DC Comics originated in the Golden Age (1938–1956) of Comics, beginning with publisher Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson's National Allied Publications in 1934. After an initial success with comics made of entirely new material, the company merged and evolved, eventually becoming Detective Comics, Inc., in 1937. The following year, the debut of Superman in Action Comics #1 set off the superhero genre, cementing the company's place in the industry. During this period, DC also introduced other iconic heroes like Batman (1939) and Wonder Woman (1941). The Golden Age waned in the 1950s, leading DC to diversify its titles into other genres like science fiction and westerns. 

The Silver Age (1956–1970) of Comics began in 1956 when DC successfully reintroduced and reimagined its superhero roster, beginning with a new version of the Flash. The company brought back and created modern versions of heroes like Green Lantern and Aquaman, and united its flagship characters in the Justice League of America. The Silver Age introduced the concept of the "Multiverse" to explain continuity differences between the new and old versions of heroes, a framework that became central to DC's storytelling. This period also saw the rise of a major competitor, Marvel Comics, which pushed both companies to innovate and expand the superhero genre.

Moving into the Bronze Age (1970–1985) and Modern Age (1985–present), DC stories became more complex and mature, reflecting broader social changes. Landmark events like the Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985) rebooted and streamlined the DC Universe, creating a new, shared continuity for its characters. This was followed by influential, darker titles like Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns, which redefined the superhero genre for a new generation of readers. In the decades since, DC has continued to innovate with new publishing initiatives like "The New 52" and “Rebirth," and now “The Absolute Universe” as well as expanding its characters' presence across film, television, and video games.