Post-Crisis Chronology

Early 1938: Lee Travis learns that his godfather, right-wing isolationst Winston W. Smythe, has died and left him a successful newspaper, the New York Globe-Leader. NOTES: The date is approximate; in Secret Origins #5, set in October 1938, Lee Travis says Smythe died "just six months ago."

(Secret Origins #5, Aug. 1986)

Construction engineer Alan Scott is aboard a train during its test run when a rival engineer, Albert Dekker, blows the train off its track, killing all but Scott. Alan survives because of his ancient, magic green lantern from the Starheart. He fashions a ring from the lantern that enables him to weild its power. Scott adopts the identity of the Green Lantern I and executes justice on Dekker. Note: This event occurs earlier than its original publication per the timelines in Zero Hour and Green Lantern Secret Files #1 (1998). Rtold in Secret Origins #18 and JSA: Classified #11. Doomsday Clock #9 (May 2019) identified this event as the cornerstone event in Golden Age of heroes and formation of the Justice Society (supplanting Superman's debut). In Comic Cavalcade #13 (Winter 1945), Alan claimed that he'd been given the lantern by a group of Tibetan lamas (a popular theme of this era).

All-American Comics #16 (July 1940); Secret Origins vol. 2 #18 (Sept. 1987); Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #2 (Jan. 2024)

1938: Professor Hughes of Midwestern University in Keystone City learns about the Green Lantern and sets out to create his own super-human. He chooses college student Jay Garrick as his subject, taking years to craft an experiment he hopes will transform Garrick by way of "hard water." Jay Garrick meets Joan Williams.

Flash Comics #1 (Jan. 1940); Jay Garrick: The Flash #4 (Mar. 2024)

Plagued by dreams, Wesley Dodds becomes the Sandman. In his first major case, he solves a series of murders committed by an unknown killer called the Tarantula. He meets Dian Belmont. NOTES: Before the Sandman Mystery Theatre series, Secret Origins #7 (1986) established the date of the Sandman's debut as June 10, 1939. Since Crisis on Infinite Earths, the debuts of several heroes have been moved earlier to compensate for the elimination of Superman and Batman. The Sandman's first published appearance was in New York World's Fair Comics #1, released 30 April 1939, although the story in Adventure Comics #40, which was published in early June 1939, preceded it chronologically (and was probably written first). Dian Belmont's first appearance was in Adventure Comics #47 (Feb. 1940). The Tarantula in Sandman Mystery Theatre story bears little resemblance to the villain of Adventure Comics #40.

Adventure Comics #40 (July 1939), Sandman Mystery Theatre #1–4 (Aug.–Nov. 1993)

26 February 1938: The Sandman investigates a series of murders in New York's Chinatown committed by The Face. NOTES: The date of this adventure is established by Dian's diary entry in Sandman Mystery Theatre #5. The villain of the SMT story resembles that of Adventure Comics #44 in name only.

Adventure Comics #44 (Nov. 1939), Sandman Mystery Theatre #5-8 (Dec. 1993–Mar. 1994)

12-13 March 1938: Germany annexes Austria.

13 March 1938: Baroness Paula Von Gunther's husband, Gottfried, is murdered by Nazi agents when he refuses to surrender his wealth. Two months later, Paula receives his ashes from the Nazis in a cigar box. Her daughter Gerta is imprisoned in a concentration camp and Paula is forced into service as a slaver and spy in America. These events drive her to insane cruelty.

Wonder Woman vol. 1 #3 (Feb/Mar. 1943)

St. Patrick's Day, 1938: Sandman battles the Brute. Dian becomes involved with the United Way charity.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #9-12 (Dec. 1993–Mar. 1994)

Professor Hughes triggers an 'accident' that activates Jay Garrick's metagene. Jay passes out after breathing in the "heavy water" fumes and he gains super-speed powers. When he learns that Joan's father, Major Williams, has been kidnapped, he dons a costume as the Flash and rescues him from Sieur Satan and the Faultless Four. Joan learns Jay's secret identity. Hughes is later approached by Nazi called "Parsifal," who sets him up in a lab in Germany. Hughes empowers himself to control the elements, becoming Doctor Elemental. Notes: Secret Origins #9 placed the accident in fall 1939, a few weeks after the German invasion of Poland a few months before his heroic debut in the fall of that year. But Zero Hour #0 (Sept. 1994), Flash Secret Files #1 (Nov. 1997), Sandman Mystery Theatre and Golden Age Secret Files #1 (Feb. 2001) indicate 1938. Many of the Flash's early stories described him as operating in New York City, but modern accounts put him in Keystone City. The Professor (spelled "Hughs") appeared in Flash Comics #1 (Jan. 1940), but "Dr. Elemental" is a new creation.

Flash Comics #1 (Jan. 1940); Secret Origins #9 (Dec. 1986); Jay Garrick: The Flash #4 (Mar. 2024)

The Phantom Stranger prompts Dr. Occult to warn Zatara that the rise of costumed “science heroes” could mean the death of “true magic,” and urges Zatara to join the heroes’ ranks. Wealthy oil man Tex Thompson begins fighting crime. NOTE: The origin of Zatara was retold in Secret Origins #27; the origin of Tex Thompson was retold in Secret Origins #29. Tex Thompson becomes Mister America in Action #33. The Phantom Stranger's involvement was revealed in Golden Age Secret Files #1 (Feb. 2001).

Action Comics #1 (June 1938), Secret Origins #27 (June 1988), Secret Origins #29 (Aug. 1988)

Sandman battles the Vamp and her sorority sisters, who are trying to avenge her rape at the hands of a fraternity. Dian and Wesley have their first sexual encounter.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #13-16 (Apr.–July 1994)

23 June 1938: The Sandman pursues a mysterious mugger plaguing visitors to New York's Central Park. NOTE: One chapter of this story was drawn by Alex Ross, his first DC work.

Sandman Mystery Theatre Annual #1 (Oct. 1994)

Henry Grant's gambling addiction leads to his wife's murder. The mob fakes Henry's death, too, and his son Ted is left destitute. He's forced to drop out of college and try his hand at professional boxing. NOTE: Date per JSA: Classified #27. The origin story in Sensation Comics #1 refers to his parents' deaths in flashback.

Sensation Comics #1 (Jan. 1942), JSA: Classified #26-27 (July–Aug. 2007)

College student Ted Grant is trained in boxing by a man later revealed to be Nat Milligan, the man who trained Jim Harper (the Guardian).

