This tour covers the entirety of DC Comics titles that hold the distinction of having more than 100 issues published. Because of the large number of entries for this journey, it was broken down into two separate blogs. Having covered all the titles with 100+ through 149 issues in Part I, we pick up here with the titles that achieved 150+ issues. Grab a snack and enjoy the trip!
To visit THE DC 100+ ISSUES TOUR (Part I), click here!
153 Issues
SECRET HEARTS
This entry harkens to a genre of comics often overlooked today... the romance titles. Secret Hearts was an anthology series that debuted in 1949 and ran through 1971. The series was part of a larger wave of romance comics that emerged in the late 1940s, a period when publishers were eager to explore stories beyond superheroes and crime. These comics often focused on love, heartbreak, and the emotional trials of everyday life, appealing primarily to a young female audience.
Interestingly, Secret Hearts employed live cover models for its first six issues, lending the series a sense of realism. Beginning with issue #7, however, the covers transitioned to fully illustrated art. Over its two-decade run, Secret Hearts captured the hopes, dreams, and dilemmas of young lovers, reflecting broader social attitudes about romance, gender, and relationships in mid-20th-century America.
155 Issues
NIGHTWING
Scooby-Doo and his friends originated in 1969 as an animated franchise created by Hanna-Barbera Productions. The mystery-solving gang has remained a television fixture ever since, appearing in a long line of spin-off series and movies that continue to this day.
In 1995, Archie Comics acquired the license to publish a Scooby-Doo comic, producing a run of 21 issues. Two years later, DC Comics obtained the rights to adapt Hanna-Barbera characters and launched its own Scooby-Doo comic in 1997. That series remained in publication until 2010.
163 Issues SUPERMAN'S PAL, JIMMY OLSEN
Jimmy Olsen is essentially a teenage “sidekick” for Superman. At the time of his creation, he gave young readers a character they could identify with, while also providing Superman someone to speak with... a crucial role, given that Jimmy was first introduced by name on the Adventures of Superman radio show, which began in 1940. In print, an unnamed, bowtie-wearing office boy first appeared in Action Comics #6 (1938). He appeared intermittently over the years until he was formally given a name in print in Superman #13 (1941).
Jimmy received his own comic series in 1954. His early adventures leaned toward comedy and included numerous stories in which he underwent bizarre physical transformations. The series introduced both the signal watch—a plot device that conveniently allowed writers to bring Superman into the story—and Lucy Lane, Lois’s younger sister and a recurring love interest for Jimmy.
The final issue of the series, #163, was dated March 1974. Publication continued under the new title Superman Family beginning with issue #164. This format combined new adventures of Jimmy Olsen, Lois Lane, and Supergirl, whose individual series had been discontinued, into one oversized book. It also featured stories about other Superman-related characters, such as Krypto, the Earth-Two Mr. and Mrs. Superman, and the Kandorian heroes, Nightwing and Flamebird.
166 Issues (by DC Comics) BLACKHAWK Blackhawk is an ace pilot and the leader of the Blackhawk Squadron. Their first appearance was in 1941, and Blackhawk was set in the WWII era. Both the character and the team have had their origins updated over the years to keep them relevant to current-day readership.
The Blackhawk title has a twisty history, so keep up! Blackhawk was created by Quality Comics. The title highlighted here actually began publication under Quality Comics as Uncle Sam Quarterly in 1943. After eight issues, the title was renamed Blackhawk. It was originally published quarterly, but thanks to good sales, it was changed to bi-monthly with issue #19. With issue #33, it began being published monthly.
Quality would cease publication in 1956, and the rights to a large number of their characters were purchased by DC Comics. Blackhawk would be one of the few titles that DC continued publishing regularly. Beginning with issue #108 (Jan. 1957), Blackhawk carried the DC logo. While the title Blackhawk had a total of 265 issues printed, only 166 of them were under the DC label.
