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The Silver Age of Comic Books was a period of artistic advancement and commercial success in mainstream American comic books, predominantly those in the superhero genre. Following the Golden Age of Comic Books and the interregnum the Atomic Age, the Silver Age is considered to cover the period from 1956 to around 1970, and was succeeded by the Bronze and Modern Ages.[1] A number of important comics writers and artists contributed to the era, including writers Stan Lee and Denny O'Neil and artists Jack Kirby and Neal Adams.
Blamed for a rise in juvenile crime, the popularity of superhero comics declined following the Second World War. However, the 1954 implementation of the Comics Code Authority to regulate comic content sparked a resurgence in the genre that began with the introduction of a new version of DC Comics's The Flash in Showcase #4 (October 1956). In response to strong demand, DC began publishing more superhero titles, prompting Marvel Comics to follow suit beginning with Fantastic Four #1. Silver Age comics have become collectible; as of 2008 the most sought-after comic of the era is Spider-Man's debut in Amazing Fantasy #15.
An important feature of the period was the evolution of the character makeup of superheroes. Science fiction and aliens replaced gods and magic.[2] DC Comics sparked the superhero's revival with its publications from 1955 to 1960. Marvel Comics then capitalized on the revived interest in superhero storytelling with sophisticated stories and characterization.[3] In contrast to previous eras, Silver Age characters were "flawed and self-doubting".[4] Young children and girls were targeted during the Silver Age by certain publishers; in particular, Harvey Comics attracted this group with titles such as Little Dot. Adult oriented underground comics also began during the Silver Age. There are several suggested endpoints for the Silver Age, including changes in the Green Lantern series and the death of Spider-Man's girlfriend in a 1973 issue (#121) of Amazing Spider-Man. |