All-Star Squadron Annual #1 (1982)

29-30 September 1938: Germany, Italy, France and Britain sign an agreement in Munich that allows Germany to occupy the Sudetenland areas of Czechoslovakia without opposition. The Czech president is forced to accept it.

13 October 1938: Hitler acquires the Spear of Longinus (called the "Spear of Destiny" in DC Comics) from a Vienna museum and takes it to Berlin. The Spear is stored in Nuremberg for the duration of the war. It was seized by Allied forces on April 30, 1945, only hours before Hitler's suicide, and later returned to the Hofsburg in Vienna.

31 October 1938: Lee Travis, now the publisher of the New York Globe-Leader, becomes the Crimson Avenger, aided by his Chinese valet, Wing. NOTES: Secret Origins #5 links the Avenger's debut to the broadcast of Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" on Halloween night. Golden Age Secret Files #1 (Feb. 2001), established the notion that the Crimson Avenger was the first costumed hero in DC continuity; this is contradicted by the weight of other events. (Perhaps he could have been the first prominently known masked avenger, if Travis' used his own newspaper for publicity.) The Crimson Avenger and Wing were clearly modeled on the Green Hornet and Kato, adventurers created by Frank Striker and George W. Trendle, who debuted on WXYZ radio in 1936. In the Secret Origins story, the Travis remarks upon his own image, "I look like a combination of the Lone Ranger and the Phantom of the Opera." (The Lone Ranger was the Green Hornet's granduncle, as revealed in a 1947 Hornet radio episode, "Too Hot to Handle.")

Detective Comics #20 (Oct. 1938), Secret Origins #5 (Aug. 1986)

The Sandman battles the Scorpion, son of a Texas farmer who was bought out of his land and then made an outcast by several wealthy businessmen. Dian begins to suspect Wesley of being the Sandman.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #17-20 (Aug.–Nov. 1994)

The Sandman defeats Doctor Death. Dian Belmont learns that Wes Dodds is the Sandman.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #21-24 (Dec. 1994–Mar. 1995)

Rex "Tick Tock" Tyler develops Miraclo, a wonder drug that gives him super-powers for an hour at a time. He takes out an ad offering his services to those in need as "The Man of the Hour." He will later call himself Hourman. NOTES: Hourman's debut was retold in Secret Origins #16, which asserted that Rex discovered Miraclo in December 1939—after the debuts of Hawkman and the Spectre. This changed with the publication of Sandman Mystery Theatre #29-32 (see below). In his initial appearances, his name was hyphenated: Hour-Man.

Adventure Comics #48 (Mar. 1940), Secret Origins #16 (July 1987)

7–9 December 1938: The Crimson Avenger clashes with agents of the Dark Cross and captures a prototype of a Bundist secret weapon: a gas gun firing cartridges of knockout gas. "The Crimson" eventually discovers that their leader is really his godfather, Winston Smythe, who had faked his own death to pursue his criminal activities. Smythe is apparently killed for real by his own bomb, and the Crimson keeps the gas gun as his own signature weapon. NOTES: Smythe’s relation to Lee Travis differs between this mini-series and the Avenger’s origin in Secret Origins #5 (godfather, uncle, grandfather). Who’s Who Update ’88 #1 (Aug. 1988) and Golden Age Secret Files & Origins #1 (Feb. 2001) name Smythe as his’s godfather. 

Crimson Avenger #1–4 (June–Sept. 1988)

Part 1, December 24, 1938: Wesley Dodds meets Rex Tyler at Bannermain Chemicals.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #29 (Aug. 1995)

Part 2: Rex Tyler's efforts to help an abused family backfire and Wes Dodds has prophetic dreams about Tyler's eventual role as Hourman.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #30 (Sept. 1995)

Part 3: The Sandman comes to Rex Tyler's aid when the "Man of the Hour" gets in over his head. He later leaves Rex a note dubbing him "Hourman." Rex dons a costume very similar to his later Hourman costume for a masked ball, while Wes Dodds picks a yellow-and-purple outfit similar to the one he will adopt in 1941.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #31 (Oct. 1995)

Part 4, 31 December 1938: Hourman discovers the Sandman's secret identity. They join forces to thwart the kidnapping of Dorothy Bannermain, the wife of Rex Tyler's boss, and Rex decides to do more research on Miraclo before continuing his heroic career.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #32 (Nov. 1995)

Doctor Robert Oppenheimer hears about the discovery of nuclear fission, within a few minutes realizes that excess neutrons must be emitted, and that it might be possible to build an atomic bomb.

Spring 1939: The Flash exonerates Joan Williams's father, Major Williams, of espionage charges. The Major learns that the Flash is Jay Garrick.

Flash Comics #3 (Mar. 1940)

15 March 1939: German troops move into Czechoslovakia, which is absorbed into the Third Reich without resistance.

Another shard of the Totality falls to Earth and is discovered by Ted Knight. He invents a cosmic rod to harness its near-limitless energy, then entrusts the shard to the U.S. government. NOTES: Starman's origin was told in All-Star Squadron #41. The post-Crisis revision appeared in Sandman Mystery Theatre #38 and Starman Secret Files #1.

All-Star Squadron #41 (Jan. 1985), Sandman Mystery Theatre #38 (May 1996), Justice League vol. 4 #31 (Early Nov. 2019)

1-7 April 1939: Italy annexes Albania.

Dian Belmont leaves New York for England to sort out her feelings about her relationship with Wes Dodds.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #36 (Mar. 1996)

Wes Dodds travels to England and is reunited with Dian Belmont. While attending a party at the home of Magus Roderick Burgess, the Sandman meets the imprisoned Morpheus, who recognizes that "There is some of me in you." The Lord of the Dreaming strips Wesley of the memory of having met. After thwarting a blackmail plot, Wesley and Dian return to New York together.

Sandman Midnight Theatre #1 (Sept. 1995)

30 April 1939: The New York World's Fair opens in Queens, New York. The event is marked by the threatening appearance of a masked killer, the "Phantom of the Fair." His existence was not publicly known. NOTES: The super-powered Phantom was closely based on the Fantom of the Fair, a costumed hero who appeared in issues #11-24 of Centaur Publications' Amazing Mystery Funnies.

Secret Origins #7 (Oct. 1986)

Alan Scott (Green Lantern) visits the World's Fair and meets radio reporter Irene Miller, who later becomes his girlfriend.

All-American Comics #18 (Sept. 1940)

The Sandman visits the World's Fair and prevents the henchmen of Wesley Dodds's crooked business partner from stealing an experimental ray gun. NOTES: Released on 30 April 1939, this was the Sandman's first published appearance, although the story in Adventure Comics #40, released in early June, was apparently written first.

