A Brief History of DC COMICS and Their Many Names! || Comic Misconceptions || NerdSync

As one of the big two comic book publishers, DC Comics has around 80 years of history behind it. Today, instead of taking a look at the origins and history of the superheroes they've created like Batman and Superman, we're going to look at all the behind the scenes goings on at the comic company, and why they named their business after Detective Comics!
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Every Wednesday, Comic Misconceptions explores the incredible stories, fascinating ideas, and mind-blowing theories regarding comic books and the rich history and culture that surrounds them!
Hosted by
Scott Niswander (@ScottNiswander)
DK (@DKlarations)
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-------SOURCES-------
Ron Goulart's Great History of Comics Books
www.amazon.com/...
Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters and the Birth of the Comic Book - Gerard Jones
www.amazon.com/...
The Path of Kahn - Back Issue! #57
www.twomorrows....
The Great Comic Book Heroes - Jules Feiffer
www.amazon.com/...
The Golden Age of Comic Books: Representations of American Culture from the Great Depression to the Cold War
epublications.m...
Testimony of William M. Gaines
www.thecomicboo...
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[@Shinobin333]

As a child I always thought the "DC" stood for Washington DC. It took many years until I actually learned the truth on that matter

[@AHeroAlmost]

The quality of these videos are as good as any documentary on TV..

[@DKlarations]

Thanks!

[@YourUncleBenis]

I would rename it CC Comics. Comic comic comics.

[@richardsessions3304]

You couldn't call it CC Comics because of Charlton Comics which was sometimes referred as CC ( and yes ) Comics.

[@YourUncleBenis]

Hasn't Charlton been dead for a while, though?

[@oro2play]

The CCC for short. Then we can start calling it CCC Comics.

[@Bubbabyte99]

OroCrimson 2 Then it could be called CCCC. Then CCCC Comics.

[@hdexotic1914]

no that’s, not a very good, name...

[@paganmatthew4854]

DC Comics= Detective Comic... Comics

[@anthjmauro]

How I see it, DC stands for DeteCtive

[@kitcollar3102]

+Atrapper cleveerrrrrr

[@chonkyloreraccoon3686]

dick condoms comics? :b

[@AkinokazeHaruichiban]

+Nagap M RIP in peace, common sense.

[@macsnafu]

+Nagap M Do people really get upset about this alleged redundancy? I always thought of it as a bit of a joke, part of the silliness of comics, rather than a disturbing nitpick. DC Comics is fine by me.

[@CommanderCool76]

Love these videos. DC Comics is just what it is now. It's what I have grown up with and don't mind it at all.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Same!

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Ignore the popping noises that happen for no reason. It's definitely not a code asking for help...

[@teknowhale]

...Ok, *grabs decoder*

[@DasBonbonAusWurst]

+NerdSync Are you sure it's not a 5x5 POW tap code?

[@lukethoennes440]

+Auram's Comics! Shame on your cow!

[@zachrom2621]

Wait that means “DC Comics" stands for “Detective Comics Comics" lol

[@garnsey39]

can you research the algarivem for superheroes with no powers such as how they find crime how they fund there crime fighting and pay the bills how they get enough sleep what tools they use how they get away from the police where they hide there coustume how much protection do they were how they get back into there apartment by not having to worry about security cameras please :)

[@trinitysxxi]

Scott looks really good on this video! I like how you can notice an evolution on Scott's style through the years, tbh I think he's one of the most stylish nerd youtubers around.

[@Stellanorthmediaproductions]

This was a very well produced episode. Always a pleasure to watch through your vids Scott! Also, JIM LEEEEEEE!!! :)

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Melbourne Sydney USD SGD

[@jonathansoko1085]

Even in the early days, everything rode on the back of batman like today. Its crazy to think that today if we take batman out of comic shops, not only does DC die, but so will marvel. I wonder how marvel feels knowing that Batman is 100% the driving force for all comic book shops today and if hes gone, so is most of the customer base.

[@k-manmccool1870]

I've recently started to rewatch old episodes and after that I am now noticing a huge jump in production value. I'm loving watching you guys grow! Love the videos, hope to see you guys get even better!PS: Love your expanding crew, your like a Justice League of comic commentors

[@imberribored]

Scott your Hamilton game is too strong. I approve XD

[@NerdSyncProductions]

:)

[@Saint0999]

+NerdSync how bout DeadPools physical abilities?

