Staff
Ranked
Issues
#1
Meet Captain America
Dec 20, 1940
1
A landmark patriotic issue featuring the debut of Steve Rogers and Bucky.
#1
The Origin of Wonder Woman
Jul 22, 1942
2
The first solo title for the most iconic female superhero in history.
#1
Wonder Woman Arrives in Man's World
Nov 07, 1941
3
The first cover appearance of Wonder Woman, solidifying her status as a lead character.
#1
Superman, Champion of the Oppressed
Apr 18, 1938
5
The historical debut of Superman and the start of the superhero genre.
#27
The Bat-Man / Speed Saunders / Buck Marshall / Spy / The Crimson Avenger / Bruce Nelson / The Mysterious Fu Manchu! / Cosmo, The Phantom of Disguise / Plain Clothes Pete / Slam Bradley
Mar 30, 1939
6
The first appearance of Batman, introducing a darker tone to early comics.
#73
Doctor Fate: "Mr. Who"
Sep 25, 1941
7
Double debut of Aquaman and Green Arrow, two enduring DC staples.
#1
Origin of the Flash
Nov 10, 1939
8
The debut of Jay Garrick, establishing the concept of super-speed in comics.
#1
The Legend of the Batman: Who He Is and How He Came To Be; The Joker
Apr 25, 1940
9
The first solo title for the Caped Crusader, introducing Joker and Catwoman.
#40
Adventure Comics
Jun 15, 1939
10
First appearance of the Sandman (Wesley Dodds), a pulp-influenced hero.
#1
Leading Comics
Dec 17, 1941
11
Debut of the Seven Soldiers of Victory, one of the first superhero teams.
#1
Issue #1
May 14, 1941
13
The debut of Plastic Man, bringing humor and unique visuals to the medium.
#10
The Origin of the Fighting Yank
14
First appearance of the Fighting Yank, a notable Golden Age patriotic hero.
#22
Issue #22
Dec 22, 1941
15
The first appearance of Archie Andrews, launching the long-running Archie universe.
#1
Issue #1
Aug 31, 1939
16
The birth of the Marvel universe, featuring the original Human Torch and Namor.
#16
The Origin of the Green Lantern
May 21, 1940
17
Introduced the original Green Lantern, Alan Scott, and the Power Ring mythos.
#1
Issue #1
May 18, 1939
19
The first eponymous title for a superhero, proving the viability of solo characters.
#1
Women Warriors Of The Moon
20
A key milestone in early sci-fi comics, featuring planetary adventure stories.
#1
Issue #1
May 02, 1941
22
First appearance of Blackhawk, leading one of the most popular wartime series.
The best of the best