mike
25 Issues
Apr 7, 2026
Staff
Ranked
Copper Age Key First Appearances
Crucial 80s and early 90s issues that introduced fan-favorite characters still relevant today.
#98
The Beginning of the End Part One
The New Mutants (1983)
Apr 21, 1991
1
The iconic debut of Deadpool, who evolved into a pop culture icon.
#1
Star Wars
Star Wars (1977)
Apr 12, 1977
2
The first comic appearance of the Star Wars cast, saving Marvel's finances.
#32
Dark Destiny
Marvel Spotlight (1971)
Nov 09, 1976
3
The first appearance of Spider-Woman (Jessica Drew).
#1
The She-Hulk Lives
The Savage She-Hulk (1980)
Nov 13, 1979
4
The first appearance of Jennifer Walters, created to secure the trademark.
#357
#44
The Judas Contract: Book Three - There Shall Come a Titan!
Tales of the Teen Titans (1984)
Mar 20, 1984
6
First appearance of Nightwing, marking Dick Grayson's maturation.
#426
A Death in the Family Chapter 1 and 2
Batman (1940)
Sep 06, 1988
7
The start of 'A Death in the Family,' leading to the first major fan-voted death.
#1
The Summoning
Crisis on Infinite Earths (1985)
Jan 03, 1985
8
The start of the first true line-wide reboot in comic history.
#340
Vicious Circle
The Incredible Hulk (1968)
Oct 20, 1987
9
A landmark Todd McFarlane issue featuring an iconic Wolverine fight.
#2
The Goblin of Adachigahara
Albedo (1983)
Nov 01, 1984
10
The first appearance of Usagi Yojimbo in an indie anthology.
#128
Demon in a Bottle
Iron Man (1968)
Aug 28, 1979
11
The peak of the 'Demon in a Bottle' arc, tackling Tony Stark's alcoholism.
#1
Operation: Lady Doomsday; ...Hot Potato!
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero (1982)
Mar 02, 1982
12
Launched the long-running Larry Hama series that defined the brand.
#337
DOOM!
Thor (1966)
Aug 02, 1983
13
The first appearance of Beta Ray Bill, a major Walt Simonson contribution.
#1
Issue #1
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1984)
14
The indie hit that spawned a multi-billion dollar franchise.
#1
#129
God Spare The Child...
The X-Men (1963)
Oct 16, 1979
16
First appearance of Kitty Pryde and Emma Frost.
#168
Elektra
Daredevil (1964)
Oct 07, 1980
17
First appearance of Elektra and the start of Miller's definitive run.
#1
Issue #1
V for Vendetta (1988)
May 19, 1988
18
The US debut of Alan Moore's dystopian political masterpiece.
#75
#8
Invasion!
Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars (1984)
Aug 07, 1984
20
The origin of the Spider-Man Black Suit in the Secret Wars event.
#48
Emerald Twilight, Part 1: The Past
Green Lantern (1990)
Dec 07, 1993
21
The start of 'Emerald Twilight,' turning Hal Jordan into Parallax.
#1
Part 1: Darksoul Drifting
Venom: Lethal Protector (1993)
Dec 29, 1992
22
The first solo title for Venom, solidifying him as an anti-hero.
#1
Sleep of the Just
The Sandman (1989)
Nov 29, 1988
★ 4.5
23
The start of Neil Gaiman's legendary Vertigo series.
#252
Homecoming!
The Amazing Spider-Man (1963)
Jan 31, 1984
24
The first appearance of the Black Suit (Symbiote) in the main series.
#1
Hunger
Hellblazer (1988)
Sep 22, 1987
25
John Constantine's first solo ongoing series after Swamp Thing.
Comments
0 CommentsSign in to join the discussion
Sign In to CommentNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
