In the Fall of 1934, Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson, who had served in the U.S. Army from 1911 to 1924 and later became a writer for pulp magazines, saw what was going on and came up with an idea. Since reprint material was becoming more and more scarce, he would start a company and produce an original material comic book! After renting office space in Manhattan, he began recruiting artists and writers and sought out financing. He formed Nicholson Publication Co., Inc. and produced New Fun Comics #1 (dated Feb 1935). New Fun began as a tabloid-sized magazine with a color cover and 32 black & white interior pages. Because of the Major's shaky finances, he often didn't get around to paying his artists what he promised, leading to much ill-will and a lot of staff changes. This led to contributions from a variety of creators eager for a job. One strip of note came from out of Cleveland, from two young men named Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The strip, which they signed using the aliases Legar & Reuths, was called Doctor Occult and debuted in New Fun Comics #6 (dated Oct 1935). Although intended as a monthly, issue #7 didn't come out until three months later, under the new name More Fun Comics. The magazine began shrinking to what would soon become the standard comic book size. The Major kept adding color to the interiors, and the page count settled at 64 pages.
Undaunted by the lack of success of New Fun, the Major brought out a second magazine in 1935. The first issue of New Comics (dated Dec 1935) weighed in at 80 pages, but this title too was soon reduced to 64 pages. Like New Fun, this magazine offered adventure, comedy, and text features. With issue #12, the title was renamed New Adventure Comics. With issue #32, the title would be called Adventure Comics.
In early 1936, features from the first five issues of New Fun were gathered and reprinted in a 48 page one-shot called Big Book Of Fun Comics #1 (Spring 1936).
The last title that the Major had a hand in, and the one whose initials would later give the line its name, Detective Comics (dated March 1937), hit the stands in early 1937. The book was originally slated to appear three months earlier in 1936, and was intended to be the first to be dedicated to a single theme, but it was delayed and was beat out by Detective Picture Stories by Comics Magazine Company. The first issue of Detective Comics featured such characters as Slam Bradley, Speed Saunders, and Cosmo the Phantom of Disguise.
At the end of 1937 and in the beginning of 1938, two more reprint books were produced. New Book Of Comics #1 (dated 1937) was 96 pages and reproduced portions of New Comics #1-4 and More Fun #9. The second issue (dated Spring 1938) was also 96 pages and reprinted parts of More Fun #15-16.
In the Spring of 1938, the Major's debts caught up with him and the Nicholson Publication Co., Inc. ceased to exist. Harry Donenfeld bought out the venture and, along with his accountant J. S. Liebowitz, launched Detective Comics, Inc.. Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson returned to his former career of writing.
Donenfeld and Liebowitz had little notion of the importance of their next title, a magazine originally planned by the Major to be called Action Funnies. Donenfeld contacted M. C. Gaines, who by now was working at the McClure Syndicate, looking for material for the first issue of his new magazine. Gaines had on his desk a very crude newspaper strip proposal called "Superman", a concept that Siegel and Shuster had conjured up in 1933 and had been desperately trying to sell for years. Their "Superman" was influenced by the mythic Hercules and Samson, the pulp heroes Doc Savage and the Shadow, and Philip Wylie's 1930 novel "Gladiator". Neither Gaines nor the McClure officials cared much for the feature. Only after being prodded by his assistant Sheldon Mayer, who saw great potential in the strip, did Gaines even suggest the strip to Donenfeld. The feature was sent to editor Vincent Sullivan. Superman was featured on the cover, and as the lead feature, of the first issue of Action Comics (dated June 1938). When Donenfeld saw the cover, with Superman holding a car over his head, he became worried that nobody would believe something so ridiculous. In fact, the next few covers didn't even show or mention Superman! The young readers were not as slow to catch on as the grown-ups at DC. They recognized Superman as something different, something special. With the introduction of Superman, the concept of the super-hero was born. That first issue also introduced Zatara the Magician, by Gardner Fox and Fred Guardineer, and Tex Thompson, who would later don a costume himself and become Mr. America.