170 Issues DETECTIVE COMICS (volume 3) DC's third volume of Detective Comics began publication in 2016 and was a result of the DC Rebirth event. This volume of Batman is still in publication, and as of this posting, has published 170 issues. The numbering for this volume of Detective Comics starts with #934, incorporating the legacy numbering from volume 1, as well as the issues published following the New 52 reboot in volume 2 of Batman. At the time of this posting, the most recent issue is #1103, dated January 2026.
180 Issues
GIRLS' LOVE STORIES
This entry is the final of the trio of romance titles that managed to surpass the milestone of 100 printed issues. Girls' Love Stories was DC’s first romance-themed comic book, debuting in 1949 and continuing its run, without interruption, until 1973.
In its earliest years, the covers featured photographs of real-life models, lending the book a magazine-like charm. Beginning with issue #10, however, the covers shifted to fully illustrated covers, embracing the dreamy aesthetic readers often associate with classic romance comics.
And, in true fashion for the genre at the time, Girls' Love Stories, like nearly all romance comics marketed to young girls, was written and drawn almost entirely by men! For this reason, rigid gender roles are often reflected.
181 Issues
OUR FIGHTING FORCES
This title began publication in 1954. It was originally an anthology book, but it would later feature regular ongoing characters in various installments. Gunner & Sarge appeared from issue #45 to #94. They were accompanied by their dog, Pooch, who was a brother to Rex the Wonder Dog. Issues #95 to #98 featured Sgt. Rock's brother, Lt. Larry Rock (the Fighting Devil-Dog). Issues #99 to #105 introduced a Vietnam War Green Beret, Capt. Phil Hunter. Issues #106 to #123 featured Lt. Hunter's Hellcats (led by Capt. Phil’s father), set during World War II.
The final stars of the title were The Losers, whose adventures ran from issue #123 through the final issue, #181. Publication ceased in 1978 as part of the "DC Implosion".
183 Issues
GREEN LANTERN (volume 3)
This volume of Green Lantern began publication in 1990. Over its run, the series played havoc with the foundations of the character and the Green Lantern Corps, shaking up long-standing lore and pushing the mythology into bold new territory.
It chronicled the fall of Hal Jordan and introduced Kyle Rayner as this sector’s next Green Lantern, marking a dramatic shift in tone and direction. It also served as the springboard for John Stewart’s journey toward his own series, Green Lantern: Mosaic.
During a period when Kyle was off on a deep-space quest, Jade temporarily stepped in as the Green Lantern, adding another layer of change and experimentation to the era. The series concluded in 2004. Its finale set the stage for Hal Jordan’s long-awaited return in the limited series Green Lantern: Rebirth.
185 Issues
ROBIN (volume 2)
After Bruce Wayne’s back was broken by Bane, Jean-Paul Valley (Azrael) took over the role of Batman and refused to have a “partner,” even going so far as to brick up Tim Drake’s private entrance to the Batcave. Tim, the third Robin, then ventured out on his own and received his own ongoing series beginning in 1993.
Chuck Dixon was the initial writer and remained on the book for an impressive 100-issue run, ending in 2002. The title itself continued through 2009. Tim would later headline a new eponymous series titled Red Robin, following his moniker change.
200 Issues
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD
We finally break into titles that have reached the 200-issue mark!
The Brave and the Bold debuted in 1955. Its format was continually in flux during its first eight years. For its initial four years, the title rotated stories of the Golden Gladiator, the Viking Prince, Robin Hood, and the Silent Knight.
Beginning with issue #25, the title mirrored that of Showcase, trying out new concepts and characters. These included the first appearances of Metamorpho, the Suicide Squad, the Justice League of America, the Teen Titans, Cave Carson, the Silver Age Hawkman and Hawkgirl, and Strange Sports Stories.
Beginning with issue #50 (1963), the title primarily featured team-ups. Examples include the Metal Men and the Atom, Green Arrow and the Martian Manhunter, Batman and Green Lantern, Supergirl and Wonder Woman, the Flash and the Doom Patrol, and even the recently revived Golden Age (now Earth-Two) characters Starman and Black Canary.
