1987 in comics

See also:List of years in comics

Notable events of1987 in comics.

Events and publications

Year overall

• Independent publishers continue to enter the comics arena, includingAmazing,CFW Enterprises,Imperial Comics,Matrix Graphic Series,and New Comics Group. Conversely,ACE Comics,Mad Dog Graphics,Silverwolf Comics,Solson Publications,Spotlight Comics,and Wonder Comics all cease publishing.
• Formation of theIndependent Comic Publishers Association(ICPA), to promote excellence in and further public awareness of this growing segment of the comic book industry. The appearance of the ICPA logo on a comic is meant as a symbol of quality in the small press, black-and-white market.
• DC Comicsreboots three of its core characters and titles, with the introduction ofThe Flashvol. 2,Supermanvol. 2, andWonder Womanvol. 2.
• The "British Invasion"begins. Following the success ofAlan MooreandDave Gibbons'Watchmen,DC Comics recruits British creators such asAlan Grant,Cam Kennedy,David Lloyd,andJohn Wagner.Meanwhile, Marvel'sEpic Comicsimprint hiresPat MillsandKevin O'Neillto create theirMarshal Lawlimited series.
• Archie Comicscancels four long-running titles,Archie and Me,Archie at Riverdale High,Laugh Comics,andPep Comics;immediately relaunchingLaughvol. 2 andBetty and Veronicavol. 2.
• Peter ParkermarriesMary Jane WatsoninAmazing Spider-Man Annual#21, written byJim ShooterandDavid Michelinie,with art byPaul RyanandVince Colletta.
• Quest for Dreams Lost,an anthology of short comics by independent publishers featuring such characters and titles as theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,The Trollords,The Silent Invasion,andTales From The Aniverse.Published by theLiteracy Volunteers of Chicago.
• Violent Cases,byNeil GaimanandDave McKean,published byEscape Books.
• The Pitt,aMarvel Graphic Noveltaking place inMarvel Comics'New Universe.
• Lords of the Ultra-RealmSpecial,byDoug MoenchandPat Broderick,published byDC Comics.
• Sam & Max: Freelance Police Special Edition,bySteve Purcell,published by Fishwrap Productions.
• IPC Magazines's comic assets were sold toRobert Maxwell.They were renamed toFleetway.
• Strip AIDS,by various authors, care ofDon Mela(Willyprods / Small Time Ink).

January

• January 1:At the start of the year,Tintinlaunches the first of 52 illustrations madeBob De GrootandTurk,published on a weekly basis throughout the year. All 52 images together form a long streetview, 15 metres in length.
• January 2:The first episode ofRené WindigandEddie de Jong'sHeinzis published. It will run until 2000, then return for a brief period between 2004 and 2006.
• January 23:Comics artistWilly Vandersteenis a guest in the TV showIn De Hoofdrol,presented byMies Bouwman,where, among other surprises, he is given the first copy of a brand newSuske en Wiskestory,De Parel in de Lotusbloem,which his successorPaul Geertshad made in secret for him.
• With issue #424, DC Comics'Adventures of Supermandebuts, continuing the numbering ofSuperman.
• S.P.A.D.S.byWilliam VanceandJean Van Hamme(Dargaud).

February

• "Batman: Year One"begins in DC Comics'Batman#404 (continuing throughBatman#407). Written byFrank Miller,with art byDavid Mazzucchelli,"Batman: Year One" recounts the beginning ofBruce Wayne's career as Batman andJim Gordon's with theGotham City Police Department.It is one of the first examples of the "limited serieswithin a series "format that is now prevalent in American comic books.
• The "Gods and Mortals"story arc begins in DC Comics'Wonder Womanvol. 2, the first arc featuring the rebooted incarnation of Wonder Woman followingCrisis on Infinite Earths.Written byGreg PotterandGeorge Pérez,drawn by PérezandBruce Patterson.
• Doctor Strangevol. 2, with issue #87, cancelled by Marvel.
• With issue #161, Archie cancelsArchie and Me.
• With issue #113, Archie cancelsArchie at Riverdale High.
• Aristocratic Xtraterrestrial Time-Traveling Thieves(ongoing) #1 (Comics Interview), byHenry VogelandMark Propst.

