A superhero (sometimes rendered super-hero or super hero) is a type of hero or savior possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or superhuman powers and is dedicated to protecting the public. A female superhero is sometimes called a super-heroine (also rendered super-heroine or super heroine).

By most definitions, characters do not strictly require actual supernatural or superhuman powers or phenomena to be deemed superheroes, although terms such as costumed crime fighters or masked vigilantes are sometimes used.

Some superheroes use their powers to counter day-to-day crime while also combating threats against humanity by super villains, their criminal counterparts.