New York World's Fair Comics #1 (1939)

1939, Queens: At the New York World's Fair, Wonder Woman leaps to save President Franklin Delano Roosevelt from an assassin. She warns him of encroaching evil, offers her help. Alan Scott is in the audience. Note: The original tale (part of "Rebirth," presents Wonder Woman as Diana. This was the prevailing continuity for a while, influenced by the 2017 film, in which Diana began her career in the early 20th century. But after the publication of New History of the DC Universe #1 (Aug. 2025), post-Crisis continuity was restored and Hippolyta was again the Golden Age Wonder Woman. This event occurs years before Wonder Woman's historical debut, All-Star Comics #8 (Dec. 1941/Jan. 1942).

Wonder Woman #750 (Late Mar. 2020)

Summer 1939: Archaeologist Dan Garrett strikes out as the original Blue Beetle. Note: Published by Fox Comics.

Mystery Men Comics #1 (Fox, Aug. 1939)

June 1939: Everett "Busy" Arnold enters the comic book market, forming Quality Comics (formally Comic Favorites). His first book is Feature Comics #21. Quality's first original hero is Doll Man, in Feature Comics #27 (Dec. 1939).

23 August 1939: Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin sign a German-Soviet nonaggression pact.

October 1939: Timely Comics begins publishing with Marvel Comics #1. First appearances of the original Human Torch and Sub-Mariner. The company became Atlas comics in 1951 and Marvel Comics in 1961.

1 September 1939: Germany invades Poland.

Wes Dodds and Dian Belmont pick up a copy of Mystery Theatre Magazine containing a fictionalized version of the Sandman's adventures. Dian applies for a job writing for the magazine.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #49 (Apr. 1997)

While Dian Belmont writes her first pulp story, she and Wesley Dodds read a comic book story about the Sandman and his boy sidekick, Sandy Hawkins, who wear skin-tight yellow costumes. Afterward, Dian is nearly killed when the publishing office is fire-bombed. NOTES: This magazine could have influenced Wes' subsequent costume change — but this story was originally intended to retroactively eliminate the Sandman's adventures in the purple-and-yellow costume from continuity. Subsequent stories, however, have revealed that the Sandman did later adopt Sandy Hawkins and don his purple-and-yellow costume.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #50 (May 1997)

2 September 1939: Janos Prohaska's family is slain by a German fighter attack led by Wolfgang Teppel. Calling himself Blackhawk, Prohaska organizes an independent multinational squadron to fight the Nazis. He and other multinational pilots are organized into a squadron to fight the Nazis by Carter and Shiera Hall. NOTES: Blackhawk was originally published by Quality Comics. His real name was inspired by an actor and stuntman of the sixties and seventies, and was not given until the Blackhawk: Blood and Iron mini-series (1988). Blackhawk's origin was reprinted in Blackhawk vol. 2 #7 (1990) and retold in Secret Origins #45. The Halls' patronage is a Rebirth invention. The Rebirth Blackhawks first appeared in All-Star Batman vol. 2 #6–9 (2016–17).

Military Comics #1 (Aug. 1941), Secret Origins #45 (Oct. 1989); Dark Nights: Metal #1 (Oct. 2017)

While Dian Belmont lays comatose in the hospital, the Sandman has a rematch with the vicious Face. Dian recovers and learns that she is pregnant.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #51-52 (June–July 1997)

3 September 1939: Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declare war on Germany.

Trying to decide what to do about her pregnancy, Dian Belmont visits Doctor Charles McNider. NOTE: McNider still has his sight in this story; he has not yet become Doctor Mid-Nite.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #55 (Oct. 1997)

Fearful of her and Wes Dodds's future in a war-torn world, Dian Belmont opts for an abortion.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #56 (Nov. 1997)

8 September 1939: Major James Lawrence, American military attaché in Poland and the father of Libby Lawrence (Liberty Belle) is killed in the German bombing of Warsaw. Libby later flees from Poland to Holland and then to France.

All-Star Squadron #61 (Sept. 1986)

17 September 1939: Soviet troops invade Poland.

Thanagarian agent Paran Katar arrives on Earth and, using the name Perry Carter, befriends Carter Hall (Hawkman I). Paran Katar surreptitiously helps Carter develop his "Ninth metal" harness, which allows him to defy gravity. NOTE: This Annual contains an essay on changing continuity by Mike Gold.

Hawkworld Annual #1 (1991)

27–28 September 1939: Poland surrenders to its invaders. Germany and the U.S.S.R. divide the nation between them.

6 October 1939: Archaeologist Carter Hall meets Shiera Sanders. Wearing artificial wings and a belt of "Ninth metal," he becomes Hawkman I. They learn that they are the reincarnations of Prince Khufu and his wife, Chay-Ara. Hawkman battles and apparently slays Doctor Anton Hastor, the reincarnation of their ancient enemy, Hath-Set. NOTES: Hawkman's anti-gravity metal was originally called "Ninth metal"; it became "Nth metal" during the characters' Silver age reintroduction (1961). Hawkman was the only character to appear in every Golden Age issue of All-Star and Flash Comics. His origin in Secret Origins #11 established the date of his debut.

Flash Comics vol. 1 #1 (Jan. 1940), Secret Origins #11 (Feb. 1987)

11 October 1939: President Roosevelt is presented with a letter from Albert Einstein outlining the possibilities of nuclear weapons and urging the U.S. to prevent Germany from gaining the advantage in development of the atomic bomb. Ted Knight contributes to the early research efforts.

Starman Secret Files #1 (Apr. 1998)

November 1939: Critically wounded by an explosion, Marine Corps Private Hank Heywood volunteers for an experimental procedure that turns him into a formidable cyborg soldier, becoming Steel, the Indestructible Man.

Steel #1 (Mar. 1978)

20 November 1939: Ted Knight seeks help from his cousin Sandra's colleague, Professor Davis, to harness cosmic energy with his "gravity rod." As Starman, he defeats Doctor Doog (first chronological appearance of both). NOTES: As described in Starman Secret Files and elsewhere, the rod was primarily Ted's invention, with some assistance from Davis.

All-Star Squadron #41 (Jan. 1985), Starman Secret Files (Apr. 1998)

Starman fights Doctor Doog. NOTES: Starman's first appearance in print. No origin accompanied this tale. Starman's origin was not told until All-Star Squadron #41 (1985).

