1984 in comics

Year overall

The independent publishing boom continues, as Antarctic Press, Continuity Comics, Deluxe Comics, Matrix Graphic Series, and Renegade Press all enter the arena. (In addition, small press publisher Americomics changes its name to AC Comics.)

Terry Nantier teams up with Chris Beall and Marc Minoustchine to form Nantier, Beall, Minoustchine (NBM Publishing).

The ups-and-downs of the marketplace take their toll, as Gold Key Comics (also known as Whitman Comics), Capital Comics, JC Comics, Pacific Comics, and Spectrum Comics all cease publishing.

The Marvel Comics imprint Epic Comics releases four new limited series (Six from Sirius, Timespirits, Crash Ryan, and The Sisterhood of Steel), solidifying the new publishing trend.

Marvel Comics introduces its Star Comics imprint, licensed titles intended for young readers, with the three-issue limited series The Muppets Take Manhattan.

Opening of the San Francisco-based Cartoon Art Museum.

January

British writer Alan Moore takes over Swamp Thing at issue #20, a run which would turn the title around and set the foundations for Moore's career in American comics.

"The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man," written by Roger Stern, with art by Ron Frenz and Terry Austin is published in The Amazing Spider-Man #248. (The story is later selected as one of the "Top 10 Spider-Man stories of all time" by Wizard magazine.)

Shield-Steel Sterling, with issue #4, is re-titled Steel Sterling. (Red Circle Comics)

February

World's Finest Comics #300: 52-page anniversary issue. (DC Comics)

Nathaniel Dusk — #1 in a four-issue mini-series, by Don McGregor and Gene Colan, published by DC Comics.

Archie Comics changes the name of its Red Circle Comics superhero imprint to Archie Adventure Series.

March

March 24: Scream! #1, published by IPC Magazines.

April

New Teen Titans, with issue #41, becomes Tales of the Teen Titans. (DC Comics)

Fantastic Four #265 — She-Hulk joins the Fantastic Four as a result of the Secret Wars

May

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, published by Mirage Studios, premiers at a comic book convention in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Originally conceived by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird as a one-off parody, the comic's popularity goes on to inspire four television series, numerous video games, five feature films, and a wide range of toys and merchandise.

Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars debuts, written by Jim Shooter and published by Marvel Comics. Secret Wars is the first of a new breed of large crossover events which will become a staple of both Marvel and DC Comics publishing schedules from this point forward.

Spider-Man's black costume first appears in The Amazing Spider-Man #252, after the character returns from the Secret Wars. The black costume eventually ties into the origin of the popular supervillain Venom.

Savage Sword of Conan #100: "When a God Lives," by Michael Fleisher, John Buscema, and Ernie Chan.

Capital Comics suspends publication; its titles Badger, Nexus, and Whisper are later acquired by First Comics.

June

Mister X #1, by Jaime, Gilbert, and Mario Hernandez, is published by Vortex Comics.

Batman Special #1, Batman battles The Wrath, by Mike W. Barr and Michael Golden, published by DC.

The Fury of Firestorm #24 features an insert previewing the upcoming Blue Devil series by writers Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn and artist Paris Cullins.

June 23: With issue #689, the British girls' comic Tammy ends its run, merging with Girl.

June 30: Scream!, with issue #15, ends its run and merges with Eagle. (IPC Magazines)

July

Six from Sirius — #1 in a four-issue mini-series, by Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy, published by Epic Comics.

Steel Sterling, with issue #7, is cancelled by Archie Adventure Series.

August

Legion of Super-Heroes, with issue #314, becomes Tales of the Legion of Super-Heroes. (DC Comics)

September

Pacific Comics goes into liquidation.

Jemm, Son of Saturn — #1 in a 12-issue limited series, by Greg Potter, Gene Colan and Klaus Janson, published by DC Comics.

The Mighty World of Marvel vol. 2, with issue #17, is cancelled by Marvel UK.

Haunted, with issue #75, cancelled by Charlton.

October

Superman #400: 68-page anniversary issue: "The Living Legends of Superman." (DC Comics)

The Incredible Hulk #300: "Days of Rage!" by Bill Mantlo and Sal Buscema. (Marvel Comics)

What If, with issue #47, is cancelled by Marvel.

