1986 in comics

Year overall

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, a four-issue limited series written and drawn by Frank Miller and published by DC Comics, debuts. It reintroduces Batman to the general public as the psychologically dark character of his original 1930s conception, and helps to usher in an era of "grim and gritty" superheroes from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s.

Watchmen, a twelve-issue limited series written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Dave Gibbons and published by DC Comics, debuts. To date, Watchmen remains the only graphic novel to win a Hugo Award, and is also the only graphic novel to appear on Time's 2005 list of "the 100 best English-language novels from 1923 to the present."

The first volume of Maus, written and drawn by Art Spiegelman debuts. Maus is a biography, presented in comics form, of Spiegelman's father, Vladek Spiegelman, a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust. Spiegelman was awarded a 1992 Pulitzer Prize Special Award for Maus shortly after its completion in 1991.

A plethora of new independent publishers enter the comics arena, including ACE Comics, Adventure Publications, Apple Comics, Crystal Publications, Dark Horse Comics, Eternity Comics, Fantagor Press, Gladstone Comics, Malibu Comics, Pied Piper Comics, Silverwolf Comics, Slave Labor Graphics, Solson Publications, and Spotlight Comics. Conversely, Lodestone Comics, New Sirius Productions, and Sirius Comics all go out of business.

The Man of Steel, a six-issue comic book limited series written and penciled by John Byrne, inked by Dick Giordano and published by DC Comics, debuts. The mini-series is designed to revamp the Superman mythos, using the history-altering effects of Crisis on Infinite Earths as an explanation for numerous changes to previous continuity.

The "Born Again" story arc runs in Marvel Comics' Daredevil (issues #227 to #233), written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli.

The "Mutant Massacre" crossover storyline runs through Marvel Comics in the fall. It primarily involves the superhero teams the X-Men, X-Factor, and the New Mutants. Power Pack, Thor, and Daredevil cross over for an issue in their own titles.

Captain Confederacy, created by Will Shetterly and Vince Stone, debuts, published by SteelDragon Press. It will run 12 issues.

DC publishes Heroes Against Hunger starring Superman and Batman, an all-star benefit book for African famine relief and recovery.

Broadside, a comic strip by Jeff Bacon, begins appearing in the Navy Times.

Marvel Super Special, with issue #41, about Howard the Duck, is cancelled by Marvel Comics.

January

With issue #323, DC cancels World's Finest Comics.

February

The French publisher Delcourt enters the marketplace, cancelling the comics magazine Charlie Mensuel and merging its contents with Pilote magazine.

With issue #329, DC cancels Wonder Woman.

With issue #152, Marvel cancels The Defenders.

With issue #75, Marvel cancels ROM.

With issue #34, Marvel cancels Epic Illustrated.

March

Wonder Man #1 one-shot, by David Michelinie, Kerry Gammill, and Vince Colletta; published by Marvel Comics.

April

The Enchanted Apples of Oz, First Graphic Novel #5, by Eric Shanower (First Comics).

With issue #106, Archie Comics cancels Archie's TV Laugh-Out.

April 10: Metalzoic (DC Graphic Novel #6), by Pat Mills and Kevin O'Neill, published by DC Comics.

May

Green Lantern #200: "Five Billion Years," by Steve Englehart, Joe Staton, and Bruce D. Patterson. (DC Comics)

The Incredible Hulk #319: Bruce Banner marries Betty Ross. (Marvel Comics)

With issue #20, Marvel cancels Micronauts: The New Voyages.

June

With issue #201, DC changes the title of the Green Lantern comic book to The Green Lantern Corps.

The Thing, with issue #36, is cancelled by Marvel.

July

Dark Horse Comics makes its debut as a publisher with the anthology Dark Horse Presents #1.

Hawkman Special (DC Comics), by Tony Isabella, Richard Howell, and Ron Randall.

With issue #107, Marvel cancels its Star Wars comic.

August

Aristocratic Xtraterrestrial Time-Traveling Thieves "Micro Series" #1 (Comics Interview), by Henry Vogel and Mark Propst.

September

"Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow?," a two-part Superman story, appears in Superman #423 and Action Comics #583. Written by Alan Moore, with art by Curt Swan, George Pérez, and Kurt Schaffenberger; published by DC Comics.

DC suspends publication of Superman; in 1987 the title relaunches as The Adventures of Superman (continuing the numbering of Superman).

DC suspends publication of Action Comics (until January 1987) to allow for the publication of John Byrne's The Man of Steel limited series and Byrne's revamp of the Superman character/franchise.

With issue #97, DC cancels DC Comics Presents.

