Comic History: Who Created Batman, Superman, & More?

For many comic readers, it feels like Batman has been around forever. We can’t imagine walking into our local comic book shop and not seeing Batman, his Bat-Family, and even his Rogues Gallery featured on tons of titles across the shelves. But who do we have to thank for creating the Caped Crusader we know and love? Let’s learn about the two men who created Batman for DC in the 1930s.

Bob Kane

Robert “Bob” Kane was a comic book writer and artist, as well as an animator. After the success of Superman in comics, publishers wanted another super hero in the mix. Kane came up with the image of the bat-inspired persona as well as the name. His initial sketches were a little too similar to Clark Kent’s soaring supe. But, with help from his co-creator, Bob Kane modified the art to become the Batman we recognize today. Then, Kane illustrated the entirety of the very first Batman comic.

Bill Finger

Milton “Bill” Finger was a prolific comic, television, and film writer. Bill Finger was best known for mythos and world building. His contributions to the comics world were often penned as ghostwriter — that is, his name was not included on most publications. However, his daughter eventually unearthed the truth behind her father’s major innovations and inclusions on both Batman and Green Lantern. Bill Finger was posthumously declared co-creator of Batman because he came up with the civilian identity “Bruce Wayne” and also wrote the first Batman story.

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Bob Kane and Bill Finger Created Batman

Billionaire Bruce Wayne and his vigilante alter ego were created in 1939 by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27, an issue that would forever change the comic world. Kane and Finger depicted “The Bat-Man” as a vengeful, intellectual crusader against injustice. He trained hard and worked hard not only to beat criminals with his fists, but to solve mysteries that plagued Gotham. Dressed as a creature of the night, he protected his city while it slept. And during the day, Batman masqueraded as the philanthropist, businessman, and playboy Bruce Wayne.

“The Case of the Chemical Syndicate”

Batman’s first appearance was marked with all the melodrama you’d expect. The story began with GCPD Commissioner Jim Gordon relaxing at home and entertaining a young socialite named Bruce Wayne. They spoke about the mysterious “Bat-Man.” When Gordon left to investigate a crime, Bruce accompanied him. But he made a swift exit after gaining more details about the budding case. When he came back to the scene, he returned as the enigmatic costumed hero. However, fans didn’t know Bruce Wayne was Batman quite yet.

In fact, that reveal only happened right at the end. After Gordon and Batman solve the case, Gordon relayed the story to Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne called it a fairytale. Gordon remarked that Bruce Wayne was a boring man. Then Bruce Wayne returned to Wayne Manor … and BAM! “Batman is … BRUCE WAYNE!?”

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Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster Created Superman

A whole year before Batman’s debut, Superman appeared in Action Comics #1 (1938). Writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster met in high school. They started writing and drawing stories and comics together for magazines. Siegel’s first Superman story was kind of dark and involved a man being forcibly fed drugs. Indeed, the first Superman was a villain and was a one-off for the pair. Siegel and Shuster revisited the concept years later when a newspaper told them that to be successful, they needed to be extra sensational. Thus, they made the Man of Steel.

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William Marston and Harry G. Peter Created Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman first appeared in All-Star Comics #8 (1941). Heavily influenced by Greek mythology, Wonder Woman was a direct retaliation against the damsel archetype. Instead, she saved herself and others. This incredibly strong woman was created and written by psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston, who used the pen name Charles Moulton. Diana Prince was also fashioned after his wife Elizabeth Marston and their partner Olive Byrne. Artist Harry G. Peter used their appearances — as well as their forays into BDSM — as reference for Wonder Woman’s body, face, and costume.

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The Justice League

“It’s time to be the team they thought we were instead of the team we’ve been these last five years.” – Aquaman

As the three most popular DC characters, Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are collectively known as “The Trinity.” They are founding members of the Justice League, among a total of seven super heroes. In addition to the main trio, the original roster includes Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter. All seven members first came together as a team to fight evil in The Brave and the Bold #28 (1960). However, Batman and Superman — the “World’s Finest” — were notably absent from most team efforts. They were way too busy with all the villains popping up in Gotham City and Metropolis.

Since its inception, the Justice League’s ranks have increased exponentially. Although not all members are active at the same time, they can all boast membership status throughout DC continuity. Additionally, the Justice League’s very first name was “Justice League of America.” Because of that, different teams have taken over protecting different cities or entire continents. Of course, the Justice League’s efforts are not bound by any earthly plane. For the most part, these heroes are saving the day throughout space, time, and around many Multiverses. But it’s probably nice to have a headquarters and a team name.

Green Lantern

Alan Scott was the very first Green Lantern. Bill Finger and Martin Nodell made this Power Ring-wielding hero, and Green Lantern debuted in All-American Comics #16 (1940).

The Flash

Writer Gardner Fox and artist Harry Lampert created The Flash, who first appeared in Flash Comics #1 (1939).

Aquaman

More Fun Comics #73 (1941), written by Mort Weisinger and drawn by Paul Norris, features the first appearance of Aquaman.

Martian Manhunter

Created by writer Joseph Samachson and artist Joe Certa, Martian Manhunter debuted in Detective Comics #225 (1955).

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Pick up some Batman action figures inspired by the Dark Knight in Detective Comics, from his first appearance to now. Then, show off your DC collectibles at side.show/geekgroup or in Sideshow Social Network. And as always, don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!