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.
George A. Romero’s Bub Shuffles Into Comics
Day of the Dead: The Rising of Bub #1
Written by Mark Kidwell
Art by Greg Smallwood
Published by Dead Dog Comics, October 2006
Day of the Dead: The Rising of Bub #1 serves as a sequel to George A. Romero’s Day of the Dead.
One hundred miles south, in an abandoned mine, shadowed figures lurch through the darkness, wandering the blood-spattered halls of a lost government research facility. The horde of trapped ghouls obey their endless, insatiable hunger, and one of their own will lead them to warm, red food. A zombie named Bub!
Reluctant Hero Ash Williams Made His Comic Debut in 1992
Army of Darkness #1
Written by Sam & Ivan Raimi
Art by John Bolton
Published by Dark Horse Comics, November 1992
Bruce Campbell’s horror icon, Ash Williams, debuts in this 3-issue miniseries adaptation of the third Evil Dead sequel, Army of Darkness. The miniseries has since spawned multiple comic series.
RELATED: 5 Horror Comic Covers We Love: Deadpool Goes Silent & Poison Ivy Has a Nightmare
Fright Night Fed Its Way Into Inked Pages
Fright Night #1
Written by Joe Gentile and Robert Borski
Art by Lenin Delsol and Brandon Peterson
Published by Now Comics, October 1988
The Fright Night comics are based on the beloved 1985 vampire tale and cult classic. When Charley believes his charming new neighbor, Jerry, is a vampire, the only person he can turn to for help is washed-up TV horror host Peter Vincent.
The series ran for 22 issues and has also had a few other comic series throughout the years.
Eight Legged Freaks Adapts the Creature Feature
Eight Legged Freaks #1
Written by Marv Wolfman
Art by Joe Phillips
Published by Wildstorm Comics, September 2002
Eight Legged Freaks #1 is an adaptation of the 2002 film starring David Arquette and Scarlett Johansson.
Chris McCormick returns to his hometown, only to discover it under attack by giant mutant spiders! Will McCormick and Sheriff Sam Parker be able to save the terrified townsfolk from the rampaging arachnids? Or will the spiders put the “bite” on them?
RELATED: 5 Key First Appearances in Horror Comics
Predator Debut Introduced Dutch’s Brother
Predator #1
Written by Mark Verheiden
Art by Chris Warner and Sam de la Rosa
Published by Dark Horse Comics, June 1989
This 4-issue Predator series is notable for featuring the first appearance of John Schaefer, brother of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Dutch from the original film. John would appear in multiple other Predator comics, trying to find out what happened to his brother.
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