MARVEL COMICS: 1980 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncanny X-Men #129 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | 1st appearance of Kitty Pryde, Emma Frost (White Queen), and Sebastian Shaw. | Jan 1980 |
| The Savage She-Hulk #1 | Stan Lee, John Buscema | Origin and 1st appearance of She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters). | Feb 1980 |
| Uncanny X-Men #130 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | 1st appearance of Dazzler (Alison Blaire); 2nd appearance of Kitty Pryde. | Feb 1980 |
| Marvel Team-Up #95 | Mark Gruenwald, Steven Grant | 1st appearance of Mockingbird (Bobbi Morse) in costume. | Mar 1980 |
| Uncanny X-Men #132 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | 1st appearance of Donald Pierce and Tessa (Sage). | Apr 1980 |
| Uncanny X-Men #133 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | Classic Wolverine solo cover; First time Wolverine fights solo extensively. | May 1980 |
| Uncanny X-Men #134 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | 1st appearance of Dark Phoenix (Jean Grey loses control). | Jun 1980 |
| Uncanny X-Men #137 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | Death of Phoenix (Jean Grey); Conclusion of the Dark Phoenix Saga. | Sep 1980 |
| Moon Knight #1 | Doug Moench, Bill Sienkiewicz | 1st issue of Moon Knight's first ongoing solo series; Origin retold. | Nov 1980 |
| Amazing Spider-Man #210 | Denny O'Neil, John Romita Jr. | 1st appearance of Madame Web (Cassandra Webb). | Nov 1980 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1981 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daredevil #168 | Frank Miller | Origin and 1st appearance of Elektra Natchios; Frank Miller begins as writer/artist. | Jan 1981 |
| Uncanny X-Men #141 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | "Days of Future Past" (Part 1); 1st appearance of Rachel Summers, Pyro, Avalanche, and Destiny. | Jan 1981 |
| Amazing Spider-Man #212 | Dennis O'Neil, John Romita Jr. | 1st appearance of Hydro-Man (Morris Bench). | Jan 1981 |
| Uncanny X-Men #142 | Chris Claremont, John Byrne | "Days of Future Past" (Part 2); Iconic death of Wolverine (Future) and Sentinel cover. | Feb 1981 |
| Dazzler #1 | Tom DeFalco, John Romita Jr. | Premiere issue of Dazzler's solo series; 1st direct market comic specifically distributed to specialty shops. | Mar 1981 |
| Spider-Woman #37 | Chris Claremont, Steve Leialoha | 1st appearance of Siryn (Theresa Rourke Cassidy). | Apr 1981 |
| Daredevil #174 | Frank Miller | 1st appearance of The Hand (ninja order). | Sep 1981 |
| Avengers Annual #10 | Chris Claremont, Michael Golden | 1st appearance of Rogue; Rogue absorbs Ms. Marvel's powers permanently. | Oct 1981 |
| Daredevil #176 | Frank Miller | 1st appearance of Stick (Daredevil's mentor). | Nov 1981 |
| Ka-Zar the Savage #1 | Bruce Jones, Brent Anderson | 1st appearance of Belasco (X-Men villain/Limbo ruler). | Apr 1981 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1982 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wolverine #1 | Chris Claremont, Frank Miller | 1st solo series for Wolverine; beginning of his Japan saga. | Sep 1982 |
| Marvel Graphic Novel #4 | Chris Claremont, Bob McLeod | Origin and 1st appearance of The New Mutants (Cannonball, Sunspot, Wolfsbane, Mirage, Karma). | Dec 1982 |
| Daredevil #181 | Frank Miller | Death of Elektra; iconic Bullseye vs. Daredevil battle. | Apr 1982 |
| The Incredible Hulk #271 | Bill Mantlo, Sal Buscema | 1st comic book appearance of Rocket Raccoon (previously appeared in magazine format). | May 1982 |
| Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions #1 | Mark Gruenwald, John Romita Jr. | First Marvel limited series; major crossover event prototype. | Jun 1982 |
| Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16 | Roger Stern, John Romita Jr. | Origin and 1st appearance of Monica Rambeau (Captain Marvel II/Spectrum). | Oct 1982 |
| G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 | Larry Hama, Herb Trimpe | 1st appearance of the modern G.I. Joe team (Duke, Snake Eyes, Scarlett) and Cobra Commander. | Jun 1982 |
| Marvel Graphic Novel #1 | Jim Starlin | "The Death of Captain Marvel"; first publication in the Marvel Graphic Novel line. | Apr 1982 |
| Vision and the Scarlet Witch #1 | Bill Mantlo, Rick Leonardi | 1st limited series featuring Vision and Scarlet Witch; confirms Magneto is their father. | Nov 1982 |
| Uncanny X-Men #164 | Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum | First appearance of Carol Danvers as Binary. | Dec 1982 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1983 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing Spider-Man #238 | Roger Stern, John Romita Jr. | 1st appearance of the Hobgoblin (Roderick Kingsley). | Mar 1983 |
| Thor #337 | Walt Simonson | 1st appearance of Beta Ray Bill (wields Mjolnir). | Nov 1983 |
| Star Wars #68 | David Michelinie, Gene Day | 1st appearance of the Mandalorian Protectors (Fenn Shysa). | Feb 1983 |
| Alpha Flight #1 | John Byrne | 1st ongoing solo series for Alpha Flight; 1st appearance of Puck and Marrina. | Aug 1983 |
| Uncanny X-Men #168 | Chris Claremont, Paul Smith | 1st appearance of Madelyne Pryor (adult); "Professor Xavier is a jerk!" panel. | Apr 1983 |
| Uncanny X-Men #171 | Chris Claremont, Walt Simonson | Rogue joins the X-Men (full membership). | Jul 1983 |
| Iron Man #170 | Dennis O'Neil, Luke McDonnell | James Rhodes takes over as Iron Man (long-term replacement). | May 1983 |
| Hawkeye #1 | Mark Gruenwald | 1st solo limited series for Hawkeye; begins partnership with Mockingbird. | Sep 1983 |
| New Mutants #1 | Chris Claremont, Bob McLeod | 1st issue of the ongoing series (team debut in Marvel Graphic Novel #4). | Mar 1983 |
| Falcon #1 | Jim Owsley, Paul Smith | 1st solo limited series for the Falcon. | Nov 1983 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1984 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #8 | Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck | Origin of the alien symbiote (Black Costume) that becomes Venom. | Dec 1984 |
| The Amazing Spider-Man #252 | Roger Stern, Ron Frenz | 1st appearance of the Black Costume (published chronologically tied with MTU #141). | May 1984 |
| The Transformers #1 | Bill Mantlo, Frank Springer | 1st appearance of Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and the Autobots/Decepticons. | Sep 1984 |
| Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #1 | Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck | Start of Marvel's first major crossover event; 1st appearance of The Beyonder (voice). | May 1984 |
| Power Pack #1 | L. Simonson, J. Brigman | Origin and 1st appearance of Power Pack (Alex, Julie, Jack, and Katie Power). | Aug 1984 |
| Uncanny X-Men #184 | Chris Claremont, John Romita Jr. | 1st appearance of Forge. | Aug 1984 |
| New Mutants #18 | Chris Claremont, Bill Sienkiewicz | 1st appearance of Warlock (Technarchy) and Magus. | Aug 1984 |
| Marvel Team-Up #141 | Tom DeFalco, Greg LaRocque | Tied for 1st appearance of Spider-Man's Black Costume. | May 1984 |
