These days, it’s increasingly uncommon for a comic series to break the 100-issue mark. Publishers frequently reboot their titles with fresh volumes, using the excitement of a brand-new Issue #1 to draw in readers and entice collectors.
In years past, however, the milestone of 100+ issues was more common. In this tour, we'll look at all the DC titles that achieved this milestone.
TEEN TITANS (volume 3)
This title was published from 2003 through 2011. To date, it is the only volume of a Titans-themed comic to surpass the 100-issue mark. Primary members included Kid Flash (Bart Allen), Robin (Tim Drake), Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark), Beast Boy, Superboy (Connor Kent), Ravager (Rose Wilson), Raven, Miss Martian, and Solstice.
All-American Comics hit newsstands in 1939, launching as a true anthology series, a lively blend of original stories and reprints of popular newspaper strips. Early standouts included Scribbly and the aviation adventurer Hop Harrigan, both of whom quickly became reader favorites.
The title’s history shifted dramatically with issue #16, which introduced the Golden Age Green Lantern (Alan Scott). From that issue on, Green Lantern became the face of the series, appearing as the cover star in all but seven issues until the title concluded with issue #102. He was All-American’s first bona fide superhero, but he certainly didn’t remain alone for long.
Over the years, the comic evolved into a vibrant mix of superhero, comedy, and adventure stories. It became the launchpad for a number of memorable Golden Age characters, including Ma Hunkel (the original Red Tornado), Saragon the Sorcerer, Golden Age Atom (Al Pratt), Doctor Mid-Nite, and the monstrous and enduring Solomon Grundy.
Alongside these heroes and villains, readers also enjoyed lighter or stranger fare such as The Toonerville Folks, Mutt & Jeff, and even Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
A major shift came with issue #103, when the series rebranded as All-American Western and transitioned entirely to Western-themed stories, drawing the curtain on one of the Golden Age’s most eclectic and influential comic anthologies.
MUTT AND JEFF
Mutt and Jeff are a classic comic duo who first appeared in newspaper strips during the early 20th century. They hold a significant place in comic history as the first successful long-running daily newspaper strip, debuting in 1907 and continuing in syndication until 1983. Over the decades, their popularity carried them into various other media, including comic books.
DC Comics published a Mutt and Jeff series from 1939 to 1958, releasing 103 issues, all of which reprinted material from the newspaper strips. After DC ended its run, Dell Comics took over with issue #104 and produced 12 issues, this time featuring mostly original, full-length stories. The title changed hands once more when Harvey Comics acquired it, publishing issues #116 through #148 and continuing the long legacy of this well-loved comedic pair.
FLASH COMICS
This anthology-style series debuted in 1940, and its first issue made an immediate impact by introducing several major Golden Age heroes, including the Flash (Jay Garrick), Hawkman (Carter Hall), and Johnny Thunder alongside his magical Thunderbolt. The issue also marked the first appearance of Shiera Sanders Hall, who would take on the mantle of Hawkgirl the following year.
Another character who rose to prominence within Flash Comics was Black Canary, who debuted in a 1947 Johnny Thunder story. That same issue (#86), both its story and its cover, marked the first time the artistry of fan-favorite illustrator Carmine Infantino appeared in a DC publication.
Throughout its run, Flash Comics also featured notable series such as The Whip, Cliff Cornwall, and the Ghost Patrol. The title concluded in 1949 with issue #104.
SHOWCASE
Showcase began publication in 1957. Rather than having a regular cast or feature, the title served as a vehicle for debuting new characters or giving established characters a chance to headline an issue or two on their own. The series began with three issues of general adventure tales. Issue #4 featured the first appearance of the Silver Age Flash (Barry Allen) and is widely considered the comic that ushered in DC’s Silver Age.
Many popular characters and teams made their debut in Showcase, including the Challengers of the Unknown, Rip Hunter, Adam Strange, Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), the Sea Devils, the Atom (Ray Palmer), the Metal Men, the Inferior Five, the Creeper, and the Hawk and the Dove, among others.
