Comics Should Be Good! @ Comic Book Resources » Top 50 Countdown

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown Master List

Brian Cronin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:10:05 +0000

Here, then, is the complete master list of the Top Fifty Countdown of the most notable issue numbers in comic book history! From Amazing Spider-Man #50 to Action Comics #1, and all the issues in between! Click on the cover of the issue in question and it will take you to a piece on that specific issue (and other notable issues with that same number).

The issues are judged on the following sliding scale of "notability"...

1. Is that specific issue well-known enough that it comes to mind when people say that particular number (like Detective Comics #27 comes to mind when you hear the number #27)?

If the answer is no, then...

2. Is the issue "important"?

If the answer is yes, then I just compare the issues and choose which one I think is most notable, whether it be the first appearance of a character or the first issue of a famous creator run, etc.

Thanks to David Frankel for the idea!

Enjoy!

50.

49.

48.

47.

46.

45.

44.

43.

42.

41.

40.

39.

38.

37.

36.

35.

34.

33.

32.

31.

30.

29.

28.

27.

26.

25.

24.

23.

22.

21.

20.

19.

18.

17.

16.

15.

14.

13.

12.

11.

10.

41 Comments

At August 11, 2008, dhole wrote:
Thank you for a fun list.

Congrats to Stan Lee for the most appearances at 13, pretty appropriate for someone with ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
You know, I think the only issues that meet the first criterion are #27 and #15. Those genuinely stand out. ...
At August 11, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
While I enjoyed reading it, I think that so many of the choices were controversial, that it took away from ...
At August 11, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
As much as I agree with the significance of Death (and the huge popularity to which she rose), I still ...
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
That could be said of any list like this, Scott. In this case it's just one guy, but ...
At August 11, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Scott, any list like this HAS to be controversial... No matter what your personal favourite, it may not be ...
At August 11, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
There were two numbers that bugged me, and those were #8 and #21. I just flat out disagreed on those, ...
At August 11, 2008, Davud Frankel wrote:
A great endeavor Brian, and one which generated much more intelligent discussion than I expected. Thank you.

(New computers are ...
At August 11, 2008, David Frankel wrote:
Typo!!

Just me.
At August 11, 2008, Adam P. Knave wrote:
"that it took away from the credibility of the list."

It's a blog. It's for fun and for discussion. Credibility ...
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
Great job, Brian! Now about that Snark Free Corner . . .
At August 11, 2008, Jason wrote:
So....what's the best zero issue of all time? Just askin'.
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
I'd say that would have to be Starman #0.
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Not Extreme Justice #0?
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
Very, very much no.
At August 11, 2008, David wrote:
"Iâ€™d say that would have to be Starman #0."
Nope - the Hal vs Kyle battle in GL 0 wins this ...
At August 11, 2008, Jason wrote:
I'd go for Green Lantern #0, though Starman and Flash rank up there. And what about Deadpool, with naked May ...
At August 12, 2008, AirDave817 wrote:
Very cool list. Even more interesting is the presentation. Very nice.
At August 12, 2008, Dave wrote:
Hey I totally dig the list. Nice job! But one question...

No Death of Superman? Superman #75 poly-bagged or not, has ...
At August 12, 2008, Michael Kronenberg wrote:
Interesting list, I agree with many choices--but how could you almost totally ignore the entire decade of the 1970s? Adams/O'Neil's ...
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Hey I totally dig the list. Nice job! But one questionâ€¦

No Death of Superman? Superman #75 poly-bagged or not, has ...
At August 12, 2008, Stefan wrote:
The posting on CBR's front page is really misleading, Brian. They've got it tagged as the "Fifty Most Notable ...
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Interesting list, I agree with many choicesâ€“but how could you almost totally ignore the entire decade of the 1970s? Adams/Oâ€™Neilâ€™s ...
At August 12, 2008, buttler wrote:
True, Dave, but this list was just #1-#50.

I hear 75 is the new 50.
At August 12, 2008, JJS wrote:
Wow, nice sexist list. Not a single issue with a female lead is "notable?"
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Wow, nice sexist list. Not a single issue with a female lead is â€œnotable?â€ Besides failing to note that Promethea ...
At August 12, 2008, buttler wrote:
I told you the list needed more Dazzler and Amethyst, Princess of Gemworld. But did you listen? Nooo.
At August 12, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
And where are all the anthropomorphic characters???
;-)
At August 12, 2008, Dave wrote:
Oh, duh. Well that was dopey of me. I see so its the most notable #1, #2, etc. I see. ...
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Thanks, Dave.
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
The posting on CBRâ€™s front page is really misleading, Brian. Theyâ€™ve got it tagged as the â€œFifty Most Notable Comics,â€ ...
At August 12, 2008, Craig wrote:
Great list. Although for me the notable #21 would be G.I. JOE. #26 also, probably.

I love that you included Deadpool.

And ...
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Great list. Although for me the notable #21 would be G.I. JOE. #26 also, probably. Thanks, Craig!

Also, that is one ...
At August 12, 2008, Mike Loughlin wrote:
And how about those 1/2 issues Wizard used to sell? Maxx 1/2 by a landslide!
At August 12, 2008, Thok wrote:
If Brian's doing 0, then he should probably do 1,000,000 also. I have no idea what would be the ...
At August 12, 2008, Adam P. Knave wrote:
Best 1,000,000? Hitman.

What about best #1/2? Didn't they do a bunch of those? Like Wizard whored them around ...
At August 12, 2008, FD wrote:
Good list, but yeah, #21 needs to be G.I. Joe.
At August 13, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
I'd love to see a list where the fans vote (like the Top 100 Comic Book Runs list). I'm curious ...
At August 13, 2008, Paul1963 wrote:
#8 could also have been All-Star #8, with the first appearance of Wonder Woman.
Scott McIver, what #21 would you say ...
At August 13, 2008, buttler wrote:
If you click on any of the covers in the list, it'll take you to the (occasionally heated) discussion of ...
At August 28, 2008, daniel wrote:
aside from the top 50, it'd be interesting to pick a few other numbers that you could at least come ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #4

Brian Cronin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:12:26 +0000

Here's #4! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Quasar #4

In this issue, writer Mark Gruenwald tried to tie up a plot-line from a storyline he co-wrote with Ralph Macchio in Marvel Two-in-One a decade earlier, by giving us more background on a character he and Macchio had adopted from a 1973 Steve Gerber story. In this issue, we learn that Aquarian (the Sensational Character Find of 1979) is an alien from the planet Dakkam, the same as the Quasar villain, Quantum.

This is major stuff here, people!!

Easy call, right?

Oh, okay, okay, so who shall it be?

Showcase #4, the first appearance of Barry Allen, the Silver Age Flash (and the issue generally recognized as the beginning of the Silver Age?) or Avengers #4, the return of Captain America?

The work of Julie Schwartz, Carmine Infantino, Robert Kanigher and John Broome or the work of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby?

This is by far the toughest call, not so much because it is a tough decision (there have been closer calls, I think) but because both issues are HUGE parts of comic book history - we really haven't had that with that many earlier issues, except for all the other #1s out there, and in those instances, Action Comics #1 was such an obvious choice that none of the other issues really had much reason to complain, ya know?

So before I reveal the choice, let me note some of the many other great choices for #4...

Fantastic Four #4 was ALSO the return of a great Golden Age hero, as the Human Torch crazily brought back the Sub-Mariner, causing Namor to become a long-time cast member of the Fantastic Four (most of the time as a villain).

X-Men #4 was the introduction of the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, which included two notable future Avengers, the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver (as well as the villainous Toad and Mastermind).

One of the most notable superhero fights of all time took place in The Dark Knight Returns #4, as Batman and Superman go at it.

Spider-Man 3 villain, The Sandman, first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #4.

Buttler and Ajit mentioned an issue I totally meant to mention but forgot, Green Arrow joining the Justice League in Justice League of America #4.

Also, Buttler made a great call with the beginning of the great Zatanna storyline (that began with her first appearance) in Hawkman #4. Big Barda's first appearance is not bad, either, in Mister Miracle #4.

Do feel free to send me more notable #4s, people!

Okay, as to the choice, I think it basically comes down to the fact that while both issues are extremely well known, and I honestly think Avengers #4 is slightly MORE well known than Showcase #4, in the end, the cultural and historical importance of the beginning of the Silver Age outweighs the slight recognizability factor of Avengers #4 (and, again, if it is there at all, it is only slight).

So that makes the pick...

Showcase #4

The first appearance of Barry Allen, a pretty good first story, an iconic cover and the beginning of the Silver Age.

That is one notable issue.

Okay, that's the countdown!

Hope you folks had fun!!

55 Comments

At August 11, 2008, John Chidley-Hill wrote:
They actually brought back the Aquarian?! I've only read about him in the Official Handbook, but I never imagined he'd ...
At August 11, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
I can't believe it's all over...

*sniff*

What's next??
At August 11, 2008, Stefan wrote:
Did you actually pick the ordering randomly Brian? And this one came up last!? Amazing.

I have to say, ...
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Nah, Stefan, I picked the order randomly EXCEPT making sure that a couple of good ones would last to the ...
At August 11, 2008, M Bloom wrote:
Definitely the right choice. After Action Comics #1, this is probably the second most important comic book in history.
At August 11, 2008, Hangmanjury wrote:
I'd say Showcase 4 is more well known than Avengers 4, but yeah, the difference would be slight.
At August 11, 2008, AndrewT wrote:
Man, I love that Quasar series.
And all those Aquarian stories are gold.
It has made me want to grow a beard.
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
More options for #4:

The Justice League invited Green Arrow to sign up in Justice League of America #4.

The Enchantress turned ...
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
Yeah, tough call, but the right one by a nose.

The Avengers weren't the only ones to take on their first ...
At August 11, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Brian, I seriously though you were going to list Aquarian's return for #4 for a second there. Wow! More important ...
At August 11, 2008, fourthworlder wrote:
Forever, for always, #4 is Bobby Orr.
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
For the benefit of everyone reading Final Crisis, Fourthworlder's comment reminded me that Sonny Sumo was introduced in Forever People ...
At August 11, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The fourth Tintin book was Cigars of the Pharaoh. It was the first appearance of the Thompsons, FAR more famous ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
'Cigars of the Pharaoh' may be the first adventure where HergÃ© really came into his own, not least because of ...
At August 11, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Jack Kirby did a lot of fourth issues. Here are a few, pretty much chronologically.

Captain America #4 contains a ...
At August 11, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
"Er, how about doing 51 through 100? "

I can just hear Mr. B.C. sobbing and banging his head on a ...
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
I just don't see how a reasonable #51-100 list could be done.

I'm not against doing it in principle, but in ...
At August 11, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Warrior #4 contained the rare and un-reprinted-elsewhere Alan Moore Marvelman story "The Yesterday Gambit".

Cerebus #4 was the actual first appearance ...
At August 11, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
You could do a list of 50 other notable numbers (which would let you catch 0's, -1's, 1/2's, and 1,000,000s ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
I just donâ€™t see how a reasonable #51-100 list could be done

If you are in a truly masochistic mood, here ...
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Hah, yeah, #50-60 I have, roughly, in my mind.

It's the 70s and 80s that I'm having trouble with coming up ...
At August 11, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
NO BRIAN!! DON'T!!!!!!!!!!!!

STEP AWAY FORM THE ARCHIVES!

PUT THAT OVERSTREET DOWN!!

CLOSE THE COMICS.ORG WINDOW!

GET SOME SLEEP!!!!
At August 11, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
At least give us a week or two to get over this lot!
;-)
At August 11, 2008, Kelson @ Speed Force wrote:
When you started this series, I tried to think of any Flash issues that might fit the criteria. Unfortunately, ...
At August 11, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
One of the problems with making a list is that what looks great bit by bit looks like glaring omissions ...
At August 11, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
"â€˜Cigars of the Pharaohâ€™ may be the first adventure where HergÃ© really came into his own, not least because of ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
IItâ€™s the 70s and 80s that Iâ€™m having trouble with coming up with offhand (with a few exceptions, of course). ...
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
I think with Cerebus, the issues vs. phone books may be a generational thing, Jeff.

