Bronze Age 1970-1986
During the Bronze Age of comics, topics that were never approved under the Comics Code Authority were now broached. Sex, drug use, racism, horror, and violence of a graphic nature found their way back into comics for the first time since the 1950s. Darker tones became prominent even so far as the death of characters. Art styles became photorealistic and included depictions of the urban landscape. The alter-ego side of the superhero’s life was given more panel time, and sensational costumes took a backseat to depictions of everyday people. This is also when comic books stores became popular, and the publishing of underground comics took off.
Batman flying through the night sky with full moon and Gotham City skyline in background.
Batman. No. 241, May, 1972.
Interior page.
Batman. No. 241, May, 1972.
Superman, Green Arrow, Batman, Green Lantern and Flash standing around Aquaman’s tombstone.
Justice League of America. Vol. 16, No. 122, Sept. 1975.
Interior page.
Justice League of America. Vol. 16, No. 122, Sept. 1975.
Batman and Robin in the foregroud holding a looking glass. Another Batman, Elongated Man, Hawkwoman and Hawkman are emerging from the looking glass.
Detective Comics. No. 500, March, 1981.
Interior page
Detective Comics. No. 500, March, 1981.
Closeup of Batman and Superman from the chest up in the background, with Geo-Force, Halo, Katana, Metamorpho, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Firestorm, Wonder Woman, Hawkman and Red Tornado floating in the foreground.
World’s Finest. No. 300, Feb. 1984.
Interior page.
World’s Finest. No. 300, Feb. 1984.