The West Coast Avengers — #1 in a four-issue mini-series, published by Marvel Comics. Writer: Roger Stern. Artists: Bob Hall and Brett Breeding.

Timespirits — #1 in an eight-issue limited series, published by Epic Comics.

Crash Ryan — #1 in a four-issue mini-series, published by Epic Comics.

Original Shield, with issue #4, is cancelled by Archie Adventure Series.

Ghostly Tales, with issue #169, cancelled by Charlton Comics.

Scary Tales, with issue #46, cancelled by Charlton Comics.

November

Wally Wood's T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1, published by Deluxe Comics, a revival of a superhero team originally published by Tower Comics until the late 1960s. The five published issues of this title feature some of the best artists of the era, including George Pérez, Dave Cockrum, Keith Giffen, Murphy Anderson, and Jerry Ordway.

Kitty Pryde and Wolverine #1 in a six-issue mini-series, by Chris Claremont and Al Milgrom, published by Marvel Comics.

The Muppets Take Manhattan #1 in a three-issue limited series, by Stan Kay, Dean Yeagle, and Jacqueline Roettcher, published by Star Comics.

With issue #273, DC cancels Blackhawk volume 1, which ran from 1944 to 1968, 1976 to 1977, and was revived for the final time in 1982.

November 24: The Judge Dredd story "City of the Damned" begins its run in 2000 AD (the storyline runs through February 23, 1985).

Ghost Manor (vol. 2), with issue #77, cancelled by Charlton.

December

Captain America #300: "Cap vs. The Red Skull — To the Death!" by J. M. DeMatteis, Paul Neary, and Dennis Janke.

The Sisterhood of Steel — #1 in an eight-issue limited series, published by Epic Comics.

Iceman — #1 in a four-issue limited series by J.M. DeMatteis, Alan Kupperberg, and Mike Gustovich; published by Marvel Comics.

Blue Ribbon Comics, with issue #14, is cancelled by Archie Adventure Series.

December 3: With issue #2103, Fleetway publishes the final issue of War Picture Library.

March

March 1: Carl Burgos, American comics artist (Human Torch), dies at age 67.

May

May 2: Bob Clampett, American animator and cartoonist (Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Tweety), dies at the age of 70.

May 21: Ruben Moreira, Puerto Rican-American comics artist (Tarzan), dies at age 61.

June

June 4: Sol Brodsky, American comics artist and Marvel Comics' production manager. Also known as Stan Lee's "right-hand man", passes away at age 61.

June 28: Pete Costanza, American comics artist (Captain Marvel), passes away at age 71.

August

August 1: Howard Nostrand, American comics artist and illustrator (The comic strip based on the TV series Bat Masterson), dies at age 55.

August 10: Virgil Partch, American cartoonist and comics artist (The Captain's Gig), dies at the age of 67 in a car accident, along with his wife.

August 19: Don Newton, American comics artist (Batman, Captain Marvel), dies at age 49.

August 21: Phil Seuling, American organizer of comic book fan conventions and father of the direct market, dies at age 50.

Augyst 28: Harry Lucey, American comics artist (Archie Comics), dies at age 70.

November

November 14: Greg Irons, American underground cartoonist, animator, poster- and tattoo artist, is killed by a bus in Bangkok, Thailand, at age 37.

December

December 30: Mo Gollub, American comics artist (Disney Comics, Hanna-Barbera), passes away at the age of 74.

December 30: Al Avison, American comics artist (Captain America, Whizzer), dies at age 64.

Conventions

Creation Entertainment convention (Omni Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia) — guests include Walter Koenig, Butch Guice, and Bob Layton

Spring: Atlanta Comics Festival (Atlanta, Georgia) — co-organized by Glenwood Distributors and Marvel Comics; featured the Jim Shooter Roast, with guests Jim Shooter, John Byrne, Bob Layton, Bob McLeod, Mark Gruenwald, and John Romita Jr.

