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DC Comics, Inc. (later simply known as DC) is an American comic book company. It is the publishing unit of DC Entertainment, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery., which itself is owned by Time Warner. Its first well-known comics were such as Action Comics, Detective Comics, All Star Comics, and Sensation Comics. They introduced three well-known superheroes: Superman (1938), Batman (1939), and Wonder Woman (1941). DC Comics is one of the largest and oldest American comic book companies. It is best well-known for making "superhero" comic books. Their first comic under the DC banner was published in 1937, and is very famous in the modern art subject Graphics.
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The majority of its publications take place within the fictional DC Universe and feature iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Hawkman, Hawkgirl, Green Arrow, Shazam, Martian Manhunter, Starfire, Nightwing, Raven, Cyborg, Black Canary, Doctor Fate, Robin, Beast Boy, Zatanna, Plastic Man, Catwoman, Supergirl, Batgirl, the Joker, and Harley Quinn. The company has published non-DC Universe-related material, including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, Fables and many titles under their alternative imprint Vertigo and now DC Black Label.
The initials "DC" came from the company's popular series Detective Comics, which featured Batman. Originally at 432 Fourth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City, the company offices have been located at 480 and later 575 Lexington Avenue, 909 Third Avenue, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, 666 Fifth Avenue, and 1325 Avenue of the Americas. DC had its headquarters at 1700 Broadway, Midtown Manhattan, New York City. DC Entertainment moved its headquarters to Burbank, California in April 2015.
Its top rival is Marvel Comics (the publisher of Spider-Man and Hulk), acquired in 2009 by The Walt Disney Company, WarnerMedia's main competitor. They shared approximately 70% of the American comic book market in 2017, though this number may give a distorted view since graphic novels are excluded. With the sales of all books included, DC is the second biggest publisher, after Viz Media, and Marvel is third.
DC Comics has adapted its characters to different forms of media, including action figures, animated and live-action movies, animated and live-action television series, and video games, which have made them even more popular.
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Founding and early years (1930s)
DC Comics was originally founded in 1934 as National Allied Publications by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson. The first comic book published was New Fun: The Big Comic Magazine, which featured original characters.
In 1937, the company published Detective Comics (often abbreviated as DC), which introduced the character of Batman in 1939.
Golden Age (1938-1950)
Superman made his debut in 1938 in Action Comics #1, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. This marked the beginning of the superhero genre and the Golden Age of Comics.
Batman was introduced in 1939 in Detective Comics #27, quickly becoming one of the most popular characters.
In the 1940s, Wonder Woman debuted in All Star Comics #8 in 1941, becoming a key figure in the DC lineup. The era saw the introduction of many other characters, including Green Lantern and The Flash.
Silver Age (1956-1970)
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The Silver Age of Comics began in 1956 with the introduction of a new Flash (Barry Allen) in Showcase #4, revitalizing interest in superheroes.
In the 1960s, DC introduced a number of new characters and reimagined existing ones, including Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) and the Justice League of America, which debuted in The Brave and the Bold #28.
The Teen Titans were introduced in 1961, featuring sidekicks of popular heroes.
Bronze Age (1970-1985)
In the 1970s, the Bronze Age of Comics saw a shift towards more mature themes and social issues in comics. Notable works include Green Lantern/Green Arrow by Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams, which tackled topics like drug addiction.
In 1985, the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event redefined the DC Universe, consolidating its multiverse and addressing continuity issues.
Modern Age (1985-present)
In 1986, Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns and Alan Moore's Watchmen redefined the superhero genre, introducing darker and more complex narratives. This era is often referred to as the Modern Age of Comics.
DC expanded its universe with new characters and storylines in the 1990s, including the Death of Superman arc, which became a cultural phenomenon.
In the 2000s, the company continued to innovate with series like Identity Crisis, Infinite Crisis, and 52, exploring themes of morality and identity.
The All-Star line was launched in 2005, featuring high-profile creators reimagining classic characters.
In 2011, The New 52 initiative rebooted the entire DC Universe, introducing new storylines and character designs.
In 2016, the DC Rebirth was launched, aiming to restore legacy and continuity while introducing new elements.
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DC Comics is home to a vast array of characters, ranging from iconic superheroes to complex villains.
Superheroes
- Superman - The Man of Steel, known for his incredible strength, flight, and heat vision.
- Batman - The Dark Knight, a vigilante who fights crime in Gotham City using his intellect, martial arts skills, and an array of gadgets.
