Although comic books have been around since the late 1800s, the popularity of newspaper cartoons did not take off until the Great Depression.

 

Although the exact date of the Golden Age is debated, most agree that it began in 1938 with the release of Superman. Superman is arguably the most well-known comic book character created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster.

 

 

Superman’s popularity spawned a slew of spin-offs and a whole new category of superhero characters with secret identities, superhuman skills, and brilliant outfits. Batman and Robin, Wonder Woman, Plastic Man, Green Lantern, and Flash came following them.

 

During the 1940s, Captain Marvel was one of the most popular superhero comics of the Golden Age, regularly outselling Superman’s adventures.

 

During WWII, the popularity of comic comics skyrocketed. They were inexpensive, portable, and featured patriotic stories about good triumphing over evil. Current events and ideals were accurately reflected in the stories. Captain America, a superhero whose entire existence was built on aiding the country’s war effort, was a particular hit.

Captain America, dressed in the stars and stripes, was first seen fighting Adolf Hitler on the first issue’s cover.

Although superhero comics were the most popular, other genres arose during the Golden Age.

A prominent horror and crime character were The Spirit, a masked investigator who apprehended villains and served justice.

Walt Disney was the driving force behind the animal and jungle-themed comics, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Tarzan.

According to many, the superhero genre slowed after the war, signalling the end of the Golden Age. However, the era itself influenced comic books, with many characters still popular nearly 70 years later. Superman, the first superhero, is still alive in popular culture today.

One of the most significant effects of the Golden Age was establishing the comic book as a mainstream art form, complete with its language and creative conventions.