With the popularity of the Batman television series that began airing in 1966, Batman team-ups in The Brave and the Bold became more frequent. Ultimately, with issue #74 (1967), the title featured Batman in every issue, teaming him with other DC characters. This format remained in place through its final issue, dated July 1983 (#200). That same issue included a preview of the upcoming Batman and the Outsiders, the title that would replace The Brave and the Bold in DC’s publishing schedule.
STAR SPANGLED WAR
The numbering on this series is wanky! DC published a series called Star Spangled Comics (we've covered that one on this tour already). Beginning with issue #131 of that series, its title changed to Star Spangled War Stories and ran for a total of three issues (#131–#133). It was then decided to start a new volume using the same name, but the new volume didn’t start with #1, nor did it start with #4. Instead, it oddly launched with issue #3 in 1952.
The series was originally an anthology title, but with issue #90 (1960) a new recurring feature began: The War That Time Forgot. Subsequent issues continually had soldiers fighting with—or alongside—dinosaurs. This format remained in place until #137 (1968). Beginning with issue #138, two other characters would receive regular features: Enemy Ace and The Unknown Soldier (his first appearance is in #151).
The final issue of Star Spangled War Stories was #204 (March 1977), giving the series a total of 202 issues. With issue #205, the series was officially renamed The Unknown Soldier.
205 Issues
GREEN LANTERN (volume 2)
Following the successful three-issue tryout for the new, Silver Age Green Lantern (Hal Jordan) in the pages of Showcase, he was awarded his own ongoing series in 1960. This long-running series quickly expanded the cosmic mythology of the Corps, introducing fan-favorite Lanterns such as Guy Gardner and John Stewart, as well as debuting Hal’s legendary nemesis, Sinestro.
Beginning in April 1970 with issue #76, Green Arrow joined the book as a co-star and even received title credit—though the series’ indicia remained Green Lantern. This bold team-up was designed to highlight the friction between Arrow’s outspoken, progressive worldview and Lantern’s more traditional, conservative stance, reflecting the social and political tensions of the early 1970s. After a four-year publication hiatus from 1972 to 1976, the political edge was softened, but Green Arrow continued as a co-headliner through issue #122 (Nov. 1979).
Hal Jordan remained the series’ lead until issue #181 (Oct. 1984), when he stepped away from the Corps. John Stewart then assumed the mantle as the full-time Green Lantern, soon joined by Guy Gardner as the Corps moved increasingly into the spotlight. The cover title shifted to The Green Lantern Corps beginning with issue #201, though the indicia did not officially change until issue #206. So, in total, this volume of Green Lantern officially ran for 205 issues.
228 Issues
ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
Following the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, Superman was relaunched as the sole survivor of Krypton, and much of his previous history was wiped clean. DC wanted to be able to publish a new volume of Superman with a #1 issue. For this reason, the first volume of Superman, which had been in publication since 1939, was renamed The Adventures of Superman beginning with issue #424 (dated January 1987).
The title The Adventures of Superman pays homage to both the television series from the 1950s and the radio serial from the 1940s.
This new title gave DC the ability to publish a Superman title every single week of the year in conjunction with Action Comics, Superman (vol. 2), and Superman: The Man of Steel. A fifth title, published sporadically, Superman: Man of Tomorrow, filled in the occasional months that had five weeks.
Notable in this series is the first appearance of the new, post-Crisis, Superboy (Kon-El).
This volume of The Adventures of Superman published a total of 228 issues and came to a close (as a result of the events in the Infinite Crisis maxi-series) in April 2006 with issue #649. Beginning with issue #650, the series returned to its original title, Superman.
228 Issues
SUPERMAN (volume 2)
As discussed above, the second volume of Superman was born from the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series in 1985–1986. Superman (volume 2) #1 began publication in 1986 (cover dated January 1987). This was one of five series published by DC that allowed their Superman character to be featured in a new story every week of the year. Notable in this series is the actual death of Superman in issue #75 (1993). After 228 total issues were published, this volume ended in 2006, a result of the events of the Infinite Crisis maxi-series.