Adventure Comics #61 (Apr. 1941)

Darrell Dane takes a serum enabling him to shrink to six inches while retaining his normal strength. He adopts the identity of Doll Man. Note: Published by Quality Comics. Doll Man's original debut predates most of DC's earliest heroes, making him one of the first super-powered heroes.

Feature Comics #27 (Dec. 1939), Secret Origins #8 (Nov. 1986)

With the help of a doctor named Marten, The Ultra-Humanite transfers his brain from an ape into the body of actress Dolores Winters. Marten then secretly places Dolores' brain into a dead woman's body. She is horrified that her new face is ugly and she makes Marten begin an endless series of transplants to restore her former beauty. Her brain is also eventually transferred to another body. NOTE: It is not clear whether Ultra's original form was the human first shown in Action #13 (his first appearance), or the ape in JSA: Classified #20. The latter tale altered the spelling of her first name.

Action Comics #20 (Jan. 1940), JSA: Classified #20 (Feb. 2007)

Scientist Terry Curtis is kidnapped by the Ultra-Humanite and forced to build an atomic disintegrator for the villain. NOTE: Terry Curtis later becomes the villain Cyclotron.

Action Comics #21 (Feb. 1940)

1939: The Sandman battles Isabella Sforza, a romance writer who kills as the Mantis. His worldview is changed forever when he finds her garden of corpses. After this, he invents a stronger "incapacitant," but never uses it in the field. The gas induces a state from which the victim might never fully awake.

Sandman Mystery Theatre: Sleep of Reason #4 (May 2007)

On the trail of a killer, the Sandman crosses paths with the Crimson Avenger and Hourman. Dian Belmont once again dons a mask to aid the Sandman as "Sandy."

Sandman Mystery Theatre #69 (Jan. 1999)

31 December 1939: Wesley Dodds gives Dian Belmont his mother's ring and proposes marriage. Though the two never actually marry, this event cements their lifelong commitment to one another. Together, they travel to Europe to rescue Wes's brother Gerald, who has been sending Wes letters with the help of Janos Prohaska (Blackhawk), from the Warsaw ghetto. NOTE: The ultimate fate of Gerald Dodds remains unknown. This was the last issue of Sandman Mystery Theatre.

Sandman Mystery Theatre #70 (Feb. 1999)

February 1940: Fawcett Publications enters the comic book market with Whiz Comics #2, the first appearance of Captain Marvel.

Calvin University student Al Pratt meets former boxing champion Joe Morgan, who begins training Pratt in boxing and weightlifting. He is unaware that Morgan, suffering from multiple-personality disorder, also trained Jim Harper (the Guardian) and Ted Grant (Wildcat) under different names. NOTE: Al Pratt did not actually become the Atom until All-American Comics #20, which took place months later. The Atom's origin was retold in Secret Origins #25, which established that Al met Joe Morgan early in 1940. Joe Morgan's strange secret was revealed in All-Star Squadron Annual #1 (1982).

All-American Comics #19 (Oct. 1940), Secret Origins #25 (Apr. 1988)

After being scarred by acid, a Prussian nobleman undergoes an experimental treatment to unlock the full powers of his mind and body. As Baron Blitzkrieg, he becomes Nazi Germany's principal metahuman agent.

World's Finest #246 (Sept. 1977)

February 1940: Steel parachutes into Germany on a daring mission to capture Adolf Hitler, but is captured and sent to a concentration camp. He is brainwashed and left subject to the mental influence of Baron Blitzkrieg. NOTES: This story was originally written for Steel #6, but was published only in Canceled Comics Cavalcade #2 (1978). It later was reformatted, inked by Jerry Ordway, and incorporated into All-Star Squadron #8–9 (1982).

All-Star Squadron #8-9 (Apr.–May 1982)

The Flash and Green Lantern capture an alien pilot who crashes outside of Gotham City. They turn him over to the Army, but, disturbed by the Army's arrogant attitude, they chose not to turn over the alien's ship, burying it outside Gotham City.

Green Lantern/Flash: Faster Friends #1 (1997)

9–10 April 1940: German troops invade Denmark and Norway.

9–10 April 1940: As German troops invade Norway, Madame Xanadu seduces Zatara to aid her in capturing the Phantom Stranger. She refuses Zatara's offer of marriage, and senses the coming of the Spectre. Jim Corrigan attends a social function with his fiance, Clarice. Corrigan survives an encounter with Gat Benson's men. NOTE: Jim Corrigan has not yet become the Spectre, contradicting the dates in More Fun Comics #52.

Madame Xanadu #9 (May 2009)

Jim Corrigan and his fiancee, Clarice Winston, are kidnapped by gangster Gat Benson.

More Fun Comics #52 (Feb. 1940),

Rick Raleigh, the assistant District Attorney of Superior City, decides to expedite the process of law and order by becoming a mystery man—the Red Bee. He fights crime with his own two fists and a trained bee named Michael. First appearance of Neon the Unknown. Note: Published by Quality Comics.

Hit Comics #1 (July 1940)

The Red Bee intervenes when gangsters try to extort the Rivera family. One day, young Rosibel Rivera stumbles upon a device from the evil Professor Pollen; it shrinks Rosibel to the size of a bug! She retains the ability to shrink, builds a suit with wings that enables her to fly and becomes the Red Bee’s, Ladybug. Note: The profile that introduces Ladybug cites her ostensible "first appearance" as Hit Comics #1 (July 1940), in which the Red Bee does visit the countryside, but there's no mention of the Rivera farm.

The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023), Stargirl: The Lost Children #3 (Mar. 2023)

Madame Xanadu foresees Jim Corrigan's death chooses to leave him to his fate. He is murdered, but returns to "life," calling himself the Spectre. NOTE: The Spectre's origin is retold in Secret Origins #15 (1987). JSA #62 places this at 3 Feb. 1940, but that doesn't fit with the previous entry.

More Fun Comics #53 (Mar. 1940); Secret Origins #15 (June 1987); Madame Xanadu #10 (June 2009)

Richard Grey, Jr., raised in Mongolia by wild condors and granted the power of flight by a mysterious meteorite, adopts the identity of murdered Senator Thomas Wright and fights crime as the Black Condor. Also the first appereance the Spider, the Clock, the Red Torpedo, and the infamous Madame Fatal. NOTES: Published by Quality Comics. The Shade #3? revealed the Spider as a villain — a member of the Ludlow family and mortal enemy of the Shade. Black Condor's origin was retold in Secret Origins #21.

