Comics Publications publishes Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman. The comic launched the superhero industry and along with company title Detective Comics, became one of the longest running comic book titles, with continuous publication since 1938 (with a minor gap from 2011-2016). 1939 Many influential comics companies, including Archie Comics, Fawcett Comics, Fox Feature Syndicate, Lev Gleason Publications, Quality Comics, and Timely Comics (later Marvel) were founded this year. May: First appearances of Batman and James Gordon in Detective Comics #27. August: Publication of Mystery Men Comics by Fox Feature Syndicate begins, debuting the Blue Beetle (as Dan Garret). October: Timely Comics publishes Marvel Comics #1, renamed next issue to Marvel Mystery Comics. The original Human Torch and Namor The Sub-Mariner debut in this issue.