Superheroes and superheroines, whether in comic books or in the various audiovisual adaptations, fascinate children and adults alike. If you're a fan of DC Comics or Marvel, this article is just for you. Here we present the complete list of iconic superheroes released between 1936 and 2004.
The Phantom
Release date : 1936
The Phantom, created by Lee Falk, first appeared in his own newspaper comic strip in the USA on February 17, 1936. It was the pioneer of superheroes, with the plot following the exploits of Kit Walker. He wore a mask and a purple outfit to metamorphose into The Phantom, also known as "the walking ghost". The Phantom's pupil-less eyes influenced many later superheroes, including Green Lantern, Green Arrow and the famous Batman.
Superman
Release date : 1938
In the annals of superheroes, "Man of Steel" emerged in the world of comics with a memorable entry in Action Comics #1, now prized as a publishing gem. Superman, the very first superhero with supernatural powers, amazed by exceeding the speed of an express train and performing prodigious leaps between skyscrapers. His repertoire of abilities expanded with successive issues, including the ability to soar through the skies, superhuman strength and X-ray vision.
Batman
Release date : 1939
The legendary "Caped Crusader" is the brainchild of American artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, making his debut in the pages of Detective Comics #27. Originally, Kane sketched a bright red tunic, black-eyed mask and wings for Batman's costume, which was eventually transformed into an outfit with a far more menacing appearance following key suggestions from Finger.
Captain Marvel
Release date : 1939
This character came out the same year as Batman, having enjoyed remarkable popularity in the 1940s, such that his comics surpassed those featuring Superman in terms of sales.In the Marvel universe, this Captain Marvel made his grand entrance in Whiz Comics #2, the one covered in February 1940, before joining the ranks of DC. In reference to the scream that metamorphoses young Billy Batson into the imposing Captain Marvel, he's now also known as "Shazam".
Speaking of Marvels, you can see in our article how to view them in the right order:
The comet
Release date : 1940
The Comet, the very first superhero to succumb, entered the superhero scene in January 1940. He first appeared in Pep Comics #1 and was resurrected several times from the 1960s onwards.
Flash
Release date : 1940
The dynamic "Scarlet Speedster" is a co-production between artist Harry Lampert and writer Gardner Fox, having first appeared in Flash Comics #1. The hero's alter ego was originally Jay Garrick, but the character has gone through several incarnations over the years.
Fantomah and the Woman in Red
Release date : 1940
The claim to the title of first female superhero is contested between two comic book characters, including :
- Fantomah: she established herself as the very first superheroine with superhuman powers to enter print with Jungle Comics #2, released in February 1940.
- The Woman in Red Richard Hughes and George Mandel's creation for Thrilling Comics #2, released in March 1940, is the first masked, costumed, "natural-born" superheroine.
Justice Society of America (JSA)
Release date : 1940
The JSA was the first superhero team, having debuted on the cover of All Star Comics #3, in the Winter 1940-1941 issue. Founding members included The Atom, Green Lantern, Doctor Fate, The Spectre, Hawkman, The Sandman, The Flash and Hourman.
Captain America
Release date : 1941
This renowned superhero, having been conceived by artists Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, made his spectacular debut in Captain America Comics #1 in March 1941. His distinctive symbol is Cap's round shield, introduced in issue 2, replacing the previous triangular version.
Aquaman
Release date : 1941
He's the aquatic wonder of the DC Universe, the brainchild of Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. Aquaman first appeared in the pages of More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. His importance grew as one of the prominent founders of the Justice League of America.
Wonder Woman
Release date : 1941
The superhero scene in All Star Comics #8 saw the sensational arrival of Wonder Women, with a cover dated December 1941. Despite her remarkable success, it wasn't until the summer of 1942 that DC Comics' own comic book featuring this symbolic Amazonian heroine saw the light of day.
