The birth of comic book superheroes

Who doesn't love comic books? Generations of fans have fallen in love with not just the Caped Crusader, but with the whole universe of superheroes. Gotham may be a made-up world, but its hold on us is real.

The cultural phenomenon, born in 1930s New York City, gave the world legendary superheroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Iron Man. "Superheroes of Gotham," on view at the New York Historical Society until February 21, 2016, highlights the humble beginning of extraordinary characters and the men who created them, including Batman's solo debut in May 1939 and original sketches of Superman from the first Action Comics series.

Superman first appeared in the wake of the Great Depression in "Action Comics" seen here. Instantaneously popular, Superman and his crime-fighting adventures became prototypes for the superheroes that followed.

Jerry Siegel (writer) and Joe Shuster (artist), Action Comics (No. 1, June 1938)

Published by Detective Comics, Inc., New York

Batman

In 1939, Batman was introduced in "Detective Comics"(No. 27) and soon after "Batman"(No. 1) was published.

A brooding, urban vigilante, who was also adept at using state-of-the-art technology, Batman's story spoke to many of the challenges of modern city life. Within a year of his debut, Batman earned his own comic book series.

Bob Kane and Bill Finger Batman (No. 1, Spring 1940). Published by Detective Comics, Inc.

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman was introduced to the American public in 1941 in "All Star Comics"(No. 8). This drawing depicts an early iteration of her patriotic costume.

Wonder Woman's debut coincided with the United States' entry into World War II.

H. G. Peter, Drawing of Wonder Woman in Costume, ca. 1941

Superheroes in Gotham

A number of early superhero artists served in the military during the war and adapted their superhero characters for army training manuals and military newspapers.

Superman creator Jerry Siegel enlisted in the United States Army in 1943 and wrote regular columns for several military newspapers, including Stars & Stripes and Yank.

Many of the original creators were the first in their families to be born in the U.S., looking not to save the world but just to survive in it during the Great Depression and WW II, when heroes were desperately needed.

"They were very young, and they were looking for work. They were often discriminated upon because they were the sons of immigrants," Nina Nazionale, the exhibit's co-creator, said. "Most all of them the sons of Jewish immigrants."

So some creators cloaked themselves, changing their names to fit in and get published, like Stanley Lieber, who became Stan Lee, the co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man and the Hulk.

Jerry Siegel with his typewriter, ca. 1943.

Spider-Man

Spider-Man was created in 1962 by the renowned Marvel editor Stan Lee and artist Steve Ditko. As instinctive humorist and storyteller, Lee developed countless enduring superheroes for what became known as "The Marvel Universe."

"Amazing Fantasy" (No. 15, September 1962). Published by Atlas Magazines, Inc.

Spider-Man

On public view for the first time outside of the Library of Congress, the New-York Historical Society is exhibiting two of Ditko's original drawings from Spider-Man's premiere in "Amazing Fantasy"(No. 15).

Steve Ditko, Original art for the first appearance of Spider-Man in "Amazing Fantasy" (No. 15, 1962).

Iron Man

Introduced during the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, billionaire businessman-engineer Tony Stark dons a high-powered suit of armor, employs technological weapons, and fights to preserve American values against dangerous foreign threats as Iron Man.

Gene Colan and Johnny Craig. Original cover art for Iron Man (no. 1, May 1968).

Wonder Woman

During the same era of Vietnam, second-wave feminism moved from theory to action, and "Ms." magazine put the image of Wonder Woman on the cover of its inaugural issue.

"Ms." magazine (Issue No. 1), 1972.

Superheroes in Gotham

After appearing in two film serials in the 1940s, Batman was re-imagined in a popular television series (1966-68) and full-length film (released in 1966). The exhibition features three Batman set paintings by art director Leslie Thomas.

Leslie Thomas, Penguin Submarine, production painting for Batman movie (1966).

Superheroes in Gotham

Musician Darryl McDaniels rose to prominence during the 1980s with his hip-hop group Run-DMC. An avid, long-time comic book fan, McDaniels recently created a new superhero, DMC. Set in 1980s New York, DMC strives to "protect the powerless."

Darryl McDaniels (creator), Bob Wiacek (illustrator). DMC graphic novel.

Superheroes in Gotham

In addition to working for large comic book publishers, Dean Haspiel has created memorable characters independently, many of which, like "The Red Hook," are only published in digital format.

Dean Haspiel, "The Red Hook," Trip City, 2013.

Superheroes in Gotham

Fans have always been an integral part of comic book culture. The first New York Comic Con was held in 1964 and attended by a range of future artists, writers, editors, historians, film producers, educators, and collectors.

Some of them, who remain devoted fans, are generously lending artifacts to the New-York Historical Society's exhibition from their personal collections.

"Superheroes of Gotham," on view at New York Historical Society until February 21, 2016.

More on comic books: Stan Lee's Superheroes

New York Comic Con Poster, 2011.