🗝 The Top 100 Key Issues from The Bronze Age Comic Books published from 1970 - 1985
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Key Facts
1st appearance of Scooby-Doo in comics
Six months prior to the publication of this issue, Scooby-Doo appeared in Golden Comics Digest #7 in a one-page puzzle activity game, not in a story
[April 2024 - Greg Berlanti's production house has teamed with Warner Bros. for a live-action Scooby Doo Netflix series with writers Josh Applebaum and Scott Rosenberg (Cowboy Bebop)]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Scooby-Doo in comics
Six months prior to the publication of this issue, Scooby-Doo appeared in Golden Comics Digest #7 in a one-page puzzle activity game, not in a story
[April 2024 - Greg Berlanti's production house has teamed with Warner Bros. for a live-action Scooby Doo Netflix series with writers Josh Applebaum and Scott Rosenberg (Cowboy Bebop)]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Appa Ali Apsa, a Guardian of the Universe
Retitled Green Arrow/Green Lantern
Issue considered by many to mark the end of the comic book Silver Age
Introduction of controversial social themes in comics - Green Lantern is reprimanded by a black man which was an expression of frustration by the creators for the lack of accurately presented black people in comics
Key Facts
1st appearance of Appa Ali Apsa, a Guardian of the Universe
Retitled Green Arrow/Green Lantern
Issue considered by many to mark the end of the comic book Silver Age
Introduction of controversial social themes in comics - Green Lantern is reprimanded by a black man which was an expression of frustration by the creators for the lack of accurately presented black people in comics
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Man-Bat, a scientist whose experiment went awry after combining human and bat DNA to cure his own deafness
First solo Batgirl and Robin story
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Man-Bat, a scientist whose experiment went awry after combining human and bat DNA to cure his own deafness
First solo Batgirl and Robin story
Key Facts
1st appearance of Conan the Barbarian
1st cameo appearance of King Kull
Key Facts
1st appearance of Conan the Barbarian
1st cameo appearance of King Kull
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Darkseid, the ruler of Apokolips
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Darkseid, the ruler of Apokolips
Key Facts
Iconic cover art by Neal Adams inspired by Detective Comics #31 (1939)
Key Facts
Iconic cover art by Neal Adams inspired by Detective Comics #31 (1939)
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Darkseid
1st team appearance of The Forever People: Beautiful Dreamer, Mark Moonrider, Serifan, Big Bear, Vykin the Black
First mention of Mother Boxes, sentient supercomputers of vast power and the Anti-Life Equation
1st appearance of Infinity-Man, a protector of The Forever People
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Darkseid
1st team appearance of The Forever People: Beautiful Dreamer, Mark Moonrider, Serifan, Big Bear, Vykin the Black
First mention of Mother Boxes, sentient supercomputers of vast power and the Anti-Life Equation
1st appearance of Infinity-Man, a protector of The Forever People
Key Facts
1st appearance of Orion, son of Darkseid
1st appearance of Highfather, Leader of New Genesis
1st appearance of Metron, Boom Tube inventor
1st appearance of Kalibak. son of Darkseid
1st appearance of Lightray
1st team appearance of the Parademons
Introduction of New Genesis and Apokolips
Debut of the Mobius Chair
Key Facts
1st appearance of Orion, son of Darkseid
1st appearance of Highfather, Leader of New Genesis
1st appearance of Metron, Boom Tube inventor
1st appearance of Kalibak. son of Darkseid
1st appearance of Lightray
1st team appearance of the Parademons
Introduction of New Genesis and Apokolips
Debut of the Mobius Chair
Key Facts
1st appearance of Mister Miracle, Scott Free, the son of Highfather
1st appearance of Oberon, Mister Miracle's stage manager
1st appearance and death of Thaddeus Brown, the Miracle Man who preceded Scott Free
Key Facts
1st appearance of Mister Miracle, Scott Free, the son of Highfather
