Created in 1938

1938 was a seismic year — the moment superheroes as we know them truly began. This is the year the cape hit the page, the fantasy stage magician took form, masked vigilantes sharpened their edges, and jungle adventure found its queen. A small list… with world-defining impact. This page lists the 1938 creations entering the U.S. public domain in 2034 — and any already there.

Entering the Public Domain in 2034 (Created in 1938)

Superman
Superman debuted in Action Comics #1, published by DC Comics on April 18, 1938 (cover-dated June 1938). Created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster,Superman will enter the public domain on January 1, 2034.

Lois Lane
Lois Lane debuted in Action Comics #1 and will enter the public domain on January 1, 2034.

Crimson Avenger
Crimson Avenger, created by Jim Chambers and widely considered to be the first masked superhero in DC Comics, debuted in Detective Comics #20 in October, 1938. Crimson Avenger will enter the public domain on January 1, 2034.

Zatara
Zatara, created by Fred Guardineer, debuted in Action Comics #1 and will enter the public domain on January 1, 2034.

Already in the Public Domain (Created in 1938)

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle
Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, created by Will Eisner and his studio partner S. M. "Jerry" Iger, debuted in the British magazine Wags #46 in January 1938. Her first appearance in the United States followed shortly after in Fiction House's anthology series Jumbo Comics #1 in September 1938. Sheena, Queen of the Jungle is in the public domain.

1938: Context & Fun Facts

• Superman's debut in Action Comics #1 literally created the superhero genre.
  Before him, pulp heroes existed — but the idea of a costumed, superpowered champion? That begins in 1938. Every cape that followed stands on his shoulders.
• Zatara arrived one month later — and became DC’s first costumed magician.
  His backwards magic predates Zatanna, Doctor Strange, and every comic sorcerer who followed. He was the original “stage wizard turned action hero.”
• The Crimson Avenger quietly kicked off the “masked detective” archetype.
  Debuting in October, he predates Batman by half a year and helped pave the way for the noir-leaning, gun-toting vigilantes that shaped early DC storytelling.
• Lois Lane debuted the same day as Superman - defining the archetype of the sharp, intrepid girl reporter.
  Her career, attitude, and narrative importance set the standard for the superheroe genre's 'civilian lead.'
• Sheena became comics' first major female lead to headline her own book.
  Sheena, Queen of the Jungle predates Wonder Woman by three years and set the tone for jungle adventure heroines for decades.