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Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Black Lightning
1st appearance of Tobias Whale
First solo title featuring a black hero at DC
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Black Lightning
1st appearance of Tobias Whale
First solo title featuring a black hero at DC
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Phantom Stranger, a powerful archmage
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Phantom Stranger, a powerful archmage
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam
1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam
1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel
1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher
1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins
While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman
Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2
There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Captain Marvel, later renamed Shazam
1st appearance of the Wizard Shazam
1st appearance of Dr. Sivana, a scientific genius and the archenemy of Captain Marvel
1st appearance of Ibis the Invincible and Spy Smasher
1st team appearance of the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man, later renamed the Seven Deadly Sins
While not a precise swipe of Action Comics #1 artwork, this cover and other aspects of Captain Marvel led to DC (formerly National) filing a lawsuit against Fawcett for Captain Marvel too closely resembling Superman
Premiere issue of the series though the copyright notes read issue #2
There exists a scarce Ashcan edition of this issue
Key Facts
1st appearance of Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, not in traditional costume but in a suit and fedora
1st appearance of Green Mask
1st appearance of Rex Dexter of Mars and Zanzibar the Magician
Key Facts
1st appearance of Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, not in traditional costume but in a suit and fedora
1st appearance of Green Mask
1st appearance of Rex Dexter of Mars and Zanzibar the Magician
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Wonder Woman
2nd appearance and origin of Wonder Woman
1st appearance and origin of Mr. Terrific, Terry Sloane
1st appearance of Wildcat, Ted Grant
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Wonder Woman
2nd appearance and origin of Wonder Woman
1st appearance and origin of Mr. Terrific, Terry Sloane
1st appearance of Wildcat, Ted Grant
Key Facts
1st appearance of Firestorm, high school student Ronnie Raymond and physicist Martin Stein merged together after a nuclear accident
1st appearance of Danton Black, becomes Multiplex
Key Facts
1st appearance of Firestorm, high school student Ronnie Raymond and physicist Martin Stein merged together after a nuclear accident
1st appearance of Danton Black, becomes Multiplex
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Sandman, Wesley Dodds, a businessman who operated as a vigilante with a gas gun capable of putting enemies to sleep
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Sandman, Wesley Dodds, a businessman who operated as a vigilante with a gas gun capable of putting enemies to sleep
Key Facts
1st appearance of The Question, an investigative journalist
⚠ Buyer Beware: there is reprint from 1977 from Modern Comics that can be identified by the Modern logo in the upper left corner
[September - James Gunn answered a fan inquiry about rights to the Question stating the character belongs to DC Studios and is one of his favorite]
Key Facts
1st appearance of The Question, an investigative journalist
⚠ Buyer Beware: there is reprint from 1977 from Modern Comics that can be identified by the Modern logo in the upper left corner
[September - James Gunn answered a fan inquiry about rights to the Question stating the character belongs to DC Studios and is one of his favorite]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Mister Miracle, Scott Free, the son of Highfather
1st appearance of Oberon, Mister Miracle's stage manager
1st appearance and death of Thaddeus Brown, the Miracle Man who preceded Scott Free
Key Facts
1st appearance of Mister Miracle, Scott Free, the son of Highfather
1st appearance of Oberon, Mister Miracle's stage manager
1st appearance and death of Thaddeus Brown, the Miracle Man who preceded Scott Free
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of the Flash, Jay Garrick
First mention of Keystone City, protected by The Flash
1st appearance and origin of Hawkman, Carter Hall
1st appearance Shiera Sanders, later becomes Hawkgirl
1st appearance of Hath-Set, the first villain of Hawkman
1st appearance of Johnny Thunder
1st appearance of Yz, Johnny Thunder's thunderbolt
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of the Flash, Jay Garrick
First mention of Keystone City, protected by The Flash
1st appearance and origin of Hawkman, Carter Hall
1st appearance Shiera Sanders, later becomes Hawkgirl
1st appearance of Hath-Set, the first villain of Hawkman
1st appearance of Johnny Thunder
1st appearance of Yz, Johnny Thunder's thunderbolt
Key Facts
1st appearance of Booster Gold
1st appearance of Skeets, the robot sidekick of Booster Gold
1st appearance of Blackguard
1st appearance of Trixie Collins, later becomes Goldstar
1st cameo appearance of Mindancer
[January 2023 - a Booster Gold TV series about a "loser from the future" who returns to the past to pretend to be a superhero is planned for HBO Max - SYNOPSIS: Michael Jon “Booster” Carter, is a member of the Justice League born in Gotham City who attends university on a football scholarship. He is expelled for gambling and becomes a superhero, although continues to irritate others with his obsession for fame and wealth. His nickname came via Ronald Reagan after he saved the former POTUS.]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Booster Gold