Crack Comics #1 (May 1940), Secret Origins #21 (Dec. 1987)

21 April 1940: The first combat between German troops and the British Expeditionary Force takes place north of Hamar, Norway. The British troops are badly routed and forced to retreat.

12 year-old Kent Nelson encounters Nabu and is magically aged to a physical age of 20 before becoming Doctor Fate.

Secret Origins #24 (Mar. 1988)

Doctor Fate (first appereance in print) battles Wotan and meets Inza Cramer, his future wife. The Spectre clashes with the magician, Zor.

More Fun Comics #55 (May 1940), All-Star Squadron #47 (July 1985)

10-14 May 1940: Germany invades Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, then moves into France. Winston Churchill becomes the Prime Minister of Great Britain.

27 May–4 June 1940: At Dunkirk, the besieged remains of the British expeditionary forces carry out a massive evacuation of more than 335,000 British and French soldiers. During the evacuation, Libby Lawrence makes headlines when she swims across the English Channel, escaping to Dover. She subsequently becomes an internationally famous columnist and radio reporter.

All-Star Squadron #61 (Sept. 1986)

Latter 1940: German germ warfare scientist Helmut Krieger moves his laboratory to Auxille, France, in an old section of the Maginot Line. The abandoned lab is discovered in 1944. NOTE: It is unclear if Helmut Krieger is related to Albrecht Krieger aka Captain Nazi.

Robin vol. 1 #3 (Mar. 1991)

14 June 1940: German troops occupy Paris. Eight days later, France's Vichy government signs an armistice with Germany.

1940: Uncle Sam manifests for the third time, bonding with Samuel Wilson. NOTE: Published by Quality Comics. Origin retold in Secret Origins #19. The original tale only gave the man's name as "Samuel." The last name was added in The Spectre vol. 2 #49 (Jan. 1997).

National Comics #1 (July 1940), Secret Origins #19 (Oct. 1987); The Spectre vol. 3 #38 (Feb. 1996)

June 1940: Doctor Fate encounters ten-year-old Salem Rula Nader in Boston, living on the streets. He protects her from Wotan, who wants to sacrifice the girl and acquire her magical power. Kent Nelson becomes her friend and mentor, calling her "Salem, the Witch Girl." Notes: Salem was inspired by Grant Morrison’s version of Klarion the Witch Boy, from 2005's Seven Soldiers. The profile that introduces Salem cites her "first appearance" as More Fun Comics #56 (June 1940), which does feature Wotan.

The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023), Stargirl: The Lost Children #3 (Mar. 2023)

20 June 1940: Japanese troops occupy French Indochina.

The Flash is officially deputized by Keystone City's police commissioner.

All-Star Comics #1 (Summer 1940)

10 July–25 August 1940. The Battle of Britain: The Royal Air Force clashes with the German Luftwaffe.

Shortly after his 23rd birthday, Johnny Thunder (who was kidnapped by Badhnisians in 1918 because of his auspicious birth) returns to the United States. He has unwittingly acquired the power to command a magic Thunderbolt for an hour after saying the magic word "Cei-U" ("Say You"), and begins a bumbling crimefighting career. Notes: Johnny initially was unaware that his power derived from the Thunderbolt or that "Say You" was the magic word. He discovers the existence of the Thunderbolt in Flash Comics #11 (Nov. 1940). He's sometimes called "Johnny Thunderbolt." Johnny's origin was retold in Secret Origins #13. The Thunderbolt was revealed as a 5th-dimensional djinn named Yz in JLA #29 (May 1999).

Flash Comics #1 (Jan. 1940), Secret Origins vol. 2 #13 (Apr. 1987)

Johnny Thunder meets his girlfriend, Daisy Darling. NOTE: Peachy Pet, his adopted daughter, 1st appears in Flash Comics #21.

Flash Comics #2 (Feb. 1940)

Hourman is aided by a group of local kids calling themselves the Minutemen of America.

Adventure Comics #53 (Aug. 1940)

Former 98-pound weakling Al Pratt dons a costume and dubs himself the Atom to save his girlfriend, Mary James, from kidnappers. Shopkeeper Ma Hunkel dons red long-johns and a helmet made from a soup pot to become the crime-busting Red Tornado. NOTES: Al Pratt first appeared in All-American Comics #19, but did not become the Atom until #20. His origin was retold in Secret Origins #25. Ma Hunkel was a character in the "Scribbly" strip beginning in All-American Comics #1. She did not become the Red Tornado until issue #20. She was DC's first costumed heroine. The Red Tornado appeared briefly at the Justice Society's first meeting in All-Star #3, but never was an official member of the JSA.

All-American Comics #20 (Nov. 1940), Secret Origins #25 (Apr. 1988)

Mister Miracle (Thaddeus Brown) assembles a group of mystics (later called the Justice Society Dark). Known members include Blue Beetle, Doctor Fate, Doctor Occult, Madame Xanadu and Zatara. Eventually, they "used magic to permanently slow their own aging."

The New History of the DC Universe #1 (Aug. 2025)

First appearances of Quality Comics heroes Hooded Justice/the Invisible Hood; and Hugh Hazard with his Iron Man, Bozo.

Smash Comics #1 (Aug. 1940)

Summer 1940: Wesley Dodds (the Sandman) has prophetic visions of costumed people. After he fails to sell his sleeping gas to the U.S. military, the data from his experiments is stolen by his friend Wheeler Vanderlyle, who is working for Col. Malcolm Breckinridge. (Wesley Dodds #1) They outfit an unnamed man to become "the Fog" to confront the Sandman with poison gas. (#2–4) The Sandman implicates Breckinridge (#5) and throws his own journal into the fire before defeating Vanderlyle. Months later, Dian Belmont brings her young nephew, Sandy Hawkins over to meet Wes. A group of costumed heroes visits him asking him to help form the Justice Society of America. (#6) Notes: This series references events from the Sandman Mystery Theater series. Sandy becomes Wes' sidekick in Adventure Comics #69 (Dec. 1941).

Wesley Dodds: The Sandman #1–6 (Dec. 2023–May 2024)

August 1940: Madame Xanadu investigates the case of a woman whose father has burned to death. She finds ties going back to the Spanish Inquisition. During the case, she crosses paths with Dian Belmont and Wesley Dodds (Sandman). NOTE: Dian Belmont once again poses as Sandman's driver, Sandy.

Madame Xanadu #11–15 (July–Nov. 2009)

Dian Belmont disguises herself as the Sandman to rescue Wesley Dodds from kidnappers.

Adventure Comics #56 (Oct. 1940)

7 September 1940. The Blitz: The German Luftwaffe begins nightly raids on England in preparation for Operation Sea Lion, a planned invasion of England.

