When did the Comics Code loosen?

In 1971. Marvel published an anti-drug storyline in Amazing Spider-Man #96–98 without Code approval, and the Code was revised that year to permit drug references and classic horror characters.

Why did so many horror titles start in the 1970s?

The revised Code allowed vampires, werewolves, and other traditional monsters again after nearly two decades. Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf by Night, and Swamp Thing all launched in the years right after.

Where were 1970s comics sold?

Mostly on newsstands and spinner racks, which were shrinking through the decade. The first direct-market shops opened late in the 1970s and reshaped distribution in the 1980s.

1970s Comic Book Series

Comic series that began publishing between 1970 and 1979. The Comics Code was revised in 1971 after Marvel ran an anti-drug storyline in Amazing Spider-Man #96–98 without Code approval, and the revision reopened horror to mainstream publishers. Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf by Night, and Swamp Thing followed within a few years. Newsstand distribution declined through the decade while the first direct-market shops opened at the end of it. Browse every 1970s series in the catalog with its issue list, creator credits, covers, and release dates.

4,335 series • Page 1 of 145

Top publishers for 1970s

4,335 series catalogued, published between 1970 and 1979.

Marvel Comics 263 series
DC Comics 119 series
IPC Magazines Ltd. 109 series
Western Publishing 106 series
Charlton 74 series
Murray Comics 71 series

Longest runs for 1970s

Lanciostory (1975) 2,545 issues
2000 AD (1977) 2,489 issues
Skorpio (1977) 2,420 issues
Gespenster Geschichten (1974) 1,657 issues
Yps (1975) 1,271 issues
Knasen (1970) 1,192 issues

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1970s FAQ

When did the Comics Code loosen?: In 1971. Marvel published an anti-drug storyline in Amazing Spider-Man #96–98 without Code approval, and the Code was revised that year to permit drug references and classic horror characters.
Why did so many horror titles start in the 1970s?: The revised Code allowed vampires, werewolves, and other traditional monsters again after nearly two decades. Tomb of Dracula, Werewolf by Night, and Swamp Thing all launched in the years right after.
Where were 1970s comics sold?: Mostly on newsstands and spinner racks, which were shrinking through the decade. The first direct-market shops opened late in the 1970s and reshaped distribution in the 1980s.