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.
Pinhead Debuted in Two Comic Books
Clive Barker’s Hellraiser #1
Various writers and artists
Published by Epic Comics in December 1989
While many consider Clive Barker’s Hellraiser #1 to be Pinhead’s first appearance, he is only featured on the John Bolton cover. The Hell Priest is not actually featured on any interior pages. That would happen in the next issue of the series.
The issue features five short stories: “The Canons of Pains!,” written by Erik Saltzgaber with art by John Bolton; “Dead Man’s Hand!” written by Sholly Fisch with art by Dan Spiegle; “The Warm Red!” written by Jan Strnad with art by Bernie Wrightson; “Dance of the Fetus!” written and illustrated by Ted McKeever.
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Clive Barker’s Hellraiser #2
Various writers and artists
Published by Epic Comics in February 1990
Clive Barker’s Hellraiser #2 is the first real time we get to see Pinhead on the interior pages of a comic. The issue features five short horror stories: “The Vault,” written by Marc McLaurin, illustrated by Jorge Zaffino; “Driver’s Hands,” written by James Robert Smith, illustrated by Mike Hoffman; “Writer’s Lament,” written by Dwayne McDuffie, illustrated by Kevin O’Neill; “The Threshold,” written by Mark Kneece, illustrated by Scott Hampton; “The Pleasures of Deception,” written by Philip Nutman, illustrated by Bill Koeb.
“The Pleasures of Deception” marks Pinhead’s first in-story appearance.
Jason Voorhees Debuted in His Jason Goes to Hell Look
Satan’s Six #4
Written by Tony Isabella
Art by John Cleary
Published by Topps Comics in July 1993
Jason Voorhees is featured on only a couple of pages of Topps’ Satan’s Six #4, in his Jason Goes to Hell look. The cameo was presumably used to promote the comic adaptation of the Friday the 13th sequel, which came out the same month.
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday #1
Written by Andy Mangels
Art by Cynthia Martin
Published by Topps Comics in July 1993
Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday #1 is the comic adaptation of the divisive 1993 sequel. The plot follows the film, and some releases included trading cards. Andy Mangels previously wrote Chucky’s first appearance in comics, which also appears on this list.
Freddy Krueger Is First Featured on a Great Comic Cover
Fright #3
Various writers and artists
Published by Eternity Comics in September 1988
Freddy Krueger appears only on the cover art by Scott Hanna, but Fright #3 offers an iconic first look in comics. The interior pages include movie stills.
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Freddy Krueger’s A Nightmare on Elm Street #1
Written by Steve Gerber
Art by Rich Buckler & Tony Dezuniga
Published by Marvel Comics in October 1989
Freddy Krueger’s A Nightmare on Elm Street #1 is the first time we see Freddy in interior story art. The magazine-sized comic is a standalone tie-in, and isn’t considered canon. The series was canceled after just two issues.
Leatherface’s Comic Was Written By a Legend
Leatherface #1
Written by David J. Schow & Mort Castle
Art by Kirk Jarvinen & Jason Moore
Published by Northstar Publishing in March 1991
Leatherface #1 is loosely based on Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, in which writer David J. Schow wrote the screenplay. He would go on to write screenplays for Critters 3 & 4 and The Crow.
Chucky’s First Comic Was Written By a Co-Creator of The Boys
Child’s Play 2 #1
Written by Andy Mangels
Art by Darick Robertson
Published by Innovation Publishing in January 1991
The Child’s Play 2 comic is an adaptation of the 1990 sequel, and its plot follows the film. Writer Darick Robertson would go on to be the artist and co-creator of the comic The Boys.