228 Issues
WONDER WOMAN (volume 2)
After the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, a second volume of Wonder Woman was relaunched in 1987 under the guidance of writer/artist George Pérez, who brought a mythologically rich and character-driven approach to the series. In this new continuity, Wonder Woman travels to "man's world" long after other costumed adventurers have begun their careers and after the formation of the Justice League. Pérez’s run redefined Diana’s origin, emphasizing her Amazonian heritage, her role as an ambassador for her people, and her connection to Greek mythology.
In this updated series, Paradise Island is renamed Themyscira, and Wonder Woman gains the ability to fly on her own. The Invisible Plane from previous versions is initially discarded (though it is reintroduced about ten years later). Diana operates openly as Wonder Woman without a secret identity, representing her home island in the wider world while navigating both human and divine challenges.
This volume of Wonder Woman concludes with the events of the Final Crisis maxi-series, ending in 2006. Pérez’s influential run remains celebrated for its deep storytelling, vibrant artwork, and its faithful integration of myth into the modern superhero landscape.
230 Issues
SUPERBOY
After a successful debut in More Fun Comics and a subsequent run in Adventure Comics, the younger version of Kal-El was given his own eponymous series, which began publication in 1949.
In issue #145 (1968), Ma and Pa Kent were "de-aged" to be middle-aged characters rather than elderly. They would remain depicted this way through the remainder of the series.
In the early 1970s, new adventures of the Legion of Super-Heroes were occasionally featured as back-up stories. Beginning with issue #197 (1973), the format changed, and the cover credit became Superboy starring the Legion of Super-Heroes, with stories set during Superboy's travels to the future. With issue #222, the cover credit was changed to Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes. This series concluded with issue #230 (August 1977). With issue #231, the indicia and series officially transitioned to Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes.
244 Issues
STRANGE ADVENTURES
Publication of Strange Adventures began in 1950, marking DC Comics' first science fiction-themed title. The success of an early issue featuring a gorilla on the cover led to numerous subsequent issues highlighting gorillas, a quirky trend that became one of the series’ hallmarks.
Notable characters debuting in this series include Captain Comet, Animal Man, Star Hawkins, the Atomic Knights, Enchantress, and Deadman, many of whom would go on to have lasting impacts in the DC universe.
With issue #202, the focus of the book shifted from science fiction to supernatural fantasy, accompanied by a redesigned cover logo to reflect this new direction. By issue #217, the logo was updated again, and the series primarily reprinted stories of Adam Strange and the Atomic Knights, with the exception of issues #222, #226, and #227, which featured new material. Strange Adventures ultimately concluded its run with issue #244, dated November 1973.
245 Issues (by DC Comics)
GI COMBAT
G.I. Combat began publication in 1952. It was a war-themed anthology title published by Quality Comics. Quality Comics published the series through issue #43 (Dec. 1956), at which point the company closed its doors. The trademarks to most of Quality Comics’ characters and titles were sold to DC. G.I. Combat is one of only four series that DC chose to continue in ongoing publication.
In 1977, DC upgraded several of its series to Dollar Comics, featuring larger page counts and all-new stories. G.I. Combat was the only war-themed title to undergo this upgrade, beginning with issue #201. The series maintained the larger format through issue #281 (Jan. 1986). Only seven more issues, now in standard size, were published before the series was canceled with issue #288 (March 1987), DC having published 245 of those issues.
After DC took over the series, it added some recurring features, including Haunted Tank, The Losers, and The Bravos of Vietnam.
246 Issues
THE FLASH (volume 1)
After a four-issue outing in Showcase (considered by most to be the launching point of the "Silver Age"), the new Flash (Barry Allen) is given his own title. The numbering for his comic, called The Flash, oddly picked up numbering from the Golden Age's Flash Comics, debuting with issue #105 (March 1959).
This series introduced a recurring roster of villains who became known as the "Rogue Gallery". In addition to the Rogues, this series also introduced the characters of Kid Flash (Wally West) and the Elongated Man (Ralph Dibny). Both went on to have long and significant careers in the DC Universe.
