10 Things From DC Comics That REALLY Haven't Aged Well
Remember that time Supergirl fell in love with an... actual horse?
Every kind of storytelling in existence has had some dark and unsavory moments from time to time. For comics, these kinds of moments are bound to happen, especially in a publication system that requires a constant flow of issues to keep readers hooked within an ever-changing culture.
There have certainly been some odd and downright offensive moments within DC stories that, by modern standards, have done more harm than good. Worse yet, though, is what happens within the publication itself. As has happened elsewhere in the industry, it's what happens behind-the-scenes that can cause the biggest controversies.
The history of DC under these terms is thus viewed based on what has been created on the page, and what has transpired off it - all of which is defined by the company's treatment of both comic book creators and comic book characters.
While knowing this insight may affect the perception of DC Comics as a whole, it's hardly the only one that has had its fair share of mistakes. What ultimately matters is that DC learns from their mistakes, and ensures their future success.
10. The Unrecognized Efforts Of Bill Finger
The Dark Knight's origins as a character wasn't the only aspect of his life that was riddled with injustice. No, behind the scenes, another injustice was occurring - this time over Bill Finger's role in the character's creation.
For years, it was mistakenly understood that the slimy Bob Kane was the sole creator of Batman, but research into the Caped Crusader's creation has actually revealed that it was writer Bill Finger who was responsible for the creation of Batman and the most recognisable elements of his comic mythos.
It was Finger's feedback that led to character similar to the Pulp Fiction hero the Shadow, with the kind of aesthetic that can be found in the original "Detective Comics," rather than pursue Kane's original idea, which featured a blond-haired man in a red jumpsuit and mechanical bat-wings. Finger was also instrumental in creating the identity of Bruce Wayne, Gotham City, and most of Batman's supporting cast of criminals and allies.
Inspiration aside, though, it was Kane who would claim Finger's ideas as his own, and exclude him from the contract he negotiated with DC Comics. This didn't stop Kane from paying for his scripts at a rate that was not nearly as much as what DC was paying him.
It wouldn't be until 2016 when the publisher would officially recognise Finger as Batman's co-creator, over 75 years after the publication of Detective Comics #27, and 42 years after his untimely passing at the age of 59.