The Early Days of DC Comics: Unraveling the Firsts in Superhero History

Firsts are a tricky subject, especially in the sprawling universe of comic books. Nevertheless, the question of who was the first DC comic book character often sparks debate among fans and scholars. In this article, we'll explore the complexities of this query, examining the history of Doctor Occult and Superman, as well as other early superheroes in the DC Comics universe.

The Contender: Doctor Occult

Doctor Occult is a character who many consider a strong contender for the title of the first DC comic book character. He premiered in New Fun Comics 6 in October 1935, a few years before many of the more well-known characters in the DC Comics universe.

New Fun Comics was the first series published by Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholsons, which would later become National Allied Publications. New Fun Comics was groundbreaking as the first comic book to feature fully original material. National Allied Publications would later evolve into the iconic DC Comics, further cementing Doctor Occult's place in comic book history.

The Traditional Answer: Superman

While Doctor Occult is a strong contender, the answer many point to is SUPERMAN. Superman was created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster in 1938. He first appeared in Action Comics 1 on April 18, 1938. However, the question of who was the first has led to some controversy over the years, particularly with reports suggesting that Doctor Occult appeared in More Fun Comics 33 in 1935.

Other Early Superheroes

While Superman and Doctor Occult are often discussed, there are several other notable early superheroes in the DC Comics universe. These include the Crimson Avenger, a blind superhero known for wearing a mask, and Black Lightning, a title that has had several characters over the years but was first created in 1940. The Watchtower is said to have a memorial room dedicated to each hero who has died while fighting for justice, and there is a statue of the Crimson Avenger there.

The Evolution of DC Comics

DC Comics, as we know it today, is a result of mergers and acquisitions. Many of the characters that are now part of the DC universe predate the formation of what would become DC Comics. For instance, the first company which would eventually become DC Comics began with reprinted collections of newspaper strips. Technically, DC Comics didn't even have the name 'DC Comics' until the 1970s.

Conclusion

So, where do you draw the line when it comes to the first DC comic book character? The answer is not straightforward. Whether it's Doctor Occult, Superman, or another character, the history of DC Comics is a complex and fascinating one that has evolved over time.

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