This volume of The Flash came to a close in conjunction with the maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths, where Barry Allen is killed in battle. The series ended with issue #350.
250 Issues
The Flash (volume 2)
After the events of Crisis on Infinite Earths and the death of Barry Allen, Wally West took it upon himself to assume the mantle of the Flash. This series began publication in 1987 and concluded in 2009, publishing a total of 250 issues during that time.
This volume introduced readers to the concept of the "Speed Force," which has since been fully integrated into the Flash mythos. The original Flash, Jay Garrick, became a regular supporting cast member, as did Max Mercury. Max Mercury is a reimagining of the original Quicksilver, published by Quality Comics in the 1940s.
This series took a brief hiatus between issues #230 (2006) and #231 (2007) when DC attempted to introduce a third volume of The Flash featuring Bart Allen as the Flash.
(It should be noted that I took editorial license with this entry in this tour, allowing a slight title change to be overlooked. The original title of this book was Flash from issue #1 through #139, and the indicia was changed to The Flash from issue #140 onward.)
261 Issues
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA
After a highly successful tryout in The Brave and the Bold, the Justice League of America was given its own title. This series began publication in 1960 and quickly became one of DC Comics’ flagship team books, showcasing the combined talents and personalities of its roster.
The title started with a core roster of seven characters, including iconic heroes such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Over the years, members would join or leave, often mirroring the evolving storylines and developments of its characters in other titles. At its largest, the Justice League of America boasted an impressive 17 members. This growth not only highlighted the team’s adaptability but also cemented its significance in the wider DC Universe as a hub for major superhero collaborations.
In an effort to revitalize the series, in 1984, most of the long-term members were ousted, and several new, younger, and lesser-known characters were added as the team relocated its base of operations from its orbiting satellite to a warehouse in Detroit. This controversial reinvention proved unpopular with fans, and the title was cancelled shortly thereafter. This original volume of the Justice League of America concluded in 1987.
To check out my TOUR OF THE ORIGINAL JUSTICE LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP, click here!
301 Issues
OUR ARMY AT WAR
Our next entry is our first series to surpass 300 issues! Our Army at War began publication in 1952, originally publishing anthology tales. Sgt. Rock and his team, the Easy Company, became a regular feature beginning with issue #81 in 1959. Beginning with issue #158 (Sept. 1965), Sgt. Rock was given a logo on the cover, a logo larger than the series' actual title. Beginning with issue #302 (March 1977), the series was officially retitled as Sgt. Rock.
Notable in Our Army at War mythos is that it featured the debut of another popular character, Enemy Ace, in issue #151 (Feb. 1965).
321 Issues
HOUSE OF MYSTERY
This title holds the DC record for the highest number of published issues for a non-superhero series. The House of Mystery was an anthology title that debuted in 1951. It focused primarily on horror stories, marking an important chapter in DC’s exploration of genres beyond traditional superheroes. After the advent of the Comics Code Authority, it shifted toward supernatural suspense and even some occasional science fiction.
In issues 144 through 155 (1964/1965), it briefly blended genres, featuring the superhero Martian Manhunter. With the relaxation of the CCA, the character Cain was introduced as the primary resident of the House of Mystery, revealed to exist within the main DC universe, and the series returns to its horror roots, reinforcing its unique niche in the DC lineup.
Before the series concluded in 1983, it also introduced the new character I… Vampire!, leaving a lasting mark on DC’s horror and supernatural storytelling.
322 Issues
WORLD'S FINEST COMICS
World's Finest Comics hit the shelves in 1941 with issue #2 (issue #1 was titled World's Best Comics). Superman, Batman, and Robin appear together on every cover, but in the first issues, they appear in separate features. It isn't until issue #71 (1954) that the three team up in actual adventures together.
Other features during the early years of World's Finest include Zatara, Star-Spangled Kid and Stripesy, Green Arrow and Speedy, Tomahawk, and Aquaman and Aqualad. In 1966, the title jettisons the backup features, and stories revolve solely around Superman, Batman, and Robin. Following issue #197 (1970), Robin appears only very sporadically (Dick Grayson had gone off to college). From 1970 through 1972, the series allowed Superman to team up with other DC heroes, briefly dropping Batman.
