Fawcett Publications was a highly successful publishing company in the early to mid-1900s. Founded in 1919 by Wilford Fawcett, the company expanded from the publication of Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang magazine to include a line of periodicals with a combined circulation of ten million a month. The company entered the world of comic book publishing in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with the development of the iconic superhero character Captain Marvel.
Captain Marvel, created by artist C.C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, was initially published under the name « Captain Thunder » but was later renamed due to a trademark dispute with Marvel Comics. The character quickly became one of the most popular superheroes of the 1940s, even outselling Superman. The character’s popularity was due in part to his unique concept and design, with the young Billy Batson transforming into the adult Captain Marvel by saying the magic word « Shazam, » granting him a variety of superhuman abilities. This concept resonated with readers, particularly children who could relate to Billy Batson’s sense of wonder and empowerment.
Fawcett Comics also published other notable superhero characters, including Mary Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr., and the Marvel Family. However, the success of Captain Marvel was short-lived, as Fawcett Comics faced legal challenges from DC Comics over similarities between Captain Marvel and Superman. In the early 1950s, Fawcett Comics ceased publication of its superhero comics due to these legal issues and declining sales.
Despite the legal battles and decline of Fawcett Comics, Captain Marvel’s legacy has endured. The rights to the character have changed hands several times, with DC Comics currently owning the rights to the character since 1991. The character has been reinvented and revived several times by various publishers, and has appeared in numerous adaptations including animated TV shows, video games, and live-action movies. The legacy of Captain Marvel continues to inspire new generations of readers and fans, cementing the character’s place in the pantheon of comic book superheroes.
Some of Fawcett’s most famous characters and titles include:
Captain Marvel (also known as Shazam) – a superhero who gained his powers from a wizard and had his own self-titled comic series. He was created by writer Bill Parker and artist C. C. Beck.
Marvel Family – a group of superheroes that included Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, and Captain Marvel Jr. They appeared in their own comic series titled « The Marvel Family » and were also created by Parker and Beck.
Bulletman – a superhero who had the power of flight and super strength. He appeared in his own self-titled comic series and was created by writer Bill Parker and artist Jon Smalle.
Ibis the Invincible – a superhero who had the power to summon an ancient Egyptian magic wand. He appeared in his own self-titled comic series and was created by writer Bill Parker and artist Bob Kingett.
Hopalong Cassidy – a western hero who was popular in both comics and on the big screen. He appeared in his own self-titled comic series and was created by writer Clarence E. Mulford.
Other notable Fawcett Comics titles and characters include Spy Smasher, Mister Scarlet and Pinky, and Minute-Man. Some of the artists who contributed to Fawcett Comics include C. C. Beck, Mac Raboy, Dan Barry, Kurt Schaffenberger, Pete Costanza, Leonard Frank, Carl Pfeufer, Jack Binder and many others.
Timely Comics was founded in 1939 by Martin Goodman, who was also the publisher of several pulp magazines. Timely Comics initially published a mix of superhero, horror, humor, and adventure comics. The company quickly gained popularity with characters like the Human Torch, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and Captain America.
Timely’s characters and titles were created by a number of different artists and writers, including Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, and Stan Lee, among others. Many of these creators went on to have long and influential careers in the comic book industry.
In the early 1950s, as the popularity of superhero comics waned, Timely Comics changed its name to Atlas Comics and shifted its focus to other genres, including westerns, war comics, and romance comics. Atlas Comics was still home to a number of talented creators, including Joe Maneely, Gene Colan, and Steve Ditko.
In the early 1960s, Martin Goodman decided to try his hand at superhero comics again, inspired by the success of rival publisher DC Comics’ Justice League of America. Goodman tasked Stan Lee and Jack Kirby with creating a new superhero team, which resulted in the creation of the Fantastic Four. This marked the beginning of what is now known as the Marvel Age of Comics.
Under Stan Lee’s guidance, Marvel Comics became known for its interconnected universe of characters and storylines, with heroes like Spider-Man, the Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor joining the Fantastic Four and other characters from the Timely/Atlas era. Marvel’s success helped to revitalize the comic book industry and set the stage for the superhero-dominated landscape of comics today.
Many of the talented artists and writers who had worked for Timely and Atlas Comics also contributed to the Marvel Age, including Steve Ditko, Gene Colan, and Bill Everett, among others. Their work helped to shape the look and feel of Marvel’s characters and universe, and their influence can still be felt in the comics of today.
United Feature Comics was a comic book publishing company that was active from the 1930s to the 1970s. During its heyday, United Feature Comics was responsible for publishing a number of popular comic strips, including some of the most well-known and beloved strips in history.
United Feature Comics was founded in 1930 by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing magnate who owned a number of newspapers and media outlets across the United States. The company was initially established as a way to promote Hearst’s newspaper properties and syndicate their content to other outlets.
One of the most important properties published by United Feature Comics was the comic strip character Popeye, who made his debut in 1929 and quickly became one of the most popular characters in the world. United Feature Comics published a number of Popeye comic books during the 1940s and 1950s, which helped to cement the character’s place in popular culture.
In addition to Popeye, United Feature Comics was also responsible for publishing a number of other popular comic strip characters during its tenure. These included Blondie, a domestic comedy strip that first appeared in 1930 and is still being published today; Flash Gordon, a science fiction adventure strip that was created in 1934; and Beetle Bailey, a military comedy strip that first appeared in 1950.