16 September 1940: President Roosevelt signs the Selective Service Act, beginning draft registration in America; by October 16, 16,000,000 men have registered.

27 September 1940: Japan signs the Tripartite pact and the Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis. The Axis powers are officially formed.

Doctor Fate meets the Spectre. Together, they stop a military project aimed at using demons as weapons.

The Spectre vol. 3 Annual #1 (1995)

The Spectre defeats Xnon with the Ring of Life, which greatly increases his powers.

More Fun Comics #60 (Oct. 1940)

Hawkman battles the evil Aztec priestess Nyola and the Spectre defeats Kulak with the Ring of Life.

All-Star Comics #2 (Fall 1940)

5 November 1940: Franklin Roosevelt is reelected to a 3rd term as President.

22 November 1940: The Justice Society of America (first appereance in print) holds its first official meeting in the Sandman's brownstone. Members present are the Atom, Doctor Fate, the Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Hourman, the Sandman and the Spectre. The Red Tornado makes a brief appearance but she flees after accidentally tearing out the seat of her pants. (All-Star Comics #3) Johnny Thunder (an unofficial member) takes a photo of the fledgling Justice Society of America around their iconic round table. Doctor Fate receives a powerful, dim vision of the immediate future. Alan Scott reads the news about a Soviet Red Lantern. (The New Golden Age #1) Hawkgirl is on-hand for the Justice Society's first formal portrait, but she chooses to sit out. (JSA vol. 2 #18) NOTES: Later, an editorial in All-Star Comics #6 declares that the team's constitution "does not permit more than eight active members at any one time!” Through the end of the war the real-world rule for JSA membership was that any character with his own title left the team to become an honorary member. Superman and Batman were honorary members from the outset because they already had their own books and because most of the characters in All-Star Comics were published by All-American Comics, This was a separate company whose books carried the DC logo but were produced through separate editorial offices until the two companies fully merged in 1945. The location of their first headquarters was originally Gotham City but latter-day stories describe it as Wesley Dodds' residence, which was in New York City.

All-Star Comics #3 (Winter 1940); The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023); JSA vol. 2 #18 (June 2026)

1940: The Huntress (Helena Wayne) arrives from the future to warn the JSA about Per Degaton.

Justice Society of America vol. 4 #2 (Mar. 2023)

Late 1940: The President sends the JSA on a special mission against a Fifth Column group led by Fritz Klaver. NOTE: This story was retold in the final issue of All-Star Squadron.

All-Star Comics #4 (Mar./Apr. 1941), All-Star Squadron #67 (Mar. 1987)

1940: In Keystone City, the Flash fights former District Attorney Clifford Devoe, the Thinker. He has a brief, startling encounter with the Reverse-Flash. Note: The story also references Rag Doll, the Fiddler, the Shade and the Rival. The Thinker's first historic appearance was All-Flash Comics #12 (Sept. 1943).

The Flash vol. 1 #750 (May 2020)

13 January 1941: Dr. Fate and Salem search Slaughter Swamp for Mister Miracle of the Justice Society Dark (referencing Diamond Jack and Zatara). Note: First in-panel appearance of the Justice Society Dark and of Salem, both preceded by profile mentions in The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023).

Justice Society of America vol. 4 #2 (Mar. 2023)

1941: In London, while fighting alongside Captain X for England, the hero, the Shade is accidentally merged with the villainous Simon Culp. Believed to have died, Culp instead becomes the "dark side " of the Shade. Over the years, Culp occasionally possesses their shared body and is the force behind some of the Shade's more heinous crimes.

Starman vol. 2 #66 (June 2000)

1 March 1941: German extermination camps begin full operation, eventually leading to the murders of some 6,000,000 Jews and 3,000,000 Communists, Roma, and other dissidents.

Blinded by a gangster's attack, crusading physician Charles McNider discovers that he is blind in daylight, but can see in the dark. He becomes Doctor Mid-Nite, fighting crime with the aid of his pet owl, Hooty, and the unwitting aid of his nurse, Myra Mason. NOTES: Doctor Mid-Nite's origin was retold in Secret Origins #20.

All-American Comics #25 (Apr. 1941), Secret Origins #20 (Nov. 1987)

6 April 1941: Germany invades Yugoslavia and Greece. Yugoslavia surrenders on April 17, Greece on April 21.

In Nazi-occupied Greece, Helena Kosmatos becomes the Furywhen is endowed with superhuman strength, speed, and a suit of magical armor by Tisiphone, the Blood Avenger, of the ancient Greek Eumenides (Furies). When enraged, Helena transforms into Tisiphone and kills her brother Michael, a Nazi collaborator, causing a massive explosion in an Aegean harbor. She is rescued from the sea by newsreel reporter Johnny Chambers (Johnny Quick), who takes her back to America to live with her aunt and uncle in Florida. NOTES: The Fury was not a Golden Age character; she was created to take the place of the Earth-Two Wonder Woman in post-Crisis continuity. This is her first chronological appearance; her first appearance in print was an image in Infinity, Inc. #35 (1987).

Secret Origins #12 (Mar. 1987)

Green Lantern meets cab driver Doiby Dickles, who becomes his "right-hand man."

All-American Comics #27 (June 1941)

Doctor Fate reveals his true identity to Inza Cramer. NOTES: This is the first Doctor Fate story to say that Fate had a human identity, rather than being a purely supernatural entity. (Curiously, he also tells Inza that "there are no such things" as vampires or ghouls, calling them "hypnotically induced suggestions"!)

More Fun Comics #66 (Apr. 1941)

The members of the JSA are attacked by the mysterious Mister X. The Spectre discovers that one of Mister X's henchmen is armed with the Ring of Life. Hawkman builds a second Nth metal belt and wings for Shiera Sanders, who becomes Hawkgirl. NOTES: Shiera is not actually called Hawkgirl in this story. Her first appearance as Hawkgirl in the Hawkman strip was in Flash Comics #24 (1941). The magic ring worn by the Spectre's foe is not specifically identified as the Ring of Life in this story; it was so described in the recap of this story in All-Star Squadron #28 (1983).

All-Star Comics #5 (June/July 1941)

Doctor Fate battles the sinister Ian Karkull, trapping him in shadow form.

More Fun Comics #69 (July 1941)

Ted Knight's cousin Sandra Knight becomes the Phantom Lady. Chemist Roy Lincoln invents explosive QRX-27 and transforms himself into the Human Bomb. NOTE: Starman vol. 2 #44 (July 1998) describes Phantom Lady as the first heroine. These heroes were originally published by Quality Comics.

