Marvel & DC Key Comic Issues

Action Comics #1

DC · 1938

First appearance of Superman and the beginning of the superhero genre.

Detective Comics #27

DC · 1939

First appearance of Batman, introducing Bruce Wayne’s masked crime-fighting identity in a landmark Golden Age story.

Detective Comics #33

DC · 1939

First telling of Batman's origin.

Superman #1

DC · 1939

In stock

First comic devoted to a single superhero.

Action Comics #23

DC · 1940

In stock

First appearance of Lex Luthor.

Batman #1

DC · 1940

First Batman solo title; introduces Joker and Catwoman.

Detective Comics #38

DC · 1940

First appearance of Dick Grayson as Robin.

Whiz Comics #2

DC · 1940

First appearance and origin of Captain Marvel/Shazam.

All-Star Comics #8

DC · 1941

First appearance of Wonder Woman.

Captain Marvel Adventures #1

DC · 1941

Launch of the classic solo title.

More Fun Comics #73

DC · 1941

First appearance of Aquaman.

Sensation Comics #1

DC · 1942

First Wonder Woman cover feature and beginning of her regular solo adventures.

Wonder Woman #1 (1942)

DC · 1942

Launch of Wonder Woman's first solo title and expanded origin.

Action Comics #60

DC · 1943

First appearance of the Toyman.

Action Comics #64

DC · 1943

First appearance of the Prankster.

Superman #30

DC · 1944

First appearance of Mister Mxyzptlk in the Superman title.

The Marvel Family #1

DC · 1945

First appearance of Black Adam.

Detective Comics #140

DC · 1948

First appearance of the Riddler.

Superman #53

DC · 1948

Influential Golden Age retelling of Superman's origin.

Batman #62

DC · 1950

Story revealing Selina Kyle's then-current origin.

Detective Comics #168

DC · 1951

The Red Hood story provides a foundational origin for the Joker.

Batman #121

DC · 1952

First appearance of Mister Freeze, originally introduced as Mr. Zero.

Detective Comics #230

DC · 1956

First appearance of the original Batwoman, Kathy Kane.

Showcase #4

DC · 1956

First appearance of Barry Allen as the Silver Age Flash.