'super villain' further popularized the term and brought it to a wider audience beyond comic book fans.

2008

Marvel Cinematic Universe's Villainous Impact

The term 'super villains' expanded its reach into the realms of film and television. The 2008 release of Marvel Studios' 'Iron Man' kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and introduced audiences to a whole new array of super villains. Iconic antagonists such as Loki, Thanos, and the Vulture emerged as complex and compelling adversaries, leaving an indelible impact on popular culture.

2008

The golden age of on-screen 'super villains'.

In 2008, Marvel Studios released the highly acclaimed film 'Iron Man', which not only marked the beginning of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but also kickstarted a new era for 'super villains' on the big screen. The introduction of characters like Loki and the rise of Thanos as a formidable villain throughout the MCU created a wave of fascination and fan obsession with 'super villains'. This era transformed 'super villains' into complex, multi-dimensional characters that captivated audiences worldwide.

1971

Coining of the term 'super-villain' in 'Batman' #232

In 1971, the term 'super-villain' was officially coined in 'Batman' #232, a comic book written by Denny O'Neil. The term added further distinction to the characters who possessed extraordinary abilities and formidable intellects in their pursuit of evil. This marked a significant moment in comic book history, consolidating the recognition and understanding of these formidable adversaries.

1988

The Dark Knight's Influence

In 1988, the release of Frank Miller's graphic novel 'Batman: The Killing Joke' pushed the boundaries of super-villain storytelling. The Joker's terrifying transformation and exploration of the psychological aspects of villainy influenced subsequent portrayals of super-villains in various media. This iconic work elevated the status of super-villains as more than just foils for superheroes.

2008

Cinematic Universe Expansion

The year 2008 marked a significant milestone in the cinematic world with the launch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This led to an expansion of super-villains portrayed on the big screen, with compelling villains like Loki, Thanos, and Killmonger captivating audiences worldwide. The MCU's interconnected storytelling showcased the depth and impact of super-villains beyond individual hero narratives.

1973

Marvel's 'Super-Villain Team-Up' series

In 1973, Marvel Comics released 'Super-Villain Team-Up,' a comic book series that showcased team-ups between various supervillains, primarily Doctor Doom and Namor the Sub-Mariner. This series exemplified the popularity of seeing super villains collaborating, highlighting their unique dynamics and exploring the depths of villainous interactions.

1978

Introduction of 'The Rogues' in 'The Flash' #130

In 1978, 'The Rogues' made their debut in 'The Flash' #130. This group of adversaries, including Captain Cold, Mirror Master, and Weather Wizard, became known for their collective opposition against the Flash. The introduction of 'The Rogues' demonstrated the enduring appeal of super villain alliances and their ongoing presence within the superhero genre.

Did you know?

Did you know that some of the greatest super villains of all time were inspired by real-life figures? The Joker, for example, drew inspiration from the character of Gwynplaine in Victor Hugo's novel 'The Man Who Laughs'. Mwahaha!