Comics have been in existence since the end of the 19th century, but it was after the depression that the popularity of newspaper cartoons expanded into a major industry. The 60s saw the first major comic book conventions start up and gain popularity. The fact that the golden age of comic books occurred alongside the great depression and world war two is no coincidence. These lavishly illustrated stories of guts and glory, violence and valor, intrigue, romance, and betrayal, on the range and in lawless frontier towns, were created by some of the best artists and writers of the era. This comic, based on circus gear, capes, and douglas fairbanks type heroism was so successful it heralded many other metoo characters like batman in detective comics 27, 1939. Itself a work of history, jules feiffers 1965 essay was arguably the first attempt to create a critical history of the golden age of comic book superheroes, with the writer looking at the impact. Golden age comic books cgc graded golden age comics da. What defines the golden age from the silver age of comic books. Cbr news examines the emerald archers lengthy history from his golden age origins to his latest television romp in arrow. The golden age set the stage for the majority of comics published for the next two decades. The golden age of comic books was a period in the history of american comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or early 1950s. Ultimately there was 40 years of comics before the comic book that heralded the golden age 19381947 which was action comics 1, 1938, the first appearance of superman. His father was the esteemed scientist, jorl, and his mother was a librarian named lora. Plus, we also hold a large and growing selection of comic strips and pulp fiction.
The golden age of comic books useful notes tv tropes. The golden age of comic books was a period in the history of american comic books, generally thought as lasting from the 1930s until the mid1950s during which comic books enjoyed a surge of popularity, the archetype of the superhero was created and defined, and many of the most famous superheroes debuted. The 1960s was a time of significant growth in the comics industry. The standard guide to golden age comics is the 2006 edition from krause publications, who have been publishing outstanding books about collectibles for many years. Truth, justice, and the birth of the superhero comic book. An overview of the 8 ages of comic books from 1897present day which includes key events in american history that helped shape the timeline. Purchased a small collection which included a few golden age books. How dc ignited the golden age of comic books books. Apr 06, 2020 golden age comic book podcast golden age comic superheroes. In june of 1938, national allied publications began a new comic book series, featuring several different heroes. The golden age of comic books is an epoch that saw a surge in the american comic book industry generally lasting from the late 1930s until. Many famous heroes made their first appearance in the golden age, such as batman, wonder woman, the flash, and green lantern. Ga comic book collecting in the financial crisis of 2020. We buy your collectibles and offer consignment services.
They became widespread and popular and many still popular comic book icons made their debut, beginning in the mid 1930s and ending around the mid1950s. The illustrated history taylor history of comics, vol 4 benton, mike on. The golden age of comics comics have been in existence since the end of the 19th century, but it was after the depression that the popularity of newspaper cartoons expanded into a major industry. We are the original and still the premier site to read and download golden and silver age comic books. This wiki follows batman only throughout the golden age. Combat, plastic man, police comics, smash comics and the spirit. Today on variant, special guests comic tom and jeff the golden age guru highlight the dawn of superhero comics with the history of the. Pregolden age 193338 the birth of the modern comic book. Comic book plus free and legal public domain books.
In this article, all dates given for various ages are approximate. Many iconic characters were introduced in this time period and became part of american culture at a very interesting point in our history. Golden age experts of the collectors society participated in the heritage auctionscertified guaranty company poll, conducted by society members benjamin j. Looking for a good book hi there, im new to the forums and was just hoping people could recommend a good book or blog on the history of golden age comic books comic book companiesartists etc. Sometimes referred to as the golden age of comic books, the years from the late 1930s through the early 1950s marked a period of creativity and innovation in the medium. The precise era of the golden age is disputed, though most agree that it was born with the launch of superman in 1938.
