Key Comic Thursday: Iconic Debuts, Knull, Azrael and More

Welcome back to InvestComics Key Comic Thursday, where we highlight key issues in comic history that collectors and speculators will love. These comics, spanning decades, mark major milestones, iconic debuts, and pivotal character moments. Whether you’re looking to add unique value to your collection or make a savvy speculation, this week’s picks offer a mix of Marvel, DC, and even a groundbreaking UK title. Let’s dive into the comics that shaped and redefined some of the world’s favorite characters.

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The year was 1992, and Gotham was about to welcome a whole new player to the Batman mythos. Batman: Sword of Azrael #1 introduced us to Azrael, the sword-wielding anti-hero created by Denny O’Neil and Joe Quesada. This wasn’t just any new addition to the Batman family—Azrael was the most impactful Batman-related character since the Caped Crusader first appeared in 1939. Azrael, whose real name is Jean-Paul Valley, brought a darker, almost fanatical take on heroism, even taking on the Batman mantle during the “Knightfall” saga. For collectors, this issue stands as the starting point for one of Batman’s most complex allies, with significant implications in Gotham’s lore. If you’re eyeing key character debuts with a lasting legacy, Batman: Sword of Azrael #1 is an essential addition. In recent years, Knull, the sinister god of the symbiotes, has become one of Marvel’s most terrifying villains. Marvel Tales: Knull #1 (2021) offers a comprehensive collection of his key appearances, making it a perfect grab for those fascinated by the character’s lore and dark influence over the Marvel universe. The issue revisits the eerie Venom #3, where Knull made his chilling debut. As Knull’s storyline continues to expand, this reprint of his origin moments has become essential for anyone following the “King in Black” storyline or any fan of symbiote mythology. With Knull’s potential for cinematic adaptation still on the table, this issue is a treasure trove of his best (and worst) moments, perfect for collectors and speculators alike. In 1965’s Daredevil #7, Matt Murdock ditched his original yellow costume for the sleek, iconic red suit that’s now synonymous with Daredevil’s character. While the costume change might not have been part of an epic storyline, it signified Daredevil’s growth from his early days as a lesser-known hero to a cornerstone of Marvel’s street-level crimefighters. This costume switch became symbolic of Daredevil’s maturity as a character. Daredevil #7 may not have the grandeur of major battles, but for collectors, it marks a turning point in the Daredevil mythos that makes it a low-key gem worth holding onto. Strange Tales #135 (1965) gave Marvel readers their first look at Nick Fury as the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., a title and role that would become iconic across comics, film, and television. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Nick Fury’s introduction to S.H.I.E.L.D. expanded Marvel’s universe by incorporating global espionage and covert operations, eventually leading to the creation of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s backbone organization. For collectors, this issue holds tremendous significance as the birth of Marvel’s espionage stories and as the origin of the character who would later become an essential part of Marvel’s narrative continuity. Strange Tales #135 remains a must-have for anyone interested in Marvel’s broader universe and its origins in shadowy world affairs. Across the Atlantic in 1977, 2000 AD UK #2 was making waves in British comics. This issue saw the debut of Judge Dredd, the UK’s answer to Superman in a gritty, dystopian world. Judge Dredd, a law enforcement officer in the post-apocalyptic Mega-City One, became one of Britain’s most iconic characters, tackling social issues through an unflinching lens of authority and justice. For collectors outside the UK, this early appearance of Dredd in 2000 AD UK #2 is a piece of comic history that showcases the expansion of superhero archetypes beyond the traditional American mold. It’s a high-value issue for fans of Dredd’s no-nonsense approach to crime and for those interested in international comic culture.

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