I picked it up issue ...
At August 11, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
You were sitting on the Quasar joke for how long....????

Did any DC hero premiere in their own book? I know ...
At August 11, 2008, Thok wrote:
52 â€” Black Panther is introduced, in â€˜Fantastic Fourâ€˜

I'm pretty sure 52 52 would be the choice for 52, simply ...
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
Sure, Rich, a number of them did, starting way back with Flash (Jay Garrick) in Flash Comics #1. ...
At August 11, 2008, DanLarkin wrote:
Even Flash Comics was moreof an anthology book that happened to feature a character named the Flash than a Flash ...
At August 11, 2008, Stephen wrote:
"For the most part, all the big, notable Flash events were either in a #1 or well after #50."

Yup. Wally's ...
At August 11, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
"Iâ€™m not against doing it in principle, but in practice, I think weâ€™d get way too many cases like #43."

Sure ...
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Fair enough, I'll see what I can whip up!

Should it be one a day again?
At August 11, 2008, Stefan wrote:
Just a few modern agers here that I have to lobby for, some of which may be obvious. It's ...
At August 11, 2008, buttler wrote:
Wow, really?! But Quasar only ran 60 issues!
At August 11, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
From here do the BIG numbers above 50 (and also 0)

#0
#75
#100
#150
#200
#250
#500
#666!
At August 11, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
Spider-Man 3 villain, The Sandman, first appeared in The Amazing Spider-Man #4.

Nah, as we learnt with #8, Sandman just isn't ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Something tells me #75â€™s not really in contention if Brian does this. Hawk and Dove get just a bit trumped ...
At August 11, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
I'd go #75 of Sandman - it's a landmark because a company owned series was allowed to finish when it's ...
At August 12, 2008, S_O wrote:
@DanLarkin: actually, Hulk debuted in "Incredible Hulk #1", but by the time Marvel was sorta DC's bitch and, as mentioned ...
At August 12, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Stefan:

Last issue of Preacher was #66
At August 12, 2008, Stefan wrote:
You're absolutely right. Transmet went to 60 (and Y did too, didn't it?), Preacher to 66.
At August 12, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Yep!
Y finished at 60...
At August 12, 2008, JamesJesse wrote:
I LOVE Herge's Tintin series but I'd argue that FLASH is more well known in Asia.

I wouldn't say Tintin is ...
At August 12, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
That wuold be "The Crab With The Golden Claws" wouldn't it? What number was that Pedro?
At August 12, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Crab With The Golden Claws is the ninth story in the Tintin canon, but it's a bit more problematic than ...
At August 12, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
Well, Tintin has a very sucessful cartoon series also. And the cartoon Flash is NOT Barry Allen, it's Wally ...
At August 13, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Crab is the ninth TIntin book and Black Gold is the 15th. But both Tintin and Asterix are much older ...
At August 13, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
Don't worry, Ajit. Uderzo has already said there won't be any new Asterix stories after he dies.

But I DO wish ...
At August 13, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
I always thought Avengers # 4 was more well known, but historically, I guess Showcase # 4 is more important. ...
At August 13, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
wwk5d, the Wikipedia is a pretty good reference for that in english.

Best,
Hunter (Pedro BouÃ§a)
At August 15, 2008, DanCJ wrote:
"Just to help with story structure and to include some extra gags. Uderzo HAS some good ideas, but his execution ...
At August 16, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
And I dearly love Asterix and the Black Gold, even more than most Goscinny books. But those are the exception ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #8

Brian Cronin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 06:24:24 +0000

Here's #8! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

As you might imagine, this one was a spectacular battle, with a great deal of very notable issues mixed with one not-so-notable issue that had GIGANTIC historical importance (plus a few other choices that would be fine picks in a weaker crop of issues).

To start, we'll look at the losers in the category, starting with two very notable issues from DC and Marvel maxi-series.

First off, Crisis on Infinite Earths #8 featured the death of Barry Allen.

That's just yooge.

No doubt about it - one of the most famous comic book deaths ever.

Marvel Super-Heroes Secret Wars #8 featured the story introduction of Spider-Man's black costume (it had appeared in Amazing Spider-Man for months before this issue, but it was still a notable issue for the time - it goes for a lot more money than the other issues of Secret Wars).

Marvel has a trio of notable first appearances in #8s (really a quartet)...

Avengers #8 gave us our first look at Kang the Conquerer

Fantastic Four #8 was the first appearance of Alicia Masters AND her psycho step-father, the Puppetmaster.

The great Stilt-Man appeared first in Daredevil #8!

Unus, the Untouchable first showed up in X-Men #8.

Buttler wishes to point out that Manhunter first showed up in Police Comics #8, Warlord in DC 1st Issue Special #8 and Sub-Mariner and the Human Torch had one of the first superhero crossovers EVER in Marvel Mystery Comics #8! Certainly all worth an honorable mention!

Okay, so now on to the real two contenders...

All Star Comics #8 is the first appearance of Wonder Woman (in a back-up story) and The Sandman #8 is "The Sound of Her Wings," the first appearance of Death (a more famous comic book death than Flash's ).

So what we have here is the historic (first Wonder Woman) versus a famous issue, The Sandman #8.

And, well, the whole countdown long, this is the way I've been leaning, so I'm not going to stop now, so I'm going with the more notable issue, despite Wonder Woman's vast lead in comic book historical importance.

The Sandman #8

Deciding factors:

1. All Star Comics #8 isn't even all that well known for Wonder Woman's first appearance, as she is not on the cover and it was just a test back-up in support of her "real" first appearance in Sensation Comics #1.

2. Sensation Comics #1 is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more famous than All Star Comics #8

3. The Sandman #8 is actually a REALLY GOOD issue - All Star Comics #8 is meh.

4. I'll admit, The Sandman #1-50 is one of the best first 50 issues in comic book history and they've yet to have a single issue representative.

In any event, The Sandman #8 is the pick.

Feel free to name some other excellent eights!

53 Comments

At August 10, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
I'd go with Sandman # 8.
It's the first appearance of Death (of the Endless family) in Gaiman's universe.
At August 10, 2008, Sam wrote:
Yeah, so would I. And Brian.
At August 10, 2008, buttler wrote:
I'd like to grumble about this. I really would, because Wonder Woman is wayyyy more important. But the fact ...
At August 10, 2008, Hangmanjury wrote:
Sandman #8 is also the first issue of Sandman where Gaiman notably started hitting his stride.
At August 10, 2008, buttler wrote:
Oh, I forgot to mention that this is a really good issue, and I like it a lot. But ...
At August 10, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Yeah, why IS Sensation Comics #1 so much more well-known?
At August 10, 2008, Michael wrote:
Here's the tipper: disaffected teenagers don't go to raves by the dozens dressed like Wonder Woman.
At August 10, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Well, Defenders #8 was the first chapter of the Avengers-Defenders War (following a brief prologue in Avengers #115).

I would respectfully ...
At August 10, 2008, Ajit wrote:
"Yeah, why IS Sensation Comics #1 so much more well-known?"

Because it is a case of judging a book by its ...
At August 10, 2008, Craig B. wrote:
Nope, bad call. The first appearance of Wonder Woman, particularly with 2 new members in the JSA, is way ...
At August 10, 2008, Eric Gimlin wrote:
I suspect the Sensation is better known because of the Famous First Editions DC did in the 70's. They ...
At August 10, 2008, Rhod wrote:
I'd have put Sandman last out of the 4 major contenders for this spot, and really expected Secret Wars or ...
At August 10, 2008, sononsj wrote:
I've got to admit the first one I thought of was Amazing Spider-Man #8, and I'm pretty surprised it didn't ...
At August 10, 2008, Matt Bird wrote:
Sandman #8? Minority opinion here: Sappy, treacly, new age-y Hallmark crapola. Especially the last few pages, which make ...
At August 10, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
I think he meant the Sandman Special.
The one about Orpheus.
At August 10, 2008, Stefan wrote:
Tough, tough call. But in the end, the best ish won.
At August 10, 2008, Scavenger wrote:
"Hereâ€™s the tipper: disaffected teenagers donâ€™t go to raves by the dozens dressed like Wonder Woman."

No, but drag queens do.
At August 10, 2008, R. J. Sterling wrote:
Speaking as one who has never read one issue of 'Sandman' (even though I did buy the collected edition of ...
At August 10, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
Excuse me guys complaining about Sandman, but some of us are trying to drive up the prices on our Absolute ...
At August 10, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
I throw my vote behind Secret Wars #8. I can close my eyes and picture that cover. It's way more ...
At August 10, 2008, buttler wrote:
Yeah, Random Stranger -- it's a tough call, because of course Avengers #4 is freaking huge (and I suppose you ...
At August 10, 2008, Mason King wrote:
Too bad we couldn't go back to back with the death of Barry Allen (Crisis #8) and his first appearance ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Actually, the central figure on the cover of Sensation Comics #1 -- the charging Wonder Woman -- is the same ...
At August 11, 2008, DanCJ wrote:
I could go either way on this one. DC bend over backwards to convince us that Wonder Woman is ...
At August 11, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
Wonder Woman is a more important character than anything from Sandman, but as you point out, how many people would ...
At August 11, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
You could argue that she is, FunkyGreenJerusalem. Ask the average person, almost anywhere in the world, who they actually know, ...
At August 11, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The eighth Tintin book, King Ottokar's Sceptre, is a great comic and has a first appearance FAR more important ...
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Hunter: King Ottokar's Sceptre may also be notable for giving Thomson and Thompson their names!
At August 11, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Secret Wars 2 #8 may have given us Spidey's black costume, but Quasar #8 gave us..."Absolutely the Last Secret Wras ...
At August 11, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
Good point, Ajit! I'm familiar with the "remastered" versions, so I sometimes forget that they were not called Dupondt/Thompsons on ...
At August 11, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
I always thought Thompson and Thomson appeared first in "Cigars of the Pharoah", and were named there first...then again, with ...
At August 11, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Invaders #8 gave us Union Jack.. One of the best and underused British Marvel heroes ever....
At August 11, 2008, Ajit wrote:
wwk5d: According to the facsimile edition, Thomson and Thompson were identified only as 'X33' and 'X33A' in their first appearance ...
At August 11, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
Wwk5d, they DID first appear in â€œCigars of the Pharoahâ€ (and if anyone thinks that Flash is a more famous ...
At August 11, 2008, bad_trotsky wrote:
I think you got this one wrong. Ask anyone to name a female superhero. Even as a huge comic book ...
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Right, bad_trosky, but the argument is not that Death is more well known, but that no one knows that her ...
At August 11, 2008, Teebore wrote:
"Here is a (minor) notable # 8: X-men Vol 2 # 8."

Also, this was the comic book that shifted me ...
At August 11, 2008, Craig wrote:
"When Death has carried a comic book series for 6 decades or so, we can talk further."

When Wonder Woman's series ...
At August 11, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
OK. I've been reading comics since 1974. Tell me what's so famous about Sandman #8. I have no idea. Means ...
At August 11, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Right, bad_trosky Rich, but the argument is not that Death is more well known, but that no one knows that ...
At August 11, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
Ask the average person, almost anywhere in the world, who they actually know, Wonder Woman or anything about or from ...
At August 11, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
I think you got this one wrong. Ask anyone to name a female superhero. Even as a huge comic book ...
At August 12, 2008, Eric-The-Red wrote:
"When Wonder Womanâ€™s series starts being good, and can actually build up hype beyond DCâ€™s creative team shakeups every six ...
At August 12, 2008, Ganky wrote:
Micronauts #8, as I blurted in the entry for best #7, has the first appearance of occasional Marvel fourth-stringer Captain ...
At August 12, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
Anyway. As you can see by my name plastered all over these boards I have enjoyed this list. The fact ...
At August 12, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
This one still sits wrong with me, even after reading all the comments. I think it got the pick because ...
At August 12, 2008, Dalarsco wrote:
Did Sandman #8 also create the idea of the perky goth girl? That could give it massive, massive cultural ...
At August 12, 2008, buttler wrote:
i suppose it could if that were the case, Dalarsco, but no, there were plenty of perky goth girls running ...
At August 12, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
Plus, the story where she gave up her powers from the 60s or 70s became a big deal in the ...
At August 12, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Iâ€™Did it really become a big deal in the US?