The series was cancelled in 1970 with issue #93. Why include it in this tour, then? Because Showcase was revived in 1977 as part of the “DC Explosion.” Picking up with issue #94, readers were introduced to a new Doom Patrol. This was followed by the first solo outing for one of DC’s newer popular characters, Power Girl. A handful of additional issues appeared before Showcase ultimately fell victim to the “DC Implosion” that followed. The title concluded in 1978 with a total of 104 issues.
104 Issues
TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED
Tales of the Unexpected debuted in 1956, created in response to the restrictions imposed by the newly formed Comics Code Authority, which prohibited words like “crime,” “horror,” and “terror” from comic titles.
The series was an anthology, presenting several stories and features in each issue. Most were stand-alone tales of science fiction, fantasy, or mild horror. While the title primarily focused on self-contained stories, it did introduce a few recurring characters, including Space Ranger, Automan, and the Green Glob.
Tales of the Unexpected ran for 104 issues, concluding in 1967. With issue #105, the series continued under a new name: The Unexpected.
108 Issues
THE FOX AND THE CROW
Fauntleroy Fox and Crawford Crow first appeared in animated shorts released by Screen Gems in 1941. Fox was wealthy, refined, and smug, while Crow was street-smart and charming and lived in a hollow tree near Fox's home. Stories revolved around their conflicts and friendship.
109 Issues
The first four issues featured actual photos of Bob Hope on their covers, giving the series a novelty appeal right from the start. After that, the book shifted to fully illustrated covers, which allowed artists to place Hope in increasingly exaggerated and playful situations, fitting the tone of the stories inside.
The Adventures of Bob Hope debuted in 1950 and continued for nearly two decades, finally concluding in 1968. The series was one of DC’s longest-lasting humor titles and a memorable example of the company’s evolution during a temporary wane of interest in superheroes.
109 Issues SENSATION COMICS Sensation Comics debuted in 1941 (cover-dated January 1942) with Wonder Woman as its cover star, a position she would hold for every issue except the final three. Although Wonder Woman was the marquee attraction, the series was an anthology with a strong emphasis on superheroes. Among the other characters who appeared in Sensation Comics were the Golden Age Atom (Al Pratt), the Gay Ghost, the Golden Age Mr. Terrific (Terry Sloane), the Whip, Sargon the Sorcerer, Hal Mason, Little Boy Blue, Wildcat, and the Black Pirate. Maintaining Wonder Woman as its cover star, the book shifted direction with issue #94, adopting a romance-themed format that continued through issue #106. With issue #107, Wonder Woman exited the title and Johnny Peril took over as the new lead as the series embraced a supernatural, mystery focus. Sensation Comics concluded with issue #109. It was renamed beginning with issue #110 as Sensation Mystery.
112 Issues GHOSTS
Ghosts featured "true tales of the weird and supernatural"! An anthology title, it began publication in 1971 in a boom of several similar horror, mystery, and suspense-type titles. Ghosts turned out to be one of the longest published, reaching its conclusion in 1982. It often featured haunted houses, vengeful spirits, and eerie mysteries. Unlike superhero comics, Ghosts emphasized suspenseful, standalone tales, blending horror with moral lessons or ironic twists. The title is remembered for its spooky, atmospheric storytelling rather than any ongoing characters.
117 Issues MYSTERY IN SPACE Mystery in Space launched in 1951 as a wide-ranging space and science-fiction anthology, showcasing DC’s growing interest in cosmic adventures during the Silver Age. Although the title featured a rotating cast of characters and concepts, it is most closely associated with Adam Strange, who became its breakout star. His adventures began in issue #53 and continued consistently through issue #102, giving the series a strong central identity during its peak years.
Alongside Adam Strange, the book featured a variety of well-liked recurring segments, including Knights of the Galaxy, Bert Brandon, Space Cabbie, Star Rovers, Hawkman, Space Ranger, Jan Vern, and Ultra the Multi-Alien.
