What were the major ages in the history of superhero comic books?

The history of superhero comic books is categorized into several distinct "ages," each reflecting the cultural climate and societal concerns of its time.1

• Golden Age (1938–1954): Beginning with the debut of Superman in 1938, this era was defined by the rise of costumed heroes, often characterized by patriotism during World War II. It concluded as the industry faced public scrutiny over content, leading to the adoption of the self-censoring Comics Code Authority.12
• Silver Age (1956–1969): Following a period of decline, this age saw the reintroduction of superheroes, often incorporating themes of science, technology, and Cold War-era paranoia.13
• Bronze Age (1970–1980): This period was marked by the repopularization of classic heroes and a shift toward more diverse storytelling, even as the industry faced fluctuating sales.14
• Late Bronze Age (1980–1984): A transitional period that bridged the gap between the earlier Bronze Age and the modern era.1
• Modern Age (1985–present): Characterized by superheroes who often grapple with existential angst and self-doubt. This era has seen the genre's massive expansion into film, television, and digital media, with major studios like Marvel and DC becoming central to global popular culture.15