Big enough that Gloria Steinem led a campaign to restore ...
At August 12, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
The fact is that she has become a cultural icon, someone easily recognised by non-comic readers.

I bet none of them ...
At August 13, 2008, Ajit wrote:
I bet none of them know what issue she first appeared in though

Well, of course they won't! I was talking ...
At August 13, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
Exactly, Ajit. A non-comic isn't going to know Sandman # 8 any more than they would know WW's first appearence. ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #14

Brian Cronin — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 06:43:19 +0000

Here's #14! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Amazing Spider-Man #14

The first appearance of the Green Goblin in Amazing Spider-Man is pretty much the clear-cut choice for this issue number, but there are some other notable #14s out there, just not nearly as notable as one of Spider-Man's greatest (and certainly one of his most famous, due to the movies) villains.

Jeff Ryan, for instance, wished to note the following issue of Quasar #14...

He flies to the Stranger's giant spaceship orbiting Jupiter, and finds out the Stranger has been collecting anomalous lifeforms he's detected on Earth, and keeping them in a giant zoo. The thing is, though, every single one of the lifeforms is an actual Marvel character who appeared once or twice and was then completely forgotten about! Bi-Beast, Alpha the Ultimate Mutant, Shanga the Star-Dancer, the friggin' Fourth Dimentional Man! And even more guys (Rocket Raccoon, Jack of Hearts) show up in the following issues! Check out the list -- http://www.quantumzone.org/issues/quasar/quasar14.html

Thanks, Jeff!

Okay, Fantastic Four #14 had a neat fight with the Sub-Mariner teaming up with Puppet Master.

Marvel Premiere #14 had the absolute classic issue where Doctor Strange and Sise-Neg go back in time to the actual moment of creation!!! WOW! This was the controversial issue that Englehart and Brunner faked a letter to get out of apologizing for offending religious types.

X-Men #14 was the first appearance of the Sentinels

All-Flash #14 was an issue "edited" by the Flash's three dumb sidekicks. I always thought that that was a funny gag.

Sandman #14 was almost the end of Doll's House. What a cool storyline that was. That really showed you what Sandman was all about, didn't it? The beginning of quite a roll by Gaiman (the first story arc was good, but not nearly as good as the ones that followed).

But really, Steve Ditko and Stan Lee introducing the Green Goblin is the stand-out issue for this number, even if the actual issue wasn't the greatest in the world (Goblin really got good once we knew who he was).

Okay, name me some more good #14s!!

Only two more issues left to go in the countdown!!

22 Comments

At August 9, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
I'll admit, the Sentinels are a big deal. That's a key piece of a huge comic book franchise. ...
At August 9, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
Check out the original glider GG is 'riding'...
At August 9, 2008, Ajit wrote:
This ties in, sort of, with the last edition of Urban Legends: Lou Fine created the Ray in Smash Comics ...
At August 9, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
Eek. wwk5d is right. That "glider" must be hurtin' Norman's nads pretty badly. No wonder the Goblin ...
At August 9, 2008, Anonymous wrote:
Brian, is there a Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed about that Englehart/Brunner story somewhere? I've never heard of it ...
At August 9, 2008, Stefan wrote:
Oh, that last post was me by the way. Not that I probably post often enough for it to ...
At August 9, 2008, Zundian wrote:
The Goblin actually rode a "flying broomstick" when he first appeared.
At August 9, 2008, dhole wrote:
I'm surprised no one's mentioned IRON FIST no. 14, the first appearance of Sabretooth! It was certainly a very sought-after ...
At August 9, 2008, Greg Geren wrote:
Let me take the Legion-Nut stand, and remind the board of the events of the 14th issue of Paul Levitz's ...
At August 9, 2008, M Bloom wrote:
In addition to the Sentinels, X-Men #14 also introduced the concept of humanity's hatred and fear of mutants, which would ...
At August 9, 2008, buttler wrote:
Aha, I didn't know about the Goblin, but it's true, everyone loves Normie. Retcon writers, for instance, love him ...
At August 9, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The 14th Tintin album, Prisoners of the Sun, is the second part of the adventure started on The Seven Cristal ...
At August 9, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
I can't believe I forgot to put in Sabretooth!

I honestly left myself a note the other week to make sure ...
At August 9, 2008, Stefan wrote:
Probably because the present volume of Iron Fist defied all probability by giving us an even better #14 than the ...
At August 9, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
Cronin said: "I canâ€™t believe I forgot to put in Sabretooth!"

Ah, what's worse? You forgot Tintin too. :rofl
At August 9, 2008, Da Fug wrote:
Ah, the coveted issue of my childhood that I spent a good chunk of my birthday money to acquire one ...
At August 9, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
Well, it won't go down in history but DAZZLER #14 did feature the Disco Dazzler vs. The Savage She-Hulk. How ...
At August 9, 2008, "O" the Humanatee! wrote:
Err, Brian, that's not "Sise-Eneg," but "Sise-Neg" (y'know, "Genesis" spelled backward, with an added hyphen).
At August 9, 2008, Anonymous wrote:
Uh, Astonishing X-Men #14 had Kitty and Peter 'do the deed', and Kitty ends up phasing through the bedroom floor, ...
At August 9, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
That was a broom stick? The redesign of it into a glider was a huge improvement.

Greg, didn't that issue also ...
At August 10, 2008, Derick wrote:
GG lost it to me when they brought him back from the dead.
At August 10, 2008, Greg Geren wrote:
wwk5d: I believe Tellus was shown a couple of times before #14, and was definitely referred to back when ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #22

Brian Cronin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:50:50 +0000

Here's #22! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Showcase #22

For awhile, I was really conflicted here.

First of all, Crime Does Not Pay, one of the most popular comic books of all time, debuted with issue #22 (until then, it was a superhero comic). That's a pretty darn big deal.

However, the real fight was between Showcase #22, featuring the debut of Hal Jordan and Pep Comics #22, which is the first appearance of Archie Andrews.

In overall comic book history importance, you have to figure that Archie beats out Hal Jordan pretty easily, no?

But as far as debut issues go, I think Showcase #22 is more important. Archie was not even on the COVER of Pep Comics #22. Pep Comics #22 is also not nearly as well known of a single issue as Showcase #22, which has been reprinted and homage up the wazoo.

Pep Comics #22?

I'm sure the first story has been reprinted a lot, but never really the full issue or the cover. How many people even know what the cover of Pep Comics #22 LOOKS like?

Not much, I imagine.

So while Archie is more notable than Hal Jordan, I think Showcase #22 is more notable than Pep Comics #22.

It's a real tough call, though.

Okay, some more notable #22s...

Justice League of America #22 was part of the first JLA/JSA crossover...

Fantastic Four #22 introduced Sue's "Hey look everybody, I'm useful!" powers of invisible force fields.

Swamp Thing #22 was the first post-Anatomy Lesson issue.

What other notable #22s are out there? Let me know!

22 Comments

At August 8, 2008, Phil Maurice wrote:
Crime Suspenstories #22 had the severed-head cover which Senator Estes Kefauver used to challenge EC publisher William M. Gaines' claims ...
At August 8, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
D'oh!

I really should have remembered that!

Thanks, Phil!
At August 8, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
MAN-THING v1 # 22 was the last issue of that run and featured STEVE GERBER, as himself.
The entire story is ...
At August 8, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Howard the Duck v1 # 22 was the first part of a Star Wars parody.

(Howard = Luke, Man-Thing = Chewie, ...
At August 8, 2008, Blackjack wrote:
Cerebus #22 - The Death of Elrod - He returns as DeadAlbino!

Invaders #22 is the first "Marvel" appearance of Asbestos ...
At August 8, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Alfred began a series of solo adventures in Batman #22. It was a big enough deal that Batman and Robin ...
At August 8, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #22 has villain Maelstrom attaining victory #45 in a row, killing Quasar so he can get the Quantum bands, ...
At August 8, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The 22th Tintin book, Flight 714, is notable for many reasons. It brings back the series' archvillian Roberto Rastapopolous, in ...
At August 8, 2008, buttler wrote:
What does the cover of Pep Comics #22 look like? It looks freaking awesome, actually. The Hangman rushing ...
At August 8, 2008, Richard J. Marcej wrote:
Granted, many Silver Age covers (especially DC) were usually less than dynamic, but this cover featuring a totally redone Green ...
At August 8, 2008, dhole wrote:
Sandman no. 22 featured the first appearance of Daniel, who would go on to become the new Sandman!

Alpha Flight no. ...
At August 8, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
Doom Patrol #22 was the conclusion to Grant Morrison's and Richard Case's first storyline, with the new DP defeating the ...
At August 8, 2008, Rene wrote:
Archie Andrews may be more important than Hal Jordan in the USA, but here in Brazil, I never had heard ...
At August 8, 2008, Denn wrote:
Canada
At August 8, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
Rene, Archie may not be international, but he's certainly VERY deeply ingrained into American culture. In his own way, ...
At August 8, 2008, Ajit wrote:
I can walk to a local bookshop here in India, and pick up an Archie digest. I can, and have, ...
At August 9, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
It's the same in the Middle East, Ajit. Until a Green Lantern movie comes out, Archie is more well known, ...
At August 9, 2008, Rene wrote:
Really?

Archie has never been published here in Brazil. I can't say if it's been published in other South American countries, ...
At August 9, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
Archie is quite mediocre compared to the kid's comics produced in many other countries. It may sell in India and ...
At August 9, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Disney has great brand equity in India, but it's the cartoons on TV that are popular rather than the comics. ...
At August 9, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
Pedro, why so shocked? We do have Western comic books and cartoons in the Middle East. Heck, we were watching ...
At August 12, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
Sorry, I only saw he reply now.

wwk5d, I thought something as american as Archie would have even less sucess on ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #37

Brian Cronin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:50:09 +0000

Here's #37! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

The Saga of Swamp Thing #37

While, ultimately, I think this issue, which featured the first appearance of John Constantine, is the clear choice, there are a surprisingly diverse bunch of notable #37s out there.

Stormwatch #37 was the first issue written by Warren Ellis in what was to be an awesome run on the book.

Showcase #37 was the first appearance of the Metal Men.

Amazing Spider-Man #37 was the first appearance of Norman Osborn.

Some pretty impressive issues there, eh?

However, the first appearance of John Constantine trumps them all, as he is one of the most impressive comic book creations of the last quarter century, and even had a film based on him!

What's amazing about his first appearance is that it was a guest-penciler for the issue, Rick Veitch, who drew him first, although regular inker John Totleben was on board for the issue.

Fantastic Four #37, The Sandman #37 and Doom Patrol #37 are all pretty notable issues, as well!

Name me some other notable #37s!

31 Comments

At August 7, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
I dunno. Norman Osborn is a pretty big deal. There aren't that many villains on the level of ...
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
If it was the Green Goblin's first appearance versus Constantine's first appearance, then it'd be a close call.
At August 7, 2008, Graham Vingoe wrote:
Good choice- it immediately came to my mind before even opening the entry yet I have to admit I don't ...
At August 7, 2008, DanCJ wrote:
Not a bad call - I think I might have given it to Stormwatch actually. That started the ball ...
At August 7, 2008, Ajit wrote:
How about an honourable mention for Showcase #37, the introduction of Robert Kanigher's greatest creations -- the Metal Men?
At August 7, 2008, Ajit wrote:
One more: the Injustice Society made its bow in All-Star Comics #37.
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
How about an honourable mention for Showcase #37, the introduction of Robert Kanigherâ€™s greatest creations â€” the Metal Men? Already ...
At August 7, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
#37 was the Petuniacon issue in Cerebus...