May 5: Portsmouth Mini-Con (Howard Johnson's, Portsmouth, New Hampshire ) — guests include Kevin Eastman & Peter Laird, and the debut of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

June: Heroes Convention (Charlotte, North Carolina) — guest: Stan Lee

June 2: London Comic Mart (Central Hall, Westminster, UK) — guests include John Ridgway, Gary Russell, and Richard Marson

June 23–24: Colorado Comic Art Convention (Auraria Campus Student Center, Denver, Colorado) — guests include Bill Sienkiewicz, Joe Kubert, Ed Stein, and Drew Litton

June 28–July 1: San Diego Comic-Con (Convention and Performing Arts Center and Hotel San Diego, San Diego, California) — 5,500 attendees; official guests: Greg Bear, Howard Chaykin, Stan Drake, Burne Hogarth, Greg Jein, Ollie Johnston, Bob Layton, Brant Parker, Marshall Rogers, Mike Royer, Robert Shayne, Dave Stevens, Curt Swan, Frank Thomas, and Al Williamson. The Con is held earlier than usual due to the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. Sergio Aragonés hosts the Masquerade.

July 6–8: Chicago Comicon (Ramada O'Hare, Rosemont, Illinois) — convention moves from Chicago to northern suburb of Rosemont; c. 12,000 attendees

July 6–8: Dallas Fantasy Fair (Dallas, Texas) — guests include Mike W. Barr, Kerry Gammill, Fred Saberhagen, Kenneth Smith, Jim Starlin, Roger Zelazny, and Philip José Farmer

August 3–5: Atlanta Fantasy Fair (Omni Hotel & Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia) — 3-day membership: $25; official guests include Larry Niven, Forrest J Ackerman, Robert Bloch, Sharon Webb, Richard Pini, Peter Laird, Kevin Eastman, Fred Hembeck

September 22–23: OrlandoCon (Orlando, Florida) — guests include Will Eisner

September 23: King Kon Comic & Fantasy Convention (Eastern Michigan University McKenny Union, Ypsilanti, MI) — inaugural show; guests include Dave Sim, Bill Willingham, William Messner-Loebs, Fred Schiller, Mike Gustovich, Mike Vosberg, Keith Pollard, Bob McLeod, Jeff Dee, and Tom Morgan

November: Mid-Ohio Con (Mansfield, Ohio)

November 23–25: Creation '84 (Omni Park Central Hotel, New York City)

Eagle Awards

Presented in 1985 for comics published in 1984:

Best New Title: Power Pack, written by Louise Simonson (Marvel Comics)

Best Group Book: The New Teen Titans, written by Marv Wolfman (DC Comics)

Best Character: Torquemada, from Nemesis the Warlock (2000 AD), by Pat Mills and Brian Talbot (Fleetway)

Best UK Title: Warrior, edited by Dez Skinn (Quality Communications)

Favourite Artist (UK): Alan Davis

Roll of Honor: Steve Ditko

DC Comics

Blue Devil

Release: June. Writers: Dan Mishkin and Gary Cohn. Artist: Paris Cullins.

Infinity, Inc.

Release: March. Writer: Roy Thomas. Artists: Jerry Ordway and Mike Machlan.

Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 3

Release: August. Writer: Paul Levitz and Keith Giffen. Artists: Keith Giffen and Larry Mahlstedt.

New Teen Titans vol. 2

Release: August. Writer: Marv Wolfman. Artist: George Pérez.

Star Trek

Release: February. Writer: Mike W. Barr. Artists: Tom Sutton and Ricardo Villagran.

Marvel Comics

Alien Legion

Release: April by Epic Comics. Writers: Carl Potts and Alan Zelenetz. Artist: Frank Cirocco.

Amazing High Adventure

Release: August. Editor: Carl Potts

Micronauts: The New Voyages

Release: October cover. Writer: Peter B. Gillis. Artists: Kelley Jones and Bruce Patterson.

Power Pack

Release: May (August cover). Writer: Louise Simonson. Artist: June Brigman.

Transformers

Release: September. Writers: Ralph Macchio and Bill Mantlo. Artists: Frank Springer and Kim DeMulder.

Independent titles

Dragon Ball, by Akira Toriyama, first serialized on Weekly Shōnen Jump.

