April 28 is National Superhero Day, and it only seems fitting to honor the broadening definition of a superhero. Yes, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman defined our childhood fantasies. But now, heroes like Ne Zha 2‘s burning rebel and the monstrous yet deeply human characters of Marvel Zombies are pushing against the classic capes-and-tights. And really, they’re making it so much richer.
Released on January 29, 2025, Ne Zha 2 exploded across Chinese New Year celebrations and quickly broke records, grossing over $2.12 billion globally, per Variety. Following the story of a flawed yet determined demigod, Ne Zha 2 reminds us that heroism is messy, emotional, and often born from inner turmoil.
Meanwhile, Marvel Zombies (the twisted 2005-2006 miniseries by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips) brings an unthinkable horror spin to our most beloved Marvel characters. These zombified Avengers, X-Men, and Fantastic Four members retain their intellect and powers, even as they battle an endless hunger.
In their daring ways, both stories underline a vital truth: superheroes aren’t inspiring because they’re perfect. They’re inspiring because they are imperfect and fight anyway.
Ne Zha 2 reminds us that flaws build heroes
If the first Ne Zha movie was about self-acceptance, Ne Zha 2 catapults that journey into the stratosphere. Critics and audiences praised the sequel for its raw emotion and staggering animation quality.
What makes Ne Zha a standout hero is how unapologetically human he is despite his divine origins. He rages, doubts, crashes, and burns—but he rises again, fueled not by some immaculate ideal but by his choices.
In a world still clinging to polished superhero icons, Ne Zha 2 boldly reaffirms that it’s our scars, not our perfection, that make us powerful. This arc is why Ne Zha resonates far beyond China’s borders.
Marvel Zombies told us humanity refuses to die
Written by The Walking Dead’s Robert Kirkman, Marvel Zombies could have easily been a one-note gore-fest. Instead, it cuts deeper.
As Kirkman explained to CBR while simultaneously expressing his admiration for illustrator Sean Philips, he approached these zombified heroes with the same complexity as his living characters. So, even in a rotting, crumbling world, pieces of their heroism stubbornly survive.
Whether it’s Spider-Man grappling with guilt after eating Aunt May, or Black Panther clinging to dignity even after horrific mutilation, the emotional threads are undeniable. And the black comedy (like Wasp’s disembodied, still-chatty head) keeps the tone weirdly buoyant, much like real-life struggles often do.
Marvel Zombies reminds us that even when heroes die (literally and metaphorically), the concept of heroism—the desire to fight for something bigger than oneself—doesn’t decay.
As we celebrate National Superhero Day, it’s evident that being a superhero isn’t about appearing like Superman. It’s about rising, falling, and fighting on, regardless of what you appear to be.
