Top 20 Comic Books of the 80s

In this video we discuss some of the best comics that were published in the 1980s. Please like and subscribe if you enjoy this video and check out the channel for other videos like this. Enjoy!!
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[@TurnipCasserole]

I was a teenager in the 80's and had stopped reading comics. But one day I was bored and I picked up an Issue of Swamp Thing simply for nostalgia reasons. It just happened to be issue #21 'The Anatomy Lesson' by Alan Moore. I was so impressed by what they had accomplished and what the medium was capable of that I was instantly hooked again. The eighties remain my favourite decade in North American comics to this day. Great list!

[@Dante19883]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it. And yes, Alan Moore’s Swamp thing was definitely a highlight of the era. Thanks for sharing you story, I really enjoyed it, and thank you for watching and commenting! The 80s rock! Lol

[@unrulysimian3897]

Good list. I bought every one of these (with the exception of TMNT) as they came out. Still own some of them. Hated Secret Wars then, and still do. But we did get Venom and the She Hulk becoming a member of the FF out of it. You're right - Crisis was a mixed bag. Great art, so-so story. But the next few years of DC comics were incredible. Comics I'd have had on this list: Dark Horse Presents #1. Concrete #1. Starslayer #10 (1st appearance of Grimjack). American Flagg #1. Scout #1. The Shadow: Blood and Judgement #1. The Saga of the Swamp Thing #21. Sandman #1. Great content on your channel. I'm glad KZbin gave me the reccomend.

[@Dante19883]

Great books you mentioned there! I agree with what you said about crisis! I think it was well worth it to get the content that we did from DC following that event though. I think my favourite period for DC was right after Crisis! I agree totally! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jasonkupp4547]

You missed some on the independent comics side of the aisle chaykins american Flagg rock n roll comicos grendel. Dark horse concrete ,mask dc comics wonder woman by George perez. Dreadstar by Stalin rocketeer by dave stevens

[@Dante19883]

All great ones you listed there! The only reason I didn’t list any of the indies is because I don’t know much about Indy comics. I’ll read them, and I like them, but I feel I am much better versed with Marvel and DC history lol thanks for watching and commenting!

[@matthewweflen]

New Teen Titans was when the Marv Wolfman-George Perez team broke out into the mainstream. NTT was a giant sales success for DC, outselling X-Men for significant stretches. NTT took characters like Kid Flash and Robin and "grew them up," turning them into Flash and Nightwing, respectively (Kid Flash during Crisis). Wolfman and Perez later went on to do Crisis, which was obviously huge. Suffice it to say, NTT was the straw that stirred the drink of the 1980s DC Universe in a lot of ways. It is essential to understanding that era of DC.

[@matthewweflen]

You can get NTT Volume 1 for 9.99 on Amazon as a Kindle edition. I highly, highly recommend it. You're not going to find 240 pages of better 80s comics anywhere.

[@TheJohno95]

I couldn't have said it better myself, Matthew! New Teen Titans kind of got DC away from that formula it got stuck in the 60's. You had a bunch of older guys writing what they thought was fun stuff, but while it was ok in the late 50's, was lagging behind in the 80's. Marv's writing, which had more of a Marvel feel, and George's awesome artwork, really kicked DC up a notch and kind of set the stage for what would make them a true rival for Marvel once again after the Crisis.

[@lewucf]

Your line "NTT was the straw that stirred the drink of the 1980s DC Universe in a lot of ways" is probably the best way to describe 80s DC

[@blackpeter70]

Couldn't agree more. In 1986, I was just fed up with Marvel, Jim Shooter, and John Byrne, whose art was getting worse and worse. To me, Pérez's fine detailing was such a breath of fresh air, after over-exposure to depressive shite like mutants, mutants, mutants, Chris Claremont, and especially John Romita - effing-Jr.. Ugly stuff. Frank Miller and Alan Moore's work for DC was always a cool drink of water, and allowed me to dip my toe into the unknown world of, gasp, independent comics.

