DC Comics is enjoying a period of success, but they’ve been a leader in the superhero comic world for a long time. It all began in 1938 with Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in Action Comics #1 – a creation that essentially launched the entire superhero genre. The following year, Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27, proving Superman’s success wasn’t a one-time event. Since then, DC has consistently published popular superhero stories, both focusing on individual heroes and teams, with many series lasting for decades. They’ve given readers some of the most beloved and longest-running comics in American history, weathering many changes in the comic book industry.
These days, it’s common for comic books to be relaunched with new number one issues to increase sales, even if the original series had been running for a long time. But when you combine all the different series and volumes of some DC titles, you find that a few have incredibly long histories. Here are ten of DC’s longest-running comics – books that have truly shaped the superhero genre.
10) Legion of Superheroes – 371 Issues
The Legion of Superheroes has a long and somewhat confusing history with DC Comics. They first appeared in Adventure Comics, then starred in Superboy and the Legion of Superheroes. Later, the team got their own dedicated comic book, which ran for 371 issues across eight different series. If you include related titles like Legionnaires and Legion Lost, the total number of issues reaches 543. However you calculate it, the Legion is one of DC’s longest-running comic book series.
9) World’s Finest – 373 Issues
The comic book series World’s Finest originally brought together Superman, Batman, and Robin during the early days of comic books, known as the Golden Age. Running from 1941 to 1986, it totaled 373 issues across three different runs. A new version, Batman/Superman: World’s Finest, has quickly become a favorite among superhero fans. Writer Mark Waid brilliantly captures the feel of classic comics while telling fresh, modern stories, successfully continuing the legacy of this iconic series.
8) Adventures Comics – 529 Issues
First published in 1938, Adventure Comics started as a collection of different stories. Over time, it became known for introducing popular characters like the Golden Age Sandman, Hourman, Starman, and Superboy, as well as heroes like Green Arrow and Aquaman. It was also where the Legion of Superheroes first appeared. The comic ran for a total of 529 issues across two separate runs. The initial run lasted from 1938 to 1983, with 503 issues, and the comic was revived for another 26 issues between 2009 and 2011.
7) Green Lantern – 584
Green Lantern is one of DC Comics’ most popular science fiction heroes. The character first appeared in 1941 as Alan Scott, but like many heroes from that era, he eventually faded into obscurity. In 1959, Hal Jordan took on the role of Green Lantern, becoming a major success and getting his own comic series. Since then, several characters – including Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, and even the villain Sinestro – have starred in the ongoing Green Lantern comics. Over seven different series and 584 issues, readers have enjoyed especially memorable storylines written by Geoff Johns and Ron Marz.
6) The Flash – 831 Issues
As a comic book fan, I’ve always been fascinated by the history of The Flash. It’s a bit complicated! It all started way back in 1940 with Flash Comics, featuring Jay Garrick, and that ran for a solid nine years. Eventually, Jay stepped back, and in 1956, Barry Allen zoomed onto the scene in Showcase. When The Flash got its own title in 1959, it actually continued the numbering from the original Flash Comics. Over the years, we’ve had seven different series focusing on both Barry and Wally West, adding up to a whopping 831 issues! And the good news is, Wally’s back as the main Flash, with another series of his adventures on the way. It’s a legacy that just keeps going!
5) Wonder Woman – 831 Issues
Wonder Woman is the most published female superhero in comic book history. Her solo series has lasted longer than any other featuring a female lead. She debuted in 1942 in All-Star Comics #8, quickly becoming popular and later appearing in Sensation Comics. A year after her first appearance, she received her own title, which has now run for 831 issues across six different series, with the latest series still being published. The comic has seen many acclaimed storylines, including the iconic run by George Perez following the Crisis event, and remains a beloved character 83 years after her debut.
4) Batman – 949 Issues
Batman first appeared in Detective Comics with issue #27, and in 1940, he got his own self-titled comic book. That original series ran for an impressive 71 years and 715 issues. Since then, there have been several different Batman series, adding up to a total of 949 issues across all volumes. Batman comics have consistently been among the best-selling superhero titles, and have featured work by some of the most talented creators in the industry. Along with The Amazing Spider-Man, it’s considered a benchmark for all superhero comics, with sales figures often used for comparison.
3) Action Comics – 1096 Issues
Action Comics first introduced the world to Superman in 1938 and has been published continuously ever since. The series originally ran for two volumes, with the first lasting until 2011 and the launch of the New 52. It later returned to its original numbering system during DC Rebirth in 2016 and continues to be a popular title. Recently, writer Mark Waid began featuring stories about Superboy, updating the history of Clark Kent. True to its name, Action Comics has delivered 88 years of exciting adventures.
2) Detective Comics – 1106 Issues
First published in 1937, Detective Comics began as a series of crime stories featuring various characters. Batman debuted in the comic in 1939 and quickly became its main focus. It’s the longest-running American superhero comic based on its original start date, running for 1106 issues across two separate volumes. The first volume lasted until 2011, after which the series was relaunched as part of the New 52, and returned to traditional issue numbering alongside Action Comics. Since then, it’s served as a secondary Batman title, consistently delivering high-quality stories from top creators about the Dark Knight, his friends, and his foes.
1) Superman – 1112 Issues
As a huge comic book fan, I think Superman is truly the greatest hero DC – and maybe even the whole industry – has ever created. He first appeared in Action Comics, but he quickly outgrew just being in that one book. By 1939, he had his own book simply titled Superman. That original series ran for an incredible 47 years, all the way to 1986! Then, a new series started, running until 2006 for 226 issues. It even changed titles to Adventures of Superman for a while, hitting issue #650 before going back to the original Superman title. Over the years, there have been six different Superman series, totaling over 1,100 issues! And the current series is proving once again just how important Superman is, solidifying his place as a comic book icon in what’s become the longest-running book in the business.
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2026-03-25 01:13