Mystery in Space concluded its original run in 1966. It remains fondly remembered as one of DC’s signature science-fiction titles of the era.
118 Issues ALL-AMERICAN MEN OF WAR This anthology series focused primarily on fictional stories about U.S. forces during World War II. Its publication history is a bit convoluted, so hold on tight! The series originally began as All-American Comics, which ran for 102 issues (already covered earlier in this tour). With issue #103, the title was changed to All-American Western Comics, a format that lasted through issue #126.
Beginning with issue #127, the series was renamed All-American Men of War. Things get a little strange here: after issue #128, the numbering was restarted, beginning again with issue #2. So, while the series technically starts with issue #127, it ultimately ends with issue #117. Despite the confusing numbering, the title ran from 1952 to 1966, offering readers a steady mix of war-themed adventure and heroism throughout its run.
118 Issues THE UNEXPECTED The Unexpected picked up its numbering from The Tales of the Unexpected (previously covered on this tour) with issue #105 in 1968, establishing itself as a prominent fantasy and horror anthology in DC’s lineup. The series became known for its eerie and imaginative stories, often featuring twists and macabre surprises that delighted fans of supernatural fiction.
During the previously mentioned "DC Implosion", several other titles, including House of Secrets, The Witching Hour, and Doorway to Nightmare, were absorbed into The Unexpected, further expanding its roster of chilling tales. The stories were often introduced by memorable hosts, including Mad Mod Witch (later renamed Fashion Thing), Judge Gallows, and the duo Abel and the Witches Three, each adding their own flair and dark humor to the proceedings.
The Unexpected concluded its run with issue #222 in 1982, leaving a legacy as one of DC’s most enduring supernatural anthologies.
119 Issues MORE FUN COMICS This series began as New Fun, published in a magazine-size format and notable for being the first “comic magazine” to feature entirely new material, with no reprints of previously published strips or stories. Each issue was an anthology, typically containing 20 to 30 separate features. Issue #6 introduced the first characters created by Siegel and Shuster to reach print: Henri Duval, who lasted only four issues, and Dr. Occult, a character who enjoyed a much longer run. For issues #7 and #8, the series was temporarily retitled More Fun.
With issue #9, the series officially became More Fun Comics and switched to the standard comic book size of the era (1936). Over the years, it introduced a number of popular characters, including Johnny Quick (Johnny Chambers), Green Arrow, Speedy, Superboy, Congo Bill, Aquaman, Spectre, and Dr. Fate, helping to establish much of DC’s early superhero roster.
By issue #108 (1946), the superhero features were either concluded or transferred to Adventure Comics, and More Fun Comics was reformatted as a humor title. The series concluded with issue #127 in 1947, closing the chapter on DC’s foundational title.
121 Issues SGT. ROCK
Sgt. Rock is a legendary figure whose origins and ultimate fate remain cloaked in mystery. He begins his journey as a humble private during World War II, but through courage and unwavering leadership, he rises through the ranks to become the respected squad leader of the Easy Company.
He first appeared in G.I. Combat in 1959, quickly capturing the imaginations of readers. His popularity soon led him to Our Army at War, DC's longest-running war-themed title, where his name would come to dominate the series, eventually appearing on cover banners with the words "featuring Sgt. Rock."
In 1977, the series was officially retitled Sgt. Rock with issue #302 and continued to chronicle his exploits through issue #422 in 1988.
124 Issues WEIRD WAR TALES After some of the restrictions of the Comics Code Authority were relaxed in 1971, DC Comics created a hybrid war/horror title. Weird War Tales focused on war stories with supernatural, horror, mystery, and/or science fiction elements.
126 Issues JLA
Debuting in 1997, JLA ran through 2006. This incarnation of the Justice League was built around the concept of the return of the "Big Seven": Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), Flash (Wally West), and Martian Manhunter.
