ABOUT DC

DC Comics is one of the largest and most diverse publishers of comics and comics-related products today. Collectively, with our mature readers line, Vertigo, and cutting-edge action line, WildStorm, DC is the only publisher that offers a complete line of comics for every age group and literary taste. DC is also one of the industry's most prolific publishers, producing more than eighty comics titles every month and close to one thousand titles per year. DC is also one of the oldest comics companies, with a continuous publishing history that spans over sixty years.

A Brief History

Beginning in 1935, the fledgling company that was to become DC Comics produced a series of comics industry milestones. The company launched a brand new industry by publishing NEW FUN COMICS, the very first comic book that consisted entirely of previously unpublished material. Several years later DETECTIVE COMICS #1 became the first comic book devoted to a single theme. In 1938, DC again made history with ACTION COMICS, featuring the debut of SUPERMAN, thereby giving birth to the super hero genre. Shortly thereafter, another milestone character, BATMAN, was introduced in the pages of DETECTIVE COMICS. The popularity of the super hero resulted in the introduction of many fantastic characters in the 40s. Amazingly, many of these are still popular today, such as The Flash, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Plastic Man, as well as the first super-team, the Justice Society of America (JSA), which was followed years later by the Justice League of America (JLA).

Throughout the 1940s, '50s and '60s comics became a widely popular medium and comicbook characters found their way into most other mainstream media. DC Comics characters such as Superman and Batman were featured in cartoons, radio, movies and live action TV shows. These characters also appeared on hundreds of licensed products, from peanut butter to pajamas and countless toys.

Beginning in the 1970s, reflective of a changing social climate, the comics medium became a vehicle for more serious and complex themes and stories. Several DC Comics publications were at the forefront of this development, touching on issues such as drug abuse, pollution and racism. The series most notable at this time for employing these themes was a series called GREEN LANTERN/GREEN ARROW, by the award-winning writer/artist team of Denny O’Neil and Neal Adams.

In 1972, writer/artist team Len Wein and Berni Wrightson reinvigorated the horror genre with SWAMP THING and, in the early 80s, writer Alan Moore used this series to take comics to the next level by exploring psychological horror.

In 1986, WATCHMEN, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons took a fresh and disturbing look at the super hero genre and has since become one of the best-selling comics of all time and claimed by most as one of the best comic stories ever done.

That same year, Frank Miller, Klaus Janson and Lynn Varley redefined Batman and attained world-wide attention with their BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS.

In 1988, the publication of SANDMAN #1, a radical defection from the traditional super hero genre, paved the way for the subsequent launch of Vertigo, a line devoted to more literary themes and mature subject matter.

DC began the 1990s with the launch of two groundbreaking imprints — Vertigo and Milestone. Vertigo was created as a venue for material of a more mature and sophisticated nature that did not fit easily with the traditionally superhero-dominated mainstream comics. Milestone was the first line of comics starring multicultural heroes and made its debut with the titles ICON, HARDWARE, and STATIC, the last of which endures as the current animated hit series STATIC SHOCK. To further expand the breadth of our publishing line, in 1998 DC acquired WildStorm Productions, a leading independent comics publisher whose books displayed a refreshingly modern take on action/adventure superheroes.

The '90s also saw such landmark events as the "Death" of Superman, his subsequent return and marriage to long-time flame Lois Lane, and the issuance by the US Postal Service of a Superman stamp — the first ever honoring a comic book character.

DC continues into the new millennium with its rich history and a constantly expanding universe of characters, titles, products and more. By spending some time at our website, reviewing the many listings and sample art from our publications (including some complete stories), checking out in-depth character information in our Secret Files and Origins section or exploring our minisites that focus on our specific series and titles, you’ll get a better sense of the amazing and imaginative world of comics!

Our Characters

DC Comics is best known as the home of the world's most famous super hero characters, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Plastic Man — and literally thousands more. These characters have provided the inspiration for numerous movies, television shows, and even Broadway musicals, and are universally recognized and beloved by fans worldwide and of all ages.

For more information about our characters, check out the Secret Files and Origins section of this site.