The stories for this episode focus on the re-introduction or creation of the characters who will populate DC’s Silver Age. Superman and Batman don’t get a makeover in the early years of the Silver Age, so we are turning our attention to characters who are either reinvented with an eye to being more relevant to the 1950s, or who are altogether new.
Our first episode of Season Four, where will be discussing these books (and going over quiz answers) will be released on October 7th
The Quiz:
1. What super-slow villain was Barry Allen’s first adversary?
2. To what century did the Legion of Super-Heroes take Superboy after coming to Smallville to meet him?
3. Action Comics 252 features the first appearance of Supergirl. What DC supervillain also debuted in this issue?
4. Why was Carol Ferris angry at Green Lantern after their first meeting?
5. Who was the first chairman of the Justice League?
Reading List
Below are the books we will be discussing this episode. If you already own these classics, congratulations…Dan is VERY jealous! They have also been reprinted physically numerous times, and if you are subscribed to DC Universe Infinite you can access them through the link below. Each book also has a link to Comics.Org you can refer to for more information about these issues, their stories and the creators who worked on them.
DC Universe Infinite link: https://www.dcuniverseinfinite.com/mydc/lists/0bffedc6-0fdc-42cd-a330-7e3020b46bdd
Showcase #4 – The new Flash, Barry Allen!
https://www.comics.org/issue/13042/
1956. The first appearance and origin of the Silver Age Flash, Barry Allen, and his wife, Iris West! This issue officially begins the Silver Age of comics with Barry Allen serving as the first DC Silver Age superhero!
Adventure Comics #247 – The Legion of Super-Heroes!
https://www.comics.org/issue/14358/
1958. First appearance of the Legion of Super-Heroes! Superboy encounters the Legion of Super-Heroes—super-powered teens from the future who want to initiate the Boy of Steel into the group. But can Superboy pass the tests put before him? Plus two additional stories!
Action Comics #252 – You will believe a girl can fly!
https://www.comics.org/issue/14999/
Early 1959. Witness the origin and first appearance of Supergirl in ‘The Supergirl from Krypton!’ Kara Zor-El, Superman’s long-lost cousin, arrives on Earth and adopts a secret identity to aid Superman in the ongoing fight for truth and justice!
Showcase #22 – The new Green Lantern, Hal Jordan!
https://www.comics.org/issue/15200/
Late 1959. The very first appearance of one of DC’s greatest heroes, Hal Jordan! Test pilot Hal Jordan traces a downed aircraft to the Southwest desert, where he finds the dying alien being, Abin Sur, one of the Green Lantern Corps, whose ring chooses Hal to be Earth’s new Green Lantern! Plus, “THE SECRET OF THE FLAMING SPEAR!” and “THE MENACE OF THE RUNAWAY MISSLE!”
The Brave and the Bold #28 – Tying it all together…with starfish arms!
https://www.comics.org/issue/15487/
1960. Featuring the first appearance of the Justice League of America! When Starro the Conqueror arrives on Earth intent on enslaving humanity, it’s up to the superheroes of the world to band together and defeat the evil alien! Also featuring the first appearance of Lucas ‘Snapper’ Carr.