Despite its many successes, United Feature Comics struggled to compete with other comic book publishers during the 1960s and 1970s, and the company eventually went out of business in 1978. However, the characters and properties that it helped to create and popularize continue to be beloved by fans all around the world.
Here are some of the notable comic book titles published by United Features Syndicate in chronological order:
« Tip Top Comics » (1936-1955) – a comic book anthology series featuring a variety of licensed and original comic strip characters.
« Flash Gordon » (1937-1943) – a science fiction adventure series based on the popular comic strip created by Alex Raymond.
« Terry and the Pirates » (1939-1948) – a swashbuckling adventure series based on the popular comic strip created by Milton Caniff.
« The Spirit » (1940-1952) – a crimefighter series created by Will Eisner, known for its innovative storytelling and use of visual techniques.
« Popeye » (1940-1957) – a series featuring the adventures of the popular comic strip character created by E.C. Segar.
« Bugs Bunny » (1941-1962) – a series featuring the popular Warner Bros. cartoon character.
« Blondie » (1942-1959) – a series featuring the domestic comedy strip created by Chic Young.
« Little Lulu » (1945-1959) – a series featuring the popular comic strip character created by Marjorie Henderson Buell.
« Fritzi Ritz » (1945-1957) – a series featuring the teen comedy strip created by Ernie Bushmiller.
« Bringing Up Father » (1945-1956) – a series featuring the domestic comedy strip created by George McManus.
« Li’l Abner » (1947-1951) – a series featuring the satirical hillbilly comic strip created by Al Capp.
« Bob Phantom » (1948-1949) – a superhero series created by Joseph Greene and drawn by Bob Montana.
« Bungle Family » (1948-1949) – a domestic comedy strip created by Harry J. Tuthill.
MLJ Comics, also known as Archie Comics, is a comic book publisher that was founded in 1939 by Maurice Coyne, Louis Silberkleit, and John L. Goldwater. The company is based in Pelham, New York, and is best known for its popular Archie Comics line of titles featuring the iconic characters Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, and Jughead Jones.
In the early days, MLJ Comics primarily published superhero comics, with characters such as the Shield, the Black Hood, and the Fly. These characters were popular in the 1940s and 1950s, but as the popularity of superhero comics declined in the 1960s, MLJ Comics shifted its focus to more traditional teen comedy and romance stories.
The company continued to produce Archie Comics, which had first appeared in 1941, and these titles became their most popular and enduring franchise. Archie Comics spawned numerous spinoffs and adaptations over the years, including an animated TV series, several live-action films, and even a Broadway musical.
One of the unique features of Archie Comics is its focus on slice-of-life stories that deal with everyday issues faced by teenagers, such as dating, school, and friendships. The comics are known for their wholesome tone and relatable characters, and they have remained popular with readers of all ages for over 80 years.
In recent years, Archie Comics has undergone a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the success of TV series Riverdale, which is loosely based on the Archie Comics characters. This has led to the creation of several new spinoffs and adaptations, including a supernatural horror series called Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and a series based on the classic comic book superhero team, the Mighty Crusaders.
Overall, MLJ Comics/Archie Comics has had a long and successful history, with a beloved cast of characters and a commitment to providing wholesome, relatable stories for its readers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Archie Comics, there’s sure to be something for everyone in this enduring and beloved franchise.
MLJ Comics, also known as Archie Comics, was a significant publisher during the Golden Age of Comics, which is generally considered to have spanned from the late 1930s to the early 1950s. During this period, MLJ Comics published a wide range of comic book titles featuring a variety of superhero characters, many of which have become iconic in the world of comics.One of the most notable MLJ Comics characters from this era was the Shield, who made his debut in Pep Comics #1 in January 1940. The Shield was created by writer Harry Shorten and artist Irv Novick, and was one of the first patriotic superheroes to appear in comics. The character had superhuman strength, speed, and durability, and used his abilities to fight against Nazis, gangsters, and other villains.MLJ Comics also introduced a number of other popular superhero characters during this period, including the Black Hood, a vigilante who wore a black hood to conceal his identity and fought crime on the streets of New York City; and the Hangman, a vengeful vigilante who avenged the death of his brother by hunting down and punishing criminals.In addition to superhero comics, MLJ Comics also published a variety of other titles during the Golden Age, including romance, horror, and comedy comics. One of the most popular and enduring of these titles was Archie Comics, which first appeared in 1941 and followed the adventures of a group of teenage friends in the small town of Riverdale. The Archie Comics line included a variety of beloved characters, such as Archie Andrews, Betty Cooper, Veronica Lodge, Jughead Jones, and Reggie Mantle.
During the Golden Age of Comics, MLJ Comics played a significant role in shaping the comics industry and popular culture as a whole. The company’s superhero characters were widely read and admired, and helped to establish many of the conventions of the genre that are still in use today. Meanwhile, the Archie Comics line proved to be immensely popular with readers of all ages, and has remained a beloved and enduring franchise for over 80 years.
MLJ Comics, like many publishers during the Golden Age of Comics, employed a wide range of talented artists, writers, and editors to create its comic books. These creators were responsible for bringing to life the colorful characters and thrilling stories that captured the imaginations of readers across America.