[@rockabye274]

@@TheJohno95 It took two Marvel guys to do it for DC, but I agree that it was an important title at the time.

[@nighttigercomics7323]

The eighties are bomb! Now you are talking my era. Those were my teenage years. Good to see you back.

[@Dante19883]

Yes!! I love the 80s. I wish I could have experienced them more, but I was little lol glad you enjoyed this video! Thanks for watching and commenting! The 80s rock!

[@jareds.7328]

I own 12 out of the 20, it's good to know I haven't been collecting junk (for the most part)!

[@Dante19883]

😊 glad to hear! At the end of the day, if you collect what you like, you always win! 😊

[@louief2]

Great upload Dante, think Wolverine mini series was written by Chris Claremont tho, art by Miller? Keep up the good work, Bronze Age next ?

[@Dante19883]

You are right about that. I should have mentioned Claremont too lol my bad ha ha glad you enjoyed the video. I will definitely be doing a Bronze Age one within the next few months! Thanks for the suggestion, and thanks for watching and commenting as always. It always a pleasure to hear from returning subscribers!

[@tonyhill1141]

This era is my favorite. I started collecting in 1975 and bought up golden age comics where I could find them. Great but often silly without real stories. This era had obviously the awesome Byrne runs on X-Men, Avengers, and FF. I loved Mike Zeck on Shang-Chi and Captain America. He quotes the other greats of this period. I’d agree the Morrison Swamp Thing run should have been included. It was a wonderful time. In the 70s I’d get 2 dollars a week for chores and could buy five or six comics and candy to last me to the next week. I know I sound ancient and quaint but it’s true. I fondly remember having my new haul on my chest, pouring through them, lying in a hammock, and listening to WLS out of Chicago.

[@TheAnadromist]

You obviously weren't conscious during the decade. The importance of the 80's wasn't what was going on at DC and Marvel. Though through Frank Miller and Alan Moore it would eventually effect them. But this was the period when dozens of independent creators and small companies were trying to do something new. Superheroes at the end of the decade were essentially a sign that this creative period would be killed be commercial greed. The period was about experimentation and making comics for mature people. I collected comics the entire time. And I would only list a couple of titles you listed here.

[@ronnocrd]

as an 80's kid myself, I thoroughly agree with the turtles. I have a 5th or so printing of the first issue and it's one of my favourite comics...even though it's no way near a first printing. I especially love how the parody of daredevil with the hand/footclan and stick/splinter type stuff never over-powers the story but rather just nods towards it like an inside joke. great job my friend.

[@Dante19883]

Thank you so much! I think it’s cool you have the 5th print. I don’t have any prints of the book, but I read it online lol I was a little kid at the height on TMNT mania, and I remember how much I loved them! I still do lol I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@ronnocrd]

Same dude, born in 83 so was right in the whirlwind of the Turtles, remember how happy I was getting the toys at Christmas when it was such a fight to get hold of them. I'm a bit of a nerd when it comes to the turtles...just remembered I'm wearing a TMNT t-shirt as I type this lol. loving the vids man, been playing them in the background while I'm drawing to keep me entertained. just watched your Liefeld vid and loved the mention of Nirvana, only thing I'm geekier about more than the TMNT is Nirvana.

[@50nuccio]

GI Joe 21. Masterpiece.

[@pritamdas9880]

Trust me bruv. Your ship is in for a long journey and I am happy to be on board! 💓 Keep the cool videos flowing.

[@Dante19883]

Thank you my friend! I really appreciate the kind words! I will keep the, coming! Thanks so much! Hope to hear from you again on the channel sometime!

[@Mind_of_MATT]

My whole childhood was during the 80s & I return there often ... in my mind. It really was an great decade to be a kid or a teenager. - Just returned from the comic shop with X-Men #1, X-Force #1, WildC.A.T.S #1, & some old Valiant stuff all from the $1 & the .50 bins.

