🗝 The Top 100 Key Issues from The Bronze Age Comic Books published from 1970 - 1985
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Strange Tales #180
Marvel
•
1975
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Gamora
2nd appearance of Pip the Troll
3rd appearance of Magus
Debut of new Adam Warlock costume
1st appearance of Gamora
2nd appearance of Pip the Troll
3rd appearance of Magus
Debut of new Adam Warlock costume
Werewolf By Night #32
Marvel
•
1975
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Moon Knight
Uncanny X-Men #94
Marvel
•
1975
•
Vol. 1
2nd team appearance of the X-Men that debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1
2nd appearance of Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Thunderbird
4th appearance of Wolverine
1st appearance of Dragonfly
Some resources refer to this as the 3rd full appearance of Wolverine and Hulk #182 a 2nd cameo appearance
Beginning of Chris Claremont's 16-year consecutive run on the title, ending with Uncanny X-Men #279
First new X-Men story following five years of reprints
2nd team appearance of the X-Men that debuted in Giant-Size X-Men #1
2nd appearance of Storm, Nightcrawler, Colossus and Thunderbird
4th appearance of Wolverine
1st appearance of Dragonfly
Some resources refer to this as the 3rd full appearance of Wolverine and Hulk #182 a 2nd cameo appearance
Beginning of Chris Claremont's 16-year consecutive run on the title, ending with Uncanny X-Men #279
First new X-Men story following five years of reprints
1st Issue Special #8
DC
•
1975
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Warlord
1st appearance of Tara Morgan, Warlord's wife
1st appearance of Deimos
1st appearance and origin of Warlord
1st appearance of Tara Morgan, Warlord's wife
1st appearance of Deimos
Uncanny X-Men #96
Marvel
•
1975
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Moira MacTaggert, an Omega Level Mutant who retains her memory after death and reincarnation
Debut of Wolverine's berserker rage
1st appearance of Steven Lang, one of the Sentinel program pioneers
1st appearance of Kierrok, a demon created by Chthon
1st appearance of Moira MacTaggert, an Omega Level Mutant who retains her memory after death and reincarnation
Debut of Wolverine's berserker rage
1st appearance of Steven Lang, one of the Sentinel program pioneers
1st appearance of Kierrok, a demon created by Chthon
Marvel Preview #4
Curtis
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Star-Lord in a magazine - see Marvel Spotlight Vol. 2 #6 for Star-Lord's first appearance in a standard comic book
1st appearance of Ragnar, Master of the Sun
1st appearance of Prince Wayfinder, later created the Microverse
1st appearance of Meredith Quill, the mother of Star-Lord
1st appearance of Star-Lord in a magazine - see Marvel Spotlight Vol. 2 #6 for Star-Lord's first appearance in a standard comic book
1st appearance of Ragnar, Master of the Sun
1st appearance of Prince Wayfinder, later created the Microverse
1st appearance of Meredith Quill, the mother of Star-Lord
All-Star Comics #58
DC
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Power Girl, a Kryptonian cousin of Earth-2 Superman
1st appearance of Power Girl, a Kryptonian cousin of Earth-2 Superman
Daredevil #131
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Bullseye
American Splendor #1
Harvey
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
Autobiographical comic book featuring stories about the author, Harvey Pekar and his life in Cleveland, Ohio
Adapted into a film starring Paul Giamatti as Harvey Pekar
American Splendor was a 16 issue series, published annually until 1993 when it was then acquired by Dark Horse
Autobiographical comic book featuring stories about the author, Harvey Pekar and his life in Cleveland, Ohio
Adapted into a film starring Paul Giamatti as Harvey Pekar
American Splendor was a 16 issue series, published annually until 1993 when it was then acquired by Dark Horse
Marvel Spotlight #28
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
First solo Moon Knight story
Multiple personalities including Jake Lockley and Steven Grant are revealed
1st appearance of Marlene Alraune, a long-term love interest of Marc Spector
1st appearance of Bertrand Crawley, an informant
First solo Moon Knight story
Multiple personalities including Jake Lockley and Steven Grant are revealed
1st appearance of Marlene Alraune, a long-term love interest of Marc Spector
1st appearance of Bertrand Crawley, an informant
Marvel Preview #7
Curtis
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Rocky Raccoon, later renamed Rocket Raccoon
Eternals #1
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st partial team appearance and origin of The Eternals and The Deviants
1st appearance of Ikaris
1st appearance of Kro and Brother Tode, Deviants and enemies of The Eternals
