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Detective Comics #647
DC
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Spoiler, Stephanie Brown, later becomes Robin
1st appearance of Stephanie Brown's mother
Key Facts
1st appearance of Spoiler, Stephanie Brown, later becomes Robin
1st appearance of Stephanie Brown's mother
Sensational She-Hulk, The #57
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First one-on-one battle of the Hulk vs She-Hulk
Earlier issues, The Incredible Hulk #321 and #322 depicted a fight but Bruce Banner was separated from the body of the Hulk and other characters were engaged in the battle
Key Facts
First one-on-one battle of the Hulk vs She-Hulk
Earlier issues, The Incredible Hulk #321 and #322 depicted a fight but Bruce Banner was separated from the body of the Hulk and other characters were engaged in the battle
X-Factor #92
Marvel
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Exodus, an Omega Level mutant
Uncanny X-Men #148
Marvel
•
1981
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Caliban, a mutant with the ability to track other mutants
Angel quits the X-Men
Key Facts
1st appearance of Caliban, a mutant with the ability to track other mutants
Angel quits the X-Men
Web of Spider-Man #90
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Anniversary issue celebrating 30 years of Spider-Man
Interior gatefold poster of Spider-Man 2099 published one month before the August 1992 preview in The Amazing Spider-Man #365
Key Facts
Anniversary issue celebrating 30 years of Spider-Man
Interior gatefold poster of Spider-Man 2099 published one month before the August 1992 preview in The Amazing Spider-Man #365
Amazing Fantasy #1
Marvel
•
2004
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
1st appearance of Arana, the Spanish word for Spider and codename of Anya Corazon
1st team appearance of the Sisterhood of the Wasp
Key Facts
1st appearance of Arana, the Spanish word for Spider and codename of Anya Corazon
1st team appearance of the Sisterhood of the Wasp
Amazing Fantasy #7
Marvel
•
2005
•
Vol. 2
Key Facts
1st appearance of the new Scorpion, Carmilla Black
1st appearance of Monica Rapaccini, Scientist Supreme of A.I.M. and mother of Carmilla
[January 2020 - confirmed character in the M.O.D.O.K. animated series]
Copies purchased by retailers: 21,798
Key Facts
1st appearance of the new Scorpion, Carmilla Black
1st appearance of Monica Rapaccini, Scientist Supreme of A.I.M. and mother of Carmilla
[January 2020 - confirmed character in the M.O.D.O.K. animated series]
Copies purchased by retailers: 21,798
Avengers #12
Marvel
•
2011
•
Vol. 4
Key Facts
Iron Man wields the Infinity Gauntlet
Red Hulk joins the Avengers, invited by Captain America
Key Facts
Iron Man wields the Infinity Gauntlet
Red Hulk joins the Avengers, invited by Captain America
Simpsons Comics and Stories #1
Welsh Publishing Group
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of The Simpsons in comic books - previous appearances cameos and/or unofficial
Polybagged with a poster
Key Facts
1st full appearance of The Simpsons in comic books - previous appearances cameos and/or unofficial
Polybagged with a poster
Justice League #1
DC
•
1987
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Maxwell Lord
Legends #1
DC
•
1986
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Amanda Waller, director of the Suicide Squad
1st appearance of Brimstone
[January 2023 - a spin-off of Peacemaker with Viola Davis as Amanda Waller is planned]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Amanda Waller, director of the Suicide Squad
1st appearance of Brimstone
[January 2023 - a spin-off of Peacemaker with Viola Davis as Amanda Waller is planned]
Witchblade #10
Top Cow
•
1996
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Jackie Estacado, later becomes the Darkness
Key Facts
1st appearance of Jackie Estacado, later becomes the Darkness
Marvel Comics Presents #77
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of Wolverine, specifically the first time he is referred to as Weapon X in the chronological order of the story
Though the character introduced in Incredible Hulk #180 (1974) was named The Wolverine aka Weapon X, an origin story hadn't been developed yet
One enduring rumor was that he was initially meant to be the actual animal, evolved with the assistance from the High Evolutionary but this was dispelled by Len Wein, the writer who is credited for creating the character
Key Facts
Origin of Wolverine, specifically the first time he is referred to as Weapon X in the chronological order of the story
Though the character introduced in Incredible Hulk #180 (1974) was named The Wolverine aka Weapon X, an origin story hadn't been developed yet
One enduring rumor was that he was initially meant to be the actual animal, evolved with the assistance from the High Evolutionary but this was dispelled by Len Wein, the writer who is credited for creating the character
Web of Spider-Man #18
Marvel
•
1986
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Eddie Brock, hands only, pushing Peter Parker into the path of an oncoming train
The hands that push Peter Parker in this panel were intended to be those of a woman who lost her family in an accident, indirectly caused by Spider-Man but eventually Eddie became the main antagonist in the symbiote suit
This scene is retold from Brock's perspective in The Amazing Spider-Man #388
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Eddie Brock, hands only, pushing Peter Parker into the path of an oncoming train
The hands that push Peter Parker in this panel were intended to be those of a woman who lost her family in an accident, indirectly caused by Spider-Man but eventually Eddie became the main antagonist in the symbiote suit
This scene is retold from Brock's perspective in The Amazing Spider-Man #388
Eternal Warrior #4
Valiant
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Bloodshot
1st appearance of the Immortal Enemy, the monstrous nemesis of the Eternal Warrior and the Geomancers
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Bloodshot
1st appearance of the Immortal Enemy, the monstrous nemesis of the Eternal Warrior and the Geomancers
Power Pack #1
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st team appearance of Power Pack: Gee (Alex Power), Lightspeed (Julie Power), Mass Master (Jack Power), Energizer (Katie Power)
First written work in the comic book industry by Louise Simonson
Key Facts
1st team appearance of Power Pack: Gee (Alex Power), Lightspeed (Julie Power), Mass Master (Jack Power), Energizer (Katie Power)
First written work in the comic book industry by Louise Simonson
Promethea #1
America's Best Comics
•
1999
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Sophie Bangs, chosen to be the new avatar of Promethea
Key Facts
1st appearance of Sophie Bangs, chosen to be the new avatar of Promethea
Amazing Spider-Man #5
Marvel
•
2014
•
Vol. 3
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Silk and full cover appearance
1st appearance of Goblin King, Phil Urich, formerly Goblin Knight
📖 Spider-Verse Reading Order: read The Amazing Spider-Man #5, then Free Comic Book Day 2014 - Guardians of the Galaxy
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Silk and full cover appearance
1st appearance of Goblin King, Phil Urich, formerly Goblin Knight
📖 Spider-Verse Reading Order: read The Amazing Spider-Man #5, then Free Comic Book Day 2014 - Guardians of the Galaxy
Moon Knight #1
Marvel
•
2014
•
Vol. 7
Key Facts
Marc Spector assumes the moniker of Mr. Knight
1st appearance of Ryan Trent, later becomes the second Black Spectre
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: some collectors consider Secret Avengers #19 the introduction of the Mr. Knight persona but it is only the debut of a similar costume design and not an identity
Key Facts
Marc Spector assumes the moniker of Mr. Knight
1st appearance of Ryan Trent, later becomes the second Black Spectre
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: some collectors consider Secret Avengers #19 the introduction of the Mr. Knight persona but it is only the debut of a similar costume design and not an identity
Darkhawk #1
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Darkhawk
Incredible Hulk: Future Imperfect, The #1
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Maestro, a future version of the Hulk
1st appearance of Janis, the granddaughter of Rick Jones
Key Facts
1st appearance of Maestro, a future version of the Hulk
1st appearance of Janis, the granddaughter of Rick Jones
Legends of the Dark Claw #1
Amalgam
•
1996
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Dark Claw aka Logan Wayne, a Wolverine/Batman hybrid character
Dark Claw final page cameo in DC Versus Marvel #3
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Dark Claw aka Logan Wayne, a Wolverine/Batman hybrid character
Dark Claw final page cameo in DC Versus Marvel #3
Incredible Hulk #377
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Professor Hulk personality (grey/green composite)
1st appearance of Guilt Hulk, a manifestation of Banner's guilt
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Professor Hulk personality (grey/green composite)
1st appearance of Guilt Hulk, a manifestation of Banner's guilt
New Avengers #11
Marvel
•
2005
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Maya Lopez as Ronin, formerly Echo
New Mutants #86
Marvel
•
1990
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Cable - Rob Liefeld confirms this is not a teaser but an in-story appearance
1st cameo appearance of Stryfe
1st cameo team appearance of the Mutant Liberation Front
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Cable - Rob Liefeld confirms this is not a teaser but an in-story appearance