1st appearance of Oberon, Mister Miracle's stage manager
1st appearance and death of Thaddeus Brown, the Miracle Man who preceded Scott Free
Key Facts
1st appearance and cover of Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra's al Ghul
Key Facts
1st appearance and cover of Talia al Ghul, daughter of Ra's al Ghul
Key Facts
1st appearance of Man-Thing, Ted Sallis, a scientist who developed a serum to protect soldiers from chemical warfare
The Super Soldier program known as Project Sulphur aka Weapon IV, had the unintended effect of transforming Ted Sallis into Man-Thing
1st appearance of Ellen Brandt
1st team appearance of the Femizons
Key Facts
1st appearance of Man-Thing, Ted Sallis, a scientist who developed a serum to protect soldiers from chemical warfare
The Super Soldier program known as Project Sulphur aka Weapon IV, had the unintended effect of transforming Ted Sallis into Man-Thing
1st appearance of Ellen Brandt
1st team appearance of the Femizons
Key Facts
1st appearance of Ra's al Ghul
2nd appearance of Talia al Ghul
Key Facts
1st appearance of Ra's al Ghul
2nd appearance of Talia al Ghul
Key Facts
Classic battle of the Hulk vs the Thing
Iconic cover art by John Buscema
Key Facts
Classic battle of the Hulk vs the Thing
Iconic cover art by John Buscema
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Swamp Thing, Alex Olsen
[January 2023 - a Swamp Thing horror film is in development at DC Studios]
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Swamp Thing, Alex Olsen
[January 2023 - a Swamp Thing horror film is in development at DC Studios]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Big Barda, highly skilled warrior and love interest of Mister Miracle
Key Facts
1st appearance of Big Barda, highly skilled warrior and love interest of Mister Miracle
Key Facts
Milestone issue #100
Iconic cover art by John Romita Sr.
Key Facts
Milestone issue #100
Iconic cover art by John Romita Sr.
Key Facts
Pioneering story arc that confronted the topic of drug addiction which led to more realistic and relatable stories in comics
Adams and Mr. O'Neil won a Shazam Award in 1971 for 'Best Individual Story' and recognized by NYC mayor, John Lindsay in a letter which was printed in issue #86
Key Facts
Pioneering story arc that confronted the topic of drug addiction which led to more realistic and relatable stories in comics
Adams and Mr. O'Neil won a Shazam Award in 1971 for 'Best Individual Story' and recognized by NYC mayor, John Lindsay in a letter which was printed in issue #86
Key Facts
1st appearance of Morbius the Living Vampire
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Werewolf by Night
Key Facts
Beast undergoes a mutation which grows gray hair all over his body
Key Facts
Beast undergoes a mutation which grows gray hair all over his body
Key Facts
1st appearance of Jonah Hex
Key Facts
Rebirth of HIM, renamed Warlock by the High Evolutionary
Debut of Warlock's costume including an unnamed emerald, later revealed to be the Soul Infinity Stone
Key Facts
Rebirth of HIM, renamed Warlock by the High Evolutionary
Debut of Warlock's costume including an unnamed emerald, later revealed to be the Soul Infinity Stone
Key Facts
1st appearance of Dracula, created by Gerry Conway and Gene Colan, inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic character
1st appearance of Van Helsing
1st appearance of Frank Drake, a descendant of Dracula
Key Facts
1st appearance of Dracula, created by Gerry Conway and Gene Colan, inspired by Bram Stoker’s classic character
1st appearance of Van Helsing
1st appearance of Frank Drake, a descendant of Dracula
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Luke Cage, the first black superhero to headline a title in mainstream comics
Luke Cage became invincible to harm through a Super Soldier program called Project Power aka Weapon VI
1st appearance of Diamondback, Comanche and Shades
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Luke Cage, the first black superhero to headline a title in mainstream comics
Luke Cage became invincible to harm through a Super Soldier program called Project Power aka Weapon VI