In Marvel Star Wars, #37 Luke has face-off with Darth Vader... two issues ...
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Crap, how did I forget to mention the second appearance of Iron Cross?!?!

First Deadpool #11, now this! The countdown is ...
At August 7, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Heck, as long as you remember that his First appearance was Invaders #35, you're forgiven... ;-)
At August 7, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Oh, wait! I forgot too! :-P
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
I can't believe us! How did we fail comic book history so?!?!
At August 7, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
Hmmm...I'd have gone with Stormwatch #37 also. By a nose.
At August 7, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #37 has Quaze fighting the Anomaly, a seriously freaky-looking entity that looks like a worm/centipede/dragon, and is based on ...
At August 7, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Doctor Strange v3 (aka: Sorcerer Supreme) # 37

Doc vs... FRANKENSURFER!

for the WIN!
;-)

~P~
PTOR
At August 7, 2008, Thok wrote:
52 37 is the Supernova reveal, which is a fairly important event in the character development of Booster Gold.

Teen Titans ...
At August 7, 2008, David M wrote:
Well, old Normie still has a chance to make #14... unless I'm completely forgetting about any other #14's...
At August 7, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
Doom Patrol #37 was notable for me because it was my first issue of the book. I was drawn in ...
At August 7, 2008, lorin helller wrote:
Actually, I do believe that Norman's first appearance might have been ASM #25. He's unnamed there, but I believe ...
At August 7, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
David M, that's a good point. Norm gets TWO shots, unlike most folks.

Really, if you are ranking iconic villains, ...
At August 7, 2008, Thok wrote:
Green Goblin is to Spiderman as Doomsday is to Superman or Bane is to Batman: they are A-list supervillains mostly ...
At August 7, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Do you know something? I think that John Constantine:Hellblazer is the only book around with a current issue number in ...
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Flash is in the 200s, as well.

But yeah, most books from the late 80s have been relaunched (some more than ...
At August 7, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Ah, I forgot about the resumed numbering after Bart's series ended. Well, for a year or so Hellblazer was ...
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Unless they saw your post and are now changing their relaunch plans!!
At August 7, 2008, Thok wrote:
Robin's about 2 years from hitting the 200 mark, assuming that renumbering doesn't result as a consequence of the Batman: ...
At August 7, 2008, Basara wrote:
Brian: Shouldn't that be "Saga", not "Sage" in the title?
At August 7, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
No, Claremont has retconned it so that Sage starred in Swamp Thing's comic book.
At August 7, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
Constantine is more memorable than Ellis' Stormwatch (by virtue of still being around and functional unlike anything at Wildstorm), although ...
At August 7, 2008, Ken S. wrote:
You say 37, I think Veronica from "Clerks."

Comicwise, SofST #37 works. Only other thing would be "only 100 issues ...
At August 12, 2008, Rich Handley wrote:
Great choice! Swamp Thing #37 was one of Moore's best. Technically, though, Constantine's first appearance was in Swamp Thing #25. ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #48

Brian Cronin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:02:36 +0000

Here's #48! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

There actually are some fairly reasonable alternatives to this issue, but not really, as this issue features the introduction of Galactus and the Silver Surfer and is the first part of one of the most famous comic book stories ever (you know a story is big when it is adapted into a movie).

So it is definitely the top pick, as Stan Lee and Jack Kirby brought their game to a whole new level with this epic storyline (the issue itself is an odd one, as it first finishes the Inhuman storyline and THEN goes on to the Galactus story).

Remember the Justice League America story where they fight Despero? The first part of the story was also a split issue, with one half of the book being a wacky Spy Magazine parody and the other half being Despero killing people.

Power Man #48 was the first issue featuring Iron Fist, leading to the book changing its name with Power Man and Irom Fist #50.

Green Lantern (Vol. 2) #48 was the first part of Emerald Twilight and featured the debut of Kyle Rayner. I seriously contemplated using that instead of FF for a little bit, under the whole "not wanting to use the same comic for so many spots" theory, but I then discounted that theory as dumb, so Fantastic Four #48 had to be the pick.

Amazing Spider-Man #48 was a cheezy story with Vulture II.

The Sandman, Swamp Thing and Doom Patrol all had strong 48th issues.

Name me some other good #48s!!

12 Comments

At August 6, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Star Wars #48 (Marvel run) was the rather brilliant "The Third Law", featuring Leia vs. Darth Vader (Who's the Daddy?)

Cerebus ...
At August 6, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Doctor Strange v2 # 48 was the first issue pencilled by Marshall Rogers, and also introduced long-running love-interest Morganna Blessing.

Yeah, ...
At August 6, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Adventure Comics #48 was the introduction of the Hour-Man.

The cover-story, though only the second tale in the book, in Batman ...
At August 6, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
48 is a difficult one. Neither Tintin or Asterix made it to those numbers, but we do have a cool ...
At August 6, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #48 weaves in a tale of the Elders of the Universe -- the MU's answer to the Endless -- ...
At August 6, 2008, Anthony Strand wrote:
Starman #48 is the first real part of "Stars My Destination" (after a couple issues of prologue-related things) and also ...
At August 6, 2008, buttler wrote:
Hmm, surely even Galactus must fear the Porcupine, who showed up in Tales to Astonish #48. Right? ...
At August 6, 2008, Teebore wrote:
When I saw #48, my first thought was "FF-the beginning of the Galactus story."

So, agreed.
At August 6, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Everything good's been mentioned, so here are a couple of dishonorable mentions; stories notable for reasons of infamy:

Legion of ...
At August 6, 2008, buttler wrote:
Just a teensy correction: Emerald Twilight was actually in Green Lantern volume 3. It was the second Hal Jordan ...
At August 6, 2008, Skman1972 wrote:
I guess its what all in what you like and know. When 48 came up I thought of Hourman ...
At August 6, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
SUICIDE SQUAD #48 featured what I believe was Barbara Gordon's first encounter with the Joker since KILLING JOKE.

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #7

Brian Cronin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:04:44 +0000

Here's #7! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Crisis on Infinite Earths #7

#7 is surprising in how few notable issues happened at that number.

New Gods #7 was "The Pact," which detailed the origin of the current situation between Apokolips and New Genesis, and the whole "Scott Free swapping places with Orion" story, which is a big part of New Gods history.

The very first Neil Gaiman Sandman storyline ended with Sandman #7.

Amazing Spider-Man #7 was the first time a Spider-Man villain returned (the Vulture, by the by).

The Fantastic Four and the Justice League of America are noted in how UNnotable their seventh issues were - really lowlights, actually.

The most notable issue other than the one representing this number would be Daredevil #7, which was the first appearance of the Wally Wood-designed red costume for Daredevil. That's a big part of comic book history, but I think that the seventh issue of Crisis on Infinite Earths - the death of Supergirl, stands out a bit more, mostly due to:

A. The shock of a major character dying like this

and

B. The famous George Perez cover

Those two combine to make this a comic that continues to be referred to over and over again - heck, we were just discussing it a month ago, vis a vis the Perez cover (which has been homaged a lot since then).

So that's the pick.

Name me some other lucky sevens!!

29 Comments

At August 5, 2008, DanCJ wrote:
Yeah, good call. That issue made us all forget that no-one actually liked the character! - And it made ...
At August 5, 2008, Cove West wrote:
JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL #7 is the first appearance of...the Justice League International, being actually the continuation of JUSTICE LEAGUE. ...
At August 5, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Avengers Annual 7 -- the first time that Adam Warlock died.
At August 5, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Two more, from the Golden Age:

All-Star Comics #7 marked the first time that Superman and Batman appeared alongside the JSA, ...
At August 5, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
I'd agree with Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Another classic.
At August 5, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #7 showed off the combined might of Quaze and the recently-Cosmic Spider-Man! together, they handily defeat Terminus, and tow ...
At August 5, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
The Death of Supergirl would probably be more of a landmark if they didn't kill her off a bunch of ...
At August 5, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
"The Death of Supergirl would probably be more of a landmark if they didnâ€™t kill her off a bunch of ...
At August 5, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
You know what bugs me the most about this column?

The fact that I'm finding out about Quasar all out of ...
At August 5, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Okay, let's see...

The Fury of Firestorm #7 was the first appearance of Quebecois Separatist Terrorist Supervillianess Plastique, who, after a ...
At August 5, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
issue #7 of the Invaders was the first appearance of... BARON BLOOD!!!
At August 5, 2008, Bernard the Poet wrote:
Is it really such a good cover? I always felt Superman's arms are too long - if he really held ...
At August 5, 2008, buttler wrote:
This would definitely be my pick for #7 -- but speaking of Marv Wolfman's work, he also took over Tomb ...
At August 5, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
NEXUS #7 was the first First Comics issue, when the title was rescued from Indy obscurity and given its wider ...
At August 5, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Final Crisis #7 was notable as the first appearance of the first character of the early 21st Century to have ...
At August 5, 2008, jazzbo wrote:
I second the request for a compilation of all Jeff Ryan's Quasar related comments, in numerical order. I actually want ...
At August 5, 2008, Bill Reed wrote:
I've been waiting in anticipation for this one, because I *knew* that it simply *had* to be New Gods #7, ...
At August 5, 2008, Stephen wrote:
"JLA #7 is the ish where Superman wrestles an angel. Notable for being the time SUPERMAN WRESTLES AN ANGEL!"

Great two-part ...
At August 5, 2008, buttler wrote:
Big answer is, very unlikely.
At August 5, 2008, R. J. Sterling wrote:
'Quasar' was an AMAZING series. I could not WAIT for that title every month.
At August 5, 2008, Ganky wrote:
I think the old Mantlo/Golden Micronauts #7 was the first time the 'Nauts met an established Marvel Universe character, the ...
At August 5, 2008, John Chidley-Hill wrote:
I would like to throw in my support for having all of Jeff R.'s Chronicles of Quasar collected.... I've got ...
At August 5, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
Much as most of us have wound up loathing mega-events like "Crisis", this is indeed the only #7 to consider.

It ...
At August 5, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
I just realized, reading through the comments, that I've found myself stunned that Pedro BouÃ§a hasn't (yet) posted with some ...
At August 6, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
I was too busy, but the Tintin #7 is a good one, The Black Island!

Tintin goes to ol' blighty to ...
At August 6, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
Awesome choice. I own the issue, and Perez puts so much detail into it that you can identify just about ...
At August 6, 2008, dhole wrote:
New Mutants number 7.

First appearance of Mr. T (alias "Axe").
At August 12, 2008, ShaunN wrote:
Hi! Just a question: I always assumed that the Perez cover was a tribute to X-Men #136, where Cyclops is ...
At August 12, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
The pose, Shaun, is a real common one, and had been used on covers before Byrne's (although Perez may have ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #16

Brian Cronin — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:21:11 +0000

Here's #16! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16

As promised, the first appearance of a comic book character in a hyphenated comic book title!

Monica Rambeau, Captain Marvel II, debuts in this neat issue of Amazing Spider-Man Annual, written by Roger Stern with art by John Romita, Jr. It should be an essential part of every comic book library!

Okay, okay, seriously speaking...

All-American Comics #16

This was a tough little battle, with the last issue of Alan Moore's Miracleman competing against the first issue of the new Avengers lineup competing against the first appearance of Green Lantern, but in the end, I think the significance of Green Lantern's first appearance wins out.

Of the three, I think Avengers #16 is probably the runner-up, as that issue certainly has taken on a certain life of its own (I recently posited that the cover to #16 is the second-most notable cover in Avengers history - second only to #4, which we may or may not see in a few days ), while Miracleman #16, while still a big-time issue, has a bit smaller of a following.