Power Man and Iron Fist, with issue #125, is cancelled by Marvel.

September 27: Warlord, with issue #627, is merged with Victor (D.C. Thomson).

October

Marvel Comics launches the New Universe, an imprint created in celebration of Marvel's 25th anniversary. Comics published by New Universe are in a distinctly separate world, fully divorced from the mainstream continuity of the Marvel Universe, consisting of its own continuing characters and stories in a more realistic setting. The New Universe's first titles are Spitfire and The Troubleshooters and Star Brand.

Batman #400: 68-page anniversary issue, "Resurrection Night," by Doug Moench and an all-star roster of artists, including Bill Sienkiewicz, John Byrne, George Pérez, Art Adams, and Brian Bolland. (DC Comics)

November

Marvel's New Universe imprint launches six more titles: D.P. 7, Justice, Kickers, Inc., Mark Hazzard: Merc, Nightmask, and Psi-Force.

DC Comics begins publishing "Legends," a crossover storyline that runs through a six-issue, self-titled limited series and various other DC titles published (22 chapters in all) in 1986 and 1987.

December

Blue Devil, with issue #31, is canceled by DC Comics

With issue #15, Comico publishes the final issue of Matt Wagner's Mage: The Hero Discovered

Amazing High Adventure, with issue #5, publishes its final issue. (Marvel Comics)

Chester Brown's Yummy Fur begins professional publication by Vortex Comics

January

January 10: Marvin Bradley, American comics artist (Rex Morgan, M.D.), passes away at the age of 72.

January 11: Kazuo Kamimura, Japanese manga artist (Lady Snowblood), dies at the age of 45 from a pharynx tumor.

March

March 19: Stephen P. Dowling, British comics artist (Garth, Ruggles, Belinda), passes away at the age of 82, coincidentally his birthday.

April

April: Stefano Tamburini, Italian comics writer (RanXerox) dies from a drug overdose at the age of 40 or 41.

July

July 22: Floyd Gottfredson, American comics artist (Mickey Mouse comics), dies at age 81.

October

October 4: Mike Butterworth, British comics writer (Wulf the Briton, The Trigan Empire, Storm), passes away at age 62.

November

November 19: Klaus Nordling, Finnish-American comics artist (Thin Man), dies at age 86.

December

December 24: Gardner Fox, American comics writer (The Flash, Hawkman, The Justice League), dies at age 75.

Specific date unknown

Renaat Demoen, Belgian comics artist and illustrator (Zonneland), dies at the age of 71 or 72.

Zvonimir Furtinger, Croatian comics writer (Herlock Sholmes), dies at age 83 or 84.

Conventions

April 11–13: 2nd Annual Victoria International Cartoon Festival (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada)

May 31–June 1: Birmingham Comic Art Show (Motorcycle Museum, NEC, Birmingham, England) — presentation of the Eagle Awards

July 4–6: Chicago Comicon (Ramada O'Hare Hotel, Rosemont, Illinois) — 5,000 attendees; official guests: Stan Lee (guest of honor), George Pérez (special guest), Doug Wildey

July 4–6: Dallas Fantasy Fair I (Dallas Marriott Park Central, Dallas, Texas) — guests include Dave Stevens, Gary Groth, Pat Broderick, Will Eisner, Mike Gustovich, Burne Hogarth, Gil Kane, Jack Kirby, Joe Kubert, William Messner-Loebs, Frank Miller, Jean Giraud, Doug Moench, Richard Pini, Dave Sim, Donald Simpson, Alex Toth, Doug Wildey, Neal Barrett, Jr., David A. Cherry, Carole Nelson Douglas, George R.R. Martin, Ardath Mayhar, Warren Norwood, Frederik Pohl, Kay Reynolds, Fred Saberhagen, Lewis Shiner, John Steakley, Howard Waldrop, Jack Williamson, Philip José Farmer, Roger Zelazny

July 19–20: Creation Philadelphia (Centre Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — guests include John Romita, Jr. and Archie Goodwin

July 31–August 3: San Diego Comic-Con (Convention and Performing Arts Center and Hotel San Diego, California) — 6,500 attendees; official guests: Poul Anderson, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Greg Evans, Stan Lee, Dale Messick, Frank Miller, Moebius, Mart Nodell, Harvey Pekar, Jim Valentino, and Doug Wildey

