The world was forever changed when Superman made his debut in 1938 in Action Comics #1, beginning not only the shared universe of DC superheroes and villains, but launching an entire age of costumed comic heroes. History remembers the biggest stars, but Action Comics was not the first book, and Superman was not the first hero released by the future DC Comics. Which means it’s time to give his predecessors their own time in the spotlight.
Jack Woods
New Fun Comics #1 (1935)
The man who deserves the historic record is none other than “Texas Ranger Jack Woods,” distinguished as the first character ever to appear in a DC publication. Set on the American frontier, Jack’s adventures were fairly standard western fare by today’s standards, pitting the lawman against a rotating gallery of outlaws.
When National Allied Publications, which would later rebrand as DC Comics (in honor of its flagship “Detective Comics”) launched New Fun Comics #1 in 1935, readers got to enjoy Jack’s full debut adventure, right on the cover. A bold marketing strategy, but one that was sure to turn heads, offering the chance to be a loyal “Jack Woods” reader simply by reading the covers of the issue. When he would later end his final chapter being arrested for murder, he also delivered DC’s first cliffhanger ending (still unresolved).
Sandra of The Secret Service
New Fun Comics #1 (1935)
Yes, take that Wonder Woman: “Sandra of the Secret Service” made her first appearance alongside Jack Woods, earning the title of the first female star of a DC Comics publication. When Sandra McLane accidentally stepped a foot into international espionage, the socialite was suddenly thrust into a life of disguises, kidnappings, and intrigue. Some things never change.
While the comic strips are no doubt a product of their time, it is notable that Sandra’s exploits regularly showed her proving to be deadly and capable, working alongside and saving her male counterparts quite frequently. Compare that to the infamously problematic tales of early Wonder Woman comics, and Sandra is more than deserving of her own spotlight in the pantheon of DC super spies.
Doctor Occult: Ghost Detective
New Fun Comics #6 (1935)
We finally arrive at the first entry on our list who not only debuted in the first years of DC Comics, but actually managed to stay active into the present day. With a name like “Doctor Occult, Ghost Detective,” comic book fans should not be at all surprised to learn that the hero’s creators, “Legar and Reuths,” were actually Superman creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. A full three years before the Man of Steel would make his own debut.
The magical talisman carried by Doctor Occult is a prominent feature, and a useful tool in his many supernatural case files. Yet the team’s creative urges are on full display, with later adventures finding Doctor Occult in blue tights, with a red cape, and a belt enabling him to leap into the sky in a single bound. Technically the first ‘caped hero,’ Doctor Occult would end his initial run with More Fun Comics #32, making way for Action Comics #1 to become Siegel and Shuster’s top priority.
Cyril “Speed” Saunders
Detective Comics #1 (1937)
As the star of the debut issue of Detective Comics, a special page of history is reserved for Cyril “Speed” Saunders, so-called for his fast thinking and lifestyle. As seen in his first comics, Speed was an agent of the River Patrol, bringing added intrigue to the usual detective work seen in comic strips by taking the action onto the water.
Speed would appear alongside Batman once the dark knight debuted in Detective Comics #27, and would make a leap into modern DC continuity when JSA Returns: Sensation Comics #1 confirmed Speed was a cousin of Hawkgirl Shiera Sanders. This revelation integrated him into modern DC canon, and led to further appearances in issues of Hawkman and JSA.
Slam Bradley
Detective Comics #1 (1937)
If a name can tell you all you need to know about a character, then a tough-as-nails private detective name “Slam Bradley” is built to last. The appeal of Samuel Emerson “Slam” Bradley really should be obvious, as a smart gumshoe who’s as witty as he is willing to start throwing punches against an attacker, all in the pursuit of justice. Another character developed by Siegel and Shuster, Slam would last from the debut issue through to Detective Comics #152, making him one of the most successful stars of the book.
Unfortunately, the early Slam Bradley adventures showcase several ‘enemies’ or stereotypes that would be deemed racist or sexist by most modern readers, relegating him to his initial run, with only a handful of sporadic appearances through the 1980s-2000s in the main DC continuity. Most recently, Tom King and Phil Hester revived a new take on Slam Bradley for Gotham City: Year One.