Still, I think enough people know what issue Green Lantern debuted in, so when you couple that with the fact that Green Lantern was possibly the third-most popular superhero DC had in the 1940s, and I think that his first appearance (drawn by Marty Nodell and written by Bill Finger) is the tops.

Although boy, it'd have been fun for Monica Rambeau to have the spot!

Other sweet sixteens include a cool Doom fight in FF #16 and a neat Daredevil guest appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #16.

Name me some other good ones, folks!

Ajit notes that Alfred first showed up in Batman #16!

26 Comments

At August 4, 2008, Ajit wrote:
How could you ignore Batman #16?

I'll give you any odds you care to name that more people are familiar with ...
At August 4, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Sure, I'll mention it as an honorable mention!

If there were no notable numbers up this issue, he'd definitely be in ...
At August 4, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
"Seriously, has there ever been a supporting character who has lasted longer than Alfred without being either a sidekick (Robin) ...
At August 4, 2008, Ajit wrote:
"Gordon rules!"

Yes, he does! I have no idea how I forgot #27.
At August 4, 2008, Matt Bird wrote:
Not many holes left in the ole' chart! Are 7 and 8 both going to be from Crisis on ...
At August 4, 2008, Hangmanjury wrote:
I think 7 is going to Crisis, because I think 8 is going to Sandman.
At August 4, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #16 finished up the Journey into Mysery four-parter, with Quaze saving the lives on an uncountable number of Watchers ...
At August 4, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
It's a wonder what #8 will be.
At August 4, 2008, William O'Brien wrote:
Wasn't this by Bill Finger? I know he co-created and wrote most of the early GL stories.
At August 4, 2008, Graeme Burk wrote:
Well New Teen Titans 16 obviously because it features the first appearance of Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew!
At August 4, 2008, Matthew Lazorwitz wrote:
As much as I'd love to see Sandman #8 in the #8 slot, my money is on All Star ...
At August 4, 2008, Anthony Strand wrote:
Ajit - Perry White, too, appeared before Alfred.
At August 4, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Wow, Bill, you're right, I wrote Gardner Fox when I meant to write Bill Finger! Thanks for noting it! I ...
At August 4, 2008, David M wrote:
While ASM #16 featured a yellow-and-gold Daredevil guest appearance, it's also worth noting that Daredevil #16 guest-starred Spider-Man and represents ...
At August 4, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Great choice, David!

I should have thought about that, too (I remember looking at Spidey #16 when I put it ...
At August 4, 2008, Sam wrote:
For #7 I would argue in favor of DAREDEVIL #7, the first appearance of DD's Wally Wood-designed red costume and ...
At August 4, 2008, garbonzo wrote:
#16 marked the final issue of Luke Cage, Hero for Hire before the title changed and he took up the ...
At August 4, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
Swamp Thing #16 also featured the debut of new regular art team Steve Bissette and John Totleben, 4 issues before ...
At August 4, 2008, Annoyed Grunt wrote:
#8 is clearly going to be Spawn which featured Alan Moore's first work for Image
At August 4, 2008, ken wrote:
You had me going there for a bit with the AS Annual #16! I was thinking, "boy, there better be ...
At August 4, 2008, buttler wrote:
Let's see, other notable 16s (besides Avengers, which is huge): the debuts of Captain Carrot in New Teen Titans, Alfred ...
At August 4, 2008, Jason wrote:
Once again...Impulse #16, with a major revelation about Max Mercury. Very poigant stuff.
At August 4, 2008, J. Kevin Carrier wrote:
Howard the Duck #16 was the famous/infamous "Dreaded Deadline Doom" issue, where Gerber wrote a rambling, philosophical text essay, illustrated ...
At August 4, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The 16th Tintin book is a cool one indeed, Destination Moon. It is one of the most famous (if not ...
At August 4, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
New Teen Titans (v1) #16 featured, in a preview insert, the first appearances of Captain Carrot and the Amazing Zoo ...
At August 4, 2008, poser, the wrote:
Just swingin' by to say: Yawn

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #30

Brian Cronin — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 05:57:20 +0000

Here's #30! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Mad #30

Here it is, Norman Mingo's classic first cover appearance of Alfred E. Neuman (Neuman had many small appearances in the magazine before, but this was the classic one, and the first one where he was the focus of the cover). Neuman would go on to appear on basically every cover of Mad since, becoming a major cultural icon, so really, this was an easy choice.

That doesn't mean that there aren't a lot of good candidates out there...

Superman #30 was the first comic book appearance of Mister Mxyztplk.

X-Men #30 was the wedding of Scott Summers and Jean Grey.

Fantastic Four #30 was the first appearance of Diablo.

Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 2) #30 was the first issue of JMS' eight-year run on the title.

Was Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #30 the first mention of the Master Planner?

Saga of Swamp Thing #30 was a particularly good issue.

Name me some more #30s, folks!

Tomorrow is #16, which is the first appearance of a character in a title with a hyphenated word in the title!

19 Comments

At August 3, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
There is no 30th Tintin album and most european series that long (Asterix, Spirou) usually are in mediocre runs by ...
At August 3, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Brave & Bold #30 introduced Professor Ivo and Amazo, and was also the last appearance of the Justice League in ...
At August 3, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Sonuvagun, Ajit, I TOTALLY meant to mention that Showcase #30 cover! D'oh!

That was the first time he was the FEATURED ...
At August 3, 2008, Mason King wrote:
Oh, this is awesome. Great pick for #30. ... It's weird how he sort of resembles George W.
At August 3, 2008, Sandy wrote:
Doom Patrol 30 was the issue where Cliff goes into Crazy Jane's head and meets all her different personalities. ...
At August 3, 2008, Jason wrote:
Hyphneated? So much for the thought of Impulse #16 making it. That was one helluva story about Max Mercury's past, ...
At August 3, 2008, buttler wrote:
Ooo, first appearance of Phantom Eagle in Marvel Super-Heroes #16? How discerning of you.

That said, it would be kind ...
At August 3, 2008, Jamescush wrote:
He has Obama ears.
At August 3, 2008, onion3000 wrote:
Minor Typo, brian?

Hereâ€™s #35! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Mad #30
At August 3, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
Presumably this was also the first use of "What--me worry?"
At August 3, 2008, Jbird wrote:
And if I remember correctly, X-Men #30 was total shit.
At August 3, 2008, Tom wrote:
Not to be too nitpicky, but Mad was no longer a comic book at this point. If this is ...
At August 3, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
It might be a magazine for the stiffs at the Comic Code Authority, but it'll always be a comic book ...
At August 3, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Thanks for the pick-up, onion!
At August 4, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #30 is a doozy: he crosses over into some of the best What If stories ever told! The Living ...
At August 4, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Cerebus #30 was the first appearance of "Moon-Roach"!!!
At August 5, 2008, fa q wrote:
wow, I think I have stumbled across the most vast collection of useless information on the internet. I hope ...
At August 6, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
"Saga of Swamp Thing #30 was a particularly good issue."

But was it memorable?
At August 11, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
Nice! That's going outside the box for a pick.

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #21

Brian Cronin — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:23:44 +0000

Here's #21! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

The Saga of Swamp Thing #21

Most people think of Swamp Thing #21 when they think of #21, and most people would be correct, as Alan Moore's famous story (his second issue on the title), "The Anatomy Lesson" is one of the most famous single issues in comic book history (probably THE most famous issue not involving a first appearance or a death).

This is the issue where Moore reveals that Swamp Thing, long thought to be scientist Alec Holland, transformed by a chemical explosion into a, well, swamp thing, was NOT Holland! Holland, in fact, died in the explosion, but the chemicals animated some swamplife into THINKING it was Alec Holland!

That sounds trippy now, so you can only imagine how trippy it was of a concept twenty-four years ago!

This was really the beginning of Moore's tour de force work on Swamp Thing, and it is one of the most memorable single issues of the last quarter century.

Let me also note the awesome art by Stephen R. Bissette (Pencils) and John Totleben (Inks),

That's not to say that there aren't other notable #21s out there, because there are, including three BIG ones!

The JLA and the JSA first teamed up in Justice League of America #21.

Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 was the marriage of Spider-Man.

And the famous GI Joe "silent issue" was GI Joe #21.

Lesser-known issues include:

Abe Jenkins, the Beetle, first showed up in Amazing Spider-Man #21.

Another future Thunderbolt, Erik Josten, first showed up in Avengers #21.

Sandman #21 was the prologue to Season of Mists.

Name some other neat #21s!

35 Comments

At August 2, 2008, Comics Should Be Good! » Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! wrote:
[...] Comics Should Be Good! » Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #21 [...]
At August 2, 2008, fourthworlder wrote:
FF# 21 brought Nick Fury to the "modern" world of 1963 or so, and introduced the Hate-Monger, revealed (stale stale ...
At August 2, 2008, fourthworlder wrote:
And just off the top of my head, wasn't Sandman #21 the dinner with the Endless, intoducing the siblings? That ...
At August 2, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Marvel's Star wars #21 - "Shadow of a Dark Lord" was Darth Vader first non-movie appearance (i.e. after the first ...
At August 2, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
You know I'm really looking forward to #8 now... Even though I know it probably not going to be The ...
At August 2, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
A-men to Alan Moore.

Too bad, he hasn't completed his magmum opus "BIG NUMBERS."
At August 2, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
I remember buying this when it came out (as I was a Swampy fan back then), and when I was ...
At August 2, 2008, Cestrian wrote:
Didn't the Beetle make his first appearance in the Human torch strips in Strange Tales though?
At August 2, 2008, Cass wrote:
@Cestrian: Yeah the Beetle debuted in Strange Tales #123.
At August 2, 2008, David M wrote:
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 was the marriage of Spider-Man.

Wait... Spider-Man was married?!?!

(Sorry. I had to be the one.)
At August 2, 2008, Rebis wrote:
Wow, that's an abundance of huge #21 riches. The first JLA/JSA team-up, the Spidey-wedding ... but yeah, "Anatomy Lesson" ...
At August 2, 2008, buttler wrote:
I would (and did) think first of JLA #21 myself, because those crossovers were such a huge highlight of my ...
At August 2, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
Meh. G.I. Joe was the issue for me on this one. That cover of Snake-eyes was everywhere when it came ...
At August 2, 2008, Mason King wrote:
Yeah, JLA #21 is hands down the more significant and monumental issue. I know there's a lot of love for ...
At August 2, 2008, Andrew Collins wrote:
G.I. Joe #21 and Sandman #21 are both personally significant for me. The former because it was the first comic ...
At August 2, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Andrew: What I would love to see is a reprint that goes back to issue 16, which is where Bissette ...
At August 2, 2008, Craig B. wrote:
Another vote for JLA #21, for the same reasons as cited by Mason King.
At August 2, 2008, Chris Jones wrote:
What happened to John Totleben? I never see him do anything anymore. Has he published anything significant since Miracleman?
At August 2, 2008, RJT wrote:
I believe Totleben has been suffering with some kind of degenerative eye condition that makes it nearly impossible for him ...
At August 2, 2008, Stephen wrote:
GI Joe has personal significance for me because it was the first time I was really blown away by a ...
At August 2, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The 21st Tintin album, The Castafiore Emerald, takes a break from the usual globetrotting adventures the series is famous for ...
At August 2, 2008, REMimms wrote:
But what I really want to know is what happened in Quasar 21.
At August 2, 2008, Derek J. Goodman wrote:
Yeah, strangely I really want to know, too.
At August 2, 2008, Scavenger wrote:
Seriously, Swamp Thing 21 above ASM Annual 21 or JLofA 21?
While Swamp Thing may be the better written issue, the ...
At August 2, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
The first 4 you listed are all great choices, though I too would have gone for JLofA 21. If nothing ...
At August 3, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
"While Swamp Thing may be the better written issue, the other two are far more important in the history of ...
At August 3, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
"Interesting, Pedro, that that particular story is the best reviewed. For me, the best Tintin stories would Cigars of the ...
At August 3, 2008, Mason King wrote:
Hey, Stranger (great name, BTW):

Respectfully, I think you're giving that particular issue, ST #21, a little too much credit. It ...
At August 3, 2008, Jbird wrote:
Still haven't read this - and I have no excuse.
At August 3, 2008, Tungsten Man wrote:
It's a hard choice. Alan Moore's Swamp Thing had more impact on the direction (pretentiously British) writers went in comics ...
At August 4, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
You'll not be disappointed with the events of Quasar #21! In this issue, which apaprently was cowritten by Garth Ennis, ...
At August 4, 2008, Scavenger wrote:
Re: the tradition of Crisises being a thing of the past..