1st appearance of Margo Damian
1st partial team appearance and origin of The Eternals and The Deviants
1st appearance of Ikaris
1st appearance of Kro and Brother Tode, Deviants and enemies of The Eternals
1st appearance of Margo Damian
Eternals #2
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Ajak, a member of the sub-group known as the Polar Eternals
1st appearance of Arishem the Judge, a Celestial
The Celestials sink the Kingdom of Lemuria and as a result, Atlantis is also sunk
[July 2022 - Marvel recently trademarked the title Celestials: End of Time]
1st appearance of Ajak, a member of the sub-group known as the Polar Eternals
1st appearance of Arishem the Judge, a Celestial
The Celestials sink the Kingdom of Lemuria and as a result, Atlantis is also sunk
[July 2022 - Marvel recently trademarked the title Celestials: End of Time]
Nova #1
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Nova, Richard Rider
1st appearance and death of Rhomann Dey, Corpsman of the Nova Corps
1st appearance of Robbie Rider, brother of Nova
[March 2022 - Deadline reports a Nova project is in development]
1st appearance and origin of Nova, Richard Rider
1st appearance and death of Rhomann Dey, Corpsman of the Nova Corps
1st appearance of Robbie Rider, brother of Nova
[March 2022 - Deadline reports a Nova project is in development]
Eternals #3
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Sersi
In Strange Tales #109, a blonde version of the character appeared briefly referred to as 'Circe'
1st cover appearance of Ikaris
1st appearance of Sersi
In Strange Tales #109, a blonde version of the character appeared briefly referred to as 'Circe'
1st cover appearance of Ikaris
Captain Britain #1
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Captain Britain
1st cameo appearance of Roma
Debut of the Sword of Might
Captain Britain mask included inside of this issue as a bonus item
1st appearance of Captain Britain
1st cameo appearance of Roma
Debut of the Sword of Might
Captain Britain mask included inside of this issue as a bonus item
Uncanny X-Men #101
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
Debut of new powers, Jean Grey is reborn as the Phoenix
Ten years later this moment would be further developed where the Phoenix is an actual cosmic entity of vast power that copied Grey’s physical form while placing her body in a cocoon to heal from her injuries
1st full appearance of Black Tom Cassidy
Debut of new powers, Jean Grey is reborn as the Phoenix
Ten years later this moment would be further developed where the Phoenix is an actual cosmic entity of vast power that copied Grey’s physical form while placing her body in a cocoon to heal from her injuries
1st full appearance of Black Tom Cassidy
Eternals #5
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Makkari, an Eternal speedster
1st appearance of Domo,
1st appearance of Thena, an Eternal who acted as a liaison to mankind
1st appearance of Zuras, the Prime Eternal and father of Thena
1st appearance of Makkari, an Eternal speedster
1st appearance of Domo,
1st appearance of Thena, an Eternal who acted as a liaison to mankind
1st appearance of Zuras, the Prime Eternal and father of Thena
Captain Britain #8
Marvel
•
1976
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Betsy Braddock, later becomes Psylocke
First mention of Jamie Braddock Jr., later becomes Monarch
1st appearance of Betsy Braddock, later becomes Psylocke
First mention of Jamie Braddock Jr., later becomes Monarch
Ms. Marvel #1
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Carol Danvers as Ms. Marvel
Carol first appears without powers in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 and gains powers in Captain Marvel #18
1st appearance of Carol Danvers as Ms. Marvel
Carol first appears without powers in Marvel Super-Heroes #13 and gains powers in Captain Marvel #18
Marvel Spotlight #32
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Spider-Woman, Jessica Drew
1st appearance and death of Otto Vermis
[June 2021 - Issa Rae will voice Spider-Woman in Into The Spider-Verse 2 / May 2023 - an animated Spider-Woman movie is in development]
1st appearance and origin of Spider-Woman, Jessica Drew
1st appearance and death of Otto Vermis
[June 2021 - Issa Rae will voice Spider-Woman in Into The Spider-Verse 2 / May 2023 - an animated Spider-Woman movie is in development]
Shazam #28
DC
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
2nd appearance of Black Adam in an original story
There was a fanzine published prior to this issue called Alter Ego where Black Adam appears on the cover but the interior is a text article recapping the Marvel Family and Black Adam written by prominent Marvel architect Roy Thomas before his tenure at Marvel began
2nd appearance of Black Adam in an original story