[@finnchapman5435]

+Nic Saunders I believe his only physical abilities are healing factor and teleportation.

[@ssjbubbims3114]

+Finn Chapman Since when can Deadpool teleport? (not 4th wall breaking teleport i.e. moving across comics panels)

[@finnchapman5435]

SSJ Bubbims He doesn't currently have this ability, but he used to use a device allowing him to teleport. This was 616, not some what if comic or alternate universe. This might help: marvel.wikia.com/wiki/Deadpool's_Teleporter

[@laguy8181]

I have always personally loved that DC stands for Detective Comics

[@sinci7]

Great work guys! In particular Scott. Very impressed you managed to make such a confusing subject feel simple even with all your behind the scene issues (moving house). Keep up the great work!

[@jhorsley3]

Great video, lots of awesome facts. Not sure if it's worth noting, but in 1987 DC Comics toyed with the idea of changing to "Superman Comics" and testing the logo on Justice League #3 and Firestorm #61. The only tested it on those two, and only on Newsstand editions but ultimately decided to keep DC Comics and the bullet.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Ah! We almost mentioned this! I'll bring it up in the next Tales video.

[@macsnafu]

I always knew there was some kind of connection between the early National and American comics companies, but didn't really know the details. Ironically (or is it?) the only superheroes to survive the dearth of popularity in the early 50s were National's heavy hitters, Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. They're the only ones whose titles were published non-stop (and Blackhawk, but then again, they're not really superheroes). Flash, Green Lantern, and the others had to be brought back and reinvented when superheroes became popular again. But what's always fascinated me was the development of DC's multiverse, first with the Golden Age characters being put on a separate world, and then coming up with new alternate worlds for each set of characters DC absorbed from other comic companies. Earth-X for the Quality comics characters, Earth-S for the Fawcett characters, etc. And it was because I liked the multiverse so much that I hated 1985's Crisis on Infinite Earths, because they didn't just re-unify the multiverse, they made the change retroactive, so that allegedly, the multiverse never existed. That retroactivity is what really bugged me. Marvel's multiverse blossomed *after* I stopped trying to keep up with current comics, so I have little knowledge or understanding of it.

[@555AllenWoods]

This was a cool and informed video, glad to watch the next one about Marvel`s comics history. good job guys...

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Thanks!

[@Draybolt4]

I can't really think of a better name for DC comics because it's so iconic, and any name change would effectively cut off any tribute to the comics that made it great

[@evanwolfgang8492]

So, in the Flash TV show last night, Barry was talking to the Speed Force, and I like to believe he was talking to the show's version of Mopee. That's what I'm putting in my head-cannon.

[@eugenideddis]

Whoo! Mopee in the Flash! You cannot tell me otherwise (I have seen the episode)!

[@bradenf]

For me, starting to read comics in 1956/57, its always been "National" to me and, at least until recently, I've pretty much always considered "DC" to be a pet name. I didn't do any of the historical research you've done (except maybe some on EC which was a personal favorite publisher for me along with Fawcett). Thanks for all your great vids!!

[@ScooterinAB]

I'd love to see a history of Marvel video. Specifically, I'd like to know more about the factors leading to Marvel's near bankruptcy, the selling if the film rights (beyond "they sold film rights"), and the aftermath and current happenings in comics as a result of the sold film rights.

"Uh! Do I make a cameo on that video?!" "Nope." "FANTASTIC!" HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA. Man, I LOVE this channel.

[@skiddy529]

Finally early for a NerdSync vid! lol. keep up the awesome work scott or should i say, The Ace Convict?

[@Yoyoitsyoji]

Someone needs to compile all of Nerdsync's Hamilton references.

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Supercut!

[@GraalSlim]

I'd rename it "Confusing reboots every 4 years"

[@maxpetyt9403]

lol

[@Vid1917]

+Bob Play then Marvel becomes "#1s every 2 years"

[@winchest961]

Dave M Dude's an idiot he doesn't even know its not a reboot.

[@sebastianquintero1834]

Marvel does the same thing every 2 years lol

[@masterrance]

Or Crisis fo short lol

[@Bradyboy26]

the phase "DC Comics" is hilarious Detective Comics Comics

[@chrisb4457]

I liked this format of you two playing off each other while providing a great deal of information.