1st appearance of Diamondback, Comanche and Shades
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze
1st appearance of Roxanne Blaze, the wife of Johnny who later becomes the demon Black Rose
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze
1st appearance of Roxanne Blaze, the wife of Johnny who later becomes the demon Black Rose
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Etrigan the Demon
1st appearance of Morgaine Le Fay, the sister of Madame Xanadu
1st appearance of Randu Singh
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Etrigan the Demon
1st appearance of Morgaine Le Fay, the sister of Madame Xanadu
1st appearance of Randu Singh
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of the second Swamp Thing, Alec Holland
1st cameo appearance of Anton Arcane
1st appearance of Matt Cable, later becomes the Sandman's raven
1st cameo appearance of the Un-Men
1st appearance of Nathan Ellery, the man who caused the explosion that created Swamp Thing
First ongoing Swamp Thing solo title
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of the second Swamp Thing, Alec Holland
1st cameo appearance of Anton Arcane
1st appearance of Matt Cable, later becomes the Sandman's raven
1st cameo appearance of the Un-Men
1st appearance of Nathan Ellery, the man who caused the explosion that created Swamp Thing
First ongoing Swamp Thing solo title
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of The Cat, Greer Grant
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of The Cat, Greer Grant
Key Facts
1st appearance of Madame MacEvil, daughter of Drax, later referred to by the name Moondragon
Madame MacEvil becomes Moondragon in Daredevil #105
[April 2023 - speculation that the child named ‘Love’ in Thor 4 is a young Moondragon who will later appear as an adult]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Madame MacEvil, daughter of Drax, later referred to by the name Moondragon
Madame MacEvil becomes Moondragon in Daredevil #105
[April 2023 - speculation that the child named ‘Love’ in Thor 4 is a young Moondragon who will later appear as an adult]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Red Sonja
⚠ Misconception: cited by many resources as a cameo appearance of Red Sonja but she appears in over 20 panels, fights and is introduced by name
[August 2022 - filming is scheduled to begin with Matilda Lutz cast in the main role]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Red Sonja
⚠ Misconception: cited by many resources as a cameo appearance of Red Sonja but she appears in over 20 panels, fights and is introduced by name
[August 2022 - filming is scheduled to begin with Matilda Lutz cast in the main role]
Key Facts
DC begins publishing Shazam after licensing the Captain Marvel character from Fawcett who they had successfully sued 20 years earlier for copyright infringement due to the character's similarities to Superman
1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel since the Golden Age
1st appearance of Doctor Sivana and family since the Golden Age
Origin of Captain Marvel retold
Key Facts
DC begins publishing Shazam after licensing the Captain Marvel character from Fawcett who they had successfully sued 20 years earlier for copyright infringement due to the character's similarities to Superman
1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr. and Mary Marvel since the Golden Age
1st appearance of Doctor Sivana and family since the Golden Age
Origin of Captain Marvel retold
Key Facts
1st appearance of Thanos, an Eternal from Titan born with the Deviants gene
1st cameo appearance of Eros aka Starfox, brother of Thanos
1st appearance of Kronos, Grandfather of Thanos
1st appearance of Mentor, father of Thanos
1st appearance of Drax the Destroyer, created by Kronus to kill Thanos
1st appearance of the Blood Brothers
Key Facts
1st appearance of Thanos, an Eternal from Titan born with the Deviants gene
1st cameo appearance of Eros aka Starfox, brother of Thanos
1st appearance of Kronos, Grandfather of Thanos
1st appearance of Mentor, father of Thanos
1st appearance of Drax the Destroyer, created by Kronus to kill Thanos
1st appearance of the Blood Brothers
Key Facts