One of the most prominent writers working for MLJ Comics during this era was Harry Shorten, who created the Shield, the company’s flagship superhero character. Shorten also wrote for other MLJ Comics titles, including Blue Ribbon Comics, Top-Notch Comics, and Pep Comics. His contributions helped to establish the conventions of the superhero genre and set the tone for many of the company’s most popular characters.
Another important writer for MLJ Comics was Joe Blair, who wrote for many of the company’s most popular titles, including Archie Comics and the Shield. Blair was known for his humorous and light-hearted approach to storytelling, and his work helped to establish the tone of many of MLJ Comics’ most popular titles.
In terms of artists, MLJ Comics employed a number of talented individuals, including Irv Novick, who co-created the Shield with Harry Shorten. Novick was a prolific artist who worked on a wide range of MLJ Comics titles, including Top-Notch Comics, Blue Ribbon Comics, and Pep Comics. He was known for his dynamic, action-packed style, which helped to bring the company’s superhero characters to life.
Another important artist for MLJ Comics was Bob Montana, who created the character of Archie Andrews and helped to establish the look and feel of the Archie Comics line. Montana’s style was more realistic and grounded than many of his contemporaries, and his work helped to set Archie Comics apart from other comics of the era.
Finally, MLJ Comics also had a number of talented editors who helped to guide the direction of the company’s titles. One of the most important of these was Victor Gorelick, who worked for Archie Comics for over 60 years and was instrumental in shaping the company’s output during the Golden Age and beyond. Gorelick was known for his attention to detail and his commitment to quality, and his contributions helped to establish Archie Comics as one of the most beloved and enduring comic book publishers of all time.
The Eastern Color Printing Company was a company that revolutionized the American comic book industry. Founded in 1928, the company initially specialized in printing color newspaper sections for various papers in New England and New York. In 1930, Eastern was the first major institution to perfect an engraving process that allowed color to be added to black-and-white comics, a game-changer for the newspaper syndicates.
In 1933, Eastern’s sales manager Harry I. Wildenberg came up with the idea of using comics as a medium for advertising. The company’s first comic, Gulf Comic Weekly, was a promotional giveaway for Gulf Oil Company. Each issue of the comic contained a full-color single-page comic strip and proved a hit at Gulf service stations, with distribution reaching three million copies a week. Eastern also published another four-page tabloid for Standard Oil, titled Standard Oil Comics.
In the same year, Eastern published the first modern-format comic book, the 32-page Funnies on Parade, which was a promotion for Procter & Gamble.
The success of the promotion led to Eastern producing similar periodicals for Canada Dry, Kinney Shoes, Wheatena cereal, and others. In late 1933, Eastern published Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics, A Century of Comics, and Skippy’s Own Book of Comics, with Famous Funnies being the most popular.
Famous Funnies was the first true American comic book, and it gave birth to the American comic book industry. The comic featured reprints of popular newspaper comic strips, such as Buck Rogers, Dick Tracy, and Flash Gordon, and became an instant hit. In 1934, Eastern printed Shell Globe, a comic featuring Bud Fisher’s popular characters Mutt and Jeff, for distribution at 13,000 Shell gas stations.
Eastern published its comic books until the mid-1950s and continued to print comic books for other publishers until 1973. However, the company struggled financially from the 1970s to 2002, when it closed due to changing printing technologies. Despite its closure, Eastern Color Printing’s legacy as the company that revolutionized the American comic book industry remains intact.
Quality Comics was a major force in the Golden Age of Comic Books, operating from 1937 to 1956. The company produced many titles and characters that are still recognized and appreciated today. Quality Comics was founded by Everett M. « Busy » Arnold, a printer who saw the potential of the comic book medium. In 1937, Arnold formed Comic Favorites, Inc. with three newspaper syndicates, which published Feature Funnies. This publication was the start of a series of comics that would become an important part of American pop culture.
Quality Comics was responsible for some of the most iconic characters of the Golden Age. These characters include Blackhawk, G.I. Combat, Heart Throbs, Military Comics/Modern Comics, Plastic Man, Police Comics, Smash Comics, and The Spirit. Quality Comics published many titles, and the quality of the comics they produced was apparent in the popularity of their characters.
Quality Comics had some of the most notable creators of the Golden Age of Comics. Jack Cole, Reed Crandall, Will Eisner, Lou Fine, Gill Fox, Paul Gustavson, Bob Powell, and Wally Wood were all associated with the company. These creators helped shape the style and storytelling of comics, influencing generations of artists and writers.
Quality Comics was known for its dedication to producing quality comics. The company would buy features from Eisner & Iger, a prominent « packager » that produced comics on demand for publishers. Quality introduced such superheroes as Plastic Man and Kid Eternity, as well as non-superhero characters like Blackhawk.
The name Quality Comics first appeared on the cover of Crack Comics #5 (Sept. 1940). The Quality Comics Group was a trademarked name, encompassing Comic Favorites Inc., E.M. Arnold Publications, Smash Comics, and any other imprints owned by Arnold. By the mid-1950s, however, interest in Quality’s characters had declined considerably, and the company ceased operations with comics cover-dated December 1956.