Police Comics #1 (Aug. 1941)

Late Spring, 1941: On Liberty Island, reporter Joan Dale has a dream that the Statue of Liberty comes to life and grants her the power to alter the nature of matter. Creating a colorful costume, she becomes Miss America. Unbeknownst to her, her powers actually are the result of a secret experiment carried out by the top secret Project M. NOTES: Miss America was published by Quality Comics. Originally, her origin was not a dream; the expanded version of her origin involving Project M appeared in Secret Origins #26, which also established the date of her debut.

Military Comics #1 (Aug. 1941), Secret Origins #26 (May 1988)

May–June 1941: FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover calls Green Lantern to Washington, DC to blackmail him. Hoover knows his secret identity and wants him to help promote the JSA publicly. He has photo evidence of Alan with another man and insists that he attend one of his private parties. When murdered gay men begin to surface, Green Lantern is implicated. (#1) The Spectre helps Alan solve the murders and clues lead him to realize that his former lover, Johnny, is behind it. "Johnny" confronts Alan — as the Red Lantern. (#3) He reveals his real name, Vladimir, and he is now married. Alan gambles at charging his ring with the red battery. (#4) The USSR sends in the Crimson Host (Comrade Kostra, the Countess, Professor Molotok, Proletari-ant and Major Blaze) to replace the Red Lantern. (#5) Red Lantern erupts with power, killing all the Crimson Host. He's imprisoned but soon escapes. (#6)

Alan Scott: The Green Lantern #1–6 (Dec. 2023–July 2024)

Ian Karkull allies himself with Wotan to avenge himself on Doctor Fate, but Fate seemingly destroys both villains.

More Fun Comics #70 (Aug. 1941)

22 June 1941: German troops carry out Operation Barbarossa, an invasion of Soviet-occupied Poland, breaking Hitler's nonaggression pact with Stalin and embroiling Germany in a two-front war.

Green Lantern is elected chairman of the JSA, which pledges to raise $1,000,000 for war orphans. When Johnny Thunder is unable to raise his share, the Thunderbolt summons honorary member, the Flash to make up the difference. NOTE: The original story was the first time in print that Superman and Batman appeared together in the same story. The end of the story announces that Green Lantern is now an honorary member (coinciding with the new Green Lantern series) and Hourman is granted "a leave of absence" (because his strip in Adventure was ending). They are replaced by Doctor Mid-Nite and Starman.

All-Star Comics #7 (Oct./Nov. 1941)

Shortly after raising a million dollars for war orphans, the JSA is attacked by Extant. The villain is defeated by the time-traveling Impulse, and all those present lose their memories of the attack.

Impulse: Bart Saves the Universe (Apr. 1999)

Late June 1941: Dian Belmont shows a new Sandman costume design to mystery writer Jonathan Law, which he dons to become the Tarantula. Shortly afterwards, Dian is apparently killed while wearing Sandman's original costume. NOTES: Star-Spangled #1 was the Tarantula's first appereance in print. The source of the two characters' very similar costumes, the motivation for Sandman's costume change, and the death of Dian Belmont were first revealed in All-Star Squadron #18.

Star-Spangled Comics #1 (Oct. 1941), All-Star Squadron #18 (Dec. 1982)

Grief-stricken, Wesley Dodds also dons the costume Dian had designed for him. Around the same time, he adopts Dian's nephew, Sanderson Hawkins, who becomes his crimefighting partner, Sandy the Golden Boy. Sometime after this, Dian is discovered not to have died. NOTES: The new costumes were designed by Jack Kirby and were featured in all of the Sandman's subsequent Golden Age appearances. Dian did not appear in Adventure after the changeover. In light of Sandman Mystery Theatre, where Dian was portrayed as an only child, her relation to Sandy remains unexplained. The circumstances of Sandman's adoption of Sandy Hawkins, and Dian's return have not yet been revealed.

Adventure Comics #69 (Dec. 1941)

30 June 1941: By distributing year 2000 technology in 1941, T.O. Morrow attempts to conquer Earth. The JLA travel back in time to recollect the items, but are captured by the Spectre and a suspicious JSA. First appereance of Spider & Fly. NOTE: Though not active members, Flash, Green Lantern, Hourman, Hawkgirl and Doctor Mid-Nite take part in this case; Johnny Thunder does not appear. (DC 2000 #1)
1 July 1941: The JSA are shown what future T.O. Morrow hopes to build. Finding it more horrific than the the JLA's future, they release the JLA and defeat Morrow. When the JLA return to the future, the JSA lose all memory of the event. (#2)

DC 2000 #1–2 (2000)

Realizing that the Helm of Nabu allows Nabu to control him, Doctor Fate eschews its magic and dons a non-magical half-helmet instead. He still retains some super-strength, invulnerability and flight. NOTES: More Fun Comics #72 is Fate's first appereance in the half helmet; this explanation was provided in All-Star Squadron #23.

More Fun Comics #72 (Oct. 1941), All-Star Squadron #23 (July 1983)

After their encounter with Professor Elba, the JSA encounters the Brain Wave, who gives them a posthypnotic suggestion that later enables him to capture them.

All-Star Squadron #20 (Apr. 1983)

After being framed for the murder of his mentor Ted Grant, inspired by a Green Lantern comic book, becomes Wildcat.

Sensation Comics #1 (Jan. 1942)

Former child prodigy Terry Sloane, bored and frustrated with life, adopts the guise of Mister Terrific to seek new challenges.

Sensation Comics #1 (Jan. 1942)

Ted Grant wins the heavyweight boxing championship.

Sensation Comics #2 (Feb. 1942)

Doiby Dickles learns Green Lantern's secret identity.

All-American Comics #35 (Feb. 1942)

The director of the FBI enlists the JSA's help in battling fascist incursions in Central and South America, from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego.

All-Star Comics #9 (Feb./Mar. 1942)

4 July 1941: Wealthy teenager Sylvester Pemberton and his chauffeur, former boxer Pat Dugan, become the Star-Spangled Kid and Stripesy.

Action Comics #40 (Sept. 1941), Secret Origins #9 (Dec. 1986)

Wildcat meets bumbling private detective Stretch Skinner, who becomes his frequent partner and ally.

Sensation Comics #4 (Apr. 1942)

26 July 1941: FDR freezes Japanese assets in the U.S., suspends trade with Japan, and orders an embargo on the sale of oil and gasoline to Japan and its territories.