Echo of Futurepast, by Continuity Comics

Mister X, by Vortex Comics

Mage: The Hero Discovered, by Comico Comics

New Triumph, by Matrix Graphic Series

Original Shield, by Archie Adventure Series

Scream!, by IPC Magazines

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, by Mirage Studios

Wally Wood's T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #1, by Deluxe Comics

Zero Patrol #1, by Continuity Comics

Zot!, by Scott McCloud, published by Eclipse Comics

DC Comics

Bizarra, in DC Comics Presents #71 (July)

Blackbriar Thorn, in DC Comics Presents #66 (February)

Blue Devil, in The Fury of Firestorm #24 (DC Comics)

Bolt, in Blue Devil #6 (November)

Crowbar, in Justice League of America #233 (December)

Demolition Team, in Green Lantern #176 (May)

Nathaniel Dusk, in Nathaniel Dusk #1 (February)

Gypsy, in Justice League of America Annual #2

Javelin, in Green Lantern #173 (February)

Jemm, in Jemm, Son of Saturn #1 (September)

Jericho (Joseph Wilson), in New Teen Titans #42 (May)

Killer Frost (Louise Lincoln), in The Fury of Firestorm #21 (March)

Overmaster, in Justice League of America #233 (December)

Slipknot, in The Fury of Firestorm #28 (October)

Felicity Smoak, in The Fury of Firestorm #23 (May)

Steel (Hank Heywood III), in Justice League of America Annual #2

Tezcatlipoca, in Wonder Woman #314 (April)

Tsunami, in All-Star Squadron #33 (May)

Vibe, in Justice League of America Annual #2

Wrath, in Batman Special #1 (1984)

Marvel Comics

Aquarius (Zachary Drebb), in Iron Man #184 (July)

Aries IV, in Iron Man #184 (July)

Autobots, in The Transformers #1 (September)

Bluestreak

Brawn

Bumblebee

Cliffjumper

Gears

Hound

Huffer

Ironhide

Jazz

Mirage

Optimus Prime

Prowl

Ratchet

Sideswipe

Sparkplug

Sunstreaker

Trailbreaker

Wheeljack

Windcharger

The Beyonder, in Secret Wars #1 (May)

Lila Cheney, in New Mutants Annual #1

Decepticons, in The Transformers #1 (September)

Buzzsaw

Frenzy

Laserbeak

Megatron

Ravage

Rumble

Skywarp

Soundwave

Starscream

Thundercracker

Forge, in Uncanny X-Men #184 (August)

Madison Jeffries, in Alpha Flight #16 (November)

Amiko Kobayashi, in Uncanny X-Men #181 (May)

Kurse (as the Dark Elf Algrim the Strong), Thor #347 (September)

Leech, in Uncanny X-Men #179 (March)

Magus, in New Mutants #18 (August)

Ogun, in Kitty Pryde and Wolverine #1 (November)

Power Pack, in Power Pack #1 (August)

Alex Power

Jack Power

James Power

Julie Power

Katie Power

Margaret Power

Puma, in The Amazing Spider-Man #256 (September)

Nathaniel Richards, in Fantastic Four #272 (November)

Rose, in The Amazing Spider-Man #253 (June)

Sin, in Captain America #290 (February)

Spider-Woman (Julia Carpenter), in Secret Wars #6 (October)

Spot, in Spectacular Spider-Man #97 (December)

Titania, in Secret Wars #3 (July)

Venom (as the "alien costume"), in The Amazing Spider-Man #252 (May)

Walrus, in Defenders #131 (May)

Warlock, in New Mutants #18 (August)

Warpath, in New Mutants #16 (June)

Mirage Studios

Foot Clan, in Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May)

Hamato Yoshi, in Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May)

April O'Neil, in Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May)

Shredder, in Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May)

Splinter, in Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in Eastman and Laird's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (May)

Donatello

Leonardo

Michelangelo

Raphael

Independent titles

Bulma, in Dragon Ball Ch. 1 (Weekly Shōnen Jump December 3rd issue, Shueisha)

Chief Judge Fargo, in 2000 AD #377 (August 4 by IPC Media)

Nightveil, in Nightveil #1 (AC Comics)

Northguard, in New Triumph #1 (Matrix Graphic Series)

Bucky O'Hare, in Echo of Futurepast #1 (Continuity Comics)

Son Goku, in Dragon Ball Ch. 1 (Weekly Shōnen Jump December 3rd issue, Shueisha)

Zachary T. Paleozogt, in Zot! #1 (April by Eclipse Comics)