Captain Marvel (DC Comics) abilities. Based on book sales, the character was the most popular superhero of the 1940s, outselling even Superman. Fawcett expanded the franchise to include other "Marvels", primarily Marvel Family associates Mary Marvel and Captain Marvel Jr., who can harness Billy's powers as well. Captain Marvel was also the first comic book superhero to be adapted into film, in a 1941 Republic Pictures serial titled "Adventures of Captain Marvel". Fawcett ceased publishing Captain Marvel-related comics in 1953, partly because of a copyright infringement suit from DC Comics, alleging that Captain Marvel was a copy of Superman. In 1972, DC licensed the
Iron Man (comic book) Iron Man (comic book) Iron Man is the name of several comic book titles featuring the character Iron Man and published by Marvel Comics, beginning with the original "Iron Man" comic book series which debuted in 1968. The character made his first appearance in "Tales of Suspense" #39 (cover dated March 1963). After issue #99 (March 1968), the "Tales of Suspense" series was renamed "Captain America". An Iron Man story appeared in the one-shot comic "Iron Man and Sub-Mariner" (April 1968), before the "Golden Avenger" made his solo debut with "Iron Man" #1 (May 1968). The series' indicia gives its