About Us — Heroes United AZ
POW!
ZAP!
THE ORIGIN STORY

ABOUT THE TEAM

Arizona's mightiest cosplay heroes — united for charity, community, and a whole lot of fun.

Heroes United AZ team at a charity event

HEROES UNITED AZ — MAKING ARIZONA HEROIC SINCE 2014

WHO ARE WE?

Our volunteers bring their characters to life to create special moments for members of our community.

You will see our cosplayers right alongside other volunteers, supporting events that bring charity.

OUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
100+ EVENTS
50+ HEROES
50+ NONPROFITS
1000s OF SMILES

WHAT WE STAND FOR

🦸

COMPASSION

We show up for those who need a hero most — kids in hospitals, families facing hardship, and communities in need.

⚡

DEDICATION

Our volunteers give their time, energy, and creativity to make every appearance unforgettable.

🌟

INCLUSIVITY

Every hero is welcome here. We celebrate diversity in cosplay and in the communities we serve.

💥

FUN

Because what's a superhero without a little POW, ZAP, and KAPOW? We bring the joy.

OUR ORIGIN STORY

HOW DID WE START?
2014
FOUNDED 2014
GUS MATOSJOHNNY CARWELL

Founders Gus Matos and Johnny Carwell became best friends through their love of cosplay and comic book conventions. Growing up, they both experienced being bullied and other hardships — and comic books were an escape for them.

They realized how happy they could make other people just by putting on a costume, and thought there had to be more they could do for their community. Being a hero isn't just about the costume, but about the actions you take.

Networking across different platforms and events, they built their team of heroes — now known as the Heroes United.

CHARITIES WE'VE SUPPORTED

★Big Brothers Big Sisters★★St. Vincent De Paul★★Kids Need To Read★★Walk to Defeat ALS★★Alice Cooper's Christmas Food Drive★★Big Brothers Big Sisters★★St. Vincent De Paul★★Kids Need To Read★★Walk to Defeat ALS★★Alice Cooper's Christmas Food Drive★

READY TO BE A HERO?

We're always looking for passionate volunteers who want to make a difference — one cosplay appearance at a time. No experience required. Just bring your heart.