There was a fanzine published prior to this issue called Alter Ego where Black Adam appears on the cover but the interior is a text article recapping the Marvel Family and Black Adam written by prominent Marvel architect Roy Thomas before his tenure at Marvel began
Star Wars #1
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
Issues #1 - #6 are an adaptation of 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
1st appearance of Darth Vader
1st appearance of Luke Skywalker
1st appearance of Princess Leia
1st appearance of C-3PO and R2-D2
1st appearance of Grand Moff Tarkin
1st appearance of Beru and Owen Lars
Introduction of Stormtroopers
1st cover appearance of Obi Wan Kenobi and Han Solo (not in story)
📖 Reading Order: read Star Wars (1977) #1 - #6, then Princess Leia #1
Issues #1 - #6 are an adaptation of 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
1st appearance of Darth Vader
1st appearance of Luke Skywalker
1st appearance of Princess Leia
1st appearance of C-3PO and R2-D2
1st appearance of Grand Moff Tarkin
1st appearance of Beru and Owen Lars
Introduction of Stormtroopers
1st cover appearance of Obi Wan Kenobi and Han Solo (not in story)
📖 Reading Order: read Star Wars (1977) #1 - #6, then Princess Leia #1
Iron Fist #14
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
1st full appearance and cover of Sabretooth, a mutant who becomes the primary nemesis of Wolverine
1st full appearance and cover of Sabretooth, a mutant who becomes the primary nemesis of Wolverine
Avengers Annual #7
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
Death of Warlock
Death of Pip the Troll
Death of Gamora
1st appearance of all six Infinity Gems: Soul, Time, Space, Mind, Reality, Power
First battle of Thanos and Warlock
Death of Warlock
Death of Pip the Troll
Death of Gamora
1st appearance of all six Infinity Gems: Soul, Time, Space, Mind, Reality, Power
First battle of Thanos and Warlock
Uncanny X-Men #107
Marvel
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
1st full team appearance of the Starjammers: Corsair, Ch'od, Hepzibah, Raza, Cr'reee
Debut of Wolverine's Fang costume
1st team appearance of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard: Electron, Fang, Hobgoblin, Smasher, Quasar, Starbolt, Tempest, Scintilla, Titan, Vril-Rokk, Magic, Mentor, Nightside, Oracle, Impulse
1st appearance of the M'Krann Crystal
1st appearance of Gladiator, leader of the Imperial Guard
1st full appearance of D'Ken Neramani, a Shi’ar royal
1st full team appearance of the Starjammers: Corsair, Ch'od, Hepzibah, Raza, Cr'reee
Debut of Wolverine's Fang costume
1st team appearance of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard: Electron, Fang, Hobgoblin, Smasher, Quasar, Starbolt, Tempest, Scintilla, Titan, Vril-Rokk, Magic, Mentor, Nightside, Oracle, Impulse
1st appearance of the M'Krann Crystal
1st appearance of Gladiator, leader of the Imperial Guard
1st full appearance of D'Ken Neramani, a Shi’ar royal
Cerebus the Aardvark #1
Aardvark-Vanaheim
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Cerebus the Aardvark
Print run: 2,000 copies
Counterfeit copies exist - to identify the difference between a real copy and counterfeit, tap the cover image and swipe left
1st appearance of Cerebus the Aardvark
Print run: 2,000 copies
Counterfeit copies exist - to identify the difference between a real copy and counterfeit, tap the cover image and swipe left
Fantasy Quarterly #1
IPS
•
1977
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of ElfQuest
[January 2024 - an ElfQuest animated series is in development from Fox]
1st appearance of ElfQuest
[January 2024 - an ElfQuest animated series is in development from Fox]
Ms. Marvel #18
Marvel
•
1978
•
Vol. 1
1st full appearance of Mystique, revealed without disguise
[April 2021 - when keying in a number sequence on the Buccaneer Bay section of Marvel’s exploremadripoor.com, an image with the name Mystique appears in a boat charter reservation]
1st full appearance of Mystique, revealed without disguise
[April 2021 - when keying in a number sequence on the Buccaneer Bay section of Marvel’s exploremadripoor.com, an image with the name Mystique appears in a boat charter reservation]
What If…? #10
Marvel
•
1978
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Thordis, an alternate reality version of Jane Foster who found Mjolnir
1st appearance of Thordis, an alternate reality version of Jane Foster who found Mjolnir
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #27
Marvel
•
1979
•
Vol. 1
First artwork on Daredevil by Frank Miller
Avengers, The #181
Marvel
•
1979
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Scott Lang, later becomes the second Ant-Man
New Avengers roster: Captain America, Iron Man, Beast, Vision, Scarlet Witch, Falcon and Wasp
1st appearance of Scott Lang, later becomes the second Ant-Man