March

• "The Universo Project"story arc begins in DC Comics'Legion of Super-Heroes#32. Written byPaul Levitzand pencilled byGreg LaRocque,the story arc concludes inLegion of Super-Heroes#35.
• Fantastic Four#300:Johnny Stormmarries "Alicia Masters"— actuallyLyja,a female member of the shapeshifting alien race theSkrulls,who had abducted and replaced Masters to serve as a spy. (Marvel Comics)
• Pep Comics,with issue #411, is cancelled byArchie Comics.
• With issue #288, DC cancelsG.I. Combat.
• Swords of the Swashbucklers,with issue #12, is cancelled byEpic Comics.
• Thundercats#1. (Marvel UK)
• In the Italian magazineCorto Maltese,the first chapter ofIsola gentile(The gentle island), bySergio Toppiis prepublished. An adventure set in the Malay Archipelago. In the same issue theCorto MaltesestoryThe secret rose,byHugo Prattis prepublished, an adventure inspired by alchemy and esotericism, where the hero meetsHerman Hesse.
• In the Italian magazineComic Art,debut ofLa bionda(The blonde woman), byFranco Saudelli,adventures of a female thief mi xing mystery, science-fiction and bondage eroticism.and of the spy seriesRudy X,by Rinaldo Traini and Rodolfo Torti.

April

• April 1:inPif Gadget,the 95thLucly Lukeadventure,Nitroglicerine,byMorrisandLo Hartog van Banda,is prepublished.
• With issue #400, Archie cancelsLaugh Comics(vol. 1).
• With issue #347, Archie cancelsArchie's Girls Betty and Veronica(vol. 1).
• The Son of the Sun,byDon Rosa,onUncle Scrooge;debut of the author in theDisney comics.
• April 15:After nine years at the helm, Marvel Comics editor-in-chiefJim Shooteris fired, succeeded byTom DeFalco.

May

• May 5:inSpirou,Spirou à New York,byTomeandJamy,is prepublished.
• Don Rosa'sUncle ScroogestoryNobody's businessis prepublished.

June

• "Batman: Year Two"begins in DC Comics'Detective Comics#575 (continuing throughDetective Comics#578). Written byMike W. Barr,with art by (among others)Todd McFarlane,"Batman: Year Two" follows on the success of "Batman: Year One".
• First issue of the anthological magazineTutto West(Bonelli), reprinting some almost forgottenWester comicspublished by the house in the Fifties.

July

• July 4 - September 6:InGhent,Belgium, museum curatorJan Hoetorganizes an exhibition aboutEuropean comicstitledKunst en Grafische Vernieuwing in het Europees Beeldverhaal(Art and Graphic Innovation in European Comics), exhibiting original artwork by various Belgian, French, Swiss, Italian, Polish and Dutch comics artists.
• Gumby's Summer Fun Special#1, byBob BurdenandArt Adams,published byComico.
• After 13 years of quarterly publication,Métal Hurlantis cancelled.
• Mythological menagerie,by Don Rosa, onWalt Disney's Comics and Stories.

August

• August 9:InTopolino,L'inferno di Paperino (Donald's inferno),byGiulio Chierchiniis prepublished, a parody of theDante's inferno;it's a follow-up to the legendaryMickey's inferno,byGuido Martina.
• August 30:inTopolino,Giorgio Cavazzano’sCasablanca,is prepublished; it's a parody of thecult movie,interpreted by the characters of theMouse universe,
• The Greatest Hero of Them All"story arc begins in DC Comics'Superman(vol. 2) #8,Action Comics#591 andLegion of Super-Heroes(vol. 3) #37. Written byPaul LevitzandJohn Byrne,and pencilled by Byrne,Greg LaRocque,andMike DeCarlo,the story arc is DC's first attempt to correct the inconsistencies in Legion history created when Byrne removed the originalSuperboyfrom mainstream DC continuity in theMan of Steellimited series. (Continues in September'sLegion of Super-Heroes#38.)
• Green Arrow: The Longbow HuntersbyMike Grell(DC Comics)
• With issue #14, Eclipse cancelsAlien Encounters.
• The Egg of Darkness,written by Serge Le Tendre and drawn byRégis Loisel,is published byDargaud;fourth and last episode ofThe Quest for the Time-Bird.
• In Italy, first issue of the magazinesMagic boyandMagic girl,published byMatellas a promotional vehicle for its toys.

September

• Joe Mattreleases the first installment of his autobiographical comic seriesPeepshow.
• The first episode ofMark Parisi'sOff the Markis published.
• The "Challenge of the Gods"story arc begins in DC Comics'Wonder Woman#8, written byGeorge PérezandLen Wein,and drawn by Pérez. (It continues through issue #15.)