Detective Comics #20 (dated Oct 1938) introduced the Crimson Avenger, a cloaked mystery man created in the image of the Green Hornet, a hero of radio since 1936. Just as the Green Hornet had his Kato, the Crimson Avenger had a young sidekick named Wing. The Crimson Avenger would later imitate the super-hero trend by trading in his overcoat for tights.
Late in 1938, M. C. Gaines entered into an agreement to produce a series of titles published under the DC umbrella. The initial titles, edited by Sheldon Mayer, were Movie Comics and All-American Comics (both appeared with a cover date of April 1939). While All-American featured some original material, much of the magazine was made up of newspaper reprints, and there were no super-heroes. Gaines told Mayer that he didn't think the public would be interested in any more costumed characters. Little did he know.
In early 1939, the first issue of New York World's Fair Comics (dated 1939) was published. This issue introduced the character called the Sandman, by Gardner Fox and Bert Christman. This would be Fox's first major strip, but hardly his last. (As much as some sources try to resist the facts, the Sandman appeared here before taking up residence in Adventure Comics with #40.). This issue also featured Superman, Zatara, and others.
When editor Whitney Ellsworth called upon artist Bob Kane to create another hero for DC, Kane got right to work. His creation would combine aspects of such pulp heroes as the Shadow, Doc Savage, and the Spider, and would be greatly influenced by the exploits of the greatest of detectives, Sherlock Holmes. Kane based the image of his new character on the villain of the 1926 movie "The Bat", and would use actor Douglas Fairbanks Sr. as his inspiration. With writer Bill Finger, Kane introduced the next great super-hero, the Batman, in Detective Comics #27 (dated May 1939). Batman was dark and mysterious, a stark contrast to the colorful Superman, and was an immediate success. Interestingly enough, the Batman's origin would not be revealed for another six months.
The year 1939 also saw the introduction of the first quarterly to feature a single character. Superman (dated Summer 1939) started out compiling and reprinting the Superman feature from Action Comics, but by issue #4 the Superman magazine featured all new material.
By the time Gaines planned his next title, late in 1939, it was apparent that kids were more than willing to support super-heroes. Fox Publications had released Wonderworld Comics, Mystery Men Comics, and Fantastic Comics. Centaur Publications produced Amazing Man Comics. Timely Comics published Marvel Mystery Comics, soon called Marvel Comics (which the company would later adopt as its name). In response to the call for more super-heroes, Gaines created Flash Comics (dated Jan 1940), wherein he introduced two major players, the Flash and Hawkman. Edited by Sheldon Mayer, much of this new title was written by Gardner Fox. In fact, the only features Fox didn't have a hand in creating in that first issue were Johnny Thunder and the Whip. Flash was by Fox and Harry Lampert, and Hawkman by Fox and Dennis Neville.
One DC competitor worth mentioning, Quality Comics, had made its first foray into the super-hero genre in 1939 with Smash Comics and Feature Comics. The Quality characters would later be purchased by DC after the company ceased publication in late 1956, continuing such titles as Blackhawk and G. I. Combat without interruption. At the end of 1939, another competitor, Fawcett Publications, introduced a superhuman named Captain Marvel in Whiz Comics. DC would soon sue Fawcett for copyright infringement on their Superman property, a lawsuit that would stretch on for years. Ironically, DC would eventually buy the rights to Captain Marvel and the Marvel Family and, in late1972, would proudly re-introduce the characters in the title called Shazam!.
A book called Double Action Comics #2 (dated Jan 1940), possibly intended as a giveaway, was also produced in 1939. It was a 64 page, black & white one-shot, whose contents consisted of pre-hero reprint material and whose cover was identical to Adventure #37. Issue #1 was an ashcan that was never distributed.
More Fun Comics #52 (dated Feb 1940) introduced the Spectre, a murdered police officer who was brought back as a ghost by a Divine Voice to fight evil. The story of the Spectre's origin would not conclude until the following issue, where the hero began his dual life as policeman and spectral avenger. The Spectre was written by Jerry Siegel and drawn by Bernard Baily.
