DC Silver Age Reading Order Part 1

Part 1.1: 1954

While not yet defined as Earth-1, later stories clarify the differences between the two main DC universes, making it apparent that the following stories represent the transition from Earth-2 to Earth-1 for heroes like Batman and Superman. For example, it is established that only the Superman of Earth-1 publicly fought crime as Superboy in Smallville (as depicted in Superman #90), and that Earth-1’s Catwoman returned to a life of crime (shown in Detective Comics #203). While this delineation between Earth-2 and Earth-1 versions of Superman and Batman is a bit murky at first, the transition will become more apparent in the years to come as more Silver Age characters are introduced.

Reading Order:

Detective Comics #203
Batman #81 – #88
Detective Comics #204 – #215
Superman #90 – #94
Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #1 – #2
World's Finest #71 – #73

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Part 1.2: 1955

The Silver Age continues on with little in the way of major changes or crossover appearances for characters, other than the team-ups between Batman, Robin, and Superman in World’s Finest. This year is significant in that it introduces the Earth-1 version of Aquaman in Adventure Comics, though this character’s first appearance has been debated as the only distinction between the Golden and Silver Age versions of the character is the color of his gloves. Martian Manhunter also makes his first appearance in Detective Comics, a character who had no Earth-2/Golden Age counterpart.

Reading Order:

Detective Comics #217 – #219, #221 – #226
Batman #89 – #96
Action Comics #209 – #211
Superman #97 – #102
Superman's Pal, Jimmy Olsen #3 – #9
Adventure Comics #211 – #219
World's Finest #74 – #79

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Part 1.3: 1956

Despite the earlier appearances of a few Earth-1 characters, some argue that DC’s Silver Age truly began with the publication of Showcase #4. That’s because the issue introduces Barry Allen and his alter-ego the Flash. This is a significant building block in terms of establishing the fact that the Golden and Silver Age DC stories take place on two different Earths—the Golden Age already featured the Flash as a man named Jay Garrick who operated during World War II. Showcase #4 establishes that Jay Garrick’s Flash never existed in Barry’s world, but more on that later. Another significant addition in 1956 was Batwoman’s first appearance in Detective Comics #233.

Reading Order: