When did comics become more popular?

In year 1940, 1 year after the creation of Batman and some 5-3 years after the creation of Superman, comic books were really popular. But in 1966, comics became REALLY popular, after the success of Adam West, Burt Ward and Alan Napier's roles as Batman, Robin and Alfred in the TV show "Batman", people liked superheroes and began buying many comics, making DC, Marvel, Image and Dark Horse rich.