[@t.d.l.8655]

Those National Comics covers were from a series published by Quality Comics and not part of the National Allied Publishing group.

[@DeerBonesBaby]

I love how even since the fifties people used entertainment as an escape goat to their problems instead of you know, actually solving them.

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

"DC or Detective Comics..." *mind explodes* And that's barely 5 seconds in...

[@rmannayr2129]

YAY A DC COMICS VIDEO!

[@stevenscrub5548]

No notifications, but I still love NerdSync

[@NerdSyncProductions]

I love you!

[@boltarmy2.090]

That Desert Batman pop fingure in the back round is awesome

[@FirstNameLastName-zq4gb]

I remember hearing that DC tried to change its meaning to Dynamic Comics so it's be Dynamic VS Marvel comics. Kinda liked that idea, but overall, glad it's still Detective Comics

[@noelleperry6062]

I kinda want to go through every nerdsync video and just count all of the Hamilton references lol

[@trickshotitsdangerous994]

Hey Scott you are my number one favorite youtuber ever I just think your an awesome youtuber.Also you should make a Nightwing video sometime in the future.Thank you for being such a great Family friendly youtuber I really appreciate it just thank you for keeping it family friendly and fun.Thank you!!!

[@Malicious_Hero]

5:45 very nice rhyme in there. Someones clearly been listening to alot of Hamilton.

[@byron3718]

What?

[@kayleequick5066]

Scott's face at 11:57 cracked me up so bad...

[@paytoncox6595]

5:36 nice Hamilton reference there Scott.... well done my good man, well done

[@paytoncox6595]

+Payton Cox 9:56 and then another. You guys must really love Hamilton

[@andrewlyon8924]

I knew all of this already, but watched the video anyway just so I could like it.

[@jonadams5277]

Wonderful information, very succinctly delivered. Though the spoken facts are accurate, there is an error with two of the visuals. At around 2:40, issues of "National Comics" were shown. Despite the name, they were published by Quality and had no connection to National. At around 3:40, mention of other All-American characters is made, but two National ones are shown: Green Arrow (from "More Fun Comics") and Starman (from "Adventure Comics"). Instead, the video should have shown Dr. Mid-Nite or the Atom from "All-American Comics," or Hawkman or Black Canary from "Flash Comics," or Wildcat or Mr. Terrific from "Sensation Comics."

[@Cowgirlcadet]

For some unknown reason I totally was not surprised by the TWOK clip accompanying the initial mention of Ms. Kahn.

[@etonblakerussell]

I would rename DC Comics to.... 52 Publications. So we honor their go-to number

[@yvesthekoala9038]

Honestly, 52 Publications sounds like a really good name

[@MorinehtarTheBlue]

No 52 is a recent thing. It's because of an event that saw publication every week for a year (52 weeks in a year) and somehow got tied to the 2011 reboot which has since been overturned with DC rebirth.

[@ProdbyJason]

Omg dc is my fave and this vid was my on my b-day so this is like a gift to me

[@jimdotbeep]

Love the suit Jacket. Very cool shade of Blue. It reminds me of Nightwing.

[@themaverickfan]

"Ah AFTER the war..." Daaaaaamn son. Lookatchu sneaking in Hamilton in here.

[@MaxMarriner]

Any video with DK is one worth watching.

[@oro2play]

I'm excited for this Marvel video. Hope you do it soon!

[@prenom6407]

Hey, it's been a long time i've been wondering. What are those colored orbs in your background ?Is this a reference to the green lantern emotional spectrum ?Aaaand, is there a way to get them online (Maybe that's just ordinary light decoration, but it's been a while since i'm looking for comics related decoration but it's really expensive sometimes :x) Although, your channel, VariantComics and Comicstorian's channel really helped me getting into the comics universe, it's been over a year i'm into this, and it keeps getting more interesting ! Thank you a lot.

[@LeChampionPodcast]

nothing like watching an amazing video on my birthday

[@loganfrench8824]

Happy Birthday!

[@LeChampionPodcast]

+Logan French thank u !

[@NerdSyncProductions]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEWAYNE!!!

[@LeChampionPodcast]

+NerdSync thank you always enjoy your videos

[@B.W.Jackson]

"Detective Comics Comics". I'll never get over it, Scott! NEVER! 😂

[@TheRAZORVIDS]

Great video! nerdsync is the best comic channel on youtube!

