DC Comics

**DC Comics** (originally **DC Comics, Inc.**, and also known simply 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.

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, Hulk and X-Men), 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.

### 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 Comic Books.

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)

The Silver Age of Comic Books 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 Hal Jordan / Green Lantern 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 Comic Books 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 Comic Books.

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.

## DC characters in other media

DC Comics has expanded beyond print, with successful animated and live-action television series, animated and live-action movies, toys, and video games. 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.

## Logo

- 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.

## DC Comics subsidiaries (owned by Warner Bros. Discovery)

- DC Universe (On-Demand Streaming Service)

- DC Studios

- DC Entertainment

- Vertigo Comics

- Young Animal

- CMX Manga

- MAD Magazine

- 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

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