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Key Facts
Back cover displays the rejected cover art by Steve Ditko of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's first appearance) which was later published as a variant of The Amazing Spider-Man #700
Preview image of Conan the Barbarian, which preceded the first Marvel issue
Key Facts
Back cover displays the rejected cover art by Steve Ditko of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's first appearance) which was later published as a variant of The Amazing Spider-Man #700
Preview image of Conan the Barbarian, which preceded the first Marvel issue
Key Facts
First digitally-illustrated comic book, created on Apple's 1984 Macintosh Plus running MacPaint
Early issues were printed on a dot-matrix printer, until Apple donated their state-of-the-art LaserWriter which at that time retailed for $6,995 (about $25,000 today)
The story continues in Jon Sable, Freelance #25 which was on newsstands the same day
A four-page preview was first printed in the UK computer magazine Big K #12 in March 1985, preceded by an article that featured artwork in Big K #6 (1984)
Key Facts
First digitally-illustrated comic book, created on Apple's 1984 Macintosh Plus running MacPaint
Early issues were printed on a dot-matrix printer, until Apple donated their state-of-the-art LaserWriter which at that time retailed for $6,995 (about $25,000 today)
The story continues in Jon Sable, Freelance #25 which was on newsstands the same day
A four-page preview was first printed in the UK computer magazine Big K #12 in March 1985, preceded by an article that featured artwork in Big K #6 (1984)
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Brian Bolland
‘Thank You’ exclusive given to retailers who provided affidavits declaring recalled copies of Superman #14 and Supergirl #33 were destroyed
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Brian Bolland
‘Thank You’ exclusive given to retailers who provided affidavits declaring recalled copies of Superman #14 and Supergirl #33 were destroyed
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Yoda, in shadows
Cover art featuring the Millennium Falcon
Five-page text explanation of Yoda's initial goblin-like appearance as the character was illustrated in the Marvel paperback edition of The Empire Strikes Back
Key Facts
1st cameo appearance of Yoda, in shadows
Cover art featuring the Millennium Falcon
Five-page text explanation of Yoda's initial goblin-like appearance as the character was illustrated in the Marvel paperback edition of The Empire Strikes Back
Key Facts
Second printing, wraparound cover art by Kevin Eastman
First work on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by long-time artist Eric Talbot in a story titled 'Ghouls Night Out' which was published as an original back-up story for the second printing
'Ghouls Night Out' is a reference to a Misfits song
Etched on tombstones are the names of the members of the band [Glenn] Danzig, Jerry Only, Doyle [Wolfgang von Frankenstein] and Robo
Interior 'special announcement' first reveals the licensing agreement secured by Mirage Studios for an animated series and action figure line
A black and white preview of the action figures is the first indication of characters BeBop and Rocksteady and first mention of Krang
Key Facts
Second printing, wraparound cover art by Kevin Eastman
First work on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by long-time artist Eric Talbot in a story titled 'Ghouls Night Out' which was published as an original back-up story for the second printing
'Ghouls Night Out' is a reference to a Misfits song
Etched on tombstones are the names of the members of the band [Glenn] Danzig, Jerry Only, Doyle [Wolfgang von Frankenstein] and Robo
Interior 'special announcement' first reveals the licensing agreement secured by Mirage Studios for an animated series and action figure line
A black and white preview of the action figures is the first indication of characters BeBop and Rocksteady and first mention of Krang
Key Facts
Cover art featuring actor and director Orson Wells whose 1938 War of the Worlds radio program was so realistic it caused mass hysteria with the public believing the USA had been invaded by aliens
Key Facts
Cover art featuring actor and director Orson Wells whose 1938 War of the Worlds radio program was so realistic it caused mass hysteria with the public believing the USA had been invaded by aliens
Key Facts
First cover since Action Comics #18 (1939) to not include Superman or anything related to Superman
Key Facts
