Here is some incredibly exciting news for DC Comics collectors. The Folio Society, independent publisher of beautifully illustrated hardback books, has teamed up with the legendary publisher for a collection of seminal stories which founded the Super Hero genre, and have gone on to define popular culture. DC Comics: The Golden Age (1938-1956), published today, features eighteen stories from the formative age of American comic books, including the debut adventures of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more.
The edition is the first in a series of DC “Ages” collections, selected and introduced by former DC Editor-in-Chief Jenette Kahn. The first woman at the helm of the legendary publishers, during her 27-year tenure she transformed comics into a sophisticated art form. Kahn says:
“Comic books were once disdained as a disposable children’s medium, but with their clamshell packaging and gorgeous facsimile reproductions, The Folio Society affirms comics’ essential place in cultural history as a totally original and resonant art form.”
The Folio Society edition offers the chance to own Action Comics #1, the comic book that gave the world its first Super Hero, as a meticulous 68-page facsimile complete with original accompanying strips and vintage ads. First published in April 1938 and originally selling on newsstands for ten cents apiece, the comic featuring Superman’s rollicking debut is now considered the most valuable in the world. Although sporting his signature red cape, Superman has yet to gain his famous powers of flight, and battles corrupt politicians and landlords in lieu of crazed Super Villains.
DC Comics: The Golden Age (1938-1956) also contains classic adventures featuring the original Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, and DC’s Captain Marvel (later known as ‘Shazam’), as well as Wonder Woman’s first mission to America in 1942’s Sensation Comics #1. In her new introduction, Jenette Kahn reflects on these foundational stories, which “provided the roadmaps for decades of invention to come”.
The edition has been made according to The Folio Society’s exceptional production standards. Scanned directly from original copies held in the DC archives, the comics have been reproduced in treasury format. The book is surrounded by endpapers featuring DC’s Golden Age pantheon, bound in shimmering gold cloth, and housed in a specially designed presentation box. It also includes an original art print by the award-winning DC artist Yanick Paquette, which updates the classic montage featured in 1939’s Superman #3.
The Folio Society’s Head of Editorial, James Rose, comments: “I’m thrilled to be working on these new celebratory editions with DC – with characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern, this will be packed with iconic comics, stunning Super Heroes and dastardly Super Villains. What a joy!”
CEO of The Folio Society, Joanna Reynolds, said of the collaboration: “Folio is very excited to publish the iconic DC Super Heroes and we relish the chance to bring them to our customers and comic fans around the world.”
The Folio Society edition of DC Comics: The Golden Age (1938-1956), selected and introduced by Jenette Kahn, will be exclusively available for £185 / US $260 from foliosociety.com
DC Comics: The Silver Age will be published in Autumn 2024 and DC Comics: The Bronze Age in Autumn 2025. There will also be a DC character series starting with DC: Batman in Spring 2024.
