Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Aqua Man, and the Joker are just some of the iconic names of DC comics. The beginning of DC comics was under a different moniker as National Allied Publications. It was created by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson in 1934. The company later became Detective Comics (aka DC comics) when a merger occurred with Wheeler-Nicholson and his new partner, Harry Donefeld.
Look up in the SKY! Is it a bird? Is it a plane?
NO! It’s Superman! In June of 1938, Action Comics #1 was released featuring the red caped wonder. Teens loved this new hero whom had a secret identity as Clark Kent. And his love interest Lois Lane added a legendary romance. This increase in interest for even more superhero genre caused more companies to emerge in the 40s such as Marvel.
Your mom is named Martha too?
Even Superman needs some friends right? With superhero interest increasing so dramatically, DC needed to add some more heroes to their roster. Bob Kane and Bill Finger stepped up and created the caped detective, Batman. Batman had no superpowers but had incredible fighting skills, a wealth of resources, and detective skills to rival Sherlock Holmes. He was introduced in issue #27 of Detective Comics: Detective Comics: The Case of the Chemical Syndicate. Detective Comics would go on to be referred to as DC Comics when they introduced their logo which was added to comics in 1940 stating this comic is a DC Publication.
The rest is history
DC Comics would go on to add to their roster with no ending in sight. Characters like Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Joker, Darkseid, Swamp Thing, The Flash, and Aqua Man. And that is only a small amount of the thousands of characters that have been introduced over the years. Here are some of the most popular DC Heroes:
Superman
Cover art for the ‘Superman’ comic book, 1930s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1938. Of course the Man of Steel is in a list of most popular when he started it all!
Batman
Cover illustration for ‘World’s Finest Comics,’ with Superman, Batman and Robin selling US War Bonds to sink the ‘Japanazis’ in World War II, 1940s. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1939. There is something so relatable to a character with actual problems that just maybe you could be that hero. With the right amount of money, cool gadgets and Bruce Lee level martial art skills of course. 🙂
Wonder Woman
SAN DIEGO, CA – JULY 20: Wonder Woman display at Comic-Con International 2016 preview night on July 20, 2016 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Cowan/Getty Images)
What do you get with all the strength of Superman combined with the heart of a saint? You get Wonder Woman. Created in 1941 by William Moulton Marston. He created Wonder Woman to be a strong female lead without losing the qualities that make her a woman.
The Flash
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: (EDITORS NOTE: Exposure effect made in camera to produce this image.) A cosplayer poses as The Flash during New York Comic Con 2018 at Javits Center on October 6, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1940 in his own title, Flash Comics #1. Is he faster than Superman? According to the comics, The Flash would most likely win, but not by much.
The Green Lantern
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 07: A fan cosplays as Green Lantern form the DC Universe during the 2018 New York Comic-Con at Javits Center on October 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1940. The first Green Lantern Alan Scott, was created by Martin Nodell. With more Green Lanterns to follow such as Hal Jordan and Guy Gardner.
Aquaman
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 05: Aquaman #1 comic on display during the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Aquaman Exhibit reveal on March 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood)
Introduced in 1941. Aquaman could breathe under water and control fish. Sometimes a running joke of the Justice League (The superhero team featuring the listed above heroes), Aquaman would go on to take more serious roles being the King of Atlantis.
The History of Marvel Comics
NEW YORK – AUGUST 31: In this photo illustration, vintage Spider Man and X-Men Marvel comic books are seen at St. Mark’s Comics August 31, 2009 in New York City. The Walt Disney Co. announced that it plans to acquire Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in stock and cash, bringing 5,000 Marvel characters including Spider Man and Incredible Hulk under the Disney umbrella. (Photo Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Amazing Spider Man, The Mighty Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Doctor Strange, and so many names incapsulate what is the Marvel Universe. And we are so much more familiar with them now with the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Per Britannica.com, Marvel Comics actually began as Timely Comics by Martin Goodman. The first super heroes to be introduced were the Human Torch and Sub-Mariner in, the aptly named, Marvel Comics #1. Timely Comics introduced many superheroes during the 1940s of course fighting the Nazi threat. But with the end of the 40s the genre started to fall out of interest and Martin Goodman reformed Timely into Atlas magazines.
EXCELSIOR!