I'm sorry..what's the name of the series that DC is ...
At August 4, 2008, thekamisama wrote:
The fan in me wants it to be JLA #21. But Anatomy Lesson is the right choice. Moore makes a ...
At August 28, 2008, daniel wrote:
while swamp thing is obviously the right choice, another notable #21 that not a single person has mentioned is DC ...
At August 28, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
"this is THE single issue that launched virtually everything good about comics in the last 25 years"

A bit of hyperbole, ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #12

Brian Cronin — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:59:54 +0000

Here's #12! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Watchmen #12

In many ways, #12 has become synonymous with the maxi-series, specifically the last issue of maxi-series.

Therefore, what better final issue of a maxi-series to use than the most famous maxi-series of them all, Watchmen?

The finale, as the book's original editor Len Wein noted at the time, was perhaps the least compelling part of the entire series, but it was still awesome - and certainly noteworthy!

Other notable finales of maxi-series include Camelot 3000 #12, Crisis on Infinite Earths #12, Secret Wars #12, Nextwave #12 (okay, it wasn't actually a maxi-series, but still, it WAS an awesome finale!), Punisher: Welcome Back Frank #12, Inhumans #12 (the Jenkins/Lee one) and some others.

Originally, I considered Marvel Super-Heroes #12, with the first Captain Marvel, but to be frank:

A. It's not that famous of an issue

and

B. He's not that famous of a superhero

That said, it's a great cover - it'd look good collected in a book!

Okay, some other notable #12s - Rapey McRaperson, Dr. Light, first showed up in Justice League of America #12. The Hulk met the Fantastic Four in FF #12. Spider-Man was unmasked in Amazing Spider-Man #12 (great issue, by the way). Son of Satan took over Marvel Spotlight with #12. And, as reader Purple Hayes notes, this WAS the number that Guardian died in Alpha Flight, which WAS a big deal, so certainly deserves a notation here. Juggernaut's first appearance in X-Men #12 was an early candidate, so it definitely deserves an honorable mention!

And...that's all I can think of, off-hand!

Tell me more!

42 Comments

At August 1, 2008, Purple Hayes wrote:
For some bizarre reason, I couldn't help but think of Alpha Flight #12, where Guardian was killed. I know ...
At August 1, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
The issue of Watchmen I always think of is #11. Twelve is the conclusion but eleven is the climax.

I ...
At August 1, 2008, MarkBlack wrote:
"Rapey McRaperson" - Wow.

At what issue did Avengers West Coast cease to matter?
At August 1, 2008, Ajit wrote:
X-Men #12 introduced the Juggernaut and offered the first look into Professor Xavier's roots.
At August 1, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #12 features the return of the Kirby-created Eternals villains, the Deviants! Tutniax attacks Quasar, but he makes himself look ...
At August 1, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
â€œRapey McRapersonâ€ - Wow.
-Seconded.

I would have gone for X-Men, with the introduction of Juggernaut. He's kind of a big deal.
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Did you guys not get the memo that Dr. Light's entire personality now is that he is a rapist?
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Juggernaut is not as big of a deal as Captain Marvel, and I couldn't bring myself to give Captain Marvel ...
At August 1, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
I know what you mean about #12 in maxi-series, but for Crisis on Infinite Earths, it HAS to be #8... ...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Well, if you're looking for death when #8 comes around, you might be happy, but not for the reason you ...
At August 1, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
ah... of course... "TSOHW"? Nice choice...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Stress MIGHT....it's a big spot, so it may need an All Star at it.
At August 1, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Sorry.. please delete my last comment (and this one) for SPOILERY reasons...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Nah, I'm just messing around, people have known for awhile that #8 is a bit of a "showdown" number.

Who will ...
At August 1, 2008, buttler wrote:
It's hard for me to argue against the importance of Watchmen, so I won't, but of course Crisis #12 quite ...
At August 1, 2008, Matt D wrote:
Is Mar-vell really that important? I think Genis is great . I love those Starlin Captain Marvel issues, but really, ...
At August 1, 2008, Scavenger wrote:
I'm gonna vote for Alpha Flight #12, as well, if for nothing else, it's cover is a pretty iconic cover, ...
At August 1, 2008, Jerry McMullen wrote:
I would think that #4 would be a larger showdown number. So many choices there...

And while the Watchmen is ...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Yep, #4 is the biggest showdown of them all.

I wonder which number will be last? :D
At August 1, 2008, Jerry McMullen wrote:
Maybe you could pull a Marvel and offer four variant #4s on your list. If you could get away with ...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Atom and Hawkman was a one-time deal. I just couldn't turn that down - the guys shared a book and ...
At August 1, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
I'm hoping that I won't be upset or irked by your pick for #30, myself.

I'd have gone for either Camelot ...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Why, what particular #30 do you like?
At August 1, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Brian, this is sort of a general question: when you say the most "notable" issue -- as in the introduction ...
At August 1, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
1. Best known

If NONE of them are known, then

2. Most notable issue, comic history-wise.
At August 1, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Re #30: What, the hint was too subtle?

Mad #30, the first in a very long line of extremely ...
At August 1, 2008, Dan K wrote:
I would have gone with Promethea #12, the tarot issue.
At August 1, 2008, JR wrote:
Captain Mar-Vell's actually listed in the Funk & Wagnall's Encyclopedia as an example of Science Fiction, right next to a ...
At August 1, 2008, jt wrote:
Squadron Supreme 12! it had that awesome battle! people died! a lot!
ok, no where near as famous as Watchmen, but ...
At August 1, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Waitaminnit... I went through all the effort awhile back of detailing MAN-THING v2 # 12 in all it's glory ...
At August 1, 2008, Chris wrote:
I couldn't agree more. Watchmen wrapped up and it was definitely THE maxi-series that changed it all. Crisis ...
At August 1, 2008, dhole wrote:
I was sure Fantastic Four no. 12 was going to take this, mainly as it was the FIRST CROSSOVER IN ...
At August 1, 2008, David wrote:
I dislike how people use unnecessary labels to describe what Dr Light I (Arthur) has done during a flashback sequence ...
At August 1, 2008, Daniel O' Dreams wrote:
I was going to make a snarky remark about a bald guy having "roots," but I can't let this one ...
At August 1, 2008, buttler wrote:
It's more to do with the fact that every appearance ever since then, it's all he or anyone else can ...
At August 2, 2008, David wrote:
"Itâ€™s more to do with the fact that every appearance ever since then, itâ€™s all he or anyone else can ...
At August 2, 2008, Thenodrin wrote:
David, he might not have done it again, but he talks about it CONSTANTLY. It's like Hulk being the strongest ...
At August 2, 2008, Pedro BouÃ§a wrote:
The twelfth Tintin book, Red Rackham's Treasure marks the first appearance of Professor Calculus, a hard of hearing scientist who ...
At August 3, 2008, jt wrote:
oh, hey, someone agreed with me!
At August 3, 2008, Mike wrote:
If you wanted to reserve slot 11 for a non-Moore book, you would have done better simply revealing your pick ...
At August 3, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
You stay classy, San Diego!
At August 28, 2008, daniel wrote:
while watchmen is my bible, i agree with a previous comment that #11 is the issue i gravitate towards. "i ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #3

Brian Cronin — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:35:29 +0000

Here's #3! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

All Star Comics #3

This is a tough break for poor Otto Octavius, as he made his first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man #3, and he is a pretty darn important comic book character, but all said and done, I think it is pretty clear that when you think the number three (which is a magic number, don't you know), you think of All Star Comics #3, the creation of the first comic book "all star" superhero team, the Justice Society of America!

Are they the first superhero team PERIOD? I forget.

Anyhow, in this issue, Gardner Fox turned a bunch of solo adventures (All Star Comics was an anthology featuring stories from National Comics as well as All-American Comics) into the debut of a new superhero TEAM, all through the use of a clever framing device!!

So this definitely stands out at the definitive #3.

But there have been plenty of notable #3s over the years!

Here are some (I am sure you all will have more to share)!!

X-Men #3 debuted the Blob!

X-Men #3 (1991) was the last issue of Chris Claremont's SEVENTEEN YEAR run on the X-Men!

Fantastic Four #3 was the first appearance of the Fantastic Four's costumes (and their Fantasticar!).

We3 #3 was the last issue of that awesome mini-series, and it was AMAZING! "No de-com-mish We3."

Quasar #3 pitted Quasar and the Human Torch against the dreaded ANGLER!!!

Marvel Premiere #3 was the beginning of Doctor Strange's second shot at a series (which soon became Englehart and Brunner's classic run)!

That's alls I gots!

Feel free to name some more!!

25 Comments

At July 31, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
? R. Comics Gud?

Should have put WE 3 up instead.

I've never read All Star Comics # 3 (I wasn't even ...
At July 31, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Ah, but who sent the Angler in Quasar #3? it's none other than the Chief Examiner, last seen in Questprobe! ...
At July 31, 2008, Sandy wrote:
I wanted to put my vote in for number 30: Doom Patrol. This was the issue where Cliff ...
At July 31, 2008, Blackjak wrote:
Sleeze Brothers #3 was the brilliant "The Bugger!"
At July 31, 2008, Anthony Strand wrote:
Honestly, All-Star Comics #3 is a lot of fun even aside from being the first JSA story (and, yes, they ...
At July 31, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Just so long as # 4 is...
Doctor Strange ; Master of the Mystic Arts # 4.

In it, he emerges from ...
At July 31, 2008, buttler wrote:
Hey, what about the introduction of the Ringmaster in Hulk, Scarecrow in World's Finest, Kanjar Ro in Justice League and ...
At July 31, 2008, Graeme Burk wrote:
Good luck with those #4s P-Tor. I don't think they stand a chance against the most obvious #4, but hey...
At July 31, 2008, Graeme Burk wrote:
As an issue itself, All-Star 3 is kind of uneven. There's great Bernard Baily art on the Hourman and Spectre ...
At July 31, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Omega Men #3 was the first appearance of Lobo, which ought to be worth at least an honorable mention.

Legion of ...
At July 31, 2008, Sam wrote:
#4 is a battle royale between SHOWCASE #4 and Cap's return in AVENGERS #4. I'd plump for Barry Allen's ...
At July 31, 2008, buttler wrote:
Hmm, birth of the entire Silver Age vs. the return of one of Marvel's most iconic characters? You're right, ...
At July 31, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Graeme,

Hey, man.
You can't fault a guy for TRYING!

:-)

~P~
PTOR
At July 31, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
OK, how about if the list went as high as # 169... then THIS would HAVE to win:

http://www.comics.org/coverview.lasso?id=21938&zoom=4

Doctor Strange # ...
At July 31, 2008, buttler wrote:
Don't give up faith, PTOR. This Top 50 Countdown goes to 169!
At July 31, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
WHO-HOO!

...wisenheimer...

;-)

~P~
PTOR
At July 31, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
If we're drafting Brian to extend this thing, it needs to go all the way out to #247, at least. ...
At July 31, 2008, JR wrote:
Batman #3 featured Cat-Woman's 2nd appearance but her first in a mask.
At July 31, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
"#4 is a battle royale between SHOWCASE #4 and Capâ€™s return in AVENGERS #4. Iâ€™d plump for Barry Allenâ€™s first ...
At July 31, 2008, FunkyGreenJerusalem wrote:
Sea Guy #3!
Sea Guy bucks the system, without the system realising!
It was better than We3 and we all know it.
At August 1, 2008, fourthworlder wrote:
Hey!

