Before Batman: DC’s First Cinematic Heroes Were Captain Marvel and Spy Smasher

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Long before Batman and Superman dominated the silver screen, DC Comics‘ first cinematic foray featured two lesser-known heroes: Captain Marvel and Spy Smasher. These characters, created by Fawcett Comics, beat DC’s flagship heroes to theaters in the early 1940s, marking a pivotal moment in superhero media history.

In 1941, Fawcett Comics released “The Adventures of Captain Marvel,” a 12-chapter serial that became a box office hit. The following year, “Spy Smasher” followed suit, captivating audiences with its weekly cliffhangers. These serials were groundbreaking, introducing the concept of episodic storytelling to superhero films. DC, then known as Detective Comics, took notice of Fawcett’s success and released its first Batman serial, “Batman,” in 1943.

“Fawcett Comics took a leap of faith,” said comic historian Mark Waid. “They saw the potential in adapting their characters for the big screen, and it paid off. Captain Marvel and Spy Smasher were household names before Batman even had a chance.”

At the time, moviegoing habits were vastly different. Films were released in weekly installments, with each chapter ending on a suspenseful note to ensure audiences returned. “The Adventures of Captain Marvel” was particularly successful, blending action, adventure, and special effects that were revolutionary for the era.

DC eventually acquired the rights to Fawcett’s characters in 1972, bringing Captain Marvel and Spy Smasher into the DC Universe. By 1991, these characters were fully integrated, with Captain Marvel rebranded as Shazam to avoid legal conflicts with Marvel Comics.

Today, Batman is one of the most iconic superheroes in pop culture, but his journey to cinematic stardom was not immediate. “Batman wasn’t the universal icon he is today,” Waid added. “It took decades of storytelling, reboots, and adaptations to cement his place in the pantheon of superheroes.”

As the DC Universe continues to expand on screen, the legacy of Captain Marvel and Spy Smasher serves as a reminder of the genre’s humble beginnings. Their early success paved the way for the superhero blockbusters that dominate theaters today.