| West Coast Avengers #1 | Roger Stern, Bob Hall | 1st appearance of the West Coast Avengers team (Hawkeye, Mockingbird, Iron Man, Tigra, Wonder Man). | Sep 1984 |
| Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars #3 | Jim Shooter, Mike Zeck | 1st appearance of Titania and Volcana. | Jul 1984 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1985 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectacular Spider-Man #98 | Al Milgrom, Herb Trimpe | 1st appearance of The Spot (Dr. Jonathan Ohnn). | Jan 1985 |
| New Mutants #26 | Chris Claremont, Bill Sienkiewicz | 1st appearance of Legion (David Haller). | Mar 1985 |
| Web of Spider-Man #1 | Louise Simonson, Greg LaRocque | Premiere issue; 1st ongoing solo series replacing Marvel Team-Up. | Apr 1985 |
| Rocket Raccoon #1 | Bill Mantlo, Mike Mignola | 1st solo limited series; early Mike Mignola artwork. | May 1985 |
| Amazing Spider-Man #265 | Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz | 1st appearance of Silver Sable (Silver Sablinova). | Jun 1985 |
| Secret Wars II #1 | Jim Shooter, Al Milgrom | Premiere issue; 1st full appearance of the Beyonder. | Jul 1985 |
| Longshot #1 | Ann Nocenti, Arthur Adams | 1st appearance of Longshot, Spiral, and Mojo. | Sep 1985 |
| Spectacular Spider-Man #107 | Peter David, Rich Buckler | 1st appearance of Sin-Eater; Death of Jean DeWolff. | Oct 1985 |
| Uncanny X-Men #200 | Chris Claremont, John Romita Jr. | Trial of Magneto; Magneto becomes Headmaster of Xavier's School. | Dec 1985 |
| Thundercats #1 | David Michelinie, Jim Mooney | 1st appearance of the Thundercats in comics (Star Comics). | Dec 1985 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1986 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Factor #6 | Louise Simonson, Jackson Guice | 1st full appearance of Apocalypse (En Sabah Nur) and the Alliance of Evil. | July 1986 |
| The Punisher #1 | Steven Grant, Mike Zeck | Premiere issue of the first Punisher solo limited series. | Jan 1986 |
| Uncanny X-Men #201 | Chris Claremont, Rick Leonardi | 1st appearance of Nathan Summers (Baby Cable) and Storm wins leadership of the X-Men. | Jan 1986 |
| Daredevil #227 | Frank Miller, David Mazzucchelli | Start of the "Born Again" storyline; Kingpin discovers Daredevil's secret identity. | Feb 1986 |
| X-Factor #5 | Bob Layton, Jackson Guice | 1st cameo appearance of Apocalypse (shadow/voice only). | June 1986 |
| Thor #364 | Walter Simonson | Thor is transformed into a frog (Throg); Classic Walt Simonson story. | Feb 1986 |
| Uncanny X-Men #210 | Chris Claremont, John Romita Jr. | 1st appearance of the Marauders (Malice, Scalphunter, Arclight); Prelude to "Mutant Massacre". | Oct 1986 |
| X-Factor #1 | Bob Layton, Jackson Guice | 1st appearance of X-Factor team; Return of Jean Grey from the dead. | Feb 1986 |
| Uncanny X-Men #211 | Chris Claremont, John Romita Jr. | "Mutant Massacre" storyline begins; 1st cover appearance of the Marauders. | Nov 1986 |
| Uncanny X-Men #212 | Chris Claremont, Rick Leonardi | Classic Wolverine vs. Sabretooth battle. | Dec 1986 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1987 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing Spider-Man Annual #21 | Jim Shooter, David Michelinie, Paul Ryan | The wedding of Peter Parker (Spider-Man) and Mary Jane Watson. | Sep 1987 |
| Uncanny X-Men #221 | Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri | 1st appearance of Mister Sinister. | Sep 1987 |
| Web of Spider-Man #31 | J.M. DeMatteis, Mike Zeck | Part 1 of the "Kraven's Last Hunt" storyline. | Oct 1987 |
| The Punisher #1 | Mike Baron, Klaus Janson | Premiere issue of the first ongoing Punisher solo series. | Jul 1987 |