October

• October 14:inIl giornalino,the seriesLa pattuglia ecologica(The echo-patrol) by Mauro Cominelli and Mario Rossi, makes its debut; it has a group of five environment's defenders as heroes.
• October 24:TheJudge Dreddstoryline "Oz",written byJohn WagnerandAlan Grant,begins in Fleetway's2000 AD(running for 26 episodes to April 16,1988).
• TheSpider-Manstoryline "Kraven's Last Hunt"(also known as" Fearful Symmetry ") begins inWeb of Spider-Man#31,The Amazing Spider-Man#293, andSpectacular Spider-Man#131. Written byJ.M. DeMatteisandMike Zeck,the storyline concludes in the November issuesWeb of Spider-Man#32,Amazing Spider-Man#294, andSpectacular Spider-Man#132.
• With issue #18, DC cancelsElectric Warrior.
• With issue #12, Marvel cancels theNew UniversetitleKickers, Inc.
• With issue #24, Eclipse cancelsScout.
• In the Italian magazineComic art,the first chapter ofAliasis prepublished, an adventure series set in 17th-century Amsterdam, written by Renato Queirolo and drawn byAnna Brandoli.
• Asterix and the magic carpet,byUderzois published.
• Terror over Kansas,byJean Michel CharlierandColin Wilson,fifth chapter ofLa jeunesse deBlueberry;second and last chapter of theQuantrillsaga.
• La citè di dieu perdu(The lost god's city) byJean Van HammeandGrzegorz Rosiński(Le Lombard).

November

• With issue #7, DC'sJustice LeaguebecomesJustice League International.
• Fit to be piedandRecalled wreck,by Don Rosa, onWalt Disney's Comics and Stories.
• First issue ofMarvel Masterworks.
• Ric Hochet contre SherlockbyAndré-Paul DuchâteauandTibet(Le Lombard)

December

• Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes,with issue #354, is cancelled by DC.
• With issue #17, DC cancelsHawkmanvol. 2.
• Batman: Son of the DemonbyMike W. BarrandJerry Bringham(DC Comics)
• Cash flow,by Don Rosa, on Uncle Scrooge.
• In Italy, first issue of the magazineZio Paperone(Mondadori,thenDisney Italia); it reprints integrally theCarl Barksproduction, later extending to other Disney authors.

Specific date unknown

• Gerrit de Jagerwins theStripschapprijs.Martin LodewijkandDon Lawrencereceive the Jaarprijs voor Bijzondere Verdiensten (nowadays the P. Hans Frankfurtherprijs).
• Toon van Driel'scelebrity comicabout comedianAndré van Duindebuts inDe Telegraaf,where it will run until 2005.

Deaths

January

• January 2:Jacques Laplaine, aka J. Lap, French comics artist (Le Petit President,Monsieur Cloche,theTintinparodyTintin à la recherche du veau d'or), dies at age 65.
• January 13:Ed Kuekes,American cartoonist and comics artist (Alice in Wonderland,Do You Believe?), dies at age 85.
• January 23:E. Nelson Bridwell,American comic book writer (DC Comics,Mad), dies from lung cancer at age 55.
• January 23:Dow O. Walling, American comics artist and TV presenter (Skeets,Jimmy's Jobs), dies at age 84.
• January 27:Rod Ruth,American illustrator and comics artist (The Toodles), dies at age 74.

February

• February 2:Ken Reid,British comics artist (Fudge the Elf,Roger the Dodger,Jonah,Faceache), dies at age 67.
• February 12:Angela Giussani,Italian comics writer (Diabolik), dies at age 64.
• February 20:Wayne Boring,American comics artist (worked onSuperman), dies at age 81.
• February 20:Edgar P. Jacobs,Belgian comics artist (Le Rayon U,Blake and Mortimer) dies at age 82.
• February 22:Andy Warhol,American painter, music producer and film director (made sequential and occasional comics-inspired art), dies at age 58.
• February 27:Bill Holman,American comics artist (Smokey Stover), dies at age 83.
• February 27:Darrell McClure,American comics artist (continuedLittle Annie RooneyandRoom and Board), dies at age 84.
• February 28:Roland Moisan, French caricaturist, journalist and comics artist (worked onZoé, Enfant Terrible), dies at age 79.

March

• March 22:Ib Steinaa, Danish animator and comics artist (Disney comics,assisted onFerd'nandandLise og Lasse), dies at age 60.

April

• April 13:Joe Colquhoun,British comics artist (Charley's War,Johnny Red,Kid Chameleon,worked onRoy of the Rovers), dies of a heart attack at age 60.
• April 19:Milt Kahl,American animator (Walt Disney Company), dies at age 78.

May

• May 30:Al Shapiro,aka "A. Jay", American comics artist (Harry Chess), dies at age 55 from AIDS.
• May 31:Hugh Laidman, American illustrator, painter and comics artist (Middle Class Animals), dies at age 63.

June

• June 12:Carlo Boscarato,Italian comics artist (Larry Yuma), dies at age 61.
• June 12:Eugen Semitjov,Swedish comics artist, journalist and writer (Allan Kämpe), dies at age 64.
• June 25:Bram Ohm, Dutch illustrator and comics artist (Dikkie Dapper,Miepie), dies at age 81.

