Comic Book Firsts Unleashed: From Ronin’s Debut to Gambit’s Grand Entrance

Welcome to Key Comic Thursday; Episode 13, where we dive into the treasure trove of comic book firsts. Let’s unravel the tales of heroes and anti-heroes who first graced the pages with all the subtlety of a superhero landing.

Capital Comics magazine Nexus #1 from 1981 introduces Nexus, the comic world clearly lacked superheroes with existential crises and a penchant for cosmic justice. Ah, the early ’80s, when even the galaxy wasn’t the limit. 1968, where Silver Surfer #1 glides into his first solo series. Alone, philosophizing, and surfing the cosmic waves, he’s the galactic wanderer with more depth than your average beach bro. Who said surfers couldn’t be deep? Fast forward to 1994, and Superboy #9 decides it’s high time to throw King Shark into the mix. The first appearance of the shark. In 2005, New Avengers #11 played the mystery card with the first full appearance of Ronin. Masks, swords, and a broody attitude? Check. The Avengers’ lineup needed just one more enigma wrapped in a riddle. Uncanny X-Men #266, where Gambit saunters in as his first full appearance takes place, charming both friend and foe with a deck of cards and a Cajun accent. The X-Men thought they had team dynamics figured out until the Ragin’ Cajun showed up to redefine teamwork.

Stay tuned for more blasts from the past next Thursday on Key Comic Thursday! Until then, be a good human.