Many of Quality’s character and title trademarks were sold to National Comics Publications, now DC Comics. DC Comics kept only four series running: Blackhawk, G.I. Combat, Heart Throbs, and Robin Hood Tales. The original copyrights for Quality’s publications have never been renewed by either Arnold or DC, leaving those original stories in the public domain. The trademarks to the characters, and to the titles of the various comic book series, however, were sold to DC in late 1956.
In conclusion, Quality Comics was a major publisher of the Golden Age of Comics. The company produced some of the most iconic characters of the era, and its dedication to quality comics set a standard for the industry. The influence of Quality Comics can still be seen today in the comic book industry.
Ziff-Davis Publications, a prominent publisher during the mid-twentieth century, is perhaps best known for its contribution to the comic book industry. While they were latecomers to the field, their impact was significant, producing many memorable titles and introducing talented writers, artists, and editors.
Among their most successful comic book titles were G. I. Joe and Kid Cowboy. G. I. Joe, which ran for 46 issues, followed the adventures of a group of soldiers fighting during World War II, while Kid Cowboy, which ran for 10 issues, focused on the exploits of a young cowboy. While both titles were short-lived, they demonstrated the high quality of work produced by Ziff-Davis Publications.
What distinguished Z-D comics from others of the time were their striking painted covers that were reminiscent of earlier pulp magazines. Additionally, many of their covers were known for their use of violence and sexually suggestive imagery, which would not have been acceptable under the Comics Code Authority. Another interesting fact about Z-D comics is that they often started their books with issue #10, and if the series lasted more than half a dozen issues, they would switch to the number that it would have been at if they had started at #1. This led to some confusion among collectors but added to the unique charm of Z-D comics.
Ziff-Davis Publications was also home to many talented comic book creators, such as Jim Steranko, a writer and artist who worked on many of their popular titles. Steranko was known for his innovative storytelling techniques and unique art style, which helped to shape the direction of the medium in the 1960s.
Although Ziff-Davis Publications did not stay in the comic book industry for long, their legacy remains. Their innovative storytelling, striking cover art, and unique approach to numbering their comics have made their titles highly collectible among comic book enthusiasts. Ziff-Davis may have left the comics business, but their impact on the medium will be remembered for years to come.
Fiction House was an American publishing company that existed from the 1920s to the 1950s. It was founded by John B. « Jack » Kelly and John W. Glenister, and later led by Thurman T. Scott. Fiction House was known for its pulp magazines and comic books, with its comics division being best known for its pinup-style good girl art, epitomized by the company’s most popular character, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. The company started as a publisher of primarily aviation, Western, and sports pulps, but by the 1930s, it had expanded into detective mysteries. In late 1932, Fiction House cancelled 12 of its pulp magazines with the stated goal of eventually reviving them. After a hiatus, Action Stories resumed publishing through this period, and Fiction House relaunched its pulp magazines in 1934, finding success with a number of detective and romance pulp titles.
Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
Fiction House’s first title with science fiction interest was Jungle Stories, which was launched in early 1939. It was not primarily a science fiction magazine, but it often featured storylines with marginally science fictional themes, such as survivors from Atlantis. At the end of 1939, Fiction House decided to add an SF magazine to its line-up, and Planet Stories was born. It was published by Love Romances, a subsidiary company that Fiction House created to publish the company’s romance titles.
In the late 1930s, Fiction House expanded into comic books, an emerging medium that began to seem a viable adjunct to the fading pulps. The company was receptive to a sales call by Eisner & Iger, one of the prominent « packagers » of that time, which produced complete comic books on demand for publishers looking to enter the field. Publisher Thurman T. Scott published Jumbo Comics #1 (Sept. 1938) under the company’s Real Adventures Publishing Company imprint, with Sheena, Queen of the Jungle appearing in the initial issue. Sheena soon became the company’s star character, appearing in every issue of Jumbo Comics, as well as in her 18-issue spin-off, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Other features in Jumbo Comics #1 included three by future industry legend Jack Kirby, representing his first comic-book work following his debut in Wild Boy Magazine.
Jumbo Comics #1 (Sept. 1938)
Fiction House went on to publish Jungle Comics, Wings Comics, Planet Comics, Rangers Comics, and Fight Comics during the early 1940s. Most of these series took their titles and themes from the Fiction House pulps. The company also published several other titles, among them the Western-themed Indians and Firehair, jungle titles Sheena, Queen of the Jungle and Wambi, and five issues of Eisner’s The Spirit. Fiction House’s comic books were known for their pinup-style good girl art, with many of the female characters dressed in skimpy outfits and striking provocative poses.
Fiction House was also known for its talented staff of artists, including Mort Meskin, Matt Baker, and Jack Kirby. Baker was the first prominent African-American artist in the comic book industry and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic book artists of all time. Kirby, who went on to co-create iconic characters such as Captain America, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, got his start in the industry working for Fiction House.
In conclusion, Fiction House was a significant publisher in the American pulp magazine and comic book industries from the 1920s to the 1950s. The company began as a publisher of aviation, Western, and sports pulps but expanded into detective mysteries and later science fiction and romance titles. Fiction House’s comic books were known for their pinup-style good girl art, with Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, being the company’s most popular character. The company also employed many talented artists, including Matt Baker and Jack Kirby. Overall, Fiction House played an important role in shaping the early years of the comic book industry and helped to establish some of the key elements of the medium that are still present today.
