The Comics Collectors Still Hunt For
The Bronze Age of comics, generally considered to span the 1970s through the mid-1980s, produced plenty of memorable issues from Marvel, DC, and other publishers. While many comics from this period were printed in substantial quantities, certain issues have become especially desirable because of important character appearances, limited availability, controversial stories, or historically significant moments. That makes old boxes at garage sales surprisingly interesting for comic collectors.
1. Marvel Spotlight #5
This is a pretty good Bronze Age issue to know about. Marvel Spotlight #5 from 1972 is where we see Ghost Rider debut. It's fairly self-explanatory how this became such a huge comic. Ghost Rider has become one of the more popular superheroes in Marvel's universe.
2. Werewolf by Night #32
If you ever come across an old Werewolf by Night comic, you may want to check the issue number. Werewolf by Night #32 was published in 1975. This is where Moon Knight first appeared. As many of you know, Moon Knight became quite popular over the years.
3. Iron Fist #14
Another comic book that will be one many are looking for is Iron Fist #14 from 1977. This comic introduced us to the Sabretooth. He became one of Wolverine's main villains. Collectors interested in major X-Men characters often keep an eye out for this issue.
4. Giant-Size X-Men #1
When you think of the X-Men, you may think of this issue. Giant-Size X-Men #1 was released in 1975. This issue featured a brand new team of X-Men, such as Storm, Wolverine, Nightcrawler, Colossus, and Thunderbird. The issue effectively relaunched the X-Men concept after the original series had spent years featuring mostly reprints. Its importance to the history of Marvel's mutant characters makes it one of the major Bronze Age comics collectors look for.
5. Incredible Hulk #181
If you're wondering where we first saw Wolverine, it was in Incredible Hulk #181 from 1974. Wolverine showed up on the last page of issue #180, but #181 is known as his first appearance. With Wolverine becoming one of Marvel's biggest characters, this issue has remained a major target for collectors.
6. Incredible Hulk #180
The Incredible Hulk #180 has an unusual place in comic-book collecting because it contains Wolverine's first appearance, although only on the final page. That makes it particularly interesting when found alongside #181. A garage-sale copy might look like an ordinary old Hulk comic to someone unfamiliar with its significance, which is exactly why collectors pay attention to details such as issue numbers.
7. Amazing Spider-Man #129
Amazing Spider-Man #129 from 1974 is where the Punisher first appeared. Frank Castle was originally a villain to Spider-Man after being manipulated into believing the hero was responsible for a murder. The character eventually developed into one of Marvel's most recognizable antiheroes, giving this early appearance lasting collector interest.
8. Amazing Spider-Man #194
The first appearance of the Black Cat can be found in Amazing Spider-Man #194. She became a major character in Spider-Man's storylines. From comic books to cartoons to video games, she was always a big part of Spider-Man's life. She is probably one of the best-known female characters in the Marvel Universe.
9. Amazing Spider-Man #238
Amazing Spider-Man #238 was released in 1983 and gave us our first Hobgoblin. Many of you are probably aware that he became one of Spider-Man's greatest villains after the Green Goblin. Another fun fact about this comic is that there was a second story that showed the first appearance of the villain the Bell-Ringer.
10. Star Wars #1
Marvel's Star Wars #1 was published in 1977 as part of the company's adaptation and continuation of the popular film franchise. The comic became one of Marvel's notable licensed properties during the Bronze Age. Early Star Wars comics can attract collectors because they combine the history of the franchise with the history of Marvel's publishing output.
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11. Venom's First Appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #300
Amazing Spider-Man #300, released in 1988, is technically outside the Bronze Age, which is generally considered to end around the mid-1980s. It's still worth knowing about because sellers sometimes group late Bronze Age and early Modern Age comics together when clearing out collections. So if you're looking for an old Spider-Man comic, this will be one to know about. It's also the first appearance of Venom.
12. New Teen Titans #2
New Teen Titans #2 was released in 1980 and gave us our first Deathstroke. Deathstroke became one of DC's top villains. Created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez, this character has been around for many different mediums. From television to movies to video games, he's been in it all.
13. New Teen Titans #1
The first issue of New Teen Titans arrived in 1980 and established the series that would become one of DC's most successful team books of the era. The characters that were on the team at this time are Robin, Starfire, Cyborg, Raven, Wonder Girl, and Kid Flash. All great characters to know about when you're looking through some old DCs.
14. Batman #232
Batman #232 was released in 1971 and is the first appearance of Ra's al Ghul. Many will know this as one of Batman's top villains. He's also known for the "Daughter of the Demon" storyline, which introduced Talia. This comic was written by Denny O'Neil and drawn by Neal Adams.
15. Batman #244
Once again, we have Batman #244, released in 1972. This will be another comic that you may want to look out for when you're looking through old Batman comics. It continues on with the Ra's al Ghul storyline and gives us that famous sword fight scene with Batman and Ra's.
16. Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76
Green Lantern/Green Arrow #76 from 1970 kicked off one of the best storylines in DC's history. Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams took these two heroes on a journey across the country. They discussed many hot topics that were happening during that time. Its historical importance makes the first issue particularly interesting to collectors of Bronze Age DC comics.
17. Tomb of Dracula #10
Tomb of Dracula #10, released in 1973, gave us our first appearance of Blade. He was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Gene Colan. Many of you are probably familiar with him from the movies. He was originally just a small character in the Dracula storyline, but he grew to become one of Marvel's biggest characters.
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18. House of Secrets #92
Swamp Thing's first appearance can be found in House of Secrets #92 from 1971. The character was created by writer Len Wein and artist Bernie Wrightson and became one of DC's most distinctive supernatural heroes. Because Swamp Thing eventually developed into a major horror and fantasy character, this issue has considerable historical interest.
19. Batman #227
If you're looking for one of the most iconic Batman covers, you'll want to know about this one. Batman #227 was released in 1970 and features the famous Neal Adams cover. It's similar to the Detective Comics #31 cover, which was one of the best Batman covers of all time. If you're ever looking through some old Batmans, remember to check your covers.
20. Superman #233
Superman #233 from 1971 launched a notable new direction for the character under writer Denny O'Neil and artist Curt Swan. The issue is remembered for the "Sandman Saga," which introduced changes to Superman's powers and helped establish a more grounded approach to some of his stories. It also represents an important period in Superman's Bronze Age history, making it worth pulling from a box before everything gets bundled back together.
