What was the first ever comic book superhero?

The title of "first ever comic book superhero" is a bit tricky, as the term "superhero" wasn't really established in those early days. However, the character often considered to be the first proto-superhero is Mandrake the Magician, who debuted in 1934 in a comic strip.

Here's why:

* Supernatural Powers: Mandrake possesses hypnotic powers, allowing him to control people's minds, similar to how modern superheroes use their abilities.

* Costumed Vigilante: He wears a distinctive costume and fights crime, often facing down villains with his magical abilities.

* Popularity: Mandrake was incredibly popular and inspired many other characters that followed.

While other characters like Phantom (1936) and The Shadow (1931) also possessed superhuman abilities and fought crime, Mandrake's early popularity and the clear influence he had on later characters solidify his claim as the first proto-superhero.