New Gods #3!!

Introducing the one and only dreaded Black Racer, the uh living embodiment of new godly death, racing through ...
At August 1, 2008, Mycroft wrote:
Love & Rockets #3: Beto's first story set in Palomar (first half of "Heartbreak Soup).
At August 2, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
With all due respect to We3 and grant Morrison...All Star Comics #3 is the better choice. The JSA simply are ...
At August 3, 2008, Jbird wrote:
#4 is Avengers #4. Don't act the fool.
At August 13, 2008, Inconspicuous wrote:
I'm just going to throw this out as a great issue, though obviously not important in the same way.

Impulse #3 ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #28

Brian Cronin — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 06:50:04 +0000

Here's #28! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

The Brave and the Bold #28

The no-brainer train is coming around the bend again!

That said, let me note that I am quite disappointed that I could not find room for the first appearance of one of my favorite comic book characters, Sean Cassidy, the Banshee, who made his bow in X-Men #28.

However, while the poor Molten Man made his debut in Amazing Spider-Man #28, Batman made his second appearance in Detective Comics #28, Marvel Premiere #28 first introduced us to the Legion of Monsters, the X-Men had a notable team-up with the FF in Fantastic Four #28, Saga of the Swamp Thing #28 was the last issue that they intentionally had the Comics Code on it, Doom Patrol #28 had an awesome fight with the Brotherhood of the Dada and Sandman and Cerebus both had good #28s.

That all said, this number obviously belongs to The Brave and the Bold, which is the introduction of the Justice League of America by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky.

This is also, memorably, the first time Aquaman ever appeared on a comic book cover!!!!!

So, yeah, this is definitely the pick, but you folks can name some other notable #28s! Quasar #28 had Her search for a mate with a pretty uneven cover by Greg Capullo!

12 Comments

At July 30, 2008, Matt D wrote:
Prodigy Brian wouldn't have let Banshee down in so blatant away.

Also, I love the preemptive Quasar mention.

Uh, DC Presents 28 ...
At July 30, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Darkhawk #28 was part 3 of the shattered fates story, which had Darkhawk and the New Warriors trapped in time ...
At July 30, 2008, Rebis wrote:
That really is an awesome cover! Sekowsky drew it, right? Easily one of his best. Compositionally, it's practically perfect. It's ...
At July 30, 2008, stealthwise wrote:
Seriously, Doom Patrol wasn't that good.
At July 30, 2008, Thok wrote:
Don't forget that Brave and the Bold 28 is also the first appearance of Starro.
At July 30, 2008, buttler wrote:
Seriously. Bah on the Justice League. Pay attention to Starro the Conqueror! He's fascinating.
At July 30, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
New Teen Titans (v1) #28 is the first appearnce of Terra.

Zot! #28 was the first of the acclaimed (and until ...
At July 30, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
And one more: The New Adventures of Superboy #28 saw the move of 'Dial H for Hero' from Adventure Comics ...
At July 30, 2008, Random Stranger wrote:
Wasn't Amazing Spider-Man #28 when Peter Parker graduated from High School as well? I recall that corresponded with the ...
At July 30, 2008, John Cage wrote:
Re: Random Stranger - - Yup. That was Peter Parker's graduation from High School. There were some nice bits in ...
At August 1, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
No. Seriously. Stan Lee said that he created the FF (and eventually The Avengers) as an answer to the Justice ...
At August 3, 2008, Jbird wrote:
Classic. Kick-ass. And I don't care, Starro is still a great villain.

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #17

Brian Cronin — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:59:42 +0000

Here's #17! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Showcase #17

This is one of the odder match-ups that we've seen yet, as there is a trio of comics seriously vying for this spot, and two of them include about as different characters as you can get!

Showcase #17 features the first appearance of Adam Strange, DC Super Stars #17 features the first appearance of the Huntress and Miracleman #17 features the debut of Neil Gaiman on the title.

With all due respect to Gaiman and Miracleman, I think that, in this instance, the two first appearances take the cake - so which one to choose?

Huntress, who is certainly the more important character now or Adam Strange?

As you can see, I went with Adam Strange, if only because of I think he was a more important creation than the Huntress. Adam Strange came out of whole cloth, and his science fiction background as a man out of his world, forced to deal with commuting between planets - that was such a brilliant idea by Gardner Fox (the first issue was drawn well by Mike Sekowsky) that I think it stands out much more than the idea of giving Batman a daughter who was also a superhero.

That said, I certainly do not think it is a slam dunk by Adam.

Other notable #17s include the beginning of Dream Country by Neil Gaiman in Sandman #17, a cool Doom fight in Fantastic Four #17, the introduction of the Tornado Tyrant (who would later create Red Tornado) in Justice League #17 and a cool Spider-Man/Human Torch/Green Goblin deal in Amazing Spider-Man #17.

Any others?

13 Comments

At July 29, 2008, Sam wrote:
"Calliope" in SANDMAN #17 stands out as the most notable to me since it was the first issue of SANDMAN ...
At July 29, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
It was definitely a really strong issue, Sam.
At July 29, 2008, entzauberung wrote:
"I DO regard myself as a feminist writer".
At July 29, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
I've loved Adam Strange since I first saw his adventures on Nickelodeon's "Video Comics" show back in 1980. This was ...
At July 29, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
ADVENTURE into FEAR # 17 had the first appearance of WUNDARR (later "re-christened" - no pun intended - as AQUARIAN) ...
At July 29, 2008, Stephen wrote:
No qualms with this - especially as if the original Huntress was a fanfic character, she'd have been named "Mary ...
At July 29, 2008, garbonzo wrote:
Issue 17 is when Luke Cage, Hero for Hire changes his name to Power Man!
At July 29, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
Quasar #17, for once, really should be in the running for best #17 issue. Quasar sets up a track from ...
At July 29, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Oh, what he hey....Dc Comics Presents #17 re-introduced Firestorm, at the time a DC Implosion casualty, and was the beginning ...
At July 29, 2008, buttler wrote:
Ha! I was actually going to mention Quasar too, this time. Leave it to Marvel to bring Barry ...
At July 29, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
Pep Comics #17? I wouldn't have thought of that, but if you are correct about it being the first ...
At July 29, 2008, Stephen wrote:
Heh, I was wondering when Buried Allen would show up on this list. The fact that even someone who's never ...
At August 1, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
I'll take a first appearance of a character over the first issue of a writer/artist. Unless it's that talents first ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #47

Brian Cronin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:06:56 +0000

Here's #47! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Batman #47

Once again, there is a really good argument to be made that an issue of Kirby and Lee's Fantastic Four should be this pick, as well, as #47 continued the Inhumans storyline (and I believe #47 was the first appearance of the Inhuman's black sheep, Maximus the Mad).

The Inhumans storyline, besides introducing some notable Marvel characters, was a great epic storyline, with a lot of bombastic Kirby action and character design (what design work he did in this story!) plus a nice humanistic hook for the story to rest on (Johnny/Crystal).

However, I was considering perhaps going with the first appearance of Scott Lang, the second Ant-Man, in Marvel Premiere #47.

Then I remembered Batman #47, which I think is a truly memorable issue, as this is the issue where Batman's origin is first told in full - all under a really nice Bob Kane (of whoever was his ghost in 1948) cover.

The Bill Finger story has become etched in our memories, and this is where it was really laid out, including the whole "Joe Chill" part of the story.

I think this is definitely a top choice for this number.

The usual suspects show up with notable #47s - Gaiman, Moore, Morrison, Ellis (on Stormwatch), Milligan (on Shade) and Lee/Romita.

Any other big ones that I didn't mention?

Reader Ajit reminded me that Dian Belmont first showed up in Adventure Comics #47, that one I should have remembered, but I totally thought that Dane Whitman (Black Knight) debuted in Avengers #48, but nope, after checking the issue, Dr. Whitman was in the previous issue (he just didn't become the Black Knight until #48)!

6 Comments

At July 28, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Well, Dane Whitman became the new Black Knight in the pages of Avengers #47 and Dian Belmont was introduced to ...
At July 28, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
I had joked before about an issue of Quasar featuring all the '90s "cool" charatcers that disappeared as soon as ...
At July 28, 2008, Matt Bird wrote:
American Flagg! #47 featured the return of long-missed creator Howard Chaykin as writer, bringing Paul Smith with him as artist.
At July 28, 2008, buttler wrote:
Ooo, neat. I'd say the earlier quickie telling of the origin in Detective #33 may be more iconic in ...
At July 28, 2008, McK wrote:
Brian, as far as comics.org knows, Bob Kane drew the cover himself. And from what I can tell from ...
At July 28, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
DC Comics Presents #47 revealed that He-Man and the Masters of the Universe are in fact part of the DC ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #10

Brian Cronin — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 06:56:29 +0000

Here's #10! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Tomb of Dracula #10

I have no problem considering the first appearance of Blade as a very notable issue, but what strikes me as rather odd is how slim the pickings were at this number.

Besides the first appearance of Rogue in Avengers Annual #10 (which was a great issue that reader Ajit reminded me of! Claremont writing and Michael Golden drawing), does Blade have any real competitors? And should Rogue's first appearance outweigh Blade's?

I mean, you have the first part of the Doll's House in Sandman #10.

You have the first appearance Fancy Dan and the Enforcers in Amazing Spider-Man.

You have a classic Doom/Reed fight in Fantastic Four #10 (guest-starring Stan and Jack!).

You have the first appearance of Felix Faust in Justice League of America #10.

And then you have...I dunno...what else?

You'd think #10 would be early enough in a series for some notable stuff, right?

Anyhow, the first appearance of Blade in Tomb of Dracula #10 is not only notable for the first appearance of Blade, but for being a good comic by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan, early in their tenure on the book!

Some other notable #10s readers have mentioned (and one I thought of)...

Sam reminded me that Promethea #10 was the famous "sex issue."

Wolverine #10 was a big deal for a few years, as it was an untold tale of Sabretooth and Wolverine's perhaps first meeting. Back in the "everything was hot" days of the early 90s, this was a pricey comic.

Ajit also noted that Defenders #10 was a notable part of the Avengers/Defenders War and that Ka-Zar made his Silver Age debut in X-Men #10.

21 Comments

At July 27, 2008, Sam wrote:
PROMETHEA #10 is the sex issue. Desereves an honorable mention, right?
At July 27, 2008, Ajit wrote:
Avengers Annual #10 was the first appearance of Rogue and, possibly, of Madelyne Pryor, as well as the reentry of ...
At July 27, 2008, Ajit wrote:
One more: Ka-Zar was introduced in X-Men #10. (Although I'm not sure if this one counts because there was a ...
At July 27, 2008, Hangmanjury wrote:
I would've picked Promethea #10 myself, but I would've picked Promethea for #12 too, so for posterity's sake, maybe not.
At July 27, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Love & Rockets # 10 featured Dan Clowes first published work in a Lloyd Llewellyn preview. Fans were outraged at ...
At July 27, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Three more:

V For Vendetta #10 was the very long awaited conclusion to Alan Moore and David Lloyd's epic.

The Invisibles ...
At July 27, 2008, buttler wrote:
Good call. Nice to see this awesome series make its way onto the list.

Some other notable Tens: Vandal Savage ...
At July 27, 2008, Brian Cronin wrote:
Yeah, buttler, I honestly just didn't feel like spelling their names, so I didn't mention them! :)
At July 27, 2008, stealthwise wrote:
All-Star Superman #10 was probably the best single issue of Superman ever.
At July 27, 2008, Annoyed Grunt wrote:
Spawn #10 was the issue written by Dave Sim and was at least mildly controversial for its time.
At July 27, 2008, Circleoffire wrote:
How about, oh I don't know, ALL-Star Western #10, featuring the First appearance of Jonah Hex!!
At July 27, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
I agree with buttler that Vandal Savage probably trumps Blade. Heck, Jonah Hex would even give Blade a run ...
At July 27, 2008, Jason wrote:
Top Ten #10, massive brawl at the precinct. Comissioner Ultima (described by Hyperdog as "God's snotty older sister") is revealed ...
At July 27, 2008, Matt Bird wrote:
Crisis On Infinite Earth #10 featured the end/collapse/death of the entire silver age! That's a big deal!

