The Dawn of Superheroes in Comics

The history of superheroes in comic books is a fascinating journey into the evolution of a genre that has captivated audiences for over a century. This exploration into the origins of superhero comics reveals a diverse array of early characters who paved the way for the iconic heroes we know today.

The First Superhero: Hugo Hercules

Regarded by some as the first superhero, ‘Hugo Hercules’ appeared in the “Chicago Tribune” in September 1902. Created by Wilhelm Heinrich Detlev Körner, Hugo possessed superhuman strength, which he used to help those in need. Despite its innovative concept, the series was short-lived, ending after just five months and 17 comic strips. Though not widely known today, Hugo Hercules marks a significant, albeit brief, moment in the history of superhero comics​.

The Rise of The Phantom

While ‘Hugo Hercules’ may have been the earliest form of a superhero, The Phantom, created by Lee Falk in 1936, is often credited by the Guinness World Records as the first true superhero. The Phantom, a crime fighter in the fictional African country of Bangalla, was believed to be immortal by the local people. This belief stemmed from the tradition of passing down the Phantom’s identity through generations. Originally appearing in newspaper comic strips, The Phantom’s stories were later reprinted in separate comic books, and he eventually received his own title in the 1950s​.