Super-girl
Release date : 1959
She's none other than Superman's female counterpart, in the person of his cousin, Kara Zor-El. Imagined by Otto Binder (writer) and Al Plastino (artist), with reference to Superman's triumph, Super-girl made her debut, in May 1959, in the pages of Action Comics #252.
Justice League of America (JLA)
Release date : 1960
The Justice League of America (JLA) is a renowned supergroup from the DC Universe, released between October and November 1960. The group's original line-up included Batman and Superman, although they were only seen a handful of times in most adventures. There was also Martian Manhunter, which concluded its first stint with the Justice League in 1968.
The Fantastic Four
Release date : 1961
The Fantastic Four #1 was Marvel's first super-team, born of the very first collaboration between Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Released in November 1961, this group played a key role in the company's rapid expansion in the 1960s.
Hulk
Release date : 1962
Under the impact of gamma radiation, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner underwent an extraordinary transformation, becoming the fearsome green Goliath known as the Hulk, and becoming one of Marvel's most iconic characters. He first appeared on the comic-book scene in May 1962.
Spiderman
Release date : 1962
Who doesn't know Spider-Man? Marvel's Spider-Man, designed by Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko, was first introduced to fans in August 1962 in Amazing Fantasy #15. Then, in March 1963, The Amazing Spider-Man also enjoyed its own launch.
Iron Man
Release date : 1963
The arrival of Tony Stark's super-powered alter ego was recorded in Tales of Suspense #39, published in March 1963. Incidentally, Robert Downey Jr. remains the most acclaimed superhero actor to date, thanks to the six films in which he played the Man in the Iron Suit.
The X-Men
Release date : 1963
The first issue of X-Men, published on September 10, 1963, originally intended to introduce the inhabitants of Professor X's school for gifted youngsters as "The Mutants". However, Martin Goodman, Marvel's publisher, feared that this name would be confusing for readers. That's why Stan Lee changed it to "The X-Men".
If you would like to see all the numbers in the correct order, we provide you with the list in our guide :
Swamp Thing
Release date : 1971
Len Wein (writer) and Bernie Wrightson (artist) brought to life the disturbing DC character Swamp Thing or "Swamp Creature". This character made his first appearance in House of Secrets #92 in July 1971, before receiving his own comic strip in 1972.
Wolverine
Release date : 1974
In 1975, Wolverine was recruited as one of Professor X's new mutants in Giant-Size X-Men #1. Recall that he was originally seen in the final panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 in October 1974.
Ninja Turtles
Release date : 1984
In May 1984, Mirage Studios launched a comic strip featuring the "heroes in a half-shell" Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael and Michelangelo. This was followed by an animated series in 1987. This quartet, originally created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, had a satirical essence, parodying four popular comics of the time: Daredevil, Cerebus, New Mutants and Ronin.
Deadpool
Release date : 1991
February 1991 issue 98 of New Mutants introduced the character of the "Merc with a Mouth". Initially an antagonist, Deadpool evolved into an ambiguous anti-hero, leading to the creation of his own mini-series in 1993, entitled The Circle Chase. Then there's the Tim Miller-directed Deadpool (USA), released in 2016, which holds the record for the most successful R-rated film.
Hellboy
Release date : 1993
Mike Mignola sketched the demonic superhero, who was first introduced in March 1993 as a prototype on the cover of Italian fanzine Dime Press #4. Then, in August 1993, the character emerged in full in San Diego Comic-Con Comics #2.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Release date : 1993
Born of the successful 1993 TV series, a Power Rangers comic book series was published by Hamilton from November 1994. Subsequently, two separate series were launched by Marvel Comics. To pay tribute to the original series, Studios picked up the comic in March 2016.
The Incredibles
Release date : 2004
Pixar produced The Indestructibles, which was released on October 27, 2004, marking a record opening weekend for the company at the time. In 2009, the studios began publishing a comic book mini-series based on the film. A sequel to the original film was released on October 25, 2018.
By now, you're familiar with the characters who have marked the history of superheroes and superheroines to date. Which one do you like best? Tell us in the comments!