Over the course of the series, several other heroes joined the team, including Plastic Man, Tomorrow Woman, Aztek, Oracle, Green Arrow (Connor Hawke), and Zauriel. Interestingly, Zauriel was introduced because DC Comics had an edict at the time preventing the use of Hawkman.
JLA is widely regarded for reinvigorating the classic League concept, emphasizing both the dynamics of its legendary members and the challenges of balancing such a powerful roster.
127 Issues LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES (volume 4) The adventures of the Legion of Super-Heroes began in 1958, and the team was published regularly in various DC titles through 1989. A few months later, a new title, the fourth volume to bear the team's name, began publication in November 1989. It would be the only volume of Legion of Super-Heroes to exceed 100 issues.
This volume was set five years after the team's previous adventures and is commonly referred to by fans as the "Five Year Later" (or 5YL) continuity. Slightly darker than previous iterations, this series followed an older version of the original team after the Dominators took control of Earth.
Between issues #61 and #62 (1994), an issue #0 was published. This erased the 5YL continuity following DC Zero Hour and introduced a brand-new iteration of the team. This version/continuity is typically referred to as the "Reboot Legion" (or affectionately by some, as the "Archie Legion", because of its lighter tone and youthful art by Jeff Moy).
The final issue was #125, published in 2000.
127 Issues BIRDS OF PREY The Birds of Prey team was introduced in a 1996 one-shot, Black Canary/Oracle: Birds of Prey #1. The team continued to appear in a few mini-series before being granted an ongoing title.
In 1999, the first ongoing volume of Birds of Prey began publication. As with their previous appearances, the team consisted of Oracle (the former Batgirl, Barbara Gordon) and Black Canary. Beginning with issue #57, the Helena Bertinelli version of Huntress joined the team. The three became the core of the group from that point forward, with Lady Blackhawk eventually filling a fourth regular member spot.
Many other heroes were granted membership in the group, but they typically served in a "Mission Impossible"-style capacity, where their specific powers were used for particular missions. Some of the frequently utilized members included Gypsy, Katana, Manhunter (Kate Spencer), Misfit, and Poison Ivy, among many others. While the vast majority of members were female, male members were included as well.
This series concluded in 2009.
127 Issues REAL SCREEN COMICS Real Screen Comics was published by DC from 1945 through 1959. Each issue featured a variety of stories, with the popular Fox and Crow serving as the main feature and primary cover stars. The title was licensed to allow DC to publish series featuring characters from Columbia Screen Gems.
Interestingly, Real Screen Comics began with issue #2, as the first issue had been published under a different name, Real Screen Funnies. A total of 127 issues were released under the Real Screen Comics title before the series was rebranded as TV Screen Cartoons with issue #129.
130 Issues STAR SPANGLED COMICS
Star Spangled Comics is an anthology title published during the Golden Age of DC Comics. It debuted with issue #1 in October 1941, featuring the Star-Spangled Kid and Stripesy as its cover stars. While this team continued to appear for 84 issues, they lost cover status after issue #6, when the Guardian and the Newsboy Legion took center stage.
Robin received his own ongoing solo series beginning with issue #65. His solo adventures continued until the title was cancelled, resulting in Robin appearing in more Golden Age stories than Batman!
Two notable characters who made their debut in this title are Merry, Girl of 1,000 Gimmicks (the sister of the Star-Spangled Kid), and Tomahawk, a Revolutionary War hero whose popularity led to spin-off stories in other DC titles. Tomahawk would even take over cover-star status from Robin with issue #96.
Beginning with issue #131 (1952), the series was re-titled as Star Spangled War Stories, which lasted just three issues.
133 Issues WARLORD Warlord is a series created by Mike Grell that originally appeared in 1st Issue Special #8 (Nov. 1975). An ongoing series, Warlord, began publication a few months later.