- Wonder Woman - An Amazonian warrior princess with superhuman abilities, known for her combat skills and the Lasso of Truth.
- Flash - The Scarlet Speedster, who possesses super-speed and can manipulate time and space.
- Green Lantern - A member of the Green Lantern Corps, wielding a power ring that can create constructs and manipulate energy.
- Aquaman - The King of Atlantis, who can communicate with marine life and possesses superhuman strength and durability.
- Cyborg - A half-human, half-machine hero with advanced technology and weaponry integrated into his body.
- Green Arrow - A vigilante archer who uses trick arrows and has a strong sense of social justice.
- Martian Manhunter - A shape-shifting alien with telepathy, super strength, and the ability to phase through objects.
Villains
- Joker - Batman's arch-nemesis, known for his chaotic nature and twisted sense of humor.
- Lex Luthor - Superman's greatest foe, a brilliant businessman and scientist who seeks to eliminate Superman.
- Harley Quinn - The Joker's former psychiatrist turned accomplice, known for her unpredictable behavior and acrobatics.
- Darkseid - A powerful New God and ruler of Apokolips, seeking to conquer the universe.
- Catwoman - A skilled thief and occasional ally of Batman, known for her complex relationship with him.
- Two-Face - A former district attorney turned criminal, who makes decisions based on the flip of a coin.
- Riddler - A criminal mastermind who uses puzzles and riddles to taunt Batman.
Supporting characters
- Alfred Pennyworth - Batman's loyal butler and confidant.
- James Gordon - The police commissioner of Gotham City and ally of Batman.
- Lois Lane - A journalist and Superman's love interest, known for her bravery and determination.
- Wally West - The Flash's sidekick, who eventually becomes the Flash himself.
- Barbara Gordon - Also known as Batgirl, she is a skilled fighter and hacker.
Teams
- Justice League - A team of superheroes including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, and others.
- Teen Titans - A group of young heroes, including Robin, Starfire, Raven, and Beast Boy.
- Suicide Squad - A team of anti-heroes and villains forced to work for the government on dangerous missions.
Each character has their own unique backstory, powers, and relationships, contributing to the depth of the DC narrative.
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DC Comics has expanded beyond print, with successful animated series, movies, and live-action adaptations. The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) began with Man of Steel (2013) and includes movies like Wonder Woman (2017), Aquaman (2018), and Shazam! (2019).
Animated series like Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995) and Justice League (2001-2004) have been critically acclaimed and influential.
Current Era
As of 2023, DC Comics continues to produce a wide range of comic books, graphic novels, and multimedia projects, exploring diverse themes and characters while adapting to the changing landscape of the comic book industry.
DC Comics has had a profound impact on popular culture and the comic book industry, influencing countless creators and inspiring generations of fans. Its characters and stories remain integral to the superhero genre and continue to evolve with the times.
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- In 1937, the first logo featured a simple, bold "DC" in a circular design, emphasizing the initials of the company.
- In the 1940s, the logo evolved to include a more stylized "DC" within a shield shape, reflecting the superhero theme.
- In the 1960s, a more modernized version appeared, with a dynamic, italicized "DC" and a star motif, aligning with the Silver Age of Comics.
- In the 1970s, the logo was simplified to a bold, block-letter "DC" within a circle, becoming iconic and recognizable.
- In the 1980s, the logo was updated to a more angular design, often featuring a blue and White color scheme, reflecting the darker tone of comics during this era.
- In the 1990s, a new logo was introduced with a more three-dimensional look, incorporating a swoosh around the "DC" letters.
- In 2005, the logo was redesigned again, featuring a more streamlined and modern look, often used in conjuction with the "DC" shield.
- In 2012, DC unveiled a new logo designed by Landor Associates, which consists of a letter "D" peeling back to reveal the letter "C". The logo was intended to signify the concept of superheroes having "dual" identities and was adaptable across different mediums.
- In 2016, the logo was updated to a simpler, flat design, emphasizing the "DC" letters with a more contemporary aesthetic.
- In 2024, the current logo features a bold, stylized "DC" with a circular emblem, maintaining a classic yet modern feel.
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- DC Universe (On-Demand Streaming Service)
- Young Animal
- CMX Manga
- Piranha Press/Paradox Press
- WildStorm Productions
- Johnny DC
- Will Eisner Library
- All Star
- DC Focus
- Elseworlds
- Zuda Comics
- Milestone Media
- Tangent Comics
- Amalgam Comics
- Impact Comics
- America's Best Comics
Wikimedia Commons has media related to DC Comics.
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