In 1973, the title returned to featuring Batman and Superman together in team-up adventures. This format continues through the final issue published, issue #323 in 1986. Like many other titles, it ends due to the realignment of the DC universe caused by the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series.
329 Issues
WONDER WOMAN (volume 1)
After her highly successful debut in All-Star Comics and Sensation Comics, Wonder Woman was awarded her own eponymous series just a few months later. This series premiered in 1942 and continued publication for an impressive forty-four years.
In the early days, Wonder Woman's series focused on her adventures alongside the Holiday Girls (featuring the ever-spirited Etta Candy), as she spread her message of "loving submission."
Following the creation of the Comics Code Authority around 1954, Wonder Woman's stories shifted to concentrate more on her love life, particularly her relationship with Steve Trevor. As the Silver Age of comics approached, her origin was retconned: her powers were no longer the result of rigorous training but instead gifts from the gods. Additionally, her mother, Hippolyta, underwent a visual transformation, changing from a brunette to a blonde.
In 1968, Wonder Woman made a radical change, relinquishing her powers and operating as a woman of normal strength trained in martial arts. She also resigned her membership in the Justice League. This “mod, kung-fu” era remains highly controversial, with passionate defenders and detractors alike. In hindsight, Denny O'Neil, the writer behind the change, admitted he believed the storyline had been a mistake. This powerless era lasted until 1973.
During the later years of the series, readers saw the return of Steve Trevor (who had been killed off in 1969) and witnessed Wonder Woman adopting a new emblem. The removal of the eagle from her costume allowed DC to capitalize on merchandising opportunities. The series concluded with Wonder Woman #329 in 1986, following the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths, marking the end of an era for the iconic heroine.
This series was originally titled New Comics, then New Adventure Comics, and finally settled on Adventure Comics beginning with issue #32 in 1938.
The series printed numerous features in each episode. Some early favorites included Hourman, Sandman, and Manhunter. Later, the series featured Superboy, Aquaman, Johnny Quick, and Green Arrow.
Notable in this series is issue #247 (April 1958), which introduced the Legion of Super-Heroes. They took over Adventure Comics beginning in issue #300 in 1962 and remained the main feature until #380. With #381 (June 1969), Supergirl kicked the Legion out and took over. Her reign as cover feature lasted until issue #424 (Oct. 1972).
Various characters had brief stints following Supergirl's departure, including Spectre, Plastic Man, Aquaman, Deadman, Justice Society, Superboy, and Dial "H" for Hero. The title temporarily ceased publication in 1982 with issue #490.
Nine months later (cover date Sept. 1982), Adventure Comics resumed publication, but as a smaller digest-sized book, similar to the Archie digests available at grocery store checkouts. As a digest, the title primarily featured reprints, though there were some new stories, notably Shazam!. Each issue featured two Legion of Super-Heroes stories, reprinted in the order they were originally published. The inside back cover included a regular feature called "The Stories behind the Stories," where editor Paul Levitz provided extra text information and history. The series continued in this format through issue #503 (Sept. 1983).
488 Issues
Superman
With his immense popularity in Action Comics having been cemented, Superman was awarded his own ongoing title. He was the first superhero to receive this honor. It began as a quarterly book in 1939, but after the first five issues, its production became bimonthly. In 1953, the series increased to a monthly publication.
This title featured the first printed appearance of Perry White and kryptonite (both originating in the Adventures of Superman radio series) and the first "named" appearance of Jimmy Olsen (another regular character on the radio show).
The series continued publication until 1986. Following the events of the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series, the book was retitled as The Adventures of Superman with issue #424.
In 2006, the series returned to its original title, Superman, beginning with issue #650. It concluded in 2011 with issue #714, a casualty of DC's New 52 rollout. The combined total number of issues actually titled Superman (volume 1) was 488.