Fiction House: Founded in 1921, Fiction House was a pulp magazine publisher that expanded into comics in the early 1940s. They published a variety of genres, including adventure, romance, and science fiction. Notable titles include Jumbo Comics, Jungle Comics, and Wings Comics. Fiction House’s most popular character was Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, created by Will Eisner and Jerry Iger in 1937.
Ziff-Davis Publications: Founded in 1927, Ziff-Davis was primarily a publisher of pulp magazines and later science fiction and fantasy books. They began publishing comics in the early 1950s, with notable titles including « Tales of the Mysterious Traveler, » which was published from 1956 to 1959. The series featured science fiction and horror stories, often with twist endings. Other notable Ziff-Davis titles include « Space Adventures » and « Amazing Adventures. » They also briefly published a superhero title, « Captain Science, » in 1950. However, Ziff-Davis ceased publishing comics in 1957 and focused on their magazine and book publishing business.
Dell Comics was founded in 1929 and was initially known for its pulp magazines. In the early 1940s, they began publishing comic books, including their flagship title « Four Color Comics ». They were a major publisher of licensed comics based on popular movies and TV shows, including titles featuring Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, as well as Warner Bros. characters like Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
In terms of original titles, Dell Comics published a number of genres, including westerns, romance, and war comics. One of their most popular original characters was Captain Midnight, a superhero who first appeared in 1942. They also published a number of science fiction titles, including « Space Man », « Tom Corbett, Space Cadet », and « The Lone Ranger ».
DC Comics (formerly National Allied Publications): Founded in 1934, DC is one of the oldest and most well-known comic book publishers. They published a variety of genres, including superhero comics like Batman and Superman, as well as mystery and horror comics like The Spectre and House of Mystery. Some of DC’s most famous creators from the Golden Age include Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, and Jack Kirby.
Quality Comics: Founded in 1937, Quality was known for their superhero comics, including Plastic Man, Blackhawk, and The Spirit. They were acquired by DC Comics in 1956, which led to many of their characters becoming integrated into the DC Universe.
MLJ Comics (later Archie Comics): Founded in 1939, MLJ was initially known for their superhero comics, including the patriotic hero The Shield and the teenage superhero team The Mighty Crusaders. However, they later became famous for their teen humor comics, including Archie, Betty, and Veronica. MLJ changed their name to Archie Comics in 1946.
Marvel Comics (formerly Timely Comics): Founded in 1939, Marvel was known for their superhero comics, including Captain America, The Human Torch, and Sub-Mariner. In the 1960s, Marvel revolutionized the comics industry with their « Marvel Age of Comics, » which introduced a new generation of superheroes like Spider-Man, The X-Men, and The Fantastic Four. Some of Marvel’s most famous creators from the Golden Age include Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, and Stan Lee.
Fawcett Comics: Founded in 1939, Fawcett was best known for their superhero Captain Marvel, who was later renamed Shazam due to legal disputes with DC Comics. Fawcett also published titles like Bulletman and Ibis the Invincible.
Fox Feature Syndicate: Founded in 1939, Fox was known for their superhero comics, including the Golden Age version of The Blue Beetle and The Flame. They also published horror and crime comics, such as Jo-Jo Comics and Phantom Lady.
Lev Gleason Publications: Founded in 1939, Lev Gleason was known for their crime and adventure comics, including Daredevil and Crime Does Not Pay. They also published titles like Silver Streak and Boy Comics.
Comics Magazine Company, Nedor Publishing, Centaur Comics. During the Golden Age of comic books, from the late 1930s to the mid-1950s, several companies made their mark on the industry, including Comic Magazine Company (C.M.C.), Chesler Publications, Ultem Comics, and Centaur Comics. C.M.C., founded in 1936 by John Mahon and Bill Cook, debuted with The Comics Magazine and Funny Picture Stories. Chesler Publications, founded in 1937 by Harry « A » Chesler, provided early work to artists like Jack Cole and Otto Binder. Ultem Comics, founded in 1937 by I.W. Ullman and Frank Z. Temerson, acquired Chesler’s and C.M.C. and continued to produce titles until January 1938. Finally, Centaur Comics, founded in 1938 by Joseph Hardie and Raymond J. Kelly, had its own distribution network and published titles like Funny Pages, Detective Eye, and Fantoman. Although these companies were short-lived, they left a lasting impact on the comic book industry, with some of their creators and characters finding new homes at publishers like DC Comics and Marvel Comics.
Hillman Periodicals – Hillman Periodicals was a comic book publisher founded in 1939 by Robert W. Farrell. Hillman was known for publishing a variety of genres including superhero, western, and romance comics. Some of their most popular titles included « Airboy, » « Black Diamond Western, » and « My Date. » Hillman was also known for publishing some of the earliest superheroines, such as « Miss Fury » and « The Phantom Lady. » Notable artists who worked for Hillman during the Golden Age include Jack Kirby, Bob Powell, and Matt Baker. Hillman ceased publishing in 1953.
Holyoke Publishing – Holyoke Publishing was a comic book publisher founded in 1940 by Everett M. Arnold. During the Golden Age of Comics, Holyoke was known for publishing a variety of genres including superhero, western, and romance comics. Some of their most popular titles included « Cat-Man Comics, » « Captain Aero Comics, » and « The Green Hornet. » Holyoke was also known for their iconic superhero team-up book « The Holyoke Heroes, » which featured some of the most popular heroes of the time. Notable artists who worked for Holyoke during the Golden Age include Will Eisner, Joe Kubert, and Charles Sultan. Holyoke ceased publishing in 1954.
