Mount Rushmore of Comic Book Legends: A Biased but Admired Tribute

Introduction

When it comes to the world of comic books, certain figures rise to the heights of influence and creativity more than others. Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson and Maxwell Gaines essentially formed the backbone of the comic industry, with Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster giving birth to the most iconic superhero of them all.

Building on their shoulders, the recent and current creative icons such as Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere are further shaping the very fabric of the DC Universe. Let’s take a walk through the history and introduce these Mount Rushmore legends.

The Founders and Pioneers

First and foremost, the founders of the comic book medium are Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson (1916-1993) and Maxwell Gaines (1909-1980). These two men laid down the very foundation for the comic book industry that we take for granted today.

Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson

Wheeler-Nicholson is, in many ways, the unsung hero of the comic book world. Before him, comics were mere novels or serials distributed in periodicals. He co-founded National Allied Publications and Detective Comics Inc., the companies that later merged to form DC Comics (Detective Comics, Inc.). His vision allowed the comic book to evolve from a simple and unstructured medium into a comprehensive and cohesive form.

Maxwell Gaines

Maxwell Gaines is also a crucial name in the history of the comic book industry. As the founder of All-American Publications, he was one of the first to recognize the potential of distribution via magazine format. Gaines’ idea of repackaging old comic strips and developing the prototype for the modern comic book magazine set the stage for what was to come.

The Founding Fathers of a Superhero

While the aforementioned figures founded the industry, it’s the creative geniuses behind the most famous protagonists that took it to the next level. The stalwarts of the comic book universe, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, created the very first modern superhero, Superman.

Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

Though their journey was fraught with challenges, Siegel and Shuster’s Superman was not only the beginning of the superhero era but also a turning point in the way we perceive and produce media. Their creation has had a profound impact and continues to shape modern comic books and popular culture.

The Shapers of the DC Universe

Modern comic book creators build on the shoulders of giants, and the next set of figures I’m highlighting are the ones who are actively shaping and defining today’s DC Universe.

Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, Joshua Williamson

This trio, consisting of the Denied, JT Wynnter, and Tyrone Aguilar, are the architects of the most recent and ongoing transformations of the DC Universe. They are instrumental in the complex web of storylines and characters that make up the current DC Comics universe. Their collaborations on the Metal Wars arc and the impending Dark Crisis have further cemented their place in DC’s pantheon of creative legends.

Daniel Sampere

In the realm of art, the pantheon of masters includes the rising star, Daniel Sampere. Sampere’s work on Action Comics Vol 1 alongside Phillip Kennedy Johnson and his upcoming projects on the Dark Crisis have earned him a significant reputation in the industry. His ability to visualize the complexity and depth of the DC universe is both inspiring and compelling.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the history of comic books and the individuals who have defined its evolution, it’s clear that these figures hold a place on the Mount Rushmore of greatness. Their contributions, although at different points in time, are interconnected, with current creators building on their foundations.

I welcome your thoughts and comments. What other comic book creators do you consider to be the most influential in the history of the medium?