New Avengers roster: Captain America, Iron Man, Beast, Vision, Scarlet Witch, Falcon and Wasp
Marvel Premiere #47
Marvel
•
1979
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and cover of Scott Lang as Ant-Man, in costume
1st appearance of Cassie Lang, daughter of Scott Lang, later becomes Stature and then Stinger
[January 2023 - Cassie Lang expected to appear in a Young Avengers project]
1st appearance of Darren Cross, later becomes Yellowjacket
1st appearance and cover of Scott Lang as Ant-Man, in costume
1st appearance of Cassie Lang, daughter of Scott Lang, later becomes Stature and then Stinger
[January 2023 - Cassie Lang expected to appear in a Young Avengers project]
1st appearance of Darren Cross, later becomes Yellowjacket
Uncanny X-Men #120
Marvel
•
1979
•
Vol. 1
1st cameo team appearance of Alpha Flight: Sasquatch, Aurora, Northstar, Shaman, Snowbird
[June 2020 - Alpha Flight rumored to make an appearance in the MCU]
1st cameo team appearance of Alpha Flight: Sasquatch, Aurora, Northstar, Shaman, Snowbird
[June 2020 - Alpha Flight rumored to make an appearance in the MCU]
Amazing Spider-Man #194
Marvel
•
1979
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Black Cat
Iron Man #128
Marvel
•
1979
•
Vol. 1
Iconic cover art by Bob Layton
"Demon in a Bottle" part 9
Uncanny X-Men #129
Marvel
•
1980
•
Vol. 1
The Dark Phoenix Saga Part 1
1st appearance of Kitty Pryde
1st appearance of Emma Frost, the White Queen
1st cameo team appearance of The Hellfire Club, in shadows
[January 2024 - Kitty Pryde rumored for the X-Men MCU reboot according to a casting grid]
The Dark Phoenix Saga Part 1
1st appearance of Kitty Pryde
1st appearance of Emma Frost, the White Queen
1st cameo team appearance of The Hellfire Club, in shadows
[January 2024 - Kitty Pryde rumored for the X-Men MCU reboot according to a casting grid]
Savage She-Hulk, The #1
Marvel
•
1980
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of She-Hulk, the cousin of Bruce Banner
DC Comics Presents #26
DC
•
1980
•
Vol. 1
1st team appearance of the new Teen Titans: Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Starfire
1st appearance of Raven
1st appearance of Cyborg
1st appearance of Starfire
Beast Boy becomes Changeling
1st team appearance of the new Teen Titans: Robin, Wonder Girl, Kid Flash, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy, Starfire
1st appearance of Raven
1st appearance of Cyborg
1st appearance of Starfire
Beast Boy becomes Changeling
New Teen Titans #2
DC
•
1980
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Deathstroke the Terminator
1st appearance and death of Ravager, son of Deathstroke - appears in issue #1, not in costume
1st appearance of Wintergreen, Deathstroke's mentor
1st cameo appearance of Trigon, as demonic eyes
🔮 DC Possibilities: Yet another character who could hold his own as an anti-hero in a standalone project and a few extra years on Joe Manganiello would do well for Deathstroke
[September 2024 - James Gunn’s DCU is developing a Bane and Deathstroke super-villain team-up film based on a script by Matthew Orton]
1st appearance of Deathstroke the Terminator
1st appearance and death of Ravager, son of Deathstroke - appears in issue #1, not in costume
1st appearance of Wintergreen, Deathstroke's mentor
1st cameo appearance of Trigon, as demonic eyes
🔮 DC Possibilities: Yet another character who could hold his own as an anti-hero in a standalone project and a few extra years on Joe Manganiello would do well for Deathstroke
[September 2024 - James Gunn’s DCU is developing a Bane and Deathstroke super-villain team-up film based on a script by Matthew Orton]
Daredevil #168
Marvel
•
1981
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Elektra
1st cameo appearance of Robert 'Goldy' Goldman, dialogue only
First solo written work on Daredevil by Frank Miller - previous co-writer credit first occurred in issue #165
Elektra misspelled 'Elecktra' on the cover
1st appearance and origin of Elektra
1st cameo appearance of Robert 'Goldy' Goldman, dialogue only
First solo written work on Daredevil by Frank Miller - previous co-writer credit first occurred in issue #165
Elektra misspelled 'Elecktra' on the cover
Uncanny X-Men #141
Marvel
•
1981
•
Vol. 1
"Days of Future Past" part 1
1st team appearance of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Mystique, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche and Blob
1st appearance of Destiny
1st appearance of Avalanche
1st appearance of Pyro
1st appearance of Rachel Summers, daughter of Scott and Jean
"Days of Future Past" part 1
1st team appearance of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants: Mystique, Destiny, Pyro, Avalanche and Blob
1st appearance of Destiny
1st appearance of Avalanche
1st appearance of Pyro
1st appearance of Rachel Summers, daughter of Scott and Jean
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16
