The Silver Age of DC Comics 1956-1970

Having already brought us the Golden Age, Taschen turns its attention to the Silver Age of DC Comics 1956-1970-a period which gave rise to increasingly fantastical and sci-fi imbued narratives.

The Silver Age of DC Comics

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This was partly to get around the censorship of the officious Comics Code Authority, which was formed by the Comics Magazine Association of America in 1954 and cut down on graphic or sexualised content in comics.

Strange Adventures No. 110. Cover art, Gil Kane and Jack Adler. November 1959

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Strange Adventures No. 110. Cover art, Gil Kane and Jack Adler. November 1959

While the Golden Age had seen the birth of Flash, Superman, and Batman, this Silver Age saw its heroes ‘rebooted’ and the book documents the characters’ tangential off-page reincarnations, including toys, and the infamous Batman TV show, which saw the caped crusader become the camp crusader.

Adam West on the set of the Batman television Show, Season 1, 1966

Source: Photo by Yale Joel/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Adam West on the set of the Batman television Show, Season 1, 1966

There’s also an interview with Green Lantern and Batman artist Neal Adams, who was known for increasing the influence of ‘dynamic illustration’ as opposed to ‘dominant cartooning’.

His style, for example, quickly led Batman away from his camp era to his becoming of the Dark Knight Detective – which inspired many other artists and movie makers.

Teen Titans No. 16. Cover art, Nick Cardy. July-August 1968

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Teen Titans No. 16. Cover art, Nick Cardy. July-August 1968

The book is jam packed with images of covers, exerts from strips, original illustrations, photographs, film stills, and collectables.

Aimed at the completest, the Silver Age is part of a series, which will grow to comprise the Bronze, Dar, and Modern ages.

The Silver Age of DC Comics 1956-1970 is out now, published by Taschen, priced £34.99, and is written by Paul Levitz, with art direction and design by Josh Baker.

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