July

• July 5:Jayme Cortez,Portuguese-Brazilian comic artist (Os 2 Amigos), dies at age 60.

August

• August 22:Henk Tol, Dutch painter, illustrator and comics artist (Bearend Barebyt), dies at age 56.

September

• September 8:Hans van Gorkom, Dutch comic artist (Hikkie,assisted onOlle Kapoen), dies at age 58.
• September 30:Alfred Bester,American novelist and comics writer (wroteThe Phantom,Mandrake the Magician,Superman,Green Lanternduring the mid-1940s), dies at age 73.

October

• October 5:Ed Stevenson,American illustrator and comics artist (Ted Powers), dies at age 91.
• Specific date unknown:Radu Duldurescu, Romanian comics artist (Cutu si Miau,Mache Fantomas,Pestera Aurie,Fix Contra Vix,Muky si Mache), dies from pancreatic cancer at age 60.

November

• November 10:Arthur R. "Pop" Momand,akaPop,American comics artist (Keeping Up with the Joneses), dies at age 101.
• November 11:John N. Carey, American animator and comics artist (Disney comics,Hanna-Barberacomics,Woody Woodpeckercomics), dies at age 72.
• November 24:Anton Pieck,Dutch illustrator, painter and comics artist (published inZonneschijn), dies at age 92.

December

• December 13:George Wunder,American comics artist (continuedTerry and the Pirates), dies at age 75.
• December 14:Copi,Argentinean-French comics artist (La Femme Assise), dies at age 48 from AIDS.
• December 26:Angelo Bioletto,Italian comics artist (Disney comics,L' Inferno diTopolino), dies at age 81.
• December 29:Raeburn Van Buren,American comics artist (Abbie an' Slats), dies at age 96.

Specific date unknown

• Pedro Alférez González, Spanish comics artist (Mascarita,continuedInspector Dan,Fix und Foxi), dies at age 51 or 52.
• Huang Yao,Chinese comics artist (Niu Bi Zi), dies at age 69 or 70.
• Lenn Redman,American caricaturist, animator, novelist, poet, illustrator, comics artist, cartoonist and activist (worked onMary Worth), dies at age 74 or 75.
• Vicq, Belgian comics artist (Taka Takata,Korrigan,Les Frères Bross), dies in a hospital at age 50 or 51, after having become a reclusive person the past years. His death is only noticed several years later.

Exhibitions and shows

• January 6 – February 28:"Robert Williams:Messages from a Drunken Broom "(Psychedelic Solution Gallery, New York City)
• June-September:"Comic Iconoclasm"(Institute of Contemporary Arts,London) — curated bySheena Wagstaff— American artistJerry Kearnsexhibits a work "simply spliced together [of] panels byBernie WrightsonandBrian Bolland... and made them big. "Exhibition later travels toDouglas Hyde Gallery,Dublin; Cornerhouse Gallery,Manchester;and a European tour

Conventions

• January 29–February 1:Angoulême International Comics Festival(Angoulême, France) — 14th annual festival
• February 22:Great Eastern Conventions(Budget Motor Lodge, Route 73, Mount Laurel, New Jersey) — c. 175 attendees; five dealers and about 25 exhibitor tables
• May 2–3:Wonderful World of Comics Convention(Oakland Convention Center, Oakland, California) — First annual staging of the convention (later to be known asWonderCon), founded by San Jose nativeJohn Barrett,co-owner of the retail chainComics and Comix
• June:Heroes Convention(Charlotte, North Carolina)
• June 27–28:Creation Convention '87I (Roosevelt Hotel, New York City)
• July 3–5:Chicago Comicon(Ramada O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois)
• July 31–August 2:Atlanta Fantasy Fair(Omni Hotel & Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia) — official guests includeAdam West,Caroline Munro,Robert Bloch,Boris Vallejo,Kelly Freas,Jennifer Roberson,andTom Savini
• August 6–9:San Diego Comic-Con(Convention and Performing Arts Center and Holiday Inn, San Diego, California) — 5,000 attendees; official guests:Harlan Ellison,Miguel Ferrer,Ward Kimball,B. Kliban,Françoise Mouly,Bill Mumy,Mike Peters,Robert Silverberg,Art Spiegelman,andBernie Wrightson
• September 5–6:UKCAC87(The Institute of Education,London, England) — guests includeWill Eisner,Gil Kane,John Byrne,John Totleben,Steve Bissette,Wendy Pini,Richard Pini,Ron Smith,John Totleben,Steve Bissette,Alan Grant,Dave Gibbons,Bill Sienkiewicz,Dave Sim,Paul Duncan, Martin Crocknell, andCarlos Ezquerra;presentation of theEagle Awards
• September 5–6:Dragon*Con(Pierremont Plaza Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia) — first annual staging of the multigenre convention. 1,400 attendees; Official guests:Michael Moorcock(his first convention appearance in twelve years),Robert Asprin,Lynn Abbey,Robert Adams,Richard "Lord British" Garriott,Gary Gygax,and ToastmasterBrad Strickland
• September 25–27:OrlandoCon(International Inn, Orlando, Florida)
• November:Mid-Ohio Con(Ohio) — guest of honor:Dave Sim;other guests:Kevin Eastman,Peter Laird,John Ostrander,Denys Cowan,Mike Grell,Carol Kalish
• November 27–29:Creation'87 II (New York Penta Hotel, New York City)
• November 27–29:Dallas Fantasy Fair(Marriott Park Central, Dallas, Texas) — guests includeHarvey Kurtzman,Jaime Hernandez,Denis Kitchen,Gilbert Hernandez,Don Simpson,Steve Rude,Kenneth Smith,Brad W. Foster,andDoug Potter