Adventure Comics #48 (dated Mar 1940) introduced the Hourman, by Bernard Baily, about a hero who depended on a pill for his temporary powers.
The dark knight known as the Batman gained a colorful sidekick, Robin the Boy Wonder, in Detective Comics #38 (dated Apr 1940). The idea was that young children could better identify with a character closer to their own age. Whether this was actually the case is debatable, but nevertheless DC started a trend that would be copied by many of its competitors. Bob Kane fashioned the child's costume after Robin Hood's, thus the character's name. Bill Finger saw Robin as Sherlock Holmes' Watson, someone the Batman could talk to, thus enabling the creators to reveal the hero's thoughts to the reader.
In early 1940, the second of DC's stars earned his own quarterly. The first issue of Batman (dated Spring 1940) introduced two of the Batman's greatest foes, the Joker and the Catwoman. The Joker became comics' first major villain. Artist Jerry Robinson insisted that the Joker was solely his creation. Bill Finger recalled showing Bob Kane a picture from the book "The Man Who Laughs", depicting actor Conrad Veidt's twisted, horrific grin, which would become the basis for the Joker's chilling look.
The second and final issue of New York World's Fair Comics (dated 1940) was published early in the year. It featured Superman, Batman & Robin, Hourman, Sandman, Zatara, and others.
More Fun Comics #55 (dated May 1940) introduced Doctor Fate, by Gardner Fox and Howard Sherman, about a man who donned a golden helmet inhabited by the spirit of an ancient wizard.
Over in All-American Comics, Gaines succumbed to super-hero fever, and in issue #16 (dated July 1940) he introduced the Green Lantern. Draw by Martin Nodell, the Green Lantern was loosely based on the concept of Aladdin and his magic lamp. Bill Finger, who was chosen as the writer of this new feature, suggested Alan Ladd as a secret identity, a play on Aladdin. Sheldon Mayer thought that no one would believe it, and the name was changed to Alan Scott. (Contrary to some sources, actor Alan Ladd's first movie was not This Gun For Hire in 1942. Ladd appeared in many movies prior to that, including Pigskin Parade in 1936.)
One of Sheldon Mayer's more enduring creations was All Star Comics (dated Summer 1940). Begun as a quarterly, it brought together heroes from both the DC and All-American branches of the company. It would be another six months before the potential of this title would be fully realized.
All-American Comics #19 (dated Oct 1940) introduced the pint-size powerhouse called the Atom.
The third issue of All Star Comics (dated Winter 1940) introduced the first super-hero team, the Justice Society of America. The charter members of the JSA were the Flash, Hawkman, Sandman, Atom, Spectre, Dr. Fate, Green Lantern, and Hourman. This wonderful series was written by Gardner Fox.
Action Comics #33 (dated Feb 1941) introduced Mr. America, formerly the civilian named Tex Thompson, who debuted in issue #1.
World's Best Comics (dated Spring 1941) hit the stands in early 1941, and was renamed World's Finest Comics with the second issue. This comic book enabled DC to feature its two most popular characters, Superman and Batman, in yet another of its magazines.
All-American Comics #25 (dated Apr 1941) introduced Dr. Mid-Nite, about a doctor who is blinded, then discovers he can see clearly in the dark.
Adventure Comics #61 (dated Apr 1941) introduced Starman, by Gardner Fox and Jack Burnley, about a scientist who invents a gravity rod which enables its wielder to fly.
All-American Comics #26 (dated May 1941) introduced Sargon the Sorcerer, whose power was derived from his Ruby of Life.
Following a reader contest in All Star Comics, the Flash was chosen to be promoted to his own quarterly. The speedster resigned from the Justice Society to be featured in All-Flash Quarterly (dated Summer 1941).
Adventure Comics #66 (dated Sep 1941) introduced the Shining Knight, initially drawn by Creig Flessel. This feature was a sort of reverse "Connecticut Yankee", wherein a knight from King Arthur's court awakens in the 20th century.