Warlord tells the tale of Travis Morgan, an ex-U.S. Air Force fighter who parachutes from his damaged jet over the Alaskan Arctic regions, only to fall through an interdimensional nexus that transports him to the land of Skartaris, located at the center of the Earth.
Warlord is one of the rare successes to emerge from the DC Explosion. Unlike most titles originating during this time, it was not canceled in the ensuing "implosion." In fact, the series continued publication through September 1989.
134 Issues WONDER WOMAN (volume 5) This volume, dedicated to the Amazon princess, began publication in 2016 following the events of the DC Rebirth. This iteration of the series sought to blend modern storytelling with the rich legacy of the character, exploring both her mythological roots and her role in contemporary society.
Following issue #83 (Feb. 2020), the series underwent a significant shift when the next issue was renumbered as #750. This change allowed this volume to align with the cumulative numbering of all the various volumes of Wonder Woman that have been published since the character's inception, creating a sense of continuity for long-time fans.
This volume ultimately concluded with issue #800, dated August 2023. The stories in this volume have been praised for both honoring the classic elements of the character and pushing her narrative into new, exciting directions, making it a memorable entry in Diana's long history.
136 Issues MAN OF STEEL Superman: The Man of Steel debuted in 1991, marking an ambitious expansion of the Superman franchise. Added to his other titles (Superman, Adventures of Superman, and Action Comics), DC now had the ability to release a Superman-related comic every single week. This was a calculated move as they rolled out the much-publicized planned "Death of Superman" storyline.
This title ceased publication in 2003, ending a 12-year run.
137 Issues SUPERMAN'S GIRLFRIEND, LOIS LANE Following a try-out in Showcase #9 (August 1957), Lois was given her own title beginning in April 1958. Originally, the stories typically focused on Lois’s romantic pursuit of Superman and her desire to marry him. Later, the series became more topical, emphasizing Lois’s journalistic skills and integrity.
The final issue was dated October 1974. This comic, along with Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen, and Supergirl, was then combined into a new giant-size singular title called Superman Family.
139 Issues THE FLASH (volume 5) Following the DC Rebirth, a new series was dedicated to the character Flash. This volume follows the return of Barry Allen and began publication in 2016.
After issue #88 (April 2020), the series adopted the combined numbering from all previous Flash-titled volumes. The following month’s issue was numbered #750 (May 2020), and numbering for this volume continued from there.
This volume of The Flash concluded with issue #800, dated August 2023.
139 Issues GREEN ARROW (volume 2) The gimmick arrows were left behind with this new ongoing Green Arrow series. This volume debuted in February 1988 and originally carried a "Suggested for Mature Readers" notice on the cover, five years before DC's mature Vertigo imprint would be established.
Mike Grell guided the series through its first 80 issues. After his departure, the tone of the book shifted, and Green Arrow was reintegrated into the mainstream of other DC titles.
Oliver Queen died in issue #101 of this series (1995). The mantle of Green Arrow was then passed to his son, Connor Hawke, who had been introduced the previous year. Connor’s version of Green Arrow remained the title's central character until the series concluded in 1998.
140 Issues TOMAHAWK Tomahawk was a frontiersman recruited by George Washington to serve as a scout during the Revolutionary War. His real name was Tom Hawkins, and he was known for being fluent in many languages of various Native American tribes. This made him an invaluable asset in navigating and negotiating across the frontier. He led a team called Tomahawk's Rangers, carrying out daring missions behind enemy lines and gathering crucial intelligence.
Tomahawk made successful appearances in Star Spangled Comics and World's Finest Comics before being given his own series. His solo title, Tomahawk, showcased his adventures throughout the Revolutionary War era and ran from 1950 to 1972, gaining a loyal following.
Due to the large number of entries in this tour, we will be dividing it into two parts. You've reached the end of Part I, which covers all the titles that had 100+ up to 150 issues. In Part II, we'll pick up with all the titles that had 150+ issues published.
All characters, names, and elements and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of DC Comics, Inc.
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