The History of Comics

“Few enduring expressions of American popular culture are so instantly recognizable and still so poorly understood…” — Bradford W. Wright (Comic Book Nation, xiii)

1938 gave birth to an important figure in American popular culture - Superman. Since his first appearance new comics genres have emerged along the way. This timeline is an interactive history of exactly that - the evolution of American comics throughout the ages.

1938-04-18 00:00:00

The Birth of Superman

Making his debut in Action Comics #1 in April 1938, Superman marked the beginning of a comics genre that would remain prevalent for decades to come...

1938-04-18 00:00:00

The Golden Age

With the birth of Superman dawned what is now known as the Golden Age of Superhero comics...

1939-12-01 00:00:00

The Man of Tomorrow versus World War II

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1939-12-01 00:00:00

Enter the Caped Crusader of Gotham

1940-12-01 00:00:00

The Adventures of Superman

Beginning in 1940 the Superman mythos began to extend to other popular media forms, such as the serialized radio show, The Adventures of Superman. Running from 1940 until 1951, this radio show aired over 100 different episodes spanning multiple story arcs.

1940-12-01 00:00:00

New Adventures of Frankenstein

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1947-12-01 00:00:00

Superman and Cold War Tensions

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1948-12-01 00:00:00

Adventures into the Unknown

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1950-12-01 00:00:00

Tales from the Crypt

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1954-12-01 00:00:00

Keep to the Code!: The Comics Code Authority and the Seal of Approval

After twenty years of success the American comic book industry was thriving, however after a multitude of complaints from angry parents that the uncensored material within the narratives was leading to a rise in juvenile delinquency in the nation’s young boys. In 1954 the Comics Code of Authority was implemented as a way to manage what was produced by comics writers and artists alike, offering a literal stamp of approval on the issues front cover to indicate to parents that these comics were considered appropriate and wholesome enough for their young readership.

1955-12-01 00:00:00

Superman & the Vietnam Era

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1956-12-01 00:00:00

The Silver Age

The Silver Age of American comics mostly refers to the superhero genre of comics, and the artistic developments made from circa 1956 to circa 1970. Typically thought of to have begun with the first appearance of the Flash in Showcase #4, this period in American comic history allowed for a resurgence of popularity following a cultural depression following World War II.

1970-12-01 00:00:00

The Bronze Age

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1985-04-01 00:00:00

Crisis on Infinite Earths

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1989-12-01 00:00:00

The Sandman

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1992-10-02 00:00:00

The Death of Superman

1993-08-01 00:00:00

The Return of Superman

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2002-03-01 00:00:00

Fables

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2003-10-01 17:17:04

The Walking Dead

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2005-12-01 00:00:00

Infinite Crisis

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2009-05-01 00:00:00

World Without Superman

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2012-03-01 00:00:00

The New Deadwardians

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2014-12-01 00:00:00

Hinterkind

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The History of Comics

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