Comic Books Superheroes

Superhero comics emerged in the late 1930s — Superman (Action Comics #1, June 1938, DC) is considered the first modern superhero. Batman (1939), Wonder Woman (1941), and Captain America (1941) followed. The Golden Age (1938-1956) was driven by WWII patriotism and escapism; the Silver Age (1956-70) brought science-fiction influences; the Bronze Age (1970-85) introduced social issues; the Modern Age (1985-present) brought darker, more complex storytelling. Marvel Comics (Jack Kirby and Stan Lee) defined the Silver and Bronze Ages with characters who had human flaws — Spider-Man (a teenager, responsible for his uncle's death), the X-Men (mutants as metaphor for civil rights), the Hulk (anger and identity). The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008-present) has grossed $30+ billion globally — the highest-grossing film franchise in history. DC's Batman and Superman film series and Spider-Man (multiple iterations) are among cinema's most valuable intellectual properties.