Why is it Called the Golden Age of Comics?

We hear everybody talk about the golden age of comics and how important it was for the superhero genre. And there’s really no questioning that at all! It’s literally the first of all comic book ages. It gave birth to modern comic books and the whole concept of superheroes. Not only this, but many golden age superheroes went on to become the most celebrated pop culture icons of all time. But, if you’re anything like us you probably wondered where the name come from. Why is it called the golden age of comics? We wanted to find out, and we thought you might too! So, we did some research and tried our best to give a direct answer to the question…

Why is it Called the Golden Age of Comics?

Originally, the term was used to describe “the golden age of comics” as being the era when comics were at their best. It was a term used by those who had warm memories of the comics of their childhood. However, since then the term has stuck and taken on new meanings.

When a word (or in this case a phrase) becomes attached to a culture, it often takes on new interpretations over time. In this case, there are many reasons why the label “golden age of comics” has stayed synonymous with this time period (including one big one). Let’s take a further look…

First, What Does “Golden Age” Mean?

Before we dive into the different interpretations “the golden age comics could have”, first, let’s break it down and look at some of the definitions relating to the phrase “golden age”.

After checking Collins Dictionary for definitions of the “Golden Age” we found the following meanings that could relate:

A golden age is a period of time during which a very high level of achievement is reached in a particular field of activity, especially in art or literature.
The first and best age of humankind, when existence was happy, prosperous, and innocent. [classical mythology]
The most flourishing and outstanding period, esp in the history of an art or nation.

All that Glitters is Gold

Taking a look at these definitions it’s not hard to relate them to the golden age of comics. Of course, we wouldn’t agree that this was the era when comics were at their best, so that part of the meaning no longer stands. That being said, it still carries the connotation of the golden age of comics being happier, simpler, more innocent times. During this period comics were definitely a lot simpler and, in most cases, happier. It wasn’t until the silver age of comics that they became more complicated and slightly darker in tone.

An Age of Growth & Success

The definitions that perhaps stand out the most here are the ones that relate to the growth and success of the golden age. This period was not only the beginning of modern comics, but also the era that saw its most rapid growth in popularity. There were comic books before the golden age but they were in a different format and nowhere near as popular.

Before this era, most comics were just little strips in other books. It wasn’t until the golden age that we saw the rise of actual comic books. In this period the most popular titles regularly sold 1.5 million copies a month! When compared to the measly 100,000 copies a month that popular comics of today sell, you can’t argue with the numbers. This really was the golden age of comics.

The Big Reason it Stuck

Why is it called the silver age of comics?

The main reason it stuck and still stands today is that it spawned a whole classification system, which in turn gave it a new meaning and further cemented its attachment to the period. When the name caught on it soon gave birth to a new hierarchy of ages that progressed in a similar fashion to that of Olympic Medals (i.e., Golden Age, Silver Age, Bronze Age etc.)

Comics historian and movie producer, Michael Usman, traced the origin of these classifications to the letters column in Justice League of America #42 (1966). In this letter a fan wrote “If you guys keep bringing back the heroes from the [1930s–1940s] Golden Age, people 20 years from now will be calling this decade the Silver Sixties!”. Uslan said that fans “immediately gloomed” to this phrasing. It wasn’t long before “the silver age of comics” replaced terms such as the “Second Heroic Age of Comics” and “The Modern Age’ of comics”.

Eventually the term found its way to the industry becoming a way for vendors to differentiate between the comic book ages. Comics were labelled “golden age comic for sale” or “silver age comics for sale”. Then when the next age came along the natural progression was to call it the “Bronze age”. Ultimately, the golden age of comics has become a permanent industry term forever attached to this era of comics.

When Did they Start Calling it the Golden Age of Comics?

The term was first coined by Richard A. Lupoff in an article entitled “Re-Birth”, published in the first issue of the fanzine Comic Art (1960). In this article he used the term “golden age” to fondly describe the comics of his youth as better than the comics at the time.

Who Was Richard A. Lupoff?

Richard A. Lupoff was an American science fiction and mystery Author. He was responsible for many different works including co-editing All in Color for a Dime (1970) and The Comic-Book Book (1973) both of which were books detailing the fond memories of those who grew up reading golden age comics. He died October 22, 2020, at the age of 85.

Summary

To summarise, the phrase was originally used by those that grew up in the golden age to it as being the best era of comics. But as time went on the term evolved and eventually became an industry term giving birth to a new method of classifying comic book era. Hopefully we answered your question!

FAQs

When was the Golden Age of Comics?

Most people agree that it began with the debut of Superman in 1938 but the date it ended is a subject of discussion. The answers range from the late 40s to the mid 50s.

Was the Golden Age Really the First Age of Comics?

Yes and no. Before the golden age, there was the platinum age and before that the Victorian age. However, the comics of those generations were nothing like the modern comic book. As such, the golden age of comics is considered the first true age of modern comic books.

What was the First Comic Book?

The earliest known comic book of any sort is The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck (1837). Although, this was in a very different format to the comics of today. There were no word balloons or any other elements that characterise comics as we know them.

When was the Silver Age of Comics?

Then end of the silver age of comics is subjected of discussion. Most agree that it began in 1956 with the first appearance of Barry Allen in Showcase #4 There is no universal agreement on when it ended but the answer usually falls around 1975.

What Comics Age Are We in Now?

The current age of comics we are in now is simply called the “modern age of comics”. According to Blog.go.collect.com, it’s said to have begun in 1985.

Why is it Called the Golden Age of Comics?