[@Dante19883]

Yes, I’m jealous! I was born in the 80s and don’t remember any of it. People I have spoken to who lived through the 80s often say great things about growing up in that era. Wish I could have seen it. Yes, that’s the thing I like about a lot of 80s and 90s books... they are all cheap for the most part (obviously with the exception of a few). Enjoy your new pickups!

[@Mind_of_MATT]

@@Dante19883 Read X-Men #1. Curious to read more so good thing I picked up #2. That two page poolside art was a fun break. I became a teen the year this book came out. Similar to you, I was born in the 70s but don't remember any of it. Heck, I don't remember the very early 80s either since I came in at the end of 70s :) but I remember 83 onwards. Alot of the stuff you can experience now even if you missed it then. I like alot of 70s stuff & you can somewhat get a feel for that time watching films, reading comics, etc.

[@seanz1115]

LOOOOL! Those comics were SO HOT when they came out back in the early 90s. Now they’re worthless 🤷‍♂️

[@MetalBum]

Awesome production. Can you do bronze and silver too 😂😂😊😊😊😊❤

[@dakoitcave817]

Excellent! You got almost everything! For people talking about missing Punisher, yeah he could have been included, but I believe his real prominence was in the 90s. The other book I would include is Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing.

[@Dante19883]

For sure! I agree! I am thinking of remaking this video in the near future and will definitely ad it! Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your feedback!

[@markcup5436]

GOD I HATE I WASN'T THERE BUT LOVE IT GUY!! Love your own generation, don't fake your way into ours!

[@parkb5320]

As a kid, I collected comics in the 70’s and 80’s and to me the 80’s were the perfect mix of serious and fun in the terms of stories. It was the perfect mix of writing and artists too. The 90’s began the rock star artists and the speculation market, gimmicks and overly dark and serious stories that turned me off of comics forever.

[@Dante19883]

Yeah, I know a lot of people left the hobby because of that. Thanks for watching!

[@cha5]

I got back into comics at the time of the British Invasion in the 1980’s, Alan Moore’s Saga of The Swamp Thing knocked me on my ass when I first read his story about a werewolf that happened to be an abused wife, that particular comic was kind of traumatizing for me back then but it also changed my perception of comics were capable of as a medium as well as Watchmen & V for Vendetta later on got me addicted to anything that had Alan Moore’s name on it from then on.

[@Dante19883]

I remember that issue! Great story, very powerful!

[@nidaldeeb5663]

Amazing Spider-Man 238. 1st appearance Hobgoblin. Iconic cover.

[@loganandrews4378]

In my humble opinion you should have put Grimjack and American Flagg by First comics. Both gave Marvel and DC a run for their money. Grimjack was written by John Ostrander and art by Tim Truman. Later issues featured art by Tom Sutton, Tom Mandrake and even Flint Henry. Issue#26 had the first full color TMNT story. This Indy company even published a comic called Nexus by comics great Steve Rude.

[@Dante19883]

Hey there! Thanks for the suggestions, will have to check them out!

[@mohammedhanif6780]

@@Dante19883 everything by John Ostrander is a must.

[@camm8642]

80s was such a great time for comics so many great runs of xmen, new teen titans,superman,daredevil,fantastic four,dc rebooted pretty much everything with crisis alot going on but so much quality.

[@Dante19883]

I agree! 80s is one of my favourite era for comic books!

[@pumpkinkingmusicvideo9938]

I’m an early 2000s kid, I wish I could time travel too the 80s!

[@Dante19883]

I know right!? I was born in the 80s so I don’t remember it, but I really wish I could go back and experience it. The 80s seemed so cool! I need a Hot Tub Time Machine! Lol

[@seanz1115]

It was the best era. I experienced all of it. 😁

[@tonymoretti2347]

Grab your PK Ripper Bmx bike down to the Arcade play some double dragon. Grab a Comic from a metal stand at a convince store and your there man.....

