The 16 Most Important Comic Book Issues Ever Published

First appearances, deaths that changed the rules, and a black-and-white parody that grew into an empire. Which issue shifted comics the most?

1. 1
   Action Comics #1

   June 1938, the first appearance of Superman and the start of the superhero genre.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Superman #75

   January 1993, the death of Superman, which sold millions of copies in polybags.
   832pts

   WE
3. 3
   Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1

   May 1984, a self-published parody that became a global franchise.
   718pts
4. 4
   Detective Comics #27

   May 1939, the first appearance of Batman, by Bob Kane and Bill Finger.
   636pts
5. 5
   Fantastic Four #1

   November 1961, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's launch of the Marvel Age.
   538pts
6. 6
   The Amazing Spider-Man #121

   June 1973, the death of Gwen Stacy and the end of comics' innocence.
   538pts
7. 7
   Watchmen #1

   September 1986, the first of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' twelve issues.
   538pts
8. 8
   Crisis on Infinite Earths #7

   October 1985, the death of Supergirl in DC's first universe reset.
   538pts
9. 9
   All Star Comics #8

   December 1941, the first appearance of Wonder Woman.
   418pts
10. 10
    The Incredible Hulk #181

    November 1974, the first full appearance of Wolverine.
    418pts
11. 11
    Giant-Size X-Men #1

    May 1975, the international X-Men team with Storm, Colossus and Nightcrawler.
    418pts
12. 12
    The Dark Knight Returns #1

    February 1986, Frank Miller's aging Batman, which ends in a fight with Superman.
    418pts
13. 13
    Amazing Fantasy #15

    August 1962, the debut of Spider-Man in what was meant to be a cancelled anthology.
    0pts
14. 14
    Showcase #4

    October 1956, Barry Allen's Flash and the start of the Silver Age.
    0pts
15. 15
    Captain America Comics #1

    March 1941, Captain America punching Hitler on the cover a year before Pearl Harbor.
    0pts
16. 16
    Marvel Comics #1

    October 1939, Timely's first issue, introducing the Human Torch and Namor.
    0pts

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