Created in 1952

1952 marks the twilight of the Golden Age, but it still delivered two distinctive DC creations — one mystical, one criminal — who would later become far more important than their modest debuts suggested. This page lists the 1952 creations entering the U.S. public domain in 2048 — and any already there.

Entering the Public Domain in 2048 (Created in 1952)

Phantom Stranger
Phantom Stranger, created by John Broome and Carmine Infantino, debuted in The Phantom Stranger #1 in August 1952. Phantom Stranger will enter the public domain on January 1, 2048.

Firefly
Firefly (Garfield Lynns), created by France Herron and Dick Sprang, debuted in Detectived Comics #184 in June 1952. The DC Comics version of Firefly will enter the public domain on January 1, 2048.

Already in the Public Domain (Created in 1952)

None at this time.

1952: Context & Fun Facts

• The Phantom Stranger arrives as a supernatural wildcard.
  Debuting in Phantom Stranger #1, he blended horror, mystery, and ambiguous morality — a template DC would revisit heavily in the 1970s occult boom.
• Firefly reflects the era’s turn toward crime fiction.
  Garfield Lynns began as a theatrical arsonist, part of DC’s slow shift away from capes toward noir-flavored villains as superhero sales declined.
• 1952 is a hinge year between horror and heroes.
  EC horror books were at their cultural peak, the Comics Code was looming, and DC experimented with supernatural tones — making the Phantom Stranger’s debut particularly well-timed.