August 2–4: Atlanta Fantasy Fair (Omni Hotel and Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia) — 5,000 attendees; comics guests include Chris Claremont, Denny O'Neil, Stan Lee, Ralph Bakshi, Matt Feazell, Kelly Freas, Dave Gibbons, Greg Hildebrandt, Jim Starlin, John Romita, Sr., Boris Vallejo, and Bob Burden; science fiction/fantasy writers include Robert Asprin, John Varley, Brad Strickland, and Diane Duane; media guests include Carl Macek, Don Kennedy, and Steve Jackson of Steve Jackson Games

August 9–10: Creation Los Angeles (Hyatt Hotel, Los Angeles, California) — guests include John Romita, Jr. and Terry Austin

August 9–10: King Kon (Dearborn Civic Center, Dearborn, MI): guests include Ron Frenz, Al Milgrom, William Messner-Loebs, and Max Allan Collins; participating publishers include Marvel, DC, Arrow Comics, Stabur Graphics, and Vortex Comics; c. 2,500 attendees

August 22–23: Comix Fair (Brookhollow Marriott, Houston, Texas) — guests include Gary Groth, Gil Kane, Joe Pumilia, Jeff Millar, Bill Hinds, and Doug Potter

August 23–24: Creation Manhattan (Roosevelt Hotel, New York City) — special tribute to Marvel Comics' 25th anniversary; guests include Stan Lee and Jim Shooter

August 23–24: Creation San Francisco (Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, San Francisco, California)

September 6–7: Creation Washington, D.C. (Marriott Twin Bridges Hotel, Arlington, Virginia)

September 20–21: Creation New Jersey (Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, New Jersey)

September 20–21: UKCAC (University of London Union, Malet Street, London, England) — guests include Bill Marks, Seth Motter, Dean Motter, David Lloyd, Frank Miller, Lynn Varley, Steve Leialoha, Lew Stringer, Glen Fabry, Gil Kane, John Bolton, Karen Berger, Alan Moore, Jenette Kahn, Dave Gibbons, Kevin O'Neill, Brett Ewins, Carl Potts, Alan Grant, Barry Windsor-Smith, Bryan Talbot, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Chris Claremont

November 8–9: Mid-Ohio Con (Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, Ohio) — guests of honor: Frank Miller, John Byrne, Stephen R. Bissette, John Totleben, and Bill Sienkiewicz

November 14–16: Dallas Fantasy Fair II (Dallas Marriott Park Central, Dallas, Texas) — celebration of the 25th anniversary of Marvel Comics; guests include Stan Lee

Eagle Awards

Presented in 1987 for comics published in 1986:

American Section

Favourite Comic: Swamp Thing, written by Alan Moore (DC)

Favourite New Title: Watchmen, written by Alan Moore (DC)

Favourite Finite Series: Crisis on Infinite Earths, by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez (DC Comics)

Favourite Graphic Novel: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (DC)

Favourite Single or Continued Story: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (DC)

Favourite Comic Cover: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1, by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley

Favourite Group or Team: The X-Men

Favourite Character: Batman

Favourite Supporting Character: John Constantine, from Swamp Thing (DC)

Favourite Character Worthy of Own Title: Wolverine

Favourite Villain: The Joker

Favourite Writer: Alan Moore

Favourite Artist: Frank Miller

Favourite Inker: Terry Austin

Favourite Specialist Comics Publication: Amazing Heroes

UK Section

Favourite Artist: Alan Davis

Favourite Writer: Alan Moore

Favourite Comic: 2000 AD (IPC)

Favourite Comic Album: D.R. & Quinch's Totally Awesome Guide to Life, written by Alan Moore

Favourite Character: Judge Dredd, from 2000 AD

Favourite Villain: Torquemada, from 2000 AD

Favourite Supporting Character: Ukko the Dwarf (from Sláine)

Character Most Worthy of Own Title: Captain Britain

Favourite Single or Continued Story: Halo Jones Three, written by Alan Moore

Favourite New Title: Redfox (Harrier Comics)

Favourite Comic Cover: 2000 AD #500

Favourite Specialist Comics Publication: Speakeasy

Roll of Honour:

Frank Miller

Jerry Siegel

Joe Shuster

Kirby Awards

Best Single Issue: "Apocalypse," Daredevil #227, by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli (Marvel Comics)

Best Continuing Series: Swamp Thing, by Alan Moore, Steve Bissette, and John Totleben (DC Comics)

Best Black & White Series: Love and Rockets by Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez (Fantagraphics)

Best Finite Series: Crisis on Infinite Earths, by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez (DC)

Best New Series: Miracleman, by Alan Moore and various artists (Eclipse Comics)

Best Graphic Album: The Rocketeer, by Dave Stevens (Eclipse)

Best Artist: Steve Rude, for Nexus (First Comics)

Best Writer: Alan Moore, for Swamp Thing (DC)

Best Writer/Artist (single or team): Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, for Daredevil (Marvel)

Best Art Team: George Pérez and Jerry Ordway, for Crisis On Infinite Earths (DC)

DC Comics

Angel Love

Release: August. Writer/Artist: Barbara Slate.