Standard/Better/Nedor/Pines Standard Comics was an American comic book imprint founded by Ned Pines. It was a parent company of two comic-book lines, Better and Nedor Publishing. During the Golden Age of comic books from 1939 to 1956, Standard was a prolific publisher. One of its best-known characters was the Black Terror. After Standard Comics ended its operations in 1956, only two titles continued under the Pines Comics imprint. These four imprints played a significant role in shaping the comic book landscape during their time.
Harvey Comics – Harvey Comics was a comic book publisher founded in 1941 by Alfred Harvey. During the Golden Age of Comics, Harvey was known for publishing a variety of genres including superhero, funny animal, and romance comics. Some of their most popular titles included « Casper the Friendly Ghost, » « Richie Rich, » and « Little Audrey. » Harvey was also known for their iconic superhero team-up book « The Harvey Superheroes, » which featured some of the most popular heroes of the time. Notable artists who worked for Harvey during the Golden Age include Joe Simon, Jack Kirby, and Warren Kremer. Harvey ceased publishing in 1994.
EC Comics – EC Comics was a comic book publisher founded in 1944 by Max Gaines. During the Golden Age of Comics, EC was known for publishing a variety of genres including horror, science fiction, and crime comics. Some of their most popular titles included « Tales from the Crypt, » « The Vault of Horror, » and « Crime SuspenStories. » EC was also known for their iconic horror host « The Crypt-Keeper, » who introduced many of their horror stories. Notable artists who worked for EC
Avon Publications – founded in 1945, ceased publishing comics in 1952. Avon Publications was a publishing company that was founded in 1945 by the American News Company. During the Golden Age of comics, Avon primarily published romance comics, westerns, and horror comics. Some of their popular titles included « Eerie, » « Weird Mysteries, » « Out of the Night, » « Love at First Sight, » and « The Lone Ranger. »
In 1952, Avon Publications stopped publishing comics due to declining sales, but the company continued to publish other types of literature, such as novels and magazines.
Charlton Comics – founded in 1946, ceased publishing in 1986. Charlton Comics was founded by John Santangelo Sr. in 1946 and was based in Derby, Connecticut. During the Golden Age of comics, Charlton published a wide variety of genres including superhero, science fiction, western, horror, romance, and crime comics. Some of their popular titles included « Blue Beetle, » « Captain Atom, » « The Question, » « Space Adventures, » and « Teen-Age Love. »
Charlton was known for its low-budget approach to publishing comics and was often referred to as a « nursery » or « training ground » for new talent. Many well-known creators in the comic book industry started their careers at Charlton, including Steve Ditko, John Byrne, and Denny O’Neil. Despite its reputation for low-budget comics, Charlton also had some popular characters and stories, such as the « Charlton Bullseye » series and « The Peacemaker. »
However, by the late 1970s, Charlton’s sales had declined significantly and the company ceased publishing comics in 1986. The rights to some of their characters were later acquired by DC Comics.
Trojan Comics – founded in 1949, ceased publishing in 1952 Trojan Comics was a short-lived comic book publisher that was founded in 1949 by Robert and Katherine Farrell. During its brief existence, Trojan published a variety of genres, including westerns, science fiction, and romance comics. Some of their popular titles included « Funnyman, » « Lash LaRue Western, » and « Roy Rogers Comics. »
Despite some popular titles, Trojan Comics struggled with distribution issues and ultimately ceased publishing in 1952 after only three years in the industry.
Ajax-Farrell Publications – founded in 1951, ceased publishing in 1958 Ajax-Farrell Publications was a comic book publisher that was founded in 1951 by Allen Hardy and Jack Farrell. The company primarily published romance and western comics, as well as some science fiction and horror titles. Some of their popular titles included « Young Love, » « True Life Romance, » « The Black Cat, » and « Adventures into the Unknown. » The company ceased publishing in 1958.
Ajax-Farrell was known for its use of recycled art and stories, with many of their comics featuring content that had been previously published by other publishers. The company ceased publishing in 1958 due to declining sales and distribution issues.
Eastern Colors The Eastern Color Printing Company was instrumental in transforming the American comic book industry. The company was founded in 1928 and initially focused on printing color newspaper sections for various papers in New England and New York. In 1930, Eastern developed an engraving process that allowed color to be added to black-and-white comics, which was a significant breakthrough for the newspaper syndicates. Eastern’s sales manager, Harry I. Wildenberg, came up with the idea of using comics as a medium for advertising in 1933, leading to the creation of Gulf Comic Weekly, the first promotional comic book. The company went on to publish the first modern-format comic book, Funnies on Parade, in 1933, and subsequently produced similar periodicals for other companies, including Canada Dry, Kinney Shoes, and Wheatena cereal. Eastern’s most popular comic book, Famous Funnies, was published in 1933 and became the first true American comic book. Eastern continued to print comic books until the mid-1950s and produced comic books for other publishers until 1973, but eventually closed in 2002 due to changes in printing technologies. Despite this, the company’s legacy as a pioneer in the American comic book industry remains strong.