First cover since Action Comics #18 (1939) to not include Superman or anything related to Superman
Key Facts
Tony Stark attends the 1974 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) as Iron Man
Numerous members of early fandom are pictured or mentioned in addition to Marvel bullpen members Roy Thomas, Frank Brunner, Mike Ploog, Tom Orzechowski and others
Key Facts
Tony Stark attends the 1974 San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) as Iron Man
Numerous members of early fandom are pictured or mentioned in addition to Marvel bullpen members Roy Thomas, Frank Brunner, Mike Ploog, Tom Orzechowski and others
Key Facts
Identity of Commander X revealed to be Rob Liefeld
After announcing this issue to be his final work on Deadpool for Marvel, Rob Liefeld interacts with the character and hints at the long history that they share together - tap cover and swipe to view additional image
Key Facts
Identity of Commander X revealed to be Rob Liefeld
After announcing this issue to be his final work on Deadpool for Marvel, Rob Liefeld interacts with the character and hints at the long history that they share together - tap cover and swipe to view additional image
Key Facts
1st cameo team appearance of The Marauders: Arclight, Harpoon, Riptide, Vertigo, Scalphunter aka John Greycrow, Scrambler
This cover was later reprinted for a trade paperback collection but digitally augmented to remove the cigar that Wolverine was smoking
Key Facts
1st cameo team appearance of The Marauders: Arclight, Harpoon, Riptide, Vertigo, Scalphunter aka John Greycrow, Scrambler
This cover was later reprinted for a trade paperback collection but digitally augmented to remove the cigar that Wolverine was smoking
Key Facts
Interior pin-up art by Gene Simmons from KISS
Image depicts a spaceship flying over an alien landscape, signed by Klein, his mother's maiden name
Key Facts
Interior pin-up art by Gene Simmons from KISS
Image depicts a spaceship flying over an alien landscape, signed by Klein, his mother's maiden name
Key Facts
Includes the panel of Batman slapping Robin that is recognizable from many internet memes
Key Facts
Includes the panel of Batman slapping Robin that is recognizable from many internet memes
Key Facts
In the fan mail page is a letter to the editor written by Frank Miller
Key Facts
In the fan mail page is a letter to the editor written by Frank Miller
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Firebreather, a half boy/half dragon
Firebreather was a character originally pitched to Marvel as the son of Fin Fang Foom
Key Facts
1st full appearance of Firebreather, a half boy/half dragon
Firebreather was a character originally pitched to Marvel as the son of Fin Fang Foom
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Jim Lee
Different from the gatefold cover: Wolverine is depicted with only one set of claws engaged as his left hand would have the appearance of skewering the head of Captain America occupying the corner box
There is also a Newsstand/UPC version with only one set of claws
Preview of Omega Red in a pin-up by Jim Lee, 'Things To Come'
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Jim Lee
Different from the gatefold cover: Wolverine is depicted with only one set of claws engaged as his left hand would have the appearance of skewering the head of Captain America occupying the corner box
There is also a Newsstand/UPC version with only one set of claws
Preview of Omega Red in a pin-up by Jim Lee, 'Things To Come'
Key Facts
Variant cover art by by Skan
Cover art composition inspired by the viral 'sad Keanu' meme (tap cover and swipe for image)
Key Facts
Variant cover art by by Skan
Cover art composition inspired by the viral 'sad Keanu' meme (tap cover and swipe for image)
Key Facts
First cover in Western Comics that utilizes a photograph
Key Facts
First cover in Western Comics that utilizes a photograph
Key Facts
Death of Ned Leeds
Wolverine discovers Peter Parker is Spider-Man
Spider-Man inadvertently kills a woman by punching her, thinking Wolverine snuck up on him
Key Facts
Death of Ned Leeds
Wolverine discovers Peter Parker is Spider-Man
Spider-Man inadvertently kills a woman by punching her, thinking Wolverine snuck up on him
Key Facts
1st appearance of Luna Maximoff, the daughter of Quicksilver and the Inhuman, Crystal
The Inhumans move to the moon
In a panel where Black Bolt speaks, causing a massive explosion, there is an editor’s note that reads 'we're not going to insult your intelligence by placing a sound effect in this panel'. This is said to be a reference to an argument Byrne had with X-Men writer Chris Claremont, concerning the inclusion of a text representation of an explosion in X-Men #119 that Byrne felt was unnecessary