716 Issues
BATMAN
This series began publication in 1940 as a quarterly title. After five issues, it was moved to a bimonthly printing schedule. In 1954, the series changed again to monthly (excluding any skipped months). It was published without interruption through 2011, giving it a 61-year run.
The series introduced many important characters to the Batman legacy, including Alfred Pennyworth, Catwoman, the Joker, Poison Ivy, Ace the Bat-Hound, Ra's al Ghul, and Tim Drake (the third character to assume the role of Robin).
Notable events featured in the series include Dick (Robin) Grayson's move to Hudson University (#217), Jason Todd officially becoming the second Robin (#366), the death of Jason Todd (#428), and Bane breaking Batman's back (#497).
With DC's directive to initiate the New 52 in 2011, this volume of Batman concluded with issue #713. Gimmick numbered issues brought the actual total number of published issues to 716.
864 Issues
ACTION COMICS
Starting publication in 1938 and featuring the bold new character of Superman front and center on the cover, this series is generally considered the title that pushed comic books into the mainstream. It began as a monthly anthology title that included roughly 10 features per issue. Superman did not appear on the cover again until issue #7. He became the sole featured cover character with issue #19.
Some long-lasting characters who also made their debut in Action Comics include Zatara, Lex Luthor, Black Pirate, Brainiac, Tommy Tomorrow, Congorilla, and Supergirl. Several concepts also debuted in Action Comics, including Superman's ability to actually fly, his X-ray vision, telescopic vision, and super breath. The Bottled City of Kandor and the Fortress of Solitude also made their first appearances in the pages of Action Comics.
Moving into the Silver and Bronze Ages, the page count gradually decreased until Superman became the sole feature, or one of two features, usually accompanied by a back-up story featuring another member of the Superman Family of characters.
In 1988, the title was officially renamed Action Comics Weekly. Publication increased to a weekly schedule, and it returned to including numerous ongoing anthology features. The series continued under this name and format from issue #601 through #642. In 1989, with issue #643, it was officially renamed Action Comics again, returning to standard page size and a monthly publication schedule. The series concluded with issue #904 in 2011, when DC’s rollout of The New 52 ended one of DC Comics' longest-running titles.
The total number of issues officially published under volume 1 of Action Comics was 864.
883 Issues
DETECTIVE COMICS
It seems fitting that the series with the most issues published is the first volume of the series that supplied DC with its name... Detective Comics.
Detective Comics started publication in early 1937. It was originally an anthology title focusing on... what else?... detectives! Some early features included Slam Bradley, Speed Saunders, and the Crimson Avenger.
Batman made his debut in issue #27. With issue #35, he became the permanent cover star for the title. Other characters who debuted in Detective Comics include Robin (Dick Grayson), Martian Manhunter, Boy Commandos, Air Wave, Penguin, Riddler, Man-Bat, Batgirl, Talia al Ghul, and Spoiler.
By the early 1950s, the page count had decreased, and the series typically consisted of Batman and Robin adventures with one or two backup stories. Long-running backups included Pow Wow Smith, Roy Raymond, and Manhunter from Mars.
In 1964, the "new look" Batman was introduced. A yellow circle was added around the bat emblem on Batman's chest, and his stories gained a more realistic feel, abandoning the sci-fi and alien stories prevalent in the 1950s. Backup features in the title included Elongated Man, Robin, and Batgirl.
In 2009 (#854), after 70 years of Batman being the primary star of Detective Comics, the second Batwoman (Kate Kane) took over. She was the featured cover star for eight issues.
With the rollout of The New 52, this volume of Detective Comics ended in 2011 with issue #881. Including the gimmick issues #0 and #1000000, the original volume of Detective Comics reached a record total of 883 published issues.
And there you have it! Our tour of all the DC titles to achieve a publication accomplishment of 100 issues or more comes to a close!
I hope you've enjoyed being a passenger on this ride, and that you come back to experience some more amazing comic history!!
Comments and corrections are always appreciated!
All characters, names, and elements and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of DC Comics, Inc.
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