Awards

Eagle Awards

Presented in1988for comics published in 1987. Distributed on Saturday, September 24, 1988, at UKCAK88, The Institute of Education, London WC1.

• Roll of Honour:Pat Mills

American Section

• Favourite Writer:Alan Moore
• Favourite Artist (Penciler):Bill Sienkiewicz
• Favourite Inker:Terry Austin
• Favourite Comicbook:Watchmen(DC)
• Favourite Graphic Novel:Daredevil:Love and War(Marvel)
• Favourite Character:Batman(DC)
• Favourite Group or Team:Justice League International(DC)
• Favourite Villain:The Joker(DC)
• Favourite Supporting Character:Abigail Arcane Cable,fromSwamp Thing(DC)
• Character Most Worthy of Own Title:Rorschach,fromWatchmen(DC)
• Favourite Single or Continued Story:Batman#404-407:Year One(DC)
• Favourite New Comic Title:Marshal Law(Epic)
• Favourite Comic Cover:Wonder Woman#10, byGeorge Pérez
• Favourite Specialist Comics Publication:Amazing Heroes

British Section

• Favourite Artist:Bryan Talbot
• Favourite Writer:Pat Mills
• Favourite Comic:2000 AD
• Favourite Comic Album:Violent Cases,byNeil GaimanandDave McKean(Escape Books)
• Favourite Character:Luther Arkwright
• Favourite Villain:Torquemada,fromNemesis the Warlock
• Favourite Supporting Character:Ukko the Dwarf(fromSláine)
• Character Most Worthy of Own Title:Halo Jones
• Favourite Single or Continued Story:2000 AD#535-550:Zenith
• Favourite New Comic:The Adventures of Luther Arkwright(Valkyrie Press)
• Favourite Comic Cover:The Adventures of Luther Arkwright#1, byBryan Talbot
• Favourite Specialist Comics Publication:Speakeasy

Kirby Awards

• Best Single Issue:Batman: The Dark Knight Returns#1, byFrank Miller,Klaus Janson,andLynn Varley(DC Comics)
• Best Continuing Series:Swamp Thing,byAlan Moore,Steve Bissette,andJohn Totleben(DC)
• Best Black & White Series:CerebusbyDave Sim(Aardvark-Vanaheim)
• Best Finite Series:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC)
• Best New Series:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC)
• Best Graphic Album:Batman: The Dark Knight Returns,byFrank MillerandKlaus Janson(DC)
• Best Artist:Bill Sienkiewicz,forElektra: Assassin(Marvel Comics)
• Best Writer:Alan Moore,forWatchmen(DC)
• Best Writer/Artist:Alan MooreandDave Gibbons,forWatchmen(DC)
• Best Art Team:Frank Miller,Klaus Janson,andLynn Varley,forBatman: The Dark Knight Returns(DC)
• Hall of Fame:
  • Carl Barks
  • Will Eisner
  • Jack Kirby

Eisner Awards

Presented in1988for comics published in 1987:

• Best Single Issue/Single Story:Gumby's Summer Fun Special#1, byBob BurdenandArt Adams(Comico)
• Best Black-and-White Series:Concrete,byPaul Chadwick(Dark Horse Comics)
• Best Finite Series/Limited Series:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC Comics)
• Best New Series:Concrete,byPaul Chadwick(Dark Horse)
• Best Graphic Album:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC)
• Best Writer:Alan Moore,Watchmen(DC)
• Best Writer/Artist:Alan MooreandDave Gibbons,Watchmen(DC)
• Best Artist/Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team:Steve Rude,Nexus(First Comics)
• Best Art Team:Steve Rude,Willie BlybergandKen Steacy,Space GhostSpecial(Comico)
• Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award:June Foray
• Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame:Milton Caniff

