Fawcett Comics
Fawcett Comics was an American comic book publisher founded in 1939 as an imprint of Fawcett Publications. It is best known for introducing the character Captain Marvel, who was the most popular superhero of the 1940s, outselling even Superman.
History[edit | edit source]
Fawcett Comics was established by Wilford H. Fawcett, also known as "Captain Billy," who was the founder of Fawcett Publications. The company initially published a variety of genres, including humor, romance, westerns, and science fiction. However, it was the superhero genre that brought the company its greatest success.
Captain Marvel and the Marvel Family[edit | edit source]
The character Captain Marvel first appeared in Whiz Comics #2 in 1940. Created by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, Captain Marvel quickly became one of the most popular superheroes of the Golden Age of Comic Books. The character's success led to the creation of the Marvel Family, which included Mary Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr., and others.
Legal Battles[edit | edit source]
Fawcett Comics faced significant legal challenges from DC Comics, which claimed that Captain Marvel was a copy of Superman. The lawsuit, known as National Comics Publications, Inc. v. Fawcett Publications, Inc., dragged on for years and was eventually settled in 1953. As part of the settlement, Fawcett agreed to cease publication of its superhero comics, including Captain Marvel.
Decline and Acquisition[edit | edit source]
Following the settlement, Fawcett Comics shifted its focus to other genres but struggled to regain its former success. In 1953, the company ceased publication of its comic book line. In the 1970s, the rights to Captain Marvel and the Marvel Family were acquired by DC Comics, which integrated the characters into its own universe.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Despite its relatively short lifespan, Fawcett Comics left a lasting impact on the comic book industry. Captain Marvel remains a beloved character, and the legal battles between Fawcett and DC Comics set important precedents in copyright law.
Notable Titles[edit | edit source]
Notable Characters[edit | edit source]
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
- Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
- DC Comics
- Golden Age of Comic Books
- National Comics Publications, Inc. v. Fawcett Publications, Inc.
- Superman
Categories[edit | edit source]
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