Marvel
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau later becomes Photon, then Spectrum
1st appearance of Captain Marvel, Monica Rambeau later becomes Photon, then Spectrum
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #64
Marvel
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance and origin of Cloak and Dagger
Incredible Hulk #271
Marvel
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
2nd appearance and first cover of Rocket Raccoon, formerly Rocky Raccoon in Marvel Preview #7
1st appearance of Judson Jakes
1st appearance of Lylla, an otter and the love interest of Rocket
1st appearance of Wal Rus
1st appearance of Blackjack O'Hare
2nd appearance and first cover of Rocket Raccoon, formerly Rocky Raccoon in Marvel Preview #7
1st appearance of Judson Jakes
1st appearance of Lylla, an otter and the love interest of Rocket
1st appearance of Wal Rus
1st appearance of Blackjack O'Hare
DC Comics Presents #47
DC
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of He-Man in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Skeletor in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Man-at-Arms in standard comic book format
[2024 - Masters of the Universe to premiere June 5, 2026 / Jared Leto cast as Skeletor / Nicholas Galitzine cast as He-Man / Idris Elba to portray Man-at-Arms]
1st appearance of He-Man in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Skeletor in standard comic book format
1st appearance of Man-at-Arms in standard comic book format
[2024 - Masters of the Universe to premiere June 5, 2026 / Jared Leto cast as Skeletor / Nicholas Galitzine cast as He-Man / Idris Elba to portray Man-at-Arms]
Wolverine #1
Marvel
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
First solo Wolverine title
1st cameo appearance of Yukio
First use of the phrase, 'I'm the best there is at what I do'
First solo Wolverine title
1st cameo appearance of Yukio
First use of the phrase, 'I'm the best there is at what I do'
Comico Primer #2
Comico
•
1982
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of Grendel, Hunter Rose
1st appearance of Argent the Wolf
1st appearance of Grendel, Hunter Rose
1st appearance of Argent the Wolf
Batman #357
DC
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
1st cameo appearance of Jason Todd
2nd cameo appearance of Killer Croc
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: this issue is cited as the first full appearance of Killer Croc but there is no difference in his depiction as a gangster in a trenchoat and fedora as first seen in Detective Comics #523, released one month before #357. In Detective Comics #524, he is revealed to have crocodile features for the first time
It should also be noted that this version of Jason Todd is not visually accurate to later versions and his origin is retconned in Batman #408
CGC recognizes this issue as the first full appearance of both Killer Croc and Jason Todd
1st cameo appearance of Jason Todd
2nd cameo appearance of Killer Croc
⚠️ Debatable Firsts: this issue is cited as the first full appearance of Killer Croc but there is no difference in his depiction as a gangster in a trenchoat and fedora as first seen in Detective Comics #523, released one month before #357. In Detective Comics #524, he is revealed to have crocodile features for the first time
It should also be noted that this version of Jason Todd is not visually accurate to later versions and his origin is retconned in Batman #408
CGC recognizes this issue as the first full appearance of both Killer Croc and Jason Todd
Amazing Spider-Man #238
Marvel
•
1983
•
Vol. 1
1st appearance of the Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley
A complete issue includes the ‘Tattooz' giveaway insert, found between the final page and the back cover. See additional images - be aware that the insert may be there but the tattoos might still be missing
[Feb 2021 - a social media account associated with Sony seemingly teased the transformation of Ned Leeds into the Hobgoblin / June 2022 - Jacob Batalon reshared photo holding a Hobgoblin action figure which caused future movie speculation on social media / May 2023 - speculation Spider-Man 4's villain will be Hobgoblin]
1st appearance of the Hobgoblin, Roderick Kingsley
A complete issue includes the ‘Tattooz' giveaway insert, found between the final page and the back cover. See additional images - be aware that the insert may be there but the tattoos might still be missing
[Feb 2021 - a social media account associated with Sony seemingly teased the transformation of Ned Leeds into the Hobgoblin / June 2022 - Jacob Batalon reshared photo holding a Hobgoblin action figure which caused future movie speculation on social media / May 2023 - speculation Spider-Man 4's villain will be Hobgoblin]
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