Death of Gwen Stacy, neck unintentionally snapped as Spider-Man attempted to rescue her
Key Facts
Death of Gwen Stacy, neck unintentionally snapped as Spider-Man attempted to rescue her
Key Facts
Death of Green Goblin
Key Facts
1st appearance of Blade
Key Facts
First solo titled series featuring Ghost Rider
1st cameo appearance of Daimon Hellstrom, Son of Satan, multiple panels in shadows
Key Facts
First solo titled series featuring Ghost Rider
1st cameo appearance of Daimon Hellstrom, Son of Satan, multiple panels in shadows
Key Facts
1st appearance of Brother Voodoo, Jericho Drumm
1st appearance of Daniel Drumm, the brother of Jericho
Key Facts
1st appearance of Brother Voodoo, Jericho Drumm
1st appearance of Daniel Drumm, the brother of Jericho
Key Facts
Iconic cover art by Neal Adams
Issue credited for revitalizing the Joker as a homicidal villain instead of a comical villain
Key Facts
Iconic cover art by Neal Adams
Issue credited for revitalizing the Joker as a homicidal villain instead of a comical villain
Key Facts
1st full appearance and origin of Son of Satan
Thought many sources cite Ghost Rider#2 as the first full appearance of Damion Hellstrom he is obscured by shadows throughout the issue
Key Facts
1st full appearance and origin of Son of Satan
Thought many sources cite Ghost Rider#2 as the first full appearance of Damion Hellstrom he is obscured by shadows throughout the issue
Key Facts
1st appearance of Howard the Duck
Key Facts
1st appearance of Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu
1st appearance of Sir Dennis Nayland-Smith
1st appearance of Fu Manchu, father of Shang-Chi, later renamed Han, then Zheng Zu
1st team appearance of Si-Fan, a secret society with allegiances to Fu Manchu
1st appearance of Shang-Chi's unnamed mother, an American - later retconned in Shang-Chi #4 (2021)
Key Facts
1st appearance of Shang-Chi, the Master of Kung-Fu
1st appearance of Sir Dennis Nayland-Smith
1st appearance of Fu Manchu, father of Shang-Chi, later renamed Han, then Zheng Zu
1st team appearance of Si-Fan, a secret society with allegiances to Fu Manchu
1st appearance of Shang-Chi's unnamed mother, an American - later retconned in Shang-Chi #4 (2021)
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Punisher
1st appearance of the Jackal
Key Facts
1st appearance of the Punisher
1st appearance of the Jackal
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Iron Fist, Daniel Rand
1st appearance of Yu-Ti, a Dragon Lord
1st team appearance of the Dragon Kings
Introduction of K'un-Lun, one of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven
1st appearance of Wendell Rand, father of Daniel Rand
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Iron Fist, Daniel Rand
1st appearance of Yu-Ti, a Dragon Lord
1st team appearance of the Dragon Kings
Introduction of K'un-Lun, one of the Seven Capital Cities of Heaven
1st appearance of Wendell Rand, father of Daniel Rand
Key Facts
1st appearance of Deathlok, Luther Manning
1st appearance of Major Ryker
First published artwork for Marvel by George Perez, interior two-page backup story
Prior to the publication of this issue, George Perez was published in the science-fiction magazine Hot Stuf'
Key Facts
1st appearance of Deathlok, Luther Manning
1st appearance of Major Ryker
First published artwork for Marvel by George Perez, interior two-page backup story
Prior to the publication of this issue, George Perez was published in the science-fiction magazine Hot Stuf'
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Wolverine
2nd appearance of Wendigo
Marvel Value Stamp Series A #67 - Cyclops
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: this issue, by far, is the most debated "cameo versus full" book and likely the main reason "cameo" became such a significant yet loosely defined term in comic book collecting
Theoretically, The Incredible Hulk #180 being labeled "cameo" of Wolverine was due to an oversight by Overstreet (see additional images)
In the 1980/1981 edition of Overstreet, Hulk#181 is labeled - 1st app of Wolverine and Hulk#180 is without a descriptor, commanding the same value as issues #151 - #176