Harvey Awards

Presented in1988at theChicago Comiconfor comics published in 1987:

• Best Writer:Alan Moore,forWatchmen(DC Comics)
• Best Artist or Penciller:Dave Gibbons,forWatchmen(DC)
• Best Cartoonist (Writer/Artist):Paul Chadwick,forConcrete(Dark Horse Comics)
• Best Inker:Al Williamson,forDaredevil(Marvel Comics)
• Best Letterer:Ken Bruzenak,forAmerican Flagg(First Comics)
• Best Colorist:John Higgins,forWatchmen(DC)
• Special Award for Excellence in Production/Presentation:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons,(DC)
• Best New Series:Concrete,byPaul Chadwick(Dark Horse Comics)
• Best Continuing or Limited Series:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC)
• Best Single Issue or Story:Watchmen#9: "The Darkness of Mere Being", byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC)
• Best Graphic Album:Watchmen,byAlan MooreandDave Gibbons(DC)
• Best American Edition of Foreign Material:Moebiusalbum series, byJean "Moebius" Giraud(Marvel Comics)
• Best Domestic Reprint Project:The Spirit,byWill Eisner(Kitchen Sink Press)

First issues by title

DC Comics

Captain Atom

Release:March.Writer:Cary Bates.Artists:Pat BroderickandBob Smith.

Doom Patrolvol 2.

Release:October.Writer:Paul Kupperberg.Artists:Steve LightleandGary Martin.

The Flashvol. 2

Release:June.Writer:Mike Baron.Artists:Jackson GuiceandLarry Mahlstedt.

Justice League

Release:May.Writers:Keith GiffenandJ.M. DeMatteis.Artists:Keith Giffen,Kevin Maguire,andTerry Austin.

The Question

Release:April.Writer:Dennis O'Neil.Artists:Denys CowanandRick Magyar.

The Shadow

Release:August.Writer:Andrew Helfer.Artist:Bill Sienkiewicz.

Spectre

Release:April.Writer:Doug Moench.Artists:Gene ColanandSteve Mitchell.

Suicide Squad

Release:May.Writer:John Ostrander.Artists:Luke McDonnellandKarl Kesel.

Supermanvol. 2

Release:January.Writer:John Byrne.Artists:John ByrneandTerry Austin.

Wasteland

Release:December.Writer:John OstranderandDel Close.Artists:David Lloyd,William Messner-Loebs,andDon Simpson.

Wonder Womanvol. 2

Release:February.Writers:Greg PotterandGeorge Pérez.Artists:George PérezandBruce Patterson.

Young All-Stars

Release:June.Writers:Roy ThomasandDann Thomas.Artists:Michael BairandBrian Murray.

Limited series

Doc Savage(4 issues)

Release:November.Writer:Dennis O'Neil.Artists:Adam KubertandAndy Kubert.

Doctor Fate(4 issues)

Release:July.Writer:J. M. DeMatteis.Artists:Keith GiffenandDave Hunt.

Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters(3 issues)

Release:August.Writer/Artist:Mike Grell.

Outcasts(12 issues)

Release:October.Writers:John WagnerandAlan Grant.Artists:Cam KennedyandSteve Montano.

Phantom Stranger(4 issues)

Release:October.Writer:Paul Kupperberg.Artists:Mike MignolaandP. Craig Russell.

Silverblade(12 issues)

Release:October.Writer:Cary Bates.Artists:Gene ColanandKlaus Janson.

Slash Maraud(6 issues)

Release:November.Writer:Doug Moench.Artist:Paul Gulacyand.

Sonic Disruptors(7 issues; originally solicited for 12)

Release:December.Writer:Mike Baron.Artists:Barry CrainandJohn Nyberg.

World of Krypton(4 issues)

Release:December.Writer:John Byrne.Artists:Mike MignolaandRick Bryant.

Marvel Comics

Action Force

Release:March 8 byMarvel UK.Reprints of Marvel'sG.I. Joecomic.

SilverHawks

Release:August byStar Comics.Writer:Stephen Perry.Artists:Mike WitherbyandJames Sanders, III.

Silver Surfer

Release:July.Writer:Steve Englehart.Artists:Marshall RogersandJoe Rubinstein.

Solo Avengers

Release:December.Writer:Tom DeFalco.Artists:Mark D. BrightandJoe Rubinstein.

Strange Talesvol. 2

Release:April.Writer:Bill Mantlo.Artist:Bret Blevins.