United Features: United Feature Comics was a comic book publishing company that was active from the 1930s to the 1970s. During its heyday, United Feature Comics was responsible for publishing a number of popular comic strips, including some of the most well-known and beloved strips in history.
Colombia Comics Columbia Comics Corporation, fondée en 1940, a marqué l’âge d’or de la bande dessinée par son innovation et sa créativité. Née de la collaboration entre Vin Sullivan, le McNaught Syndicate et le Frank Jay Markey Syndicate, Columbia a lancé des titres emblématiques comme Big Shot Comics, introduisant des personnages iconiques tels que Skyman et The Face. La société a également entretenu une relation stratégique avec Eastern Color Printing, consolidant ainsi sa position sur le marché. Malgré la cessation de ses activités en 1949, l’influence de Columbia Comics persiste, son approche innovante de l’édition, ses personnages uniques et son soutien aux talents ayant laissé une empreinte durable sur l’industrie de la bande dessinée.
Comic books have been an important part of American popular culture for nearly a century, and one of the most influential publishers during the Golden and Silver Ages of comics was Dell Comics. Founded in 1929 by George T. Delacorte Jr., Dell Comics initially focused on publishing pulp magazines and reprints of classic literature. However, the company entered the comic book market in 1938 and quickly became one of the leading publishers in the industry.
Dell Comics was renowned for producing high-quality comics featuring popular licensed characters, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Tarzan, and Superman. These comics were extremely popular with readers of all ages and helped to establish many of the characters as icons of American popular culture. In fact, Dell Comics was the leading publisher of comic books in the United States during the 1950s, outselling even Marvel and DC Comics.
One of the defining moments in the history of Dell Comics came in the 1950s with the Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Delinquency. This committee was established to investigate the link between comic books and juvenile delinquency. This led to the creation of the Comics Code Authority, which imposed strict regulations on comic book content. Dell Comics was one of the few publishers that supported the code, which helped to increase the company’s sales and establish its reputation for producing « wholesome » comics.
In addition to its impact on the comic book industry, Dell Comics played an important role in the wider popular culture of its time. In the 1940s and 1950s, comic books were one of the most popular forms of entertainment in America. The company’s licensed comics featuring popular characters from Disney, Warner Bros., and other major entertainment companies were hugely popular with readers and helped to establish many of these characters as beloved icons of American popular culture.
One of the most notable aspects of Dell Comics was the company’s commitment to producing high-quality comics. Dell was known for its innovative formats, such as the « Giant » and « King-Size » comics that featured larger pages and longer stories. The company’s artists and writers were among the best in the industry, and many of them went on to become legends in their own right. Some of the most famous artists who worked for Dell Comics include Carl Barks, who created many of the classic Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge stories, and John Stanley, who created the popular character Little Lulu.
However, by the 1960s, Dell Comics faced increasing competition from new publishers, such as Marvel and DC Comics, and the rise of television as the dominant entertainment medium. In 1962, the company was acquired by Western Publishing and became part of the Gold Key imprint. While Dell Comics continued to produce licensed comics, including adaptations of popular TV shows like « Star Trek » and « The Twilight Zone, » sales began to decline. By the 1970s, Dell Comics faced significant financial difficulties and the company ceased publication in 1973.
Today, Dell Comics are highly prized by collectors and are seen as important artifacts of the Golden and Silver Ages of comics. The company’s support for the Comics Code Authority helped to establish its reputation for producing « wholesome » comics, and its commitment to producing high-quality comics helped to establish many beloved characters as icons of American popular culture. While Dell Comics may no longer be in business, its impact on the comic book industry and popular culture as a whole will be felt for generations to come.
Dell Comics was the comic book publishing arm of Dell Publishing, which was established in 1929. The company published comics until 1974 and was the most successful comic book publisher in the United States, claiming to sell 26 million copies per month in 1953. Its first title was The Funnies, which was a newspaper tabloid insert.
Publication Dates:January 16, 1929 – October 18 1930 Number of Issues Published:36 (#1 – #36) Color:Color (some pages) Dimensions:10.5″ x 15.5″ Paper Stock: Newsprint (no covers)
Publication Dates:October 1936 – May 1942 Number of Issues Published:64 (#1 – #64) Color:full color and some black and white Dimensions:standard Golden Age U. S. Paper Stock:glossy cover; newsprint interior Binding:saddle-stitched Publishing Format:was ongoing series numbering continues with New Funnies (Dell, 1942 series)#65
The company collaborated with Eastern Color Printing to publish Famous Funnies: A Carnival of Comics in 1933, which was considered the first true American comic book.
Dell published the single-issue Famous Funnies: Series 1 in 1934. In 1938, Dell formed a partnership with Western Publishing to finance and distribute publications that Western would produce, which was a highly successful enterprise.
Publication Dates:August 1931 – February 1939 Number of Issues Published:86 (#v1#1 – #v16#1) Color:Full Color Cover; Black and White Interior Dimensions:Magazine SizeBinding:Saddle-stitched Adult oriented humor magazine. Lots of cartoons about drinking, prohibition, repeal, gambling, girls, the depression, gangsters. Social commentary on the times. Many of the cartoons are risque. Also contains fake advertising (like « wacky packages »). Large format 8.5″ X 11.5″ on nice stock.
