DC Comics

Guide Note

DC Comics is one the largest comic book publishers in the world, rivaled only by Marvel Comics. DC publishes comic books about some of the most well-known characters in contemporary fiction, including Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. The company is owned by Warner Brother Entertainment.

Fast Facts:

Fast Facts

1. Founded in 1934
2. "DC" originally referred to "Detective Comics"
3. Headquarters: New York City
4. Subsidiary of Warner Brothers Entertainment

DC Early History

DC stands for Detective Comics, the title of the first comic book published by the company. Like Marvel, DC had a different name when it was founded in 1934. Then is was called National Allied Publications, which was shortened after a merger to National Comics. By [[1944] the company adopted the name DC after years of using a logo bearing the initials. Superman and Batman had been hit characters for some time, a fact which would eventually spawn the creation of several more similar characters. Among these were The Flash, The Green Lantern, and The Martian Manhunter. At the time various genres were still popular in comic books, but DC's focus on the superhero genre, and their great success by grouping the most popular into a team called the Justice League helped to make superheroes the dominant genre of the industry.

Not Orginally DC?

Many of DC's most popular characters were not created in-house, but started at other companies that were acquired by or merged with DC. Among these are The Blue Beetle, Shazaam!, and The Question.