1st appearance of Skeets, the robot sidekick of Booster Gold
1st appearance of Blackguard
1st appearance of Trixie Collins, later becomes Goldstar
1st cameo appearance of Mindancer
[January 2023 - a Booster Gold TV series about a "loser from the future" who returns to the past to pretend to be a superhero is planned for HBO Max - SYNOPSIS: Michael Jon “Booster” Carter, is a member of the Justice League born in Gotham City who attends university on a football scholarship. He is expelled for gambling and becomes a superhero, although continues to irritate others with his obsession for fame and wealth. His nickname came via Ronald Reagan after he saved the former POTUS.]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Dream aka Morpheus
1st appearance of Unity Kincaid
1st appearance of Roderick Burgess
1st appearance of Ethel Cripps
Key Facts
1st appearance of Dream aka Morpheus
1st appearance of Unity Kincaid
1st appearance of Roderick Burgess
1st appearance of Ethel Cripps
Key Facts
1st appearance of Superman
1st appearance of Lois Lane
1st appearance of Zatara, Zatanna's father
1st appearance of Tex Thompson, later becomes Mr. America
🌎 Currently holds the world record for the highest comic sale in history after a 9.0 copy from the collection of Nicolas Cage sold for $15 million dollars in December 2025
💰 In June 2024, an 8.5 Kansas City Pedigree sold for $6,000,000
Key Facts
1st appearance of Superman
1st appearance of Lois Lane
1st appearance of Zatara, Zatanna's father
1st appearance of Tex Thompson, later becomes Mr. America
🌎 Currently holds the world record for the highest comic sale in history after a 9.0 copy from the collection of Nicolas Cage sold for $15 million dollars in December 2025
💰 In June 2024, an 8.5 Kansas City Pedigree sold for $6,000,000
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Superman with Batman and Robin
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Superman with Batman and Robin
Key Facts
1st appearance of Apollo
1st appearance of Midnighter
Key Facts
1st appearance of Apollo
1st appearance of Midnighter
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of the second Flash, Barry Allen
1st appearance of Iris West, the wife of Barry Allen
This issue is credited for ushering in the Silver Age of comics
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of the second Flash, Barry Allen
1st appearance of Iris West, the wife of Barry Allen
This issue is credited for ushering in the Silver Age of comics
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Zatanna
Key Facts
1st appearance of Shiera Sanders as Hawkgirl
Key Facts
1st appearance of Shiera Sanders as Hawkgirl
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Wonder Woman
1st appearance of Hippolyta
1st appearance of Steve Trevor
Starman and Dr. Mid-Nite join the JSA
💰 In June 2022, a 9.4 sold for $1,620,000
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Wonder Woman
1st appearance of Hippolyta
1st appearance of Steve Trevor
Starman and Dr. Mid-Nite join the JSA
💰 In June 2022, a 9.4 sold for $1,620,000
Key Facts
1st appearance of Jonah Hex
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Adam Strange
1st appearance of Alanna, daughter of Sardath
1st appearance of Sardath, a scientist from Rann who created Zeta-Beams
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Adam Strange
1st appearance of Alanna, daughter of Sardath
1st appearance of Sardath, a scientist from Rann who created Zeta-Beams
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Atom, Al Pratt, not in costume
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Atom, Al Pratt, not in costume
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern
1st appearance Carol Ferris, later becomes the second Star Sapphire
1st appearance and death of Abin Sur, an alien who gave Hal his ring as he died
First mention of the Green Lantern Corps
[January 2023 - Hal Jordan and John Stewart will lead a new Green Lantern TV series inspired by True Detective]
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Hal Jordan as Green Lantern
1st appearance Carol Ferris, later becomes the second Star Sapphire
1st appearance and death of Abin Sur, an alien who gave Hal his ring as he died
First mention of the Green Lantern Corps
[January 2023 - Hal Jordan and John Stewart will lead a new Green Lantern TV series inspired by True Detective]
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Dr. Mid-Nite, a surgeon who is blind in the light but can see perfectly in the dark
Hop Harrigan becomes Guardian Angel
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Dr. Mid-Nite, a surgeon who is blind in the light but can see perfectly in the dark
Hop Harrigan becomes Guardian Angel
Key Facts
1st team appearance of the new Teen Titans: Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Starfire
1st appearance of Raven
1st appearance of Cyborg
1st appearance of Starfire
Beast Boy becomes Changeling
Key Facts
1st team appearance of the new Teen Titans: Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Starfire
1st appearance of Raven
1st appearance of Cyborg
1st appearance of Starfire
Beast Boy becomes Changeling
Key Facts
1st appearance of Batman
1st appearance of Commissioner Gordon
💰 Detective Comics #27 has sold for over one million dollars 6x with a record high sale in 6.5 for $1.8 million (April 2024)
Key Facts
1st appearance of Batman
1st appearance of Commissioner Gordon
💰 Detective Comics #27 has sold for over one million dollars 6x with a record high sale in 6.5 for $1.8 million (April 2024)
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Captain Atom
Key Facts
Dick Grayson becomes Nightwing, formerly Robin
Joseph adopts the name Jericho
Origin of Deathstroke and Jericho
Key Facts
Dick Grayson becomes Nightwing, formerly Robin