Blue Beetle

Release: June. Writer: Len Wein. Artists: Paris Cullins and Bruce Patterson.

Booster Gold

Release: February. Writer/Artist: Dan Jurgens.

Electric Warrior

Release: May. Writer: Doug Moench. Artist: Jim Baikie.

Hawkman

Release: August. Writer: Tony Isabella. Artists: Richard Howell and Don Heck.

'Mazing Man

Release: January. Writer: Bob Rozakis. Artist: Stephen DeStefano.

Secret Origins

Release: April. Editor: Roy Thomas.

Teen Titans Spotlight

Release: August. Writer: Marv Wolfman. Artists: Denys Cowan and Dick Giordano.

Limited series

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (4 issues)

Release: February. Writer/Artist: Frank Miller.

Cosmic Boy (4 issues)

Release: December. Writer: Paul Levitz. Artists: Keith Giffen, Ernie Colón, and Bob Smith.

The Legend of Wonder Woman

Release: May. Writers: Trina Robbins and Kurt Busiek. Artist: Trina Robbins.

Legends (6 issues)

Release: November. Writers: John Ostrander and Len Wein. Artists: John Byrne and Karl Kesel.

Legionnaires 3

Release: February. Writers: Keith Giffen and Mindy Newell. Artist: Ernie Colón.

Lords of the Ultra-Realm

Release: June. Writer: Doug Moench. Artist: Pat Broderick.

The Man of Steel (6 issues)

Release: July. Writer/Artist: John Byrne.

Watchmen (12 issues)

Release: September. Writer: Alan Moore. Artist: Dave Gibbons.

Dupuis

Les Femmes en Blanc (32 volumes)

Artist: Philippe Bercovici. Writer: Raoul Cauvin.

Marvel Comics

Acorn Green

Release: October

Classic X-Men

Release: September. Editor: Ann Nocenti.

G.I. Joe Special Missions

Release: October. Writer: Larry Hama. Artist: Herb Trimpe.

Master of the Universe

Release: May by Star Comics. Writer: Mike Carlin. Artists: Ron Wilson and Dennis Janke.

The 'Nam

Release: December. Writer: Doug Murray. Artist: Michael Golden and Armando Gil.

Spider-Man and Zoids

Release: March by Marvel UK. Writer: Ian Rimmer. Artist: Kev Hopgood.

Strikeforce: Morituri

Release: December. Writer: Peter B. Gillis. Artist: Brent Anderson.

X-Factor

Release: February. Writer: Bob Layton. Artist: Jackson Guice.

New Universe

D.P. 7

Release: November. Writer: Mark Gruenwald. Artists: Paul Ryan and Romeo Tanghal.

Justice

Release: November. Writer: Archie Goodwin. Artists: Geof Isherwood, Joe DelBeato, and Jack Fury.

Kickers, Inc.

Release: November. Writer: Tom DeFalco. Artists: Ron Frenz and Sal Buscema.

Mark Hazzard: Merc

Release: November. Writer: Peter David. Artist: Gray Morrow.

Nightmask

Release: November. Writer: Archie Goodwin. Artists: Tony Salmons and Bret Blevins.

Psi-Force

Release: November. Writer: Steve Perry. Artists: Mark Texeira and Kyle Baker.

Spitfire and The Troubleshooters

Release: October. Writers: Eliot R. Brown, John Morelli, and Gerry Conway. Artists: Herb Trimpe, Joe Sinnott, and Tom Morgan.

Star Brand

Release: October. Writer: Jim Shooter. Artists: John Romita, Jr. and Al Williamson.

Limited series

Dakota North (5 issues)

Release: November. Writer: Martha Thomases. Artist: Tony Salmons.

Elektra: Assassin (8 issues)

Release: August by Epic Comics. Writer: Frank Miller. Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz.

The Punisher (5 issues)

Release: January. Writer: Steven Grant. Artists: Mike Zeck and John Beatty.

Steelgrip Starkey (6 issues)

Release: July by Epic Comics. Writer/Artist: Alan Weiss. Inker: James Sherman.

Independent titles

Dark Horse Presents

Release: July by Dark Horse Comics. Editor: Randy Stradley.

Dice Man

Release: by IPC Media. Editor: Pat Mills.