Jerry siegel and joe shusters superman, bob kanes batman, and will eisners the spirit were all created during the golden age. Dc formerly national and marvel formerly timely rose but were second to captain marvel and fawcett. The golden age 19381949 its generally accepted among collectors that the first comic book was funnies on parade, published in 1933. The 8 ages of comic books by alex grand comic book historians. Following the golden age of comic books and an interregnum in the early to mid1950s, the silver age is considered to cover the period from 1956 to circa 1970, and was succeeded by the bronze and modern ages. Notable, longrunning titles published by quality included blackhawk, feature comics, g. Following the golden age of comic books and an interregnum in the early to mid1950s, the silver age is considered to cover the period from 1956 to circa 1970, and was succeeded by the bronze and. The superhero archetype was created and many wellknown characters were introduced, including superman, batman, captain marvel, captain america, and wonder woman.
This guide to strictly the golden age of comics covers titles from 1938 to 1956 with some 30,000 prices and is edited by alex malloy and stuart wells iii, the same men who edit the. Platinum age 18971937, golden age 19381947, atomic age 19481955. Welcome to superworld comics golden age comics browsing page. Kall of earthtwo is commonly referred to as the golden age superman, thus being the main superman that appeared throughout the golden age of comic books. Dropping literally out of the sky to kick off the golden age, superman represents the comic book origin story. Published on dec 11, 2019 today on variant, special guests comic tom and jeff the golden age guru highlight the dawn of superhero comics with the history of the golden age. Reference to lesser known comics in the golden age prompts me to communicate recent august 25th. Many famous heroes made their first appearance in the golden age, such as bruce wayne the golden age of comic books was a period beginning in 1938 and ending in the mid50s. When you are browsing the racks at your local comic book store and happen upon silver age comic books for sale, you may wonder just what it is that makes them silver.
There would never again be the heyday of the golden age but the now well underway silver age was allowing more and more comics to be published. Labonog, keston fulcher, robert cat conrad, and matt nelson. Here are the four major ages for comic books in chronological order. Other golden age characters, including green lantern, are revived shortly thereafter.
Some strict collectors consider the era finished by 1950. The golden age of comic books describes an era of american comic books from 1938 to 1956. Let me remind all ga true comic book collectors of the history of a number of recovery of equity markets which relates to all market investments and and can affect collectables black monday 82587 thru 12487. Historically, this period covers world war ii, one of. A book i would recommend for the artwork alone, the text is short but revealing. During this time, modern comic books were first published and enjoyed a surge of popularity. The history of green arrow from golden age to arrow cbr. The term silver age refers to a general time period in which the comic books were originally available.
During this era, comic books became more popular, with the concept of superhero created and firmly established. The 8 ages of comic books by alex grand comic book. The second edition of the golden age comic book podcast is live on the cbsi tales from the flipside youtube channel. Many iconic characters were introduced in this time period and became part of american culture at. The following period, the silver age, goes from 1956 to early 1970s. Marvels mercury only had one golden age appearance, but was the first of many marvel attempts to establish a proper speedster. Soon, circumstances led wheelernicholson to partner with printer harry donenfeld and, eventually, accountant jack liebowitz. The end of this era is vague and nonspecific but it is generally agreed that by the mid1950s, the silver age had begun the superman stories in this era are characterized by their everyday plots dealing with gangsters, criminals, corrupt politicians, and the like. Oct 06, 2016 welcome to cbh, today were talking about the 8 ages of comic books including the. Aug 17, 2019 back in the golden age, if you wanted to see some guy in a cape fly over a skyscraper or turn new york city into rubble, comic book panels were the most satisfying delivery system. I had this book when i was a kid and remembered the photos of the old comic book covers superman, batman, wonder woman, the spectre, daredevil, blue beetle, green giant, captain marvel, green lantern and other golden age heroes from the world war ii era.
Some of the greatest writers and artist took center stage and left a legacy for generations of kids and comic book industry workers alike. Purchased some golden age comic books in the wild youtube. The golden age is a 1993 fourissue elseworlds comic book miniseries by writer james robinson and artist paul smith. Select the range of golden age comic books by choosing a view above. I dont often find golden age books so this was fun. The top 10 most valuable golden age comic books superworld. American comics historians generally divide 20thcentury american comics history chronologically into ages.