Joseph adopts the name Jericho
Origin of Deathstroke and Jericho
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Hourman, Rex Tyler
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Hourman, Rex Tyler
Key Facts
1st full appearance and origin of The Spectre
1st appearance of The Presence, creator of The Spectre and the most powerful entity in the DC Multiverse
Key Facts
1st full appearance and origin of The Spectre
1st appearance of The Presence, creator of The Spectre and the most powerful entity in the DC Multiverse
Key Facts
1st appearance of Dr. Fate, Kent Nelson
Introduction of the Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, and the Cloak of Destiny
1st appearance of Wotan, an immortal sorcerer and enemy of Dr. Fate
Key Facts
1st appearance of Dr. Fate, Kent Nelson
Introduction of the Helmet of Fate, Amulet of Anubis, and the Cloak of Destiny
1st appearance of Wotan, an immortal sorcerer and enemy of Dr. Fate
Key Facts
1st appearance of Power Girl, a Kryptonian cousin of Earth-2 Superman
Key Facts
1st appearance of Power Girl, a Kryptonian cousin of Earth-2 Superman
Key Facts
1st appearance of Guy Gardner, Hal Jordan's backup Green Lantern
Key Facts
1st appearance of Guy Gardner, Hal Jordan's backup Green Lantern
Key Facts
1st appearance of Red Tornado, previously the Tornado Tyrant, now inhabiting an android's body and programmed with the memories of Ma Hunkel
Key Facts
1st appearance of Red Tornado, previously the Tornado Tyrant, now inhabiting an android's body and programmed with the memories of Ma Hunkel
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Aquaman
1st appearance of Green Arrow
1st appearance of Speedy
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Aquaman
1st appearance of Green Arrow
1st appearance of Speedy
Key Facts
1st appearance of Hawk, Han Hall
1st appearance of Dove, Don Hall
Key Facts
1st appearance of Hawk, Han Hall
1st appearance of Dove, Don Hall
Key Facts
1st appearance of Black Canary
Key Facts
1st appearance of Green Lantern, John Stewart
[October 2024 - Aaron Pierre cast as John Stewart in the Lanterns]
2nd appearance of Green Lantern, Guy Gardner
Key Facts
1st appearance of Green Lantern, John Stewart
[October 2024 - Aaron Pierre cast as John Stewart in the Lanterns]
2nd appearance of Green Lantern, Guy Gardner
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Swamp Thing, Alex Olsen
[January 2023 - a Swamp Thing horror film is in development at DC Studios]
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Swamp Thing, Alex Olsen
[January 2023 - a Swamp Thing horror film is in development at DC Studios]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Beast Boy
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Superboy
1st appearance of Jor-El, Superman's Father, previously appeared in a newspaper strip prior to his introduction in comics
Final Golden Age appearance of The Spectre
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Superboy
1st appearance of Jor-El, Superman's Father, previously appeared in a newspaper strip prior to his introduction in comics
Final Golden Age appearance of The Spectre
Key Facts
1st appearance of Kid Flash, Wally West
1st appearance of Weather Wizard
Key Facts
1st appearance of Kid Flash, Wally West
1st appearance of Weather Wizard
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Buddy Baker aka Animal Man not in costume
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Buddy Baker aka Animal Man not in costume
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Deadman, a ghost with the ability to possess the living
1st cameo appearance of Rama Kushna, voice only
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Deadman, a ghost with the ability to possess the living
1st cameo appearance of Rama Kushna, voice only
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Martian Manhunter
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Martian Manhunter
Key Facts
1st appearance of Supergirl
1st appearance of Metallo
1st appearance of Zor-El, the father of Supergirl
1st appearance of Allura In-Ze, the mother of Supergirl
Key Facts
1st appearance of Supergirl
1st appearance of Metallo
1st appearance of Zor-El, the father of Supergirl
1st appearance of Allura In-Ze, the mother of Supergirl
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Batgirl, Barbara Gordon
1st appearance of Killer Moth in the Silver Age
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Batgirl, Barbara Gordon
1st appearance of Killer Moth in the Silver Age
Key Facts
1st appearance of John Henry, later becomes Steel
1st appearance of Superboy, Conner Kent
1st appearance of Cyborg Superman, formerly Hank Henshaw
1st appearance of the Eradicator
Each character was introduced briefly in this issue, then featured in their own individual issues thereafter
1st appearance of Angora Lapin, later becomes White Rabbit
[March 2025 - IMDb credits claim Brey Noelle will depict White Rabbit in Peacemaker S2 but DC has yet to confirm this casting]
Key Facts
1st appearance of John Henry, later becomes Steel
1st appearance of Superboy, Conner Kent
1st appearance of Cyborg Superman, formerly Hank Henshaw
1st appearance of the Eradicator
Each character was introduced briefly in this issue, then featured in their own individual issues thereafter
1st appearance of Angora Lapin, later becomes White Rabbit
[March 2025 - IMDb credits claim Brey Noelle will depict White Rabbit in Peacemaker S2 but DC has yet to confirm this casting]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Cassandra Cain, later becomes Batgirl, Orphan II and the Black Bat
1st appearance of David Cain, Orphan not in costume
Key Facts
1st appearance of Cassandra Cain, later becomes Batgirl, Orphan II and the Black Bat
1st appearance of David Cain, Orphan not in costume
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