Dylan Dog

Release: October by Sergio Bonelli Editore. Writer: Tiziano Sclavi.

Dynamo Joe

Release: May by First Comics. Writer: John Ostrander. Artist: Doug Rice.

Elric: The Weird of the White Wolf

Release: October by First Comics. Writer: Roy Thomas. Artists: Michael T. Gilbert and George Freeman.

Hamster Vice

Release: June by Blackthorne Publishing. Writer/Artist: Dwayne Ferguson.

Jonny Quest

Release: June by Comico. Editor: Diana Schutz

Karmatron

Release: February by ¡Ka-Boom! Estudio. Writer/Artist: Oscar González Loyo.

night life

Release: by Strawberry Jam Comics. Writer: Derek McCulloch. Artist: Simon Tristam.

Omaha the Cat Dancer

Release: October by Kitchen Sink Press. Writer/Artist: Reed Waller.

The Puma Blues

Release: October by Aardvark One International. Writer: Stephen Murphy. Artist: Michael Zulli.

Reagan's Raiders

Release: October by Solson Publications: Writer: Monroe Arnold. Artists: Dick Ayers and Rich Buckler.

Samurai Penguin

Release: June by Slave Labor Graphics: Writer: Dan Vado. Artists: Dan Buck and Mark Buck.

Yummy Fur

Release: December by Vortex Comics. Cartoonist: Chester Brown

Limited series

Rip in Time

Release: by Fantagor Press. Writer: Bruce Jones. Artist: Richard Corben.

Akita Shoten

For Mrs.

Shueisha

Young You

DC Comics

Bad Samaritan, in The Outsiders vol. 1 #3, (January)

Booster Gold, in Booster Gold #1 (February)

Brimstone, in Legends #1 (November)

Duke of Oil, in The Outsiders #6 (April)

Film Freak, in Batman #395 (May)

Hybrid, in New Teen Titans vol. 2, #24 (October)

Carrie Kelly, in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns #1 (February)

Kilowog, in Green Lantern Corps # 201 (June)

Magpie, in The Man of Steel #3 (November)

Prometheus, in New Teen Titans #24 (October)

Skeets, in Booster Gold #1 (February)

Sodam Yat, in Tales of the Green Lantern Corps Annual #2

Amanda Waller, in Legends #1 in (November)

Vigilante (Dave Winston), in Vigilante #28 (April)

Watchmen

Crimebusters, in Watchmen #2 (October)

The Comedian, in Watchmen #1 (September)

Doctor Manhattan, in Watchmen #1 (September)

Nite Owl (Dan Dreiberg), in Watchmen #1 (September)

Ozymandias, in Watchmen #1 (September)

Rorschach, in Watchmen #1 (September)

Silk Spectre (Laurie Juspeczyk), in Watchmen #1 (September)

Minutemen, in Watchmen #2 (October)

Captain Metropolis, in Watchmen #1 (September)

Dollar Bill, in Watchmen #2 (October)

Hooded Justice, in Watchmen #1 (September)

Mothman, in Watchmen #2 (October)

Nite Owl (Hollis Mason), in Watchmen #1 (September)

Silhouette, in Watchmen #2 (October)

Silk Spectre (Sally Juspeczyk), in Watchmen #1 (September)

Marvel Comics

Apocalypse, in X-Factor #5 (June)

Berzerker, in X-Factor #11 (December)

Eddie Brock, in Web of Spider-Man #18 (September )

Chance, in Web of Spider-Man #15 (June)

Rusty Collins, in X-Factor #1 (February)

Dakota North, in Dakota North #1 (June)

Foreigner, in Web of Spider-Man #15 (June)

Cameron Hodge, in X-Factor #1 (February)

Artie Maddicks, in X-Factor #2 (March)

Marauders, in Uncanny X-Men #210 (October)

Arclight

Blockbuster

Harpoon

Riptide

Scalphunter

Scrambler

Mayhem, in Cloak and Dagger Vol. 2 #5 (March)

Nuke, in Daredevil #232 (May)

Persuasion, in Alpha Flight #41 (December)

Prism, in X-Factor #10 (November)

Sinister Syndicate, in The Amazing Spider-Man #280 (September)

Skids, in X-Factor vol. #7 (August)

Solo, in Web of Spider-Man #19 (October)

Time Variance Authority, in Thor vol. 1 #372 (October)

Tollbooth, in G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #51 (September)

U.S. Agent, in Captain America #323 (November)

Independent titles

Concrete, in Dark Horse Presents #1 (July, Dark Horse)

Shojun the Warlord, in 2000 AD #451 (IPC Media)