(and, for the ...
At July 27, 2008, Andrew-TLA wrote:
The Thing #10 featured Ben breaking up with Alicia (an event which her character has never managed to recover from, ...
At July 27, 2008, Scavenger wrote:
I'm gonna place a vote for Avengers Annual #10 . Rogue's all over Blade. (Ironicly, Anna Paquin will soon be ...
At July 28, 2008, Jbird wrote:
I am really sad that the Savage Land Skrulls don't include Goggles Blade.
At July 28, 2008, John wrote:
Y the Last Man 10, was the last amazing issue of the series and it had the best final page. ...
At July 28, 2008, Craig wrote:
Ten years ago, it would have easily been Avengers Annual 10. Since then, Rogue's stock has diminished greatly (thanks to ...
At July 28, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
Suicide Squad #10 was Amanda Waller's first cover appearance.

The Mask (at the time, The Masque) made his debut in Dark ...
At August 28, 2008, daniel wrote:
i think not only is rogue a more popular and memorable character than blade, but avengers annual 10 is also ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #39

Brian Cronin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 05:32:41 +0000

Here's #39! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Tales of Suspense #39

Talk about a hard-luck loser! Amazing Spider-Man #39 contains the first work that Jazzy John Romita did on the title as well as the revelation that Norman Osborn was the Green Goblin!

Such an issue is an absolute classic in comic book history.

Sadly for that issue, it is also an absolute runner-up to the first appearance of Marvels' latest movie star, the Invincible Iron Man, who made his first appearance in Tales of Suspense #39.

Iron Man is notable for being one of the creations that Larry Lieber, Stan Lee's brother, worked on, although mostly as a scripter, if I recall correctly. Also, remarkably, Don Heck was the artist on the first Iron Man story, although almost certainly someone else (likely Kirby) designed both the initial armor AND the later armors (Kirby did the cover - and it is an awfully neat cover).

The origin of Iron Man is a great idea, so good that the recent film barely changed it - not many other origins in comics can claim THAT!

What other notable #39s are there...FF #39 was a good issue, as was Sandman #39. Swamp Thing and Doom Patrol both had good #39s, Justice League America #39 was in the midst of the famous "you want serious? Here's serious!" arc by Giffen/DeMatteis..any other book I'm missing?

6 Comments

At July 26, 2008, Black Manta wrote:
Pretty much a no-brainer.
At July 26, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Love & Rockets was serializing Wig Wam Bam and Poison River, if memory serves.

Cerebus featured MoonRoach kicking ass ...
At July 27, 2008, David M wrote:
If I'm not mistaken, wasn't it Ditko who designed the first red-and-gold armor?

Tough break for ASM #39...
At July 27, 2008, Spiffy wrote:
No brainer.

Its not like ASM 39 was where Goblin (or even Norman) was introduced. That might have tipped the ...
At July 28, 2008, Tungsten Man wrote:
In 2008, this #39 turned into over $500,000,000 worldwide gross and counting. Not gonna beat that one.
At August 28, 2008, daniel wrote:
it wouldn't beat iron man, but you forgot to mention titans 39, the issue where kid flash and robin quit ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #5

Brian Cronin — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:12:04 +0000

Here's #5! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Fantastic Four #5

This is the big bad voodoo daddy, the first appearance of Doctor Doom, one of the seventeen best super-villains of all-time!!

I don't think there's really much more to say about this issue, created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, except to note that it has one of the silliest examples of the drawbacks of the Marvel Method of writing, as it seems pretty clear at one point that Lee says in the script that the Fantastic Four (who are back in time to steal some pirate treasure) steal some pirate clothes. Now, you'd figure the way you'd draw such a scene is the standard routine where they knock out some pirates and take their outfits. However, Kirby took the instruction literally and had the Fantastic Four steal a big bag of pirate clothes. I think it is the goofiest plot point in the early issues of the Fantastic Four (and there are a lot of them!).

That said, come on, it's Doctor Doom!

'Nuff said, indeed!

However, another notable Marvel character DID first appear in the fifth issue of a series, as Ghost Rider first showed up in Marvel Spotlight #5.

OH! How could I forget Maverick, the Sensational Character Find of 1992! He first showed up in X-Men #5.

And I actually feel quite dumb for not noting that the famous "One punch" issue of Justice League was also #5. Remember when that issue was a real collectible? Late 80s/Early 90s was a weird time, man...

I have to mention how Doom actually made an appearance in the fifth issue of Amazing Spider-Man, too, mostly because that amuses me.

Oh, Asteroid M first showed up in X-Men #5!

There's got to be more notable fifth issues out there, I just can't think of any more offhand! Help me out, folks!

20 Comments

At July 25, 2008, Bernard the Poet wrote:
"one of the seventeen best super-villains of all-time!!"

Okay.
1) Dr Doom
2) Galactus
3) The Submariner
4) James Jonah Jameson
5) Dr Octopus
6) Green Goblin
7) ...
At July 25, 2008, Danar wrote:
i love the fact that the computer put a pair of sunglasses before Kingpin. Obviously, he is the most ...
At July 25, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
Perfect choice.
At July 25, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
When was the last time you said, "Wow, that Absorbing Man, he really had a decent plan of attack." In ...
At July 25, 2008, stealthwise wrote:
I love that issue of Spider-Man where Doom decides to kidnap the webslinger for help against the Fantastic Four, only ...
At July 25, 2008, buttler wrote:
Other notable debuts at #5: the Shroud in Super-Villain Team-Up, Doctor Destiny in JLA, Manhunter (Mark Shaw) in 1st Issue ...
At July 25, 2008, Michael wrote:
I think there's a goofier plot point than that, and it's right in this issue: While impersonating a pirate, Ben ...
At July 25, 2008, KMFPL wrote:
"one of the seventeen best super-villains of all-time!!"

Oh no, Brian, you're not pulling me into that one again... ;-)

I ...
At July 25, 2008, lorin helller wrote:
I could be wrong, but I think the 5th issue of JLI has the classic "One punch" confrontation between Guy ...
At July 25, 2008, mikesensei wrote:
I first read this as a kid in "Bring On the Bad Guys," Stan the Man's second follow-up to "Origins ...
At July 25, 2008, Patrick Joseph wrote:
mikesensei:

The net was electrified, you know! Which should have electrocuted the poor building, now that I think about it.
At July 25, 2008, JR wrote:
Stealthwise:

Oddly enough that issue was Amazing Spider-Man #5 (a favorite of mine too), which gives Doom here at least two ...
At July 25, 2008, Bill Reed wrote:
This is one of the most ridiculously awesome single issues of all time. Time-travel! Pirates! Dr. Doom! It has everything.
At July 25, 2008, Jeff R. wrote:
#5 is a toughie. For lots of books it's the concluding part of the opening story arc (see: New ...
At July 25, 2008, Jbird wrote:
The FF #5 cover was in that big book of Marvel Comics' history with Spider-Man on the cover that was ...
At July 27, 2008, wwk5d wrote:
I'd argue he is Top 5, not just Top 17....
At July 28, 2008, DanCJ wrote:
Grrrr.... Animal Man 5 is one of the best comics of all time and he was robbed. I'm not ...
At August 1, 2008, RichYan33 wrote:
Forget to 17 or top 10. This is Marvel's main bad guy. He and Lex Luthor are the alpha males ...
At August 12, 2008, Not Quasar wrote:
A good take on the Absorbing Man? Sounds like Earth-X series ripped off Quasar! (He pretty much absorbed everything including ...
At August 28, 2008, daniel wrote:
while none of these are more important than the first appearance of dr. doom, i have three #5's that top ...

Comics Should Be Good Top 50 Countdown! - #46

Brian Cronin — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:46:18 +0000

Here's #46! Click here for the master list!

Enjoy!

Fantastic Four #46

Man, I reeeeeeeeeeeeally did not want to go with this issue for this number. I got as far as to start writing an explanation for why I was going with Doctor Strange #46, the first issue of Roger Stern's awesome second run on the series. I was going to explain that while yes, technically this should probably be Fantastic Four #46. That issue is the second issue featuring the Inhumans, it has a great Kirby cover and it is a great issue, period.

But that it'd be a bit boring to see the same book go over and over again, so I would give the nod to Doctor Strange #46.

However, I just couldn't bring myself to do it - if this was #47, then probably. Or #44 or #43 or #42, etc. Those are all great issues (this is in the midst of a stunning run by Kirby and Lee, where they just kicked the book into high gear for a year and half between the late 30s and mid 50s), but they don't stand out the way #46 does, including the famous cover, which was even homaged by Kirby himself a year or so after this issue!

So sorry, Roger Stern, your run on Doctor Strange WAS awesome, but I just don't think it it compares enough to Fantastic Four #46 on the memorable scale. If only your run began with issue #47...

Other notable #46s - Justice League of America #46 was a cool JLA/JSA team-up, Justice League America #46 was a great issue introducing General Glory and Amazing Spider-Man #46 introduced The Shocker.

And the usual suspects of Cerebus #46, Swamp Thing #46, Sandman #46 and Doom Patrol #46 are out there, too!

17 Comments

At July 24, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
RECOUNT!

;-)

Just as long as # 55 is Doctor Strange # 55.
That AMAZING issue drawn by Michael Golden (that almost EVERY ...
At July 24, 2008, Tom Fitzpatrick wrote:
If you didn't want to go with this issue (FF # 46), then you shouldn't HAVE.

Go with your gut.
At July 24, 2008, Jeff Ryan wrote:
What happened in Quasar #46, you ask? Glad you asked. In a months-later clean-up of Operation Galactic Storm, Neutron, one ...
At July 24, 2008, Scott MacIver wrote:
West Coast Avengers #46 gets no love?

http://www.coverbrowser.com/image/west-coast-avengers/46-1.jpg

Great Lakes Avengers make their debut!
At July 24, 2008, Thok wrote:
Defenders 46: The Elf with a gun is run over by a truck.
At July 24, 2008, buttler wrote:
This is just because you snubbed Medusa last time, isn't it? That's understandable. I wouldn't want to piss ...
At July 24, 2008, Grico wrote:
I vote for the first appearance of GLA as well.
At July 24, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
Brian,
Don't sweat it.
# 47 was NOT the start of Roger Stern's run.

Sure, he wrote the little 5 page back-up story, ...
At July 24, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
hey... my [/end sarcasm] tag didn't show up after my comment of "vote it twice".

I WAS kidding.

Really.

~P~
PTOR
At July 24, 2008, bird wrote:
being from wisconsin i feel it has to be west coast avengers #46 as well. they are the perfect team ...
At July 24, 2008, Birmy wrote:
Let me stand with a fellow Wisconsinite on West Coasr Avengers #46.
At July 24, 2008, buttler wrote:
Badger #5 was the title's revival over at First comics after Capital folded.

And hey, come to think of ...
At July 24, 2008, Mike Loughlin wrote:
Kirby Black Bolt = Awesome. You don't need to write anything else to justify your pick.
At July 24, 2008, SanctumSanctorumComix wrote:
GAH!
Brian,
I just noticed another typo on my part...

I MEANT to say # 46 was not the start of his run.
(he ...
At July 24, 2008, Da Fug wrote:
If this list were "the top issue numbers that people actually remember", I bet most of them wouldn't even ...
At July 25, 2008, onion3000 wrote:
Supreme 46 - Supreme rescues Suprema and Radar the Supreme Dog from Grorll the living galaxy, who's had them trapped ...
At July 26, 2008, Jbird wrote:
. . . dude, many of your readers may be walking Silver Age encyclopedias, but you didn't tell the rest ...