1st cameo appearance of Stryfe
1st cameo team appearance of the Mutant Liberation Front
Thor #617
Marvel
•
2011
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Kid Loki
Punisher War Journal #1
Marvel
•
1988
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of the Punisher
Second ongoing Punisher series that ran for 80 issues from 1988 - 1995
Key Facts
Origin of the Punisher
Second ongoing Punisher series that ran for 80 issues from 1988 - 1995
Dazzler #1
Marvel
•
1981
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Premiere issue of the Dazzler's first self-titled series
Batman #442
DC
•
1989
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Tim Drake in the classic Robin costume
Batman #436 also hot after confirmation Tim will appear in Titans TV series
Key Facts
1st appearance of Tim Drake in the classic Robin costume
Batman #436 also hot after confirmation Tim will appear in Titans TV series
Dark Avengers #1
Marvel
•
2009
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of the Dark Avengers: Norman Osborn as Iron Patriot, Noh-Varr as Captain Marvel, Daken as Wolverine, Mac Gargan/Venom as Spider-Man, Bullseye as Hawkeye, Moonstone as Ms. Marvel, Sentry and Ares
Dark Avengers made a partial team cameo in New Avengers #49
First mention of H.A.M.M.E.R., the government organization that replaces S.H.I.E.L.D. under the leadership of Norman Osborn
Key Facts
1st full appearance of the Dark Avengers: Norman Osborn as Iron Patriot, Noh-Varr as Captain Marvel, Daken as Wolverine, Mac Gargan/Venom as Spider-Man, Bullseye as Hawkeye, Moonstone as Ms. Marvel, Sentry and Ares
Dark Avengers made a partial team cameo in New Avengers #49
First mention of H.A.M.M.E.R., the government organization that replaces S.H.I.E.L.D. under the leadership of Norman Osborn
Green Lantern #39
DC
•
2009
•
Vol. 4
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Larfleeze, a one man Lantern Corps of the Orange light of avarice
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Larfleeze, a one man Lantern Corps of the Orange light of avarice
Star Wars: Legacy #0
Dark Horse
•
2006
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Darth Talon, also appears on the cover of Star Wars Legacy #1 but not in-story
Promotional issue profiling new characters: Cade Skywalker, Kol Skywalker, Deliah Blue, Jariah Syn, Shado and Astraal Vao, Rasi Tuum, Wolf Sazen, Darth Talon, Darth Nihl, Darth Krayt, Darth Wyyrlok, Darth Maladi, Darth Stryfe, Imperial Knights, Roan and Marasiah Fel, Morlish Veed, Nyna Calixte, Konrad Rus
Key Facts
1st cover appearance of Darth Talon, also appears on the cover of Star Wars Legacy #1 but not in-story
Promotional issue profiling new characters: Cade Skywalker, Kol Skywalker, Deliah Blue, Jariah Syn, Shado and Astraal Vao, Rasi Tuum, Wolf Sazen, Darth Talon, Darth Nihl, Darth Krayt, Darth Wyyrlok, Darth Maladi, Darth Stryfe, Imperial Knights, Roan and Marasiah Fel, Morlish Veed, Nyna Calixte, Konrad Rus
Amazing Spider-Man #256
Marvel
•
1984
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Puma, an enemy of Spider-Man who later became an ally
Key Facts
1st appearance of Puma, an enemy of Spider-Man who later became an ally
Superior Spider-Man #1
Marvel
•
2013
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First solo title with Otto Octavius as Spider-Man, Peter Parker - Octavius has not yet assumed the Superior Spider-Man name
Key Facts
First solo title with Otto Octavius as Spider-Man, Peter Parker - Octavius has not yet assumed the Superior Spider-Man name
Superior Iron Man #1
Marvel
•
2015
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Superior Iron Man, Iron Man's 'Endo-Sym' armor, comprised of liquid smart-metal, inspired by Klyntar symbiotes - glimpsed in Avengers #32 (2014)
1st appearance of Teen Abomination, Happy Hogan's son exposed to Gamma radiation
Debut of the first A.I. Tony Stark, his back-up consciousness operating an empty suit of armor
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Superior Iron Man, Iron Man's 'Endo-Sym' armor, comprised of liquid smart-metal, inspired by Klyntar symbiotes - glimpsed in Avengers #32 (2014)
1st appearance of Teen Abomination, Happy Hogan's son exposed to Gamma radiation
Debut of the first A.I. Tony Stark, his back-up consciousness operating an empty suit of armor
Batman #497
DC
•
1993
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Bane breaks Batman's back
Knightfall Part Eleven
📖 Knightfall Reading Order: next Detective Comics #664
Key Facts
Bane breaks Batman's back
Knightfall Part Eleven
📖 Knightfall Reading Order: next Detective Comics #664
Suicide Squad #48
DC
•
1990
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of Oracle
Tie-in to The Killing Joke
Batman #404
DC
•
1987
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
"Year One" part 1
Origin of Bruce Wayne
1st appearance of Holly Robinson, becomes an ally of Catwoman
Key Facts
"Year One" part 1