| Captain America #332 | Mark Gruenwald, Tom Morgan | Steve Rogers resigns as Captain America; 1st appearance of The Commission. | Aug 1987 |
| Incredible Hulk #330 | Al Milgrom, Todd McFarlane | 1st Todd McFarlane art on The Incredible Hulk. | May 1987 |
| Silver Surfer #1 | Steve Englehart, Marshall Rogers | Premiere issue of new ongoing series (Vol 3); Surfer escapes Earth. | Jul 1987 |
| Iron Man #225 | David Michelinie, Bob Layton | Start of the "Armor Wars" storyline. | Dec 1987 |
| Amazing Spider-Man #289 | Peter David, Alan Kupperberg | Hobgoblin revealed as Ned Leeds; 1st Jason Macendale as Hobgoblin. | Jun 1987 |
| Uncanny X-Men #213 | Chris Claremont, Alan Davis | Psylocke joins the X-Men; X-Men vs Sabretooth battle. | Jan 1987 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1988 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazing Spider-Man #300 | David Michelinie, Todd McFarlane | 1st full appearance of Venom (Eddie Brock); 25th Anniversary Issue. | May 1988 |
| X-Factor #24 | Louise Simonson, Walt Simonson | Origin and 1st appearance of Archangel (Warren Worthington III). | Jan 1988 |
| Amazing Spider-Man #298 | David Michelinie, Todd McFarlane | 1st Todd McFarlane art on ASM; 1st cameo appearance of Venom (Eddie Brock). | Mar 1988 |
| Wolverine #1 | Chris Claremont, John Buscema | Premiere issue of the first ongoing Wolverine solo series (Patch persona). | Nov 1988 |
| The Incredible Hulk #340 | Peter David, Todd McFarlane | Iconic cover art by McFarlane; classic Hulk vs. Wolverine battle. | Feb 1988 |
| Amazing Spider-Man #299 | David Michelinie, Todd McFarlane | 1st cameo appearance of Venom (in full costume). | Apr 1988 |
| Daredevil #254 | Ann Nocenti, John Romita Jr. | Origin and 1st appearance of Typhoid Mary. | May 1988 |
| Web of Spider-Man #36 | Gerry Conway, Alex Saviuk | 1st appearance of Tombstone (Lonnie Lincoln). | Mar 1988 |
| Punisher War Journal #1 | Carl Potts, Jim Lee | Premiere issue; early Jim Lee art. | Nov 1988 |
| Excalibur #1 | Chris Claremont, Alan Davis | Premiere issue of Excalibur (Captain Britain, Meggan, Nightcrawler, Shadowcat, Phoenix). | Oct 1988 |
MARVEL COMICS: 1989 KEY ISSUE CATALOG
| ISSUE TITLE & NUMBER | CREATORS | WHY IT IS A KEY | COVER DATE |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Uncanny X-Men #244 | Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri | 1st appearance of Jubilee (Jubilation Lee). | May 1989 |
| Sensational She-Hulk #1 | John Byrne | Premiere issue of second ongoing series; She-Hulk begins breaking the "fourth wall." | May 1989 |
| Punisher War Journal #1 | Carl Potts, Jim Lee | Premiere issue of the second ongoing Punisher series; early Jim Lee art. | Nov 1988 |
| Damage Control #1 | Dwayne McDuffie, Ernie Colon | 1st appearance of Damage Control (Anne Marie Hoag, John Porter, etc.). | May 1989 |
| The Uncanny X-Men #248 | Chris Claremont, Jim Lee | 1st Jim Lee art on the X-Men title (ongoing). | Sep 1989 |
| Marc Spector: Moon Knight #1 | Chuck Dixon, Sal Velluto | Premiere issue of the ongoing series featuring Marc Spector as Moon Knight. | Jun 1989 |
| Avengers West Coast #45 | John Byrne | 1st appearance of the White Vision (Vision disassembled and rebuilt). | Jun 1989 |
| The Uncanny X-Men #251 | Chris Claremont, Marc Silvestri | Iconic cover (Wolverine on X-Cross); beginning of the Reavers storyline. | Nov 1989 |
| Thor #411 | Tom DeFalco, Ron Frenz | 1st cameo appearance of the New Warriors. | Dec 1989 |
| Acts of Vengeance (Event) | Various | Major crossover event begins (villains swapping heroes). | Dec 1989 |