Who is the Oldest Superhero?
The world of superheroes is filled with iconic characters who have been entertaining and inspiring us for decades. From the legendary Batman to the mighty Superman, these heroes have captured our imagination and become a part of our pop culture. But, have you ever wondered who the oldest superhero is? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of superheroes and uncover the answer to this question.
The First Superhero: The Phantom
According to Guinness World Records, the first superhero is The Phantom, created by Lee Falk in 1936. This comic strip hero debuted on February 17, 1936, and has been entertaining readers ever since. The Phantom, also known as "the ghost who walks," is a masked crime-fighter who fights for justice and peace.
Ancient Mesopotamian Heroes
While The Phantom is considered the first modern superhero, there are ancient heroes who predate him. In ancient Mesopotamian mythology, Gilgamesh was a hero who lived around 2600 BC. He was the king of Uruk and is considered one of the earliest surviving heroes in literature. The Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic poem written in Akkadian, tells the story of Gilgamesh’s adventures and exploits.
The Evolution of Superheroes
In the early 20th century, the concept of superheroes began to take shape. The first comic book superheroes, such as Superman and Batman, were introduced in the 1930s. These characters were inspired by mythology, folklore, and pulp fiction, and quickly gained popularity.
The Birth of Marvel and DC
In the 1930s and 1940s, two major comic book companies, Marvel Comics (formerly Timely Comics) and DC Comics (formerly National Allied Publications), emerged. Marvel Comics was founded in 1939, while DC Comics was founded in 1934. These companies would go on to create some of the most iconic superheroes of all time, including Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Wonder Woman.
Oldest DC Hero
Within the DC Universe, the oldest hero is the Parliament of Trees, which dates back to ancient times. This group of tree-like beings has been around for billions of years and has played a significant role in the DC Universe.
Oldest Marvel Hero
Within the Marvel Universe, the oldest hero is Eternity, a cosmic entity who has been around since the beginning of time. Eternity is a being of immense power and is considered one of the most powerful entities in the Marvel Universe.
Comparison of Oldest Superheroes
Here’s a comparison of the oldest superheroes from both DC and Marvel:
| Superhero | Age | Company |
|---|---|---|
| The Phantom | 1936 | Lee Falk (Independent) |
| Gilgamesh | 2600 BC | Ancient Mesopotamian Mythology |
| Parliament of Trees | Billions of years | DC Comics |
| Eternity | Beginning of time | Marvel Comics |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the oldest superhero is a matter of interpretation. While The Phantom is considered the first modern superhero, Gilgamesh is an ancient hero who predates him by thousands of years. Within the DC and Marvel Universes, the oldest heroes are the Parliament of Trees and Eternity, respectively. This article has taken you on a journey through the history of superheroes and has answered the question of who the oldest superhero is.