1940s in comics #20. Batman #1, Cover dated Spring, 1940 introduced The Joker and Catwoman known simply as "The Cat". Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger Wonder Woman, created by William Moulton Marston, first appears in "All Star Comics" #8. She is among the first and most famous comic book superheroines. Stan Lee becomes editor-in-chief at Timely Comics. "Adventures of Captain Marvel", a twelve-chapter film serial adapted from the popular Captain Marvel comic book character for Republic Pictures, debuts. It was the first film adaptation of a comic book superhero. Archie Andrews, created by Bob Montana first appears in "Pep Comics" #22,
Wonder Woman Superman. Modern historians divide 20th century history of American superhero comics into "four ages", akin to the "Ages of Man". In an October 25, 1940, interview with the "Family Circle" magazine, William Moulton Marston discussed the unfulfilled potential of the comic book medium. This article caught the attention of comics publisher Max Gaines, who hired Marston as an educational consultant for National Periodicals and All-American Publications, two of the companies that would merge to form DC Comics. At that time, Marston wanted to create his own new superhero; Marston's wife and fellow psychologist Elizabeth suggested to him that it should