[@Trialwolf]

If you haven't done it yet do you plan on covering the history of Wildstorm comics?

[@ebinmuttath1904]

"DC "name make sense becoz 1. reminder of success Batman 2. more detective characters An alternative name could be LEGENDARY COMICS

[@ComicTrips]

Always awesome and informative.

[@kevingiven3463]

Great way to nutshell the DCU. I think that you can adapt your characters for a new generation without changing their personalities. Bud Collyer and Kirk Alyn defined Superman for the '40's, George Reeves defined Superman for the 50's and Christopher Reeve defined the character for the '70's and 80's. (kinda skipped the '60's) Then Dean Cain defined the character for the '90's But even with their differences to accommodate the changing times they were still the same character fighting for truth, justice, and the American way. Then we come to Henry Cavill...But that would take volumes to describe what happened, and it's not just the removal of the red trunks, it's a totally different character which only barely resembles what went on before. Thus we now see a sharp division among fans over the direction the character has taken. It was so radical that Cavill is now out as the Man of Steel and the version in the comics, the new '52 version, was killed off. But unlike the Superman of the '90's comic book, which returned after Doomsday killed him (like we didn't know he'd be back.) The new 52 Superman didn't come back (what happened to the cocoon power?) Instead, he was replaced...by a previous version from a universe that had already existed. Bringing the character back to its roots. The DCU has to learn what the comic books have found out: to succeed, you have to stay true to the source material.

[@SuperHeroJay]

That non stop reference at 5:38

[@mehulagarwal858]

+NerdSync Hey Scott! Awesome video as always There's actually quite more interesting stuff that happened which you as I am sure know about. But if this is helpful, there's actually a course on edX related to this and marvel its called ,The Rise of Superheroes and Their Impact On Pop Culture' by Smithsonian museum

[@odinson99m]

Great video guys. Lots of great history.

[@techdoodle8207]

Lemmino made a "TOP 10 DC FACTS" video where he stated the after DC ( which was not it's name at that time ) started making Bat-Man Comics ( Who was a "detective" ), it gained the name DETECTIVE COMICS Comics. So I always thought it was that.

[@jrrollins84]

Great video. Just wondering, have you read DC Comics: A Visual History from DK Publishing?

[@givmespace]

i thumbs it up before i even watched.....i already knew it was good

[@claytob]

1:45 "Now here's where it gets fun" Was that an intended pun?

[@HeyYoDoodle]

Liking for the "Hamilton" reference A-after the war, it's back to New York!! xD

[@scottandrewhutchins]

Do one on the weird names in the indicia of 1960s Marvel comics like Olympia, Leading, Canam, Perfect, etc.

[@danielsimpson5994]

It'd be cool if you did a Brief History of series with videos for Variant Comics, Image Comics, and IDW after your Marvel history video.

[@chahal6356]

Without DC there won’t be any superheroes every other company is just ripping them off

[@immaheadout]

"Diverging Customs Comics" This name would simply imply how the company does what it can to go beyond tradititional forms of literature. A prime example of this is Multiversity which gets very meta with the whole "Earth 33 is our own world" concept.

[@jozlynndeloatch2612]

Awesome video!!!

[@MikeAwesome019]

+Jozlynn DeLoatch I agree ;-)

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Thank you!

[@jaimejaviergodoyvillasenor5784]

i see an invader zim reference, you won a like, good job.

[@isetmfriendsofire]

Comic history has always been fascinating to me.

[@Josh_Hammond]

Hey Scott, I think dc comics should be changed to DC's 52 comics....but although DC comics sounds weird its still iconic

[@theapplecommunity5021]

Love you everyone that works at Nerd Sync. I feel like not everyone gets enough creds! so Thank you!

[@DKlarations]

Nah man, thank YOU!

[@DKlarations]

Oh man, if you watch this on your iPhone and your voice is similar enough to mine, it'll activate Siri every time 😂

[@David-pq6bm]

your voice is amazing!

[@dagoon7206]

Really I'm watching it on my iPhone too

[@abelrivera2777]

I would rename it to AC DC (Action Comics Detective Comics) ;) or For Tomorrow Comics

[@abelrivera2777]

But I still like DC Comics though

[@Tupiaz]

Great episode. DC has over the years bought many smaller punlishers' characters not only Wildstorm nut also Charlton and Archie characters (red circle) the later characters has since returned to Archie.