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light

Release:November byStar Comics.Writer:Jim Salicrup.Artists:Mark BagleyandRomeo Tanghal.

Limited series

Comet Man(6 issues)

Release:February.Writers:Bill MumyandMiguel Ferrer.Artists:Kelley JonesandGerry Talaoc.

Fallen Angels(8 issues)

Release:April.Writer:Jo Duffy.Artist:Kerry Gammill.

Marshal Law(6 issues)

Release:October byEpic Comics.Writer:Pat Mills.Artist:Kevin O'Neill.

The Transformers: Headmasters(4 issues)

Release:July.Writer:Bob Budiansky.Artists:Frank SpringerandIan Akin&Brian Garvey.

The X-Men vs. The Avengers(4 issues)

Release:May.Writer:Roger Stern.Artists:Marc SilvestriandJoe Rubinstein.

Other publishers

The American

Release:June byDark Horse Comics.Writer:Mark Verheiden.Artist:Chris Warner.

The Original Astro Boy

Release:September byNow Comics.Writer:Mike Dimpsey.Artist:Ken Steacy.

Betty and Veronica(vol. 2)

Release:June byArchie Comics.Artist:Dan DeCarlo.

Concrete

Release:April byDark Horse Comics.Writer/Artist:Paul Chadwick.

Deadworld

Release:January byArrow Comics.Writer/Editor:Stuart Kerr.

Eddy Current(12-issue limited series)

Release:July byMad Dog Graphics.Writer/Artist:Ted McKeever.

Fusion

Release:January byEclipse Comics.Writer:Steven Barnes.Artists:Lela DowlingandSteve Gallacci.

Good Girls

Release:April byFantagraphics Books.Writer/Artist:Carol Lay.

Laugh(vol. 2)

Release:June byArchie Comics.Editor:Victor Gorelick.

Marksman

Release:January by Hero Comics.Writer:Steve PerrinArtist:Pete McDonnell

Ninja High School

Release:January byAntarctic Press.Writer/Artist:Ben Dunn.

Savage Henry

Release:January byVortex Comics.Writer/Artist:Matt Howarth.

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Release:May byMirage Studios.Writers:Kevin EastmanandPeter Laird.Artists:Jim LawsonandRyan Brown.

The Trouble with Girls

Release:August byEternity Comics.Writers:Will JacobsandGerard Jones.Artists:Tim Hamilton andDave Garcia.

Tutto West

Release:June bySergio Bonelli editore;reprints of the classic ItalianWestern comics,written in the Fifties and the Sixties byGian LuigiandSergio Bonelli.

Uri-On

Release:byIsrael Comics.Writer/Artist:Michael Netzer.

Usagi Yojimbo

Release:July byFantagraphics.Writer/Artist:Stan Sakai.

Xenozoic Tales

Release:February byKitchen Sink Press.Writer/Artist:Mark Schultz.

Zio Paperone

Release:December byArnoldo Mondadori editore;Italian version of theCarl Barks Library.:

