Every day is a good day to celebrate the inspiring heroes that are brought to life on our television screens every week. But in honor of National Superhero Day, we decided to honor the heroes from DC Television costumed and not-costumed.
From Arrow’s Green Arrow and Overwatch to The Flash’s Flash and Vibe to Supergirl’s Supergirl and Martian Manhunter to Legends of Tomorrow’s White Canary and Captain Cold, we’re taking a look at the plethora of heroes that we feel honored to call “super” on a day like this.
Team Arrow
Green Arrow (Oliver Queen)
Oliver Queen might’ve been through hell and back, but that – along with the people in his life – have helped shape him into the hero that Star City has always deserved. The Green Arrow has become a symbol of hope, but there’s also nothing he wouldn’t do to protect Star City.
Overwatch (Felicity Smoak)
Felicity Smoak is living proof that you don’t need a mask or a suit to be a hero. Felicity’s intelligence, strength, and heart are her greatest strengths, and she’s an undeniable asset and source of hope for Team Arrow.
Spartan (John Diggle)
John Diggle has been a hero long before he joined Team Arrow, but it’s been his effort on the team that has made it a strong unit. Diggle serves as the voice of reason for the team, as well as uses his combat skills to the utmost advantage.
Speedy (Thea Queen)
Thea might be new to the hero game, but she’s proven that heart and determination are the makings of a hero. Thea has gone through some tough times, but she’s grown even stronger as a result of those struggles.
Black Canary (Laurel Lance)
While Laurel might’ve been subjected to her fair share of criticism over the years, there’s no denying that she finally grew into her role as Black Canary in Arrow’s fourth season. Laurel might no longer be with us, but she sacrificed her life trying to protect Star City from Damien Darhk.
Team Flash
The Flash (Barry Allen)
Barry Allen is someone who has always had the heart of a hero. Sure, the superpowers gave him an extra advantage, but The Flash is the symbol of inspiration that he is because of the person that he is underneath that suit, which is a loving, optimistic, caring soul.
Vibe (Cisco Ramon)
Cisco might be new to the whole superpowers thing, but he’s always had the essence of a true hero long before he developed his “Vibe.” Cisco uses the combination of his skill, bravery, and newfound powers to help the team in more ways than one.
Joe West
Joe West is one of those “heroes among us” as he occupies the position of a more public hero as a detective. Joe has put himself in harms way more than often, and there’s nothing he won’t sacrifice to protect those he loves.
Iris West
Iris West has proven that she’s as mighty with a gun as she is a pen. Iris is strong, courageous, and has proven to be a valuable asset for Team Flash. Not all heroes are conventional in the “superhero” of it all. Iris is proof of that.
Caitlin Snow
Caitlin Snow is another hero that doesn’t need a mask, costume, or code name to be a hero. Her intelligence and caring nature make her the hero that the team relies on, as well as someone we all care about.
Harrison Wells (of Earth-2)
While his Earth-1 counterpart might’ve been a villain, Harrison “Harry” Wells of Earth-2 has proven to not only be a valuable asset to Team Flash but a friend. He’s used his knowledge from Earth-2 to help the team and has shown that he’s willing to sacrifice himself to protect those he cares about.
Team Supergirl
Supergirl (Kara Danvers)
Kara might be an alien from Krypton, but she’s proven to have more humanity than most humans. Supergirl is more than someone who protects National City – she’s a symbol of hope and optimism in a world that’s more than cruel.
Alex Danvers
Alex Danvers might not have superpowers or a costume, but she’s more badass than some that don super gear. Alex is not only skilled in combat, but she is also incredibly intelligent. There is nothing she wouldn’t do to protect people or those that she cares about.
Martian Manhunter (J’Onn J’Onzz)
J’Onn J’Onzz is one of those heroes that surprised us this season as we learned the truth about who he is, what he’s lost, and what he’s willing to do to protect Earth from the evil forces that threaten it. He has an unbelievably caring nature, but also an incredible power that can help in the fight against alien enemies.
Cat Grant
Cat Grant might fight her battles behind a desk, but she’s shown that heroes aren’t all about appearances they’re about the message that they spread. She’s proven to be an unconventional hero in the very best way possible.
Team Legends
White Canary (Sara Lance)
Sara would be the first to insist that she’s no hero, but her actions say otherwise as she’s blossomed into an inspiring force on the Legends team. Sara might have a dark past, but it’s who she chooses to be now that defines her as heroic.
The Atom (Ray Palmer)
Ray Palmer has always had this inane need to protect people that need it, whether that’s through his work at Palmer Tech or his work on Team Legends. Ray is a hero that wants to save the world through any means possible.
Captain Cold (Leonard Snart)
While he might not consider himself a hero, there is no denying that Leonard Snart has become a hero since he joined the Legends. He’s found a sense of purpose and been an inspiration to those on his team.
Firestorm (Martin Stein and Jax Jackson)
Both Martin and Jax represent reluctant heroes that were brought into this heroic life but have proven that this is where they’re meant to be. Separate they are heroes, but together they are a superhero.
Rip Hunter
Rip might have started this Team Legends for his own selfish purposes, but he’s showing more and more that he’s also doing this to save the world from Vandal Savage’s destruction. We’ve seen the lengths that Rip is willing to go to in order to do this.
Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders)
Kendra might be new to this hero thing in this life, but Kendra has been a hero in all of her lives. She represents the warrior within us, as well as the humanity that makes life worth fighting for.
Our televisions just wouldn’t be the same without these heroes.