Origin of Bruce Wayne
1st appearance of Holly Robinson, becomes an ally of Catwoman
Spider-Man 2099 #1
Marvel
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Spider-Man 2099
5-page preview in Amazing Spider-Man #365 and an advertisement in Web of Spider-Man #90
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: many sources cite Amazing Spider-Man #365 as the first appearance of Spider-Man 2099 despite text on the cover of the issue that refers to it as a five-page preview promoting Spider-Man 2099 #1
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Spider-Man 2099
5-page preview in Amazing Spider-Man #365 and an advertisement in Web of Spider-Man #90
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: many sources cite Amazing Spider-Man #365 as the first appearance of Spider-Man 2099 despite text on the cover of the issue that refers to it as a five-page preview promoting Spider-Man 2099 #1
Far Sector #1
Young Animal
•
2019
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Green Lantern, Sojourner Mullein
Gotham Academy #1
DC
•
2014
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Olive Silverlock, a junior detective
1st appearance of siblings, Kyle and Mia 'Maps' Mizoguchi
1st appearance of Professor Isla MacPherson
Key Facts
1st appearance of Olive Silverlock, a junior detective
1st appearance of siblings, Kyle and Mia 'Maps' Mizoguchi
1st appearance of Professor Isla MacPherson
Spider-Men II #1
Marvel
•
2017
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Miles Morales from Earth-616, an evil version of the character who later becomes Ultimatum
Key Facts
1st appearance of Miles Morales from Earth-616, an evil version of the character who later becomes Ultimatum
Youngblood #2
Image
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Prophet
1st appearance of Shadowhawk
[May 2020 - the writer of Arrow has been hired to develop Prophet into a TV series]
[October 2021 - Jake Gyllenhaal to star as John Prophet and Sam Hargrave to direct the feature film / October 2022 - Kurt Johnstad (Frank Miller’s 300) to write screenplay]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Prophet
1st appearance of Shadowhawk
[May 2020 - the writer of Arrow has been hired to develop Prophet into a TV series]
[October 2021 - Jake Gyllenhaal to star as John Prophet and Sam Hargrave to direct the feature film / October 2022 - Kurt Johnstad (Frank Miller’s 300) to write screenplay]
Venom: First Host #3
Marvel
•
2018
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Sleeper, the result of Eddie Brock bonding with the infant Symbiote
Key Facts
1st appearance of Sleeper, the result of Eddie Brock bonding with the infant Symbiote
Batman: Sword of Azrael #1
DC
•
1992
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Azrael
Prelude to Knightfall
📖 Knightfall Reading Order: Sword of Azrael #1 - #4, then Vengeance of Bane #1
Key Facts
1st appearance of Azrael
Prelude to Knightfall
📖 Knightfall Reading Order: Sword of Azrael #1 - #4, then Vengeance of Bane #1
Uncanny X-Men #248
Marvel
•
1989
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
First published artwork on the X-Men title by Jim Lee
Tales of the New Teen Titans #1
DC
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
Origin of Cyborg, Victor Stone
1st appearance of Ron Evers, a childhood friend of Victor Stone who became an enemy of Cyborg
Key Facts
Origin of Cyborg, Victor Stone
1st appearance of Ron Evers, a childhood friend of Victor Stone who became an enemy of Cyborg
Uncanny X-Men #283
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Bishop, a time-traveling mutant who can absorb and redistribute energy
1st appearance of the Gamemaster, a powerful mutant telepath
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Bishop, a time-traveling mutant who can absorb and redistribute energy
1st appearance of the Gamemaster, a powerful mutant telepath
X-Force #2
Marvel
•
1991
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Deadpool
1st appearance of Weapon X, Garrison Kane
Key Facts
2nd appearance of Deadpool
1st appearance of Weapon X, Garrison Kane
X-Factor #1
Marvel
•
1986
•
Vol. 1
Key Facts
1st team appearance of X-Factor, the original X-Men: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Iceman, Angel
1st appearance of Cameron Hodge, a human who passionately hated mutants
1st appearance of Rusty Collins, a mutant with the ability to manipulate fire
[January 2026 - an X-Factor project is rumored to be in development at Marvel Studios]
Key Facts
1st team appearance of X-Factor, the original X-Men: Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Iceman, Angel
1st appearance of Cameron Hodge, a human who passionately hated mutants
1st appearance of Rusty Collins, a mutant with the ability to manipulate fire
[January 2026 - an X-Factor project is rumored to be in development at Marvel Studios]
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