Key Facts
1st appearance of Luna Maximoff, the daughter of Quicksilver and the Inhuman, Crystal
The Inhumans move to the moon
In a panel where Black Bolt speaks, causing a massive explosion, there is an editor’s note that reads 'we're not going to insult your intelligence by placing a sound effect in this panel'. This is said to be a reference to an argument Byrne had with X-Men writer Chris Claremont, concerning the inclusion of a text representation of an explosion in X-Men #119 that Byrne felt was unnecessary
Key Facts
1st appearance of Soul Crusher, a villain whose name was inspired by Erik Larsen in a letter to Todd McFarlane that was expressing his turmoil about an unknown business dispute
Copies ordered by retailers: 15,778
Key Facts
1st appearance of Soul Crusher, a villain whose name was inspired by Erik Larsen in a letter to Todd McFarlane that was expressing his turmoil about an unknown business dispute
Copies ordered by retailers: 15,778
Key Facts
After a car accident, a comatose man awakens in Dark Town where he is pursued by murderous puppets
Inspired the movie starring Brendan Fraser, Monkey Bone (2001)
Key Facts
After a car accident, a comatose man awakens in Dark Town where he is pursued by murderous puppets
Inspired the movie starring Brendan Fraser, Monkey Bone (2001)
Key Facts
Black and white reprint of the first half of The Incredible Hulk #181
The cover art of this issue features the Hulk's face as it was originally drawn which differs from the originally published U.S. edition
Key Facts
Black and white reprint of the first half of The Incredible Hulk #181
The cover art of this issue features the Hulk's face as it was originally drawn which differs from the originally published U.S. edition
TPB ⋅ Marvel ⋅ 1980
Key Facts
224-page adaptation of the Empire Strikes Back in trade paperback measuring 4 in. X 7 in.
In this edition, Yoda is depicted differently than how he appeared in the film because this publication was illustrated prior to Marvel creators knowing the final visual design of the character
Key Facts
224-page adaptation of the Empire Strikes Back in trade paperback measuring 4 in. X 7 in.
In this edition, Yoda is depicted differently than how he appeared in the film because this publication was illustrated prior to Marvel creators knowing the final visual design of the character
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Tyler Kirkham
Cover art based on an animation still from X-Men: The Animated Series which became the basis of a popular meme and also spawned a toy
Key Facts
Variant cover art by Tyler Kirkham
Cover art based on an animation still from X-Men: The Animated Series which became the basis of a popular meme and also spawned a toy
Key Facts
"A Death in the Family" part 3
Death of Robin, Jason Todd, killed by the Joker
Batman #427 ended on a cliffhanger that placed Jason Todd in the blast zone of an exploding warehouse
DC set up a poll for readers to cast their vote of whether Jason Todd should survive the blast by calling one phone number, or die by calling another
10,614 phone calls were made with Todd's death having been decided by only 72 votes more than the opposite outcome where he would've survived
DC had prepared both scenarios to go to print (tap cover and swipe to view unpublished pages)
Key Facts
"A Death in the Family" part 3
Death of Robin, Jason Todd, killed by the Joker
Batman #427 ended on a cliffhanger that placed Jason Todd in the blast zone of an exploding warehouse
DC set up a poll for readers to cast their vote of whether Jason Todd should survive the blast by calling one phone number, or die by calling another
10,614 phone calls were made with Todd's death having been decided by only 72 votes more than the opposite outcome where he would've survived
DC had prepared both scenarios to go to print (tap cover and swipe to view unpublished pages)
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Molecule Man
2nd appearance of the Watcher
George R.R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones, was 15 years old when he achieved his first taste of being published in the fan mail section of this issue
Martin’s words are eloquent beyond his years but his excessive compliments have the familiar, timeless tone of comic fanboy sarcasm
Key Facts
1st appearance and origin of Molecule Man
2nd appearance of the Watcher
George R.R. Martin, author of Game of Thrones, was 15 years old when he achieved his first taste of being published in the fan mail section of this issue