More Fun Comics #71 (dated Sep 1941) introduced Johnny Quick, who simply had to speak the magic formula 3X2 (9YZ) 4A to become a super-speedster.
Another reader contest in All Star Comics led to a second hero gaining his own magazine. The Green Lantern also resigned his membership in the JSA and was featured in Green Lantern (dated Fall 1941).
DC's next entry into the market was Star Spangled Comics (dated Oct 1941), a magazine that was supposedly the result of careful research into what the readers wanted. They were so off the mark that, with the seventh issue, the title was overhauled. The first issue introduced the Star-Spangled Kid & Stripesy, who had been showcased in a three-page promo in Action Comics #40. This feature by Jerry Siegel and Hal Sherman was unique in that the kid was the boss and the adult the sidekick! Also introduced in the first issue was the Tarantula. He was a forerunner of Spider-Man, just as the pulp's Spider was a forerunner of the Tarantula.
Action Comics #42 (dated Nov 1941) introduced the Vigilante, by Mort Weisinger and Mort Meskin, about a crimefighting prairie troubadour. The Vigilante was first assisted by old-timer Billy Gunn, then by Stuff the Chinatown Kid.
More Fun Comics #73 (dated Nov 1941) introduced both Aquaman and Green Arrow. Aquaman, by Mort Weisinger and Paul Norris, was DC's answer to Timely Comics' Sub-Mariner. Green Arrow and Speedy was also by Weisinger, but drawn by George Papp.
The Sandman switched from cloak and gas-mask to skin tights, and took on a partner named Sandy the Golden Boy, in Adventure Comics #69 (dated Dec 1941). This strip was initially drawn by Paul Norris. However, after a mere three issues, Joe Simon and Jack Kirby took the feature over.
The All Star format was so successful at All-American, that the formula was repeated for the DC line. Leading Comics (dated Winter 1941-42), introduced the company's second super-hero team, the Seven Soldiers of Victory. They consisted of the Star-Spangled Kid & Stripesy, the Shining Knight, the Vigilante, Green Arrow & Speedy, and the Crimson Avenger. The Crimson Avenger's sidekick, Wing, was considered an unofficial eighth member. The Justice Society they weren't.
All Star Comics #8 (dated Dec 41-Jan 42) introduced the first truly powerful female hero, the Amazon princess called Wonder Woman. Embarrassingly enough, Wonder Woman, one of the strongest members of the Justice Society, was relegated to the role of secretary.
The final Gaines-Mayer monthly was Sensation Comics (dated Jan 1942), which starred Wonder Woman in the lead, fresh from her debut in All Star Comics. Wonder Woman was created by Dr. William Moulton Marston, who went under the pen name Charles Moulton, which was derived from his and Gaines' middle names. Dr. Marston, a psychologist and the developer of the lie detector, wanted to create a feminine character with all the strength of Superman, plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman. Artist Harry G. Peter brought Marston's character to life. Wildcat, by Bill Finger and Irwin Hasen, chronicled the exploits of a boxer turned hero. Mr. Terrific, by Charlie Reizenstein and Hal Sharp, was odd in that the story started out with the hero-to-be on the verge of suicide. Two other features of interest were the Gay Ghost and Little Boy Blue & the Blue Boys.
Detective Comics #60 (dated Feb 1942) introduced Air Wave, about a character who had harnessed electrical energy and could skate on high tension wires. This strip, by Mort Weisinger and Lee Harris, also featured a different kind of sidekick, Static the parrot.
World's Finest Comics #5 (dated Spring 1942) introduced an explosive crimefighting team called T.N.T. & Dan the Dyna-Mite, who then moved over to a regular feature in Star Spangled Comics starting with issue #7.
Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, lured over from Timely Comics, drew the cover to Star Spangled Comics #7 (dated Apr 1942) and introduced the streetwise Newsboy Legion. These rowdy kids were mentored by the hero called, appropriately enough, the Guardian. Also introduced in this issue was Robotman, by Siegel and Shuster, about a murder victim whose brain was salvaged and placed into a robot body.