Newsreel photographer Johnny Chambers discovers the speed formula "3X2(9YZ)4A" and becomes Johnny Quick.

More Fun Comics #71 (Sept. 1941), All-Star Squadron #65 (Dec. 1986)

Sir Justin, a knight of King Arthur's court, is revived after spending hundreds of years frozen in an ice floe. Armed with enchanted armor and a magic sword, he resumes his adventures as the first Shining Knight. NOTE: The Shining Knight's origin was retold in All-Star Squadron #62.

Adventure Comics #66 (Sept. 1941), All-Star Squadron #62 (Sept. 1986)

Libby Lawrence becomes Liberty Belle. NOTE: Liberty Belle's origin was retold in All-Star Squadron #61.

Boy Commandos #1 (Winter 1942–43), All-Star Squadron #61 (Sept. 1986)

2 October 1941: German troops advance towards Moscow, but are stymied by the harsh Russian winter.

Starman battles the Mist (first appereance in print).

Adventure Comics #67 (Oct. 1941)

Johnny Thunder learns that "Say You" is the magic word that summons his Thunderbolt, although he more commonly says it by accident.

Flash Comics #20 (Aug. 1941)

Johnny Thunder adopts a young girl named Peachy Pet.

Flash Comics #21 (Sept. 1941)

26 October 1941: Japanese Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoye is replaced by General Hideki Tojo.

31 October 1941: After scientist Bob Crane is mortally wounded by gangsters, his assistant, Chuck Grayson, transfers Crane's still-living brain into a powerful robot body, transforming him into Robotman. NOTE: Robotman's origin was retold in All-Star Squadron #63, which also established the date of his transformation.

Star-Spangled Comics #7 (Apr. 1942), All-Star Squadron #63 (Nov. 1986)

After a singing career as the Prairie Troubadour, Greg Saunders becomes the Vigilante to avenge the murder of his father. NOTES: In pre-Crisis continuity, there was an Earth-One Vigilante as well; he had a similar early history, but was not a member of the Seven Soldiers of Victory; his first appereance was Justice League of America #78 (1970) and his first chronological appearance was Justice League of America #144 (1977).

Action Comics #42 (Nov. 1941)

The Spectre meets the bumbling Officer Percival Poplaski, also known as Percival Popp, the Super-Cop, who becomes his frequent partner.

More Fun Comics #74 (Dec. 1941)

November 1941: Joined by honorary members Flash and Green Lantern, the JSA travels 500 years into the future to help the Time Trust (Prof. Damon Everson, Prof. Malachi Zee, Doctor James Swanley, Doctor Wilfred Doome) develop an indestructible force field (the "bomb defense formula"). NOTES: The story takes place before Pearl Harbor. The Time Trust scientists originally were not named; the scientists appeared in subsequent All-Star stories and later were identified as the unnamed Time Trust members. This was the Sandman's first JSA case in his new costume.

All-Star Comics #10 (Apr./May 1942)

Late 1941: In battle with the Clock King, Green Arrow ad Speedy are sent back to the 1940s, where they join he Seven Soldiers of Victory (a.k.a. the Law's Legionnaires) alongside the Crimson Avenger, the Shining Knight, the Star-Spangled Kid, Stripsey and the Vigilante. The Crimson Avenger's partner, Wing, is an unofficial member. NOTES: Wing first appeared in Detective Comics #20 (1938). A previous retcon from Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. #9 (Apr. 2000) filled Green Arrow's role with the Spider, a Quality Comics archer.

Leading Comics #1 (Winter 1941); Stargirl Spring Break Special #1 (July 2021)

1941, Wutach Canyon, Germany: Searching for the Spear of Destiny, the JSA encounter Doctor Elemental in Germany, battling his cybernetic Ro-Bear and other creatures. (#2) The Boom (Judy Garrick) intervenes from the future and damages Elemental's suit. He takes a tissue sample from her and escapes. (#3)

Jay Garrick: The Flash #2–3 (Jan.–Feb. 2024)

Late 1941: Best friends Betsy Rose and Molly Preacher are starstruck by Miss America and adopt their own codenames inspired by women of American legend — Betsy Ross and Molly Pitcher. They don masks and costumes to help their hero find “the Moth,” a non-costumed silk thief who had plans to destroy the Statue of Liberty (the source of Miss America's powers). Miss America is impressed and entrusts the girls with relics of great power. Betsy is given a spool of thread that gives her enhanced strength, speed and limited flight. Molly is bequeathed a pitcher from the Revolutionary War which now had the ability to create weapons, tools and floods. Note: Their fictional first appearance was said to be "Military Comics #6–7." In that story, the heroine did inspire a group of street kids, but they were all were boys. In the Military #7, Miss America did indeed face the Moth. In real-world American history, "Molly Pitcher" is a character of legend from America's Revolutionary War period, inspired by the deeds of one or more heroic women. Betsy Ross was a real-life woman who was "credited by her relatives in 1870 with making the second official U.S. flag." Their first in-story appearance was Stargirl: The Lost Children #3 (Mar. 2023). It is unknown how these relics came to be so empowered.

The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023), Military Comics #6–7 (Jan.–Feb. 1942)

Professor Brian James, a chemist working with Roy Lincoln (the Human Bomb) is killed by criminals. Lincoln delivers the news to the professor’s daughter, Gloria, who threatens to expose Lincoln’s secret identity. She succeeds in recreating the Human Bomb's awesome powers and together they capture her father’s killers. As Cherry Bomb, she becomes his sidekick. Notes: The fictional profile that introduced Cherry Bomb cites her ostensible "first appearance" as Police Comics #25 (Dec. 1943), which does show Roy Lincoln in his lab but no other people are depicted. The date of this issue is later than the story requires; Cherry Bomb is said to have disappeared in July 1942.

The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023), Stargirl: The Lost Children #2 (Feb. 2023)

When the Spirit King attacks a trivia competition, 10-year-old orphan Raghu Seetharaman helps Mister Terrific defeat him. Afterwards, the boy bests Terrific in a competition and is dubbed "the smartest boy in the world." He becomes Quiz Kid, Mister Terrific's costumed sidekick and a member of his “Fair Play Club." Note: The profile that introduced Quiz Kid gives his ostensible "first appearance" as Sensation Comics #2 (Feb. 1942). That real-world story does feature a 'home for boys,' and the “Fair Play Club” was formed in the previous issue but the boys were all unnamed.

The New Golden Age #1 (Jan. 2023), Stargirl: The Lost Children #3 (Mar. 2023)