The golden age of comic books was a period beginning in 1938 and ending in the mid50s. The golden age of comic books was a period in the history of american comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or. The amazing stylistic history of comic books 99designs. Apr 03, 2017 the golden age of comics 19381956 technically, the golden age of comics took place between 1938 and 1956. Vintage voyage golden age superhero comics cbsi comics. The golden age describes an era in the creation of comic books published between the years of 1938 and 1955.
Similar to the digital comic museum, which we wrote about last week, comic book plus contains a near inexhaustible quantity of golden and silver age comic books. The bcw comic book frame is an attractive black frame with a clear glass front. We have such a wide selection that the comics are broken out by letters. With the exception of the beginning of the golden age and the beginning of the silver age, little consensus exists on startingending dates. I had this book when i was a kid and remembered the photos of the old comic book covers superman, batman, wonder woman, the spectre. Public domain super heroes is a collaborative website about public domain characters from comic books, comic strips, films, books, pulps, mythology, television, animation, folk stories, among others. During this time, modern comic books were first published and rapidly increased in popularity. This starts at the platinum age through golden, silver. Nov 04, 2016 characteristic of the golden ages idealism, superheroes were often used as a platform for instilling national pride and patriotism in the face of wwii. The silver age of comic books was a period of artistic advancement and widespread commercial success in mainstream american comic books, predominantly those featuring the superhero archetype. This week z, mike and ben talk superhero comics from the 40s and 50s, investing tips, market history and other golden age topics. Golden age western comics lovingly reproduces in fullcolor, restored, complete scans of 20 of the best western storiesplus a few pinupscreated between the years 1948 and 1956.
Golden age comics wide selection of golden age superworld. Comics historians divide the history of american comic books into ages. Since 1979 iconic comic shop located in hollywood, california on melrose ave. Mar 26, 2020 purchased a small collection which included a few golden age books. This wiki follows superman only throghout the golden age.
The golden age is a common term describing an era of comics beginning in 1938, when superman made his first comic book debut. Unboxing golden age horror, batman, marvel mystery comic books duration. The wiki format allows any registered user to create any article, so we can all work together to build the site. Golden age of comic books image comics database fandom. The golden age of comic books was a period of time when comic books were at there finest. These are the years when comics were considered a new and exciting form of art.
Quality comics was an american comic book publishing company that operated from 1937 to 1956 and was largely influential in creating the golden age of comic books. Bruce wayne was born on april 7, 1915 to a life of wealth and privilege afforded by his socialite parents, dr. Welcome to comic book plus, the site where every day is party day. The goal was identifying golden age comic books 19371949 with the most impressive covers.
Created by jerry siegel and joe shuster, superman is possibly the most recognizable comic book character to this day. The silver age is significant because marks a period in the history of comic books when comic books sales had been struggling after controversy and fingerpointing regarding a link between adolescent violence and the reading of comic books. The history of green arrow from golden age to arrow for 70 years, dc comics oliver queen aka green arrow has delighted readers. The golden age of comic books was a period beginning in 1938 and ending in the mid 50s. Bruce wayne of earthtwo is commonly referred to as the golden age batman, thus being the main batman that appeared throughout the golden age of comic books. The period saw the arrival of the comic book as a mainstream artform, the creation and. But the modern comic book magazine format was born five years earlier. The golden age of comics 19381956 technically, the golden age of comics took place between 1938 and 1956. A brief history of comic books the pioneer 15001828, victorian 18281883 and platinum 18831938 ages please note. The collections timespan ranges from the late 1930s through to the early 1960s, and includes many thousands of comic books in the superhero, scifi, and horror genres. It concerns the golden age dc comics superheroes entering the 1950s and facing the advent of mccarthyism. A new character created by two young men from cleveland was featured on the cover.