Martin’s words are eloquent beyond his years but his excessive compliments have the familiar, timeless tone of comic fanboy sarcasm
Key Facts
Fan letter from George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones, at 16 years old
Key Facts
Fan letter from George R.R. Martin, Game of Thrones, at 16 years old
Key Facts
Cover art featuring the Joker
Revealed in this issue, Alfred discovers the Joker used the name Harlan Quinn to purchase real estate - Harley Quinn introduced ten years after the publication of this issue
Key Facts
Cover art featuring the Joker
Revealed in this issue, Alfred discovers the Joker used the name Harlan Quinn to purchase real estate - Harley Quinn introduced ten years after the publication of this issue
Key Facts
The Simpsons annual anthology of Halloween stories including:
The Sub-Basement of Dracula written by Marv Wolfman, illustrated by Gene Colan
Squish Thing written by Len Wein, illustrated by Bernie Wrightson
Additional writers and artists: Bill Morrison, Angelo Torres, John Severin, Mark Schultz and Al Williamson
Copies ordered by retailers: 12,266
Key Facts
The Simpsons annual anthology of Halloween stories including:
The Sub-Basement of Dracula written by Marv Wolfman, illustrated by Gene Colan
Squish Thing written by Len Wein, illustrated by Bernie Wrightson
Additional writers and artists: Bill Morrison, Angelo Torres, John Severin, Mark Schultz and Al Williamson
Copies ordered by retailers: 12,266
Key Facts
Appearance of a character similar to Swamp Thing in a story written by Len Wein who was the writer of House of Secrets #92, the first appearance of Swamp Thing
House of Secrets #92 was published earlier than this issue though many sellers label Phantom Stranger #14 a "prototype" of Swamp Thing which would imply that it was published first
Marvel introduced Man-Thing in Savage Tales Magazine #1 just one month prior to House of Secrets #92
Key Facts
Appearance of a character similar to Swamp Thing in a story written by Len Wein who was the writer of House of Secrets #92, the first appearance of Swamp Thing
House of Secrets #92 was published earlier than this issue though many sellers label Phantom Stranger #14 a "prototype" of Swamp Thing which would imply that it was published first
Marvel introduced Man-Thing in Savage Tales Magazine #1 just one month prior to House of Secrets #92
Star Comics ⋅ 1987
Key Facts
One-shot adaptation of the Masters of the Universe (1987) film script
There are a number of differences between the script and the final cut of the movie that is evident throughout the one-shot
Key Facts
One-shot adaptation of the Masters of the Universe (1987) film script
There are a number of differences between the script and the final cut of the movie that is evident throughout the one-shot
Key Facts
2nd appearance Lorna Dane, daughter of Magneto who later takes the name Polaris
2nd appearance of Mesmero
Origin of Beast, his birth and cause of mutation
First use of the classic X-Men logo, designed by Jim Steranko
Key Facts
2nd appearance Lorna Dane, daughter of Magneto who later takes the name Polaris
2nd appearance of Mesmero
Origin of Beast, his birth and cause of mutation
First use of the classic X-Men logo, designed by Jim Steranko
Key Facts
Superman uses the name Cal Ellis to conceal his identity in this story written by Alan Moore
It is revealed in Action Comics #9 (2012) that Superman of Earth-23 is named Calvin Ellis
Key Facts
Superman uses the name Cal Ellis to conceal his identity in this story written by Alan Moore
It is revealed in Action Comics #9 (2012) that Superman of Earth-23 is named Calvin Ellis
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
Origin of the name 'Wolverine' given to Logan by Native Americans of the Blackfoot tribe and when translated means 'Skunk-Bear'
Key Facts
Origin of the name 'Wolverine' given to Logan by Native Americans of the Blackfoot tribe and when translated means 'Skunk-Bear'
Key Facts
The first time in Todd McFarlane's career that he forgot to sign the cover is often requested to be signed by Todd at conventions
Key Facts
The first time in Todd McFarlane's career that he forgot to sign the cover is often requested to be signed by Todd at conventions
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
Key Facts
Images of the Hulk in the upper-left logo box create a flip-book beginning with this issue and ending with issue #300
Key Facts
Images of the Hulk in the upper-left logo box create a flip-book beginning with this issue and ending with issue #300
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