In the 1981/1982 Overstreet, the description had been amended to read #180 - 1st app. Wolverine but mislabeled #181 and #182 - Wolverine cameo
Finally, in 1982/1983, Overstreet labeled Hulk #180 - 1st app. Wolverine (cameo) and #181 - Wolverine app. #182 - Wolverine cameo
In recent years, Marvel has taken a stance on Hulk #180 as the first appearance of Wolverine, wanting to eliminate the term "cameo" altogether, presumably to avoid this exact debate
But in years past, official Marvel guidebooks and trading cards would often trade-off which issue was given the coveted 1st (full) appearance designation (see additional images)
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Wolverine
2nd appearance of Wendigo
Marvel Value Stamp Series A #67 - Cyclops
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: this issue, by far, is the most debated "cameo versus full" book and likely the main reason "cameo" became such a significant yet loosely defined term in comic book collecting
Theoretically, The Incredible Hulk #180 being labeled "cameo" of Wolverine was due to an oversight by Overstreet (see additional images)
In the 1980/1981 edition of Overstreet, Hulk#181 is labeled - 1st app of Wolverine and Hulk#180 is without a descriptor, commanding the same value as issues #151 - #176
In the 1981/1982 Overstreet, the description had been amended to read #180 - 1st app. Wolverine but mislabeled #181 and #182 - Wolverine cameo
Finally, in 1982/1983, Overstreet labeled Hulk #180 - 1st app. Wolverine (cameo) and #181 - Wolverine app. #182 - Wolverine cameo
In recent years, Marvel has taken a stance on Hulk #180 as the first appearance of Wolverine, wanting to eliminate the term "cameo" altogether, presumably to avoid this exact debate
But in years past, official Marvel guidebooks and trading cards would often trade-off which issue was given the coveted 1st (full) appearance designation (see additional images)
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Wolverine, final page cameo in issue #180
Marvel Value Stamp Series A #54 - Shanna the She-Devil
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Wolverine, final page cameo in issue #180
Marvel Value Stamp Series A #54 - Shanna the She-Devil
Key Facts
1st appearance of Korvac
Marvel Value Stamp
[April 2020 - two inside sources have confirmed that Korvac will be in multiple upcoming Marvel projects. Although the sources are independent from one another and close to Marvel Studios this is still unconfirmed until official word is released]
Key Facts
1st appearance of Korvac
Marvel Value Stamp
[April 2020 - two inside sources have confirmed that Korvac will be in multiple upcoming Marvel projects. Although the sources are independent from one another and close to Marvel Studios this is still unconfirmed until official word is released]
Key Facts
Ongoing stories featuring Adam Warlock begin
1st appearance of Magus, an evil version of Adam Warlock from the future
1st team appearance of The Universal Church of Truth
1st appearance of The Matriarch, a leader of The Universal Church of Truth
Key Facts
Ongoing stories featuring Adam Warlock begin
1st appearance of Magus, an evil version of Adam Warlock from the future
1st team appearance of The Universal Church of Truth
1st appearance of The Matriarch, a leader of The Universal Church of Truth
Key Facts
First solo titled Joker series
Key Facts
1st appearance of the new X-Men: Storm (1st), Nightcrawler (1st), Colossus (1st), Thunderbird (1st), Wolverine (3rd)
Many resources label this the 2nd full appearance of Wolverine and The Incredible Hulk #182 a second cameo
1st appearance of Illyana Rasputin as a child, later becomes Magik
Introduction of Krakoa, the Living Island
First use of the sound effect 'snikt' associated with Wolverine's claws
Key Facts
1st appearance of the new X-Men: Storm (1st), Nightcrawler (1st), Colossus (1st), Thunderbird (1st), Wolverine (3rd)
Many resources label this the 2nd full appearance of Wolverine and The Incredible Hulk #182 a second cameo
1st appearance of Illyana Rasputin as a child, later becomes Magik
Introduction of Krakoa, the Living Island
First use of the sound effect 'snikt' associated with Wolverine's claws
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