[@BubsArcadeFighters]

Great List Bro! 🥸👍

[@TheCaptaincomic]

Spiderman in the 80's had some wicked covers

[@Dante19883]

I agree! Among the best I would say! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jessecastillo9364]

Another great post. Enjoyed watching and the comics picked good as well.

[@Dante19883]

Thank you my friend! Glad you enjoyed the video and the picks. Hope to hear from you again soon!

[@SkotNealey]

I ate that 4-issue of Wolverine up...yes, it was great. I was a fan.

[@Dante19883]

Yes, love that series and I love Wolverine!!!

[@matthewweflen]

As far as Crisis goes, it definitely helps if you are versed in DC lore before reading it. It is "for the fans" in a way that something like TDK is accessible to all. As far as what to read beforehand, I think understanding the multiverse structure and the role of the JSA is important, so something like Flash #123, JLA's "Crisis on Two Earths," is a great start. There are some amazing Roy Thomas runs that flesh out the history of Earth Two that really add to caring about the characters in Crisis. There are a bunch of issues of Green Lantern that also set the stage - GL is an unsung hero as far as populating the rest of the DC Universe outside of Earth. I found this list on Reddit, it's pretty good as a start. www.reddit.com/r/DCcomics/comments/4j62ap/what_should_i_read_before_crisis_on_infinite/ In many ways, the fact that the story has to comprehend 500-plus characters ends up blunting the motivations and emotional journeys of many characters. The characters who see the biggest arcs are Wally West (Kid Flash becoming Flash), Barry Allen (returning from the future and sacrificing his life) Supergirl, Golden Age Superman, and the trio of Alexander Luthor/Harbinger/Pariah who were mainly created for this series. But overall, I understand the criticism that Crisis doesn't really "work" on its own. It also has a plot structure that feels a bit repetitive, with the Anti-Monitor being set back multiple times only to come back stronger for some reason (i.e. to fill a few more issues out). Crisis #7 is really the best book of the bunch and the best self-contained story overall. It is really helped by being double-sized, and it features an excellent flashback to billions (!) of years prior that lays the groundwork for the Monitor/Anti-Monitor battle, the Oans becoming Guardians of the Universe, and the Pariah story. It also features Supergirl's rather moving sacrifice to save her cousin Superman. BUT, with all that said, George Perez's art is so incredibly good that I kind of just go along for the ride no matter what the structural problems might be.

[@Dante19883]

Hey there! Thank you for the suggestions on what to read to make crisis a littler clearer for me. I have it in my collection and the only reason I keep it is because if it’s cultural significance in comics. Otherwise, I find way too confusing lol I’m sure I will give it another shot someday when I get around to reading the necessary issues that come before crisis lol

[@matthewweflen]

readcomicbooksonline.org/reader/Legends_Of_The_DC_Universe_Crisis_On_Infinite_Earths_1999/Crisis_On_Infinite_Earths

[@TheJohno95]

Crisis, while being extremely important, I agree with Dante is a little hard to read on it's own. I'm a huge DC fan and was even back then. I loved the Justice Society on Earth 2 and the Earth S Shazam stuff. Even the Quality characters on the Freedom Fighter Earth. The problem was it could get a little confusing. As a kid, I just loved the characters and stories and didn't "read" too much into it. But as a teenager, I could see someone who didn't pick up the books all the time would get lost trying to figure out why there are two Supermen and one is way older and less powerful. Crisis was a house-cleaning project and a kind of last love letter to the fans of those silver age stories. But, as a stand-alone, it was kind of weak. It seems like every couple of issues, they would change the storyline and the goals of the characters. First, they're trying to save the multiverse. Then, the Monitor is killed and they have to stop the Anti-Monitor from wiping out what is left. Then the Anti-Monitor's plans get derailed at the cost of the lives of Supergirl and Flash. But then the heroes try to balance the last few Earth's that were still surviving. And Anti-Monitor returns and starts destroying what is left. And then all of the Earth's are combined into one and DC sets out to try to make sense of past stories and all of the properties they had acquired over the years. It was a necessary process to make their stories more viable to a new audience, but I still miss those other Earth's. Which they will sometimes bring back, but then quickly usually go back to the unified Earth universe. Which they have done recently with New 52 and Rebirth. I was enjoying Rebirth until Heroes in Crisis. The cold-blooded kill of Wally West just because they seem to be trying to move past the Doomsday Clock storyline set up by Geoff Johns and embracing the Scott Snyder Chaos at the Source Wall mess has put me a little off with the whole thing. It feels like no one is watching the store anymore. Probably time for another Crisis....*sigh*

