Comic book collectors are always on the lookout for “key” issues or first appearances of their favorite characters. Many of our favorite horror characters and franchises have made their way into comics.
First appearances can be debatable, such as whether it’s a cameo or a full appearance. Or which was published first? You, as the collector, can decide.
Dee Snider’s Comic Prequel Explores the Origins of Captain Howdy
Dee Snider’s Strangeland: Seven Sins #1
Written by Jesse Blaze Snider
Art by Stephen Mooney & Jason Jensen
Published by Fangoria Comics, August 2007
A bloodier, even more brutal prequel to the cult classic film by Dee Snider of the band Twisted Sister. Strangeland: Seven Sins is a title that tells the terrifying tale of how Carleton Hendricks becomes the merciless Captain Howdy, and the sadistic path of revenge he takes against the seven individuals responsible.
When There’s No More Room in Comics, the Dead Will Ink the Page
Dawn of the Dead #1
Written by Steve Niles
Art by Chee
Published by IDW Comics, April 2004
A group of four mismatched survivors takes refuge from a zombie plague inside a shopping mall. The sequel to George A. Romero’s horror classic, Night of the Living Dead, takes on new life in this official comic book adaptation. This mini-series ran for 3 issues.
In Comics, Anyone Can Read You Scream
Aliens #1
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Mark A. Nelson
Published by Dark Horse Comics, May 1988
In deep space, a salvage crew is attacked by seemingly unstoppable monsters. The Marines are called in, but they need someone with experience. Soon, Hicks (the horribly scarred survivor from Aliens) and Newt (now almost 18) find themselves on a mission to locate and destroy the Aliens’ homeworld!
After the first printings, Dark Horse would change the names of Hicks and Newt to Wilkes and Billie to avoid contradiction with the release of Alien 3. This mini-series was 6 issues long.
This is debatable as a first appearance, since Alien: The Illustrated Story came out many years earlier.
Alien the Illustrated Story #1
Written by Archie Goodwin
Art by Walt Simonson
Published by Heavy Metal/Fortura, June 1979
An adaptation of the classic sci/fi horror film Alien by Ridley Scott. This issue is magazine-sized, which is perhaps why it is not considered the first comic appearance.
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