Atlas mostly produced westerns, sci-fi and other genres after the fall of superheroes in the 50s. But in the 60s, there was a resurgence. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby stepped in to bring the modern Marvel characters we all love to light. Atlas changed it’s name to Marvel Comics in the early 60s and Stan Lee and Jack Kirby formed as the dynamic duo to create the Fantastic Four in 1961. The art and dialogue created by Stan Lee and the art by Kirby helped create a surge of interest that helped spur even more titles to add to the Marvel roster such as The Amazing Spider-Man, The Incredible Hulk and The Uncanny X-Men. Add Steve Ditko to the the team along with Jack Kirby/Stan Lee and you have yourself the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Stories dealt with real world problems that were relatable like drug abuse, racism and pollution which made the Marvel universe much more relatable and more popular in turn.
Mickey Mouse Bought My Comics
In 2009, Disney purchased Marvel Comics for 4 billion dollars. Disney went on to introduce us to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While, several people can contest that other films were perhaps the first Marvel movies, but per the Disney Gods, only some fit within the MCU. The first movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe timeline is Captain America the First Avenger. The latest movie, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, continues a new MCU arc beyond the End Games storyline on May 7th. A storyline mixed with universes that may bring the X-Men and Fantastic Four into the current MCU. Fingers crossed! Here are some of the favorite Marvel Heroes:
The Amazing Spider-Man
SINGAPORE – MARCH 27: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been retouched.) (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Spider-Man explores Singapore during his time in town for “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” on March 27, 2014 in Singapore. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Sony)
Introduced in 1962 in Amazing Fantasy #15. Spider-Man was a smart high-school kid, Peter Park, was bitten by a radioactive spider. This spider would give Peter Parker amazing abilities like enhanced strength, a spider sense, and the ability to cling to surfaces.The Incredible Hulk
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 22: An Incredible Hulk toy is displayed on a trade stand during the 2013 London Toy Fair at Olympia Exhibition Centre on January 22, 2013 in London, England. The annual fair which is organised by the British Toy and Hobby Association, brings together toy manufacturers and retailers from around the world. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1962 in Incredible Hulk #1. The Hulk was created when noted scientist Bruce Banner was doing experiments with gamma rays and a explosion caused Banner to become struck with a near fatal blast of gamma. But instead of dying, the gamma rays caused Banner to turn into a raging “Hulk” whenever agitated.Captain America
LAS VEGAS, NV – NOVEMBER 11: In honor of Vererans Day Madame Tussauds unveils the all-American hero Captain America at Nellis Air Force Base on November 11, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Madame Tussauds Las Vegas)
Introduced in 1941 in Captain America Comics while under the Timely Comics moniker. Captain America was later brought back in 1964 to join the current Marvel universe.The Mighty Thor
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 07: A fan cosplays as Thor from the Marvel Universe during the 2018 New York Comic-Con at Javits Center on October 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1962 in Journey into Mystery #83. Thor was based on the Norse god and wielded his magical hammer
Mjolnir to both control weather and fly.The Fantastic Four
NEW YORK – AUGUST 31: A Marvel Fantastic Four comic book is seen for sale at St. Mark’s Comics August 31, 2009 in New York City. The Walt Disney Co. announced that it plans to acquire Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion in stock and cash, bringing 5,000 Marvel characters including Spider Man and Incredible Hulk under the Disney umbrella. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1961. While many may not know much about the FF in the MCU, they have been in the Marvel Universe from the very beginning. A team of scientists who are affected by cosmic radiation and all gain super powers.The Uncanny X-Men
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 07: A fan cosplays as Rogue from X-Men and the Marvel Universe during the 2018 New York Comic-Con at Javits Center on October 7, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1963. The first run of X-Men did not fare well. It was cancelled in 1970 and not revived until 1975 with Giant-Size X-men #1. Which brought, fan favorite, Wolverine into the team.Iron Man
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: A little boy dressed as Captain America has his photograph taken with the Iron Man as they attend the London Super Comic Convention in the Excel Centre on March 15, 2014 in London, England. Thousands of dedicated fans of comics attended the event this weekend in detailed costumes, paying homage to their most loved superheroes and characters. (Photo by Mary Turner/Getty Images)
Introduced in 1963 in Tales of Suspense #39. Iron Man is about a brilliant scientist Tony Stark, whom is gravely injured. He manages to save his own life by using his genius mind to create an invention to keep shrapnel from entering his heart. This device soon powers his first armor he uses to escape his captors and become Iron Man. Many suits have been built over the years with each having their own purpose.
