The Golden Age of Superhero Comics

A series of threads discussing the origins of the superhero genre, spotlighting the first appearances of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, and the historical contexts that informed the birth of a new heroic archetype.

An Introduction to Golden Age Superheroes

The #GoldenAge of superhero comics is generally thought to begin with Superman’s debut in Action Comics #1 (1938) and last until the postwar adoption of the Comics Code (1954). It was a time of innovation & upheaval that’s not easily summarized–but we’ll try! 1/8

You can also jump ahead to specific threads. Here’s a full list of topics:

An Introduction to Golden Age Superheroes

The Cultural Contexts of Golden Age Superheroes

Implicit Sexual Violence in Action Comics #1

Golden Age Superheroes as Sentinels of the City

Golden Age Wonder Woman and Representational Politics

The Joker as Emblematic Golden Age Supervillain