Initial appearances by character name

DC Comics

• Amazing Grace,inSuperman#3 (March)
• Atmos,inLegion of Super-Heroes#32 (March)
• Axis Amerika,inYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• Bibbo Bibbowski,inAdventures of Superman#428 (May)
• Bloodsport,inSuperman#4 (April)
• Captain Atom,inCaptain Atom#1 (March)
• Sondra Fuller,inOutsiders#21 (July)
• Deuce and Charger,inAdventures of Superman#430 (July)
• Carmine Falcone,inBatman#404 (March)
• Eddie Fyers,inGreen Arrow: The Longbow Hunters#3 (October)
• General Wade Eiling,inCaptain Atom#1 (March)
• Sarah Essen Gordon,inBatman#404 (March)
• Arnold John Flass,inBatman#404 (March)
• Fleur-de-Lis,inInfinity, Inc.#34 (January)
• Flodo Span,inGreen Lantern#217 (October)
• Gangbuster,inAdventures of Superman#428 (May)
• Cat Grant,inAdventures of Superman#424 (January)
• Hades,inWonder Woman#1 (February)
• Professor Hamilton,inAdventures of Superman#424 (January)
• Icicle,inInfinity, Inc.#34 (January)
• Rhea Jones,inDoom Patrol#3.
• Gillian B. Loeb,inBatman#404 (March)
• Maxwell Lord,inJustice League#1 (May)
• Tina McGee,inFlash#3 (August)
• 'Helena KosmatosinSecret Origins#12 (March)
• Rampage,inSuperman#7 (July)
• Reaper,inDetective Comics#575 (June)
• Red Trinity,inFlash#06 (November)
• Holly Robinson,inBatman#404 (February)
• Rocket Red,inJustice League#3 (July)
• Rocket Red Brigade,inGreen Lantern Corps#208 (January)
• Maggie Sawyer,inSuperman#4 (April)
• Shado,inGreen Arrow: The Longbow Hunters#1 (August)
• Silver Banshee,inAction Comics#595 (December)
• Sleez,inAction Comics#592 (September)
• Sprout,inSwamp Thing#65 (October)
• Zebra-ManII,inOutsiders#21 (July)
• James Gordon Jr.inBatman#407 (May)
• Artemis CrockinInfinity Inc.#34 (January)
• Christina AlexandrovainFlash#7 (December)
• HazaerdinInfinity Inc.#34 (January)
• PozharinFirestorm#64 (October)
• Danny ChaseinNew Teen TitansAnnual #3 (1987)
• Wild DoginWild Dog#1 (September)
• Cameron MahkentinInfinity, Inc.#34 (January)
• Iron MunroinYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• Professor HamiltoninAdventures of Superman#424 (January)
• Vanessa KapatelisinWonder Woman#3 (April)
• Eddie FyersinGreen Arrow: The Longbow Hunters#3 (October)
• Eric StraussinDoctor Fate#1 (July)
• Linda StraussinDoctor Fate#1 (July)
• Flying FoxinYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• Neptune PerkinsinYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• TsunamiinYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• Tina McGeeinThe Flash#3 (August)
• Speed DemoninThe Flash#3 (August)
• Godiva (comics)inInfinity Inc.#34 (January)
• Rhea JonesinDoom Patrol#3 (December)
• Gray ManinJustice League#2 (June)
• Twilight LadyinWatchmen#7 (March)
• White DragoninSuicide Squad#4 (August)
• Robert DuBoisinSuperman#4 (April)
• Wild HuntsmaninInfinity Inc.#34 (January)
• MimeinBatman#412 (October)
• QayininBatman: Son of the Demon(1987)
• Myra FermininQuestion#1 (February)
• Martin AllardinCaptain Atom#1 (March)
• GodivainNew Teen TitansAnnual #3 (1987)
• Silver ScarabinInfinity Inc.#42 (September)
• Touch-N-GoinNew Teen Titans#24 (October)
• PteradoninNew Teen Titans#24 (October)
• GorgoninNew Teen Titans#24 (October)
• HarpiinNew Teen Titans#24 (October)
• BehemothinNew Teen Titans#24 (October)
• SciroccoinBlue Beetle#9 (February)
• Prometheus (DC Comics)inNew Teen Titans#24 (October)
• Gregor GregorovichinFlash#7 (December)
• Kamikaze,inYoung All-Stars#4 (September)
• Touch-N-Go,inBlue Beetle#10 (March)
• Sea Wolf,inYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• Boleslaw UminskiinFlash#7 (December)
• AnatoleinFlash#6 (November)
• Fledermaus,inYoung All-Stars#1 (June)
• Rocket RedinJustice League International#7 (November)
• BebeckinFlash#6 (November)
• CassiopeiainFlash#6 (November)
• Doctor MegalainCaptain Atom#1 (March)
• OverthrowinBlue Beetle#15 (August)
• Übermensch,inYoung All-Stars#1 (June)

Marvel Comics

• Aries(Zodiac),inWest Coast Avengers#26 (November)
• Bird-Brain,inNew Mutants#55 (September)
• Blizzard (Donnie Gill),inIron Man#223 (October)
• Bushwacker,inDaredevil#248 (November)
• Lourdes Chantel,inClassic X-Men#7 (March)
• Combat Colin,inAction Force#5 (Marvel UK)
• Comet Man,inComet Man#1 (February)
• Fallen Angels,inFallen Angels#1 (April)
  • Ariel,inFallen Angels#1 (April)
  • Chance,inFallen Angels#1 (April)
  • Gomi,inFallen Angels#2 (May)
• Ghost,inIron Man#219 (June)
• Goblyn,inAlpha Flight#48 (July)
• Malice,inUncanny X-Men#214 (February)
• Manikin,inAlpha Flight#44 (March)
• Mercy,inThe Incredible Hulk#338 (December)
• Microchip,inThe Punisher#4 (November)
• Philippus,inWonder Woman#1 (February)
• Rictor,inX-Factor#17 (June)
• Mister Sinister,inUncanny X-Men#221 (September)
• Trick Shot,inSolo Avengers#1 (December)

Independent titles

• Leatherhead
• Sam & Max,inSam & Max: Freelance Police Special Edition(Fishwrap Productions)
• Super Commando Dhruvain GENL #74Pratishodh Ki Jwalacreated byAnupam Sinha,published byRaj comics
• Zenith,in2000 AD#536 (August 22, Fleetway)