The Bronze Age of Comics began in 1970 during a pivotal time in modern American history. In this environment, comics began covering key themes in a changing society across both Marvel and DC Comics. Some of the major comic creators from the Silver Age, such as Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, continued to be key creative forces in the 1970s. At the same time, this era saw the introduction of a new set of superheroes and began to see an increase of comics across media such as film and TV.
Bronze Age Marvel Comics
Marvel characters in the 1970s transformed into a new era led by changes including the introduction of the New X-Men in Giant-Size X-Men 1 in 1974. The revision to the Comic Code in 1971 opened up the door to new creative direction for comics. A number of new Marvel characters saw their origin including Wolverine in Incredible Hulk 181, Punish in Amazing Spider-Man 129, Ghost Rider in Marvel Spotlight 5, Moon Knight in Werewolf by Night 32 and Blade in Tomb of Dracula 10.
Bronze Age DC Comics
For DC Comics, Green Lantern 76 marked the onset of a new era in the 1970s with prominent themes around Civil Rights. Jack Kirby, who was one of Marvel’s most prolific artists in the 1960s, was now a lead editor for DC and produced the Fourth World including New Gods, Forever People and Mister Miracle. At the same time, Batman continued to be prominent led by the artwork of Neal Adams and the writing of Denny O’Neil.