Silver Age 1956-1970
An increase in horror stories during the post-war years led to the Comics Code Authority (CCA). It was formed in 1954 by the Comics Magazine Association of America as an alternative to government regulation. It allowed the comic publishers to self-regulate the content of comic books. This ushered in a return to superhero-focused stories. More sophisticated stories, usually published by Marvel comics, began to appear. Characters were now allowed to doubt themselves and show weaknesses. The artistic styles became more refined and some comic books experimented with different styles, such as surrealism or a cinematic approach that altered the more conventional panel-based format that had been commonplace for decades. Depictions of anatomy, faces, and gestures became more naturalistic. This was still a time of innocence in the comic industry however, there was no social critique, straying from mainstream values, or darker themes.
Batman and Robin, about to be seized by guards, looking in horror at Superman sitting on a large, stone throne.
World’s Finest. No. 111. Aug. 1960.
Interior page.
World’s Finest. No. 111. Aug. 1960.
Batman holding the Joker while both watch Batman II and Robin fight the son of Joker.
Batman. No. 145. Feb. 1962.
Interior page.
Batman. No. 145. Feb. 1962.
Shaggy-Man holding Flash and Batman in his huge hands while Green Arrow and Atom are laying, defeated in the foreground.
Justice League of America. No. 45. June, 1965.
Interior page.
Justice League of America. No. 45. June, 1965.
Close up of Batman and Robin’s faces looking shocked as they pull back a curtain to reveal the shadow of a female figure.
Detective Comics. No. 380. Oct. 1968.
Interior page.
Detective Comics. No. 380. Oct. 1968.
