A key issue noted for First appearance of Beverly Switzler and First appearance of Pro-Rata. Howard the Duck #1 was published by Marvel Comics on January 1, 1976, as part of a series that began in 1975. Steve Gerber writes, and art comes from Chris Chuckry, Frank Brunner and Phil Winslade. This 36-page issue features Spider-Man, J. Jonah Jameson, Howard the Duck, Beverly Switzler and Pro-Rata.