Superheroes aren’t just characters who fly over buildings or shoot webs from their wrists—they represent strength, hope, and resilience. Their stories often remind us that even in the darkest moments, we have the ability to rise and fight for what’s right. Whether you’re navigating difficult times or seeking a fresh start, superheroes can serve as powerful symbols of perseverance (some even have a special connection to adoption).
1. Wonder Woman – Embracing Compassion and Strength
Only love can truly save the world.
Wonder Woman (Diana Prince), played by Gal Gadot in the 2017 film, is a symbol of compassion, justice, and inner strength. Born from a warrior culture, she combines physical power with a deep sense of empathy, showing that true strength isn’t just about physical prowess, it’s about emotional resilience. Wonder Woman faces immense challenges, yet she consistently chooses love and compassion over violence.
For those facing adoption or foster care, Wonder Woman’s journey is a reminder to balance strength with compassion. Her ability to fight for others, while staying true to her beliefs, can inspire us to embrace our own battles with a heart rooted in empathy and hope.
Some people may view Wonder Woman as an example of someone raised by a community of women because she grew up on the all-female island of Themyscira, where Amazon warriors live and care for each other. Without men present, the Amazons form a close-knit society that supports, nurtures, and educates Diana from childhood. This unique upbringing showcases the strength and love that can be found within communities not defined by traditional family structures.
2. Black Panther – The Power of Leadership and Legacy
Wakanda will no longer watch from the shadows. We can not. We must not. We will work to be an example of how we, as brothers and sisters on this earth, should treat each other.
T’Challa, portrayed by Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther (2018), is more than just a king; he’s a leader who carries the weight of his people’s future. His story is one of responsibility, honor, and sacrifice, as he seeks to protect Wakanda while redefining what it means to be a leader in a changing world. Black Panther’s legacy is one of hope, resilience, and forward-thinking.
For those navigating the complexities of adoption or foster care, Black Panther serves as a reminder that leadership is about finding the strength to make decisions that impact ourselves and our community. T’Challa’s journey teaches us to build a legacy we can be proud of, no matter how uncertain the path.
T’Challa proved to be a legacy-builder on and off the screen. Black Panther was the first Black superhero to appear in Marvel comics. For many adoptees of color, Black Panther was more than just another Marvel movie, it was a chance to be represented as a racial mirror of a superhero who is strong, capable, and world-changing.
3. Captain Marvel – Breaking Boundaries and Defying Expectations
I’m not going to fight your war. I’m going to end it.
Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), portrayed by Brie Larson in the 2019 film, is a character who represents breaking free from limitations. She overcomes obstacles, both internal and external, and proves that no one else can define her or her abilities. As a powerful superhero, Captain Marvel shows that embracing who you are and pushing past societal expectations can lead to true empowerment.
For those involved in adoption, foster care, or considering life-changing decisions, Captain Marvel’s story resonates. She teaches us that embracing our individuality and refusing to be confined by the expectations of others can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.
4. Spider-Man – The Responsibility of Power
With great power comes great responsibility.
Peter Parker, known as Spider-Man, may be one of the youngest superheroes, but his story is filled with lessons of responsibility and resilience. Played by Tom Holland in the recent Spider-Man films, Peter learns that his powers come with the obligation to protect and serve others, even when it costs him personally. He balances his duties as a superhero with the challenges of being a regular teenager.
Spider-man is also a great example of kinship adoption. Having lost his parents in a plane crash, Peter Parker was raised by his aunt and uncle. This unique relationship represents the love that can exist within families born from tragedy.
For those going through tough times or adapting to new circumstances, Spider-Man reminds us that responsibility can be daunting—but courage and kindness bring about the ultimate reward. His journey is a powerful metaphor for the challenges of growing up, making choices, and understanding how our actions affect others.
5. Shuri – Innovating and Embracing Intelligence
Just because something works doesn’t mean it can’t be improved.
Shuri, portrayed by Letitia Wright in Black Panther (2018), is more than just the younger sister of T’Challa—she is a technological genius who uses her intelligence to better her country and the world. Shuri’s confidence in her abilities, paired with her determination to innovate, shows that strength comes in many forms. She proves that even in the shadow of others, you can rise to create your own path.
Adoption and foster care don’t exist without the partial or complete loss of family members. Shuri loses her older brother: someone she honored as a leader. Rather than allowing her grief to consume her or present through vengeance, Shuri steps into a position of heroism as the guardian of her land and people after processing her pain as needed.
For those involved in foster care or adoption, Shuri’s journey can inspire us to embrace our talents, find our own voice, and transform through life experience. Her unwavering confidence shows that no matter what challenges we face, we can use our unique skills and courage to make a difference.
6. Superman – The Hope of a Better Tomorrow
People want to believe in something greater, and it may be easier to hate, but it’s stronger to love.
Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill in the Man of Steel films, is the ultimate symbol of hope. He uses his strength and abilities not for personal gain, but to protect humanity and inspire them to be better. His story is one of finding identity, belonging, and using power to protect those who can’t protect themselves.
As an added bonus, Superman is an adoptee! He was sent to earth by his birth parents who wanted him to survive from the destruction of his home planet. The Kents found him and raised him as their own after legally adopting him. For many adoptees, Superman is an example of resilience during a long search for identity and truth.
Superman’s message of hope is vital for anyone facing uncertainty. His unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity and the potential for a brighter future serves as a reminder that no matter how difficult the present may be, hope can lead us to better days.
7. Gamora – The Strength to Change
We’re just like Kevin Bacon!
Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, has a complicated past as the adoptive daughter of Thanos. Yet, she transforms from a cold assassin to a protector of the galaxy.
Gamora is also an adoptee. As a brave survivor of her destroyed home planet, Gamora was adopted by the destroyer responsible—talk about trauma. Thanos, to say the least, is not the best example of an adoptive parent by a long shot (home studies and background checks were sadly unavailable on the planet Zen-Whoberi). However, Gamora finds love, friendship, and family in her own group of misfits: The Guardians of the Galaxy. Their relationship is not always perfect, but (usually) they have one another’s backs and work together for good. (And, yes, just like Kevin Bacon, they show courage and save the world to the tune of a great soundtrack.)
Irregardless, Gamora’s story shows that no matter where you come from, there is always the possibility for change. For those facing difficult pasts or struggling with self-doubt, Gamora’s transformation is a powerful message of growth. She teaches us that our past doesn’t define our future and that the choice to be better is always within reach.
8. Captain America – The Power of Integrity and Perseverance
Compromise where you can. Where you can’t, don’t. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say, ‘No, you move.’
Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, is the embodiment of perseverance and moral integrity. Played by Chris Evans, his journey from an unsuspecting kid from Brooklyn to the world’s first Avenger is one of grit, determination, and never giving up on what’s right. No matter the odds, Captain America stands for what he believes in.
Steve Rogers is no stranger to people mislabeling and under-estimating him. Adoptees and those who have experienced the foster care system may feel branded with stereotypes and expectations from others about who they are and what they are capable of because of circumstances out of their control. Steve Rogers completed and superseded every challenge given to him beyond the expectations of his peers and leaders. His heart and determination is what led him to the life of a hero.
His story resonates deeply with anyone facing challenges in life. Captain America shows that perseverance, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is what allows us to rise above our struggles and become the best version of ourselves.
These superheroes serve as symbols of hope, resilience, and strength. As you head into the New Year, let their stories inspire you to embrace your inner strength, tackle challenges head-on, and believe in your potential to create a brighter future. Whether you’re facing personal obstacles, navigating adoption or foster care, or simply seeking motivation, these characters remind us that we all have the ability to rise, transform, and thrive.
