The above iconic logo was created by the late, great Ira Schnapp. So were most of the other great logos that appeared on the covers of DC Comics from some time in the forties until around 1967. He did almost all of the cover lettering from '50 to '67 and also did the calligraphy for some very effective advertising in the books.
He was a major talent whose work has too long been overlooked but in the last few years, it has been rightly celebrated. The website Dial B for Blog did a long feature on his work that contained a lot of biographical information. Recently, Todd Klein (himself, a superb letterer) recently completed a more in-depth look at Schnapp's life and work, aided by access to the Schnapp family. To read Todd's superb report, start with Part 1, then read Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5 and Part 6.
The last part of Todd's series will also give you a look at a recent art show staged by my buddy Arlen Schumer, a graphic designer who has been among the greatest champions of Ira Schnapp. Like Arlen, I believe Schnapp is a major figure in the history of comics and that his graphic designs have bled into other areas. He really was one of the great lettering designers of the twentieth century. Go find out about him.