Publication Dates:1938 – March-May 1969 Number of Issues Published:117 (#14 – #129) Color:black and white interiors; color cover Dimensions:magazine sized Paper Stock:glossy white Binding:saddle-stitched; squarebound Publishing Format:was ongoing series Publication Type:magazine Numbering continues from 1000 New Jokes (Dell, 1934 series)
Dell Comics was best known for its licensed material, such as characters from Walt Disney Productions, Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Walter Lantz Studio, along with many movie and television properties. From 1938 to 1962, Dell’s most notable and prolific title was the anthology Four Color.
Publication Dates:1942 – April-June 1962 Number of Issues Published:1331 (#1 – Little Joe – #1354 – Calvin and the Colonel) Color:color Dimensions:standard Golden Age U.S.; standard Silver Age U.S. Paper Stock:glossy cover; newsprint interior Binding:saddle-stitched Publishing Format:was ongoing series Publication Type:magazine
Published in English (United States) Publication Dates:[April] 1939 – 1942 Number of Issues Published:30 (#1 – #30) Color:color covers; black and white interiors Dimensions:8.5″ X 11.37″ Paper Stock:newsprint- covers 1-9 heavy rough stock, 10-30 slick coated stock but very thin Binding:saddle-stitched Publishing Format:was ongoing series Publication Type:magazine
Publication Dates:October 1940 – August 1962 Number of Issues Published:264 (#v1#1 [1] – #v22#11 (263)) Publishing Format:Was ongoing series Publication Type:magazine
A Look at Some of Their Most Popular Characters
Dell Comics was a prominent comic book publisher during the mid-20th century. They had a long-standing licensing agreement with Walt Disney Productions and Warner Bros., which allowed them to produce comics featuring some of the most beloved characters from these studios. But Dell Comics also had their own original characters that gained popularity in their own right. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular characters that appeared in Dell Comics.
Disney Characters
Dell Comics had a deep relationship with Walt Disney Productions, which allowed them to produce comics featuring many of Disney’s iconic characters. Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto were all featured in their own series, as were lesser-known characters like Chip ‘n Dale, Scrooge McDuck, and the Three Little Pigs.
Warner Bros. Characters
In addition to Disney characters, Dell Comics also had a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. This allowed them to produce comics featuring characters from the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig.
Little Lulu
Created by Marjorie Henderson Buell in 1935, Little Lulu was a popular comic strip that eventually became a comic book series published by Dell Comics. The character was known for her wit and resourcefulness, and her comics were popular with both children and adults.
Tarzan
Dell Comics published a long-running series of Tarzan comics, which were based on the popular character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The comics followed Tarzan’s adventures in the jungle and often featured his wife, Jane, and their son, Boy.
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger was a popular western character who starred in his own series of Dell Comics. The character was known for his silver bullets and his code of honor, which he followed as he fought against injustice in the Old West.
Turok, Son of Stone
Turok was a Native American hero who fought prehistoric creatures in his adventures. Created by Dell Comics, the character was known for his bravery and resourcefulness.
Zorro
Zorro was a masked vigilante who fought against corruption and injustice in Spanish California. The character was popularized by a series of Dell Comics, and he has since been adapted into numerous movies and television shows.
Felix the Cat
Felix the Cat was a classic cartoon character who had a long-running comic book series published by Dell Comics. Known for his mischievousness and his trademark grin, Felix was a popular character with readers of all ages.
Nancy and Sluggo
Nancy and Sluggo were characters from the popular comic strip created by Ernie Bushmiller. Dell Comics adapted the strip into a comic book series that was beloved by readers for its wit and humor.
Looney Tunes Characters
In addition to Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Porky Pig, Dell Comics also published comics featuring other Looney Tunes characters like Tweety Bird, Sylvester, and Yosemite Sam. These comics were popular with children and adults alike.
Uncle Scrooge McDuck
Created by Carl Barks, Uncle Scrooge was a popular character in the Disney comics published by Dell Comics. The character was known for his wealth and his adventurous spirit, and his comics often featured him on treasure-hunting expeditions around the world.
Other Characters
Dell Comics also published comics featuring original characters like Little Audrey, Little Dot, Richie Rich, and Casper the Friendly Ghost. They also published comics featuring characters from other media like Flash Gordon, Mandrake the Magician, and Dick Tracy.
GEORGE DELACORTE, Jr.
(1893-1991)
George Thomas Delacorte Jr. was born on June 20, 1893 in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Brooklyn Boys’ High School and then went on to study at Harvard University and Columbia College, where he studied the Business of Advertising.
In 1912, he married Margarita Von Doenhoff and they had a son named Albert. Margarita was a certified German Language High School Teacher, and George worked in advertising.
In 1923, George founded his own publishing company, Dell Publishing Co., which became one of the largest publishers of paperback books in the world. He also founded the Delacorte Press, which published many successful novels, including Truman Capote’s « In Cold Blood » and William Goldman’s « The Princess Bride ».
In addition to his publishing ventures, George was also a philanthropist, donating money to various causes, including the Central Park Zoo and the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park. He also founded the Delacorte Theater in Central Park, which has hosted free performances of Shakespearean plays since 1962.
George Thomas Delacorte Jr. passed away on May 8, 1991, leaving behind a legacy as a successful publisher, philanthropist, and lover of the arts.
Initiative Oméga 