Adventure Comics #73 (dated Apr 1942) introduced the Manhunter, another feature by Simon and Kirby. Initially, the Manhunter's secret identity was said to be Rick Nelson, but for some reason that name was soon changed to Paul Kirk. Curiously enough, a plainclothes manhunter named Paul Kirk had appeared in Adventure since issue #58. That original adventurer was created by Ed Moore, but apparently was not connected in any way to this new Paul Kirk.
Detective Comics #64 (dated June 1942) introduced the Boy Commandos, another Simon and Kirby creation, about a group of tough kids who aided the Allies in its battle against the Nazis. They fought under the watchful eye of Captain Rip Carter.
After being introduced only a half-year earlier, Wonder Woman graduated to her own quarterly, Wonder Woman (dated Summer 1942).
Boy Commandos #1 (dated Winter 1942-43) introduced Liberty Belle, a patriotic heroine created by Don Cameron and Chuck Winter.
The All-American group started a large economy book in late 1942 called Comic Cavalcade (dated Winter 1942-43), a 96 page, $0.15 quarterly. This comic featured virtually all of the characters in the All-American stable.
A large one-shot sampler, The Big All-American Comic Book (dated 1944), was $0.25 and 128 pages, and is memorable in that it was Joe Kubert's first Hawkman work. This issue also featured Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, the Atom, and others.
More Fun Comics #101 (dated Jan-Feb 1945) introduced a feature called Superboy, about the adventures of Superman when he was a boy. This was probably the first example of retroactive continuity in comics. In the seven years up until then, there was not even a hint that Superman had had any adventures prior to the events of Action Comics #1, and certainly none as a child! Superboy would graduate into his own magazine, Superboy #1 (dated Mar-Apr 1949), four years later.
At the end of 1944, in part because of disputes with Jack Liebowitz, Gaines sold his interest in the company and departed to start EC Comics, leaving control of the All-American line to Liebowitz. (EC would soon become infamous for its horror magazines, like Tales From The Crypt, and would later go on to produce the satirical Mad Magazine, which survives to this day.). The DC and AA lines were finally merged into a whole, renamed National Periodicals Publications, Inc.. Because of the familiarity of the DC logo to the reader, the books would continue its use on its covers. Sheldon Mayer would step down as editor in 1948 and return to his first love, cartooning.
Super-heroes weren't the only things that had come out of the DC and All-American stables. In 1939, Gaines had started a Mutt & Jeff magazine, utilizing the popular characters who had appeared in newspaper strips years prior to then. In 1942, Gaines had published Picture Stories From The Bible. All Funny Comics had come out in late 1943, featuring Genius Jones, Buzzy, and others. Gaines had published Funny Stuff in 1944, showcasing the Three Mouseketeers and the Terrific Whatzit. In late 1944, Buzzy was spun out of All Funny. Early 1945 saw the start of Real Screen Funnies, renamed Real Screen Comics with issue #2, which featured the Fox & Crow and Flippity & Flop. Also in 1945, Gaines, who at that time was in the process of starting up EC Comics, produced Picture Stories From American History with DC. (In 1947, Gaines would publish the last of his trilogy of "Picture Stories" titles, Picture Stories From World History, exclusively under his EC banner.).
Following World War II, the interest in super-heroes waned. Flash Comics and Green Lantern were canceled in 1949. All Star Comics #57 (dated Feb-Mar 1951) was the last issue to star the Justice Society of America, changing format with the next issue to a western theme. Of the original golden age titles, only Action Comics, Adventure Comics, Batman, Detective Comics, Superboy, Superman, Wonder Woman, and World's Finest Comics continued chronicling the exploits of super-heroes. All other remaining titles switched to either western, romance, or funny animal features. It wasn't until 1956 that interest in super-heroes saw a resurgence, with a revamped version of the Flash in Showcase #4. But that's a story for another time.