[@genegarcia210]

I would love to have a video about Marvel's history!!!!😄😄

[@flideliocorungus]

Hello Mr. Internet-comic-book-man, I am a recent fan, but I love your show. I was wondering if you think superhero movies should be loyal to the comics and fans thereof or be easily digestable for wide audiences. Also, what is your favorite title with the word "uncanny." Mine is Uncanny Inhumans because I love Reader.

[@maevedoyle2634]

Snazzy Blazer there Scott. Great choice in attire

[@NerdSyncProductions]

I am fond of it!

[@maevedoyle2634]

***** Of course you're fond of it, it's pretty snazzy

[@majinjason]

The best name for DC would be, Incredibly Complicated Storyline Resets That No One Can Possibly Follow Ever Comics, or ICSRTNOCPFE Comics for short. I think its got pop!

[@TiihoPlays]

"I can't wait for Marvel's history!" [DK groans] LOL

[@ianlister7333]

I am sure I am not the first one to think this, but the Comics Code Authority, sounds like a story arc from comics themselves, and like there was a comic book Civil War ;)

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Very true!

[@edwardsanko6396]

An excellent historical essay on the subject of DC Comics name and creation. Too me DC Comics is DC Comics and needs no more name changes although it is good to once in awhile to remind newbies of its history. As an idea for future tales how about a series of overviews on the war and horror/supernatural lines done by DC Comics and even Marvel Comics. I have always felt that these stories were light years better than many of the movies ever produced over the last few decades.

[@ThePoker215]

I've always wondered why it was callled Detective comics comics

[@jakeclements]

Hey Scott, Have you made one of these for Marvel Comics? It will be really interesting. Jake

[@NerdSyncProductions]

We'll get to it eventually!

[@karl_alan]

I really like your wardrobe for this one Scott. I used to have a similar look, and have always thought it looked good....surprised you're not too warm for the jacket in Texas though.

[@caleblefever9138]

can you do a video about Neal Adams and his part in helping artist's get the rights to their art work back?

[@andrickmedrano1483]

"A-after the war" and "history had its eyes" I'm TRIGGERED

[@digital262]

Had a question. There was a comic store I went as a kid that had a DC banner. Under it, there were the words "Direct Comics". So is it Detective or Direct comics? Or was is changed yet another time?

[@missplayer30]

9:48 where does this clip come from?

[@DKlarations]

Star Trek II: the Wrath of Khan! It's good, watch it. :-)

[@raggarharry9765]

Detective Comics Comics prints Comics. The Comics that Detective Comics Comics makes are some of the best Comics.

[@roperl22]

DC comics is a fun name, its come to the point where its so silly to think of it as detective comics comics and its been that way for such a long time that it would be a shame for them to change the company name

[@Ryan-zn1iu]

Epic and informative vid plz do marvel history

[@peardude8979]

So that's what DC stands for! The show hasen't started and I already know something new.

[@teknowhale]

Stop self advertising m8

[@NerdSyncProductions]

Learn something new everyday!

[@robertt9342]

I always knew that DC stood for detective comics, but I agree that it was no longer an acronym as it had been a nickname for their comics for so long. DC Comics is perfectly fine with me when referring to their comic division.

[@jabezcreed]

I'm not sure how intentional it was with the "DC" branding and logo, but I grew up thinking the DC and stars made it look very "American" which ties in with its National Comics roots. In my mind, the DC still carries a District of Columbia type connotation so there is no redundancy for me.

[@zinkheroofyoutube8004]

5:37 After the war, I went back to New York

[@kendallw6068]

That moment when NerdSync posts a video like this a week before DC changes its logo...coincidence? I THINK NOT!!

[@DKlarations]

+Kendall W Right?!

[@backstageaiden4188]

My favorite villain that Superman had defeated was on the radio show when he defeated the KKK wanna add to the +NerdSync

[@Jebbtube]

What if the Comic's Code had never come to be? You could do a crossover with The Alternate History Hub for this one.

[@jaylucien669]

Marv Wolman said that he and other DC employees got a petition going in the 80s to get the company to officially change it's name to Action Comics. It obviously fell through. Though that would've been cool, the name DC is just too iconic to ever change.