[@SkotNealey]

Crisis on Infinite Earths was a HUGE event that lasted a full year and it was AWESOME! I loved how it brought in Captain Atom and Blue Beetle. I don't know what it would be like to read it all at one time, but the anticipation for each issue was what made it great.

[@Dante19883]

Yeah, I know a lot of people who loved it! I think I would like it more if I knew slightly more about the DCU. I know a lot about Batman..some about Superman but my knowledge is lacking with respect to events in a lot of other DC titles. I will be reading comics until I die lol

[@SkotNealey]

@@Dante19883 I think it would be a different experience for you if you were alive when it was published, and you were eagerly awaiting each issue. The thrill of seeing all the universes collapse into one was also a mind-blowing factor.

[@TheGolfMasterDad]

Amazing Sp;ider Man #259 - Mary Jane's life story and return to the black costume

[@scottsmith6367]

I remember making fun of a buddy in study hall because he was reading comics. I asked to look at one and I was hooked. That was the 1st issue of Secret Wars. Watchmen needs to be on the list

[@Dante19883]

That’s a cool story! I’m glad you found comics and have been hooked ever since. As for watchmen, I agree, definitely one of the great works of the 1989s, however I mentioned in the video that I was purposely keeping watchmen and the Dark Knight returns out because I wanted the video to focus on single issue comics only. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jeremycline9542]

It's odd because at 42 my favorite comics from the 80's are ones that I didn't read at that time. I would have dismissed Legion of Superheroes, for example, as being too escapist, though the current me loves them. The 14 year-old me, however, would have preferred Daredevil. Today I still love him (and love that after years of being ridiculed, we can now boast one of the best TV series ever, cough), but like other stuff much better.

[@Dante19883]

Hi there, great to hear from, you again! I love hearing stories like this because you really get to see how a person changes and grows throughout their life. I think it shows that you became more open-minded as you got older to experiment with different genres. But it’s cool how you continued to read what made you love comics in the first place. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@stevenking3659]

I didn't quite understand your list. You kept the watchmen out because it was a limited series, but you included the secret wars and refer to it as a story arc? I don't get it

[@gotohellaaron]

I'm looking for a comic book that has a guy who wears blue. There's also a child murderer and there's some sort of mud like monster. Does anyone know what it is?

[@Dante19883]

I’m not sure, maybe one of the other viewers can help you out. Apologies!

[@Spaceageplaya03]

That cover of infinite earth is an homage

[@Invalidspin]

Solid list. I’d go for New Teen Titans #2 over #1 and I would have included Batman 423 and Spider-Man 300

[@SkotNealey]

X-Factor was the first comic book that i full-blown subscribed to via the mail.

[@Dante19883]

That’s amazing! Yes X-Factor was the best!!!

[@shaheedali651]

I enjoyed your top 20 and agree with you on the TMNT #1. This is my fav comic of all time and in my opinion the #1 blue chip comic of the 80’s/copper age.

[@Dante19883]

Thank you so much! Glad you liked it 😊 I appreciate you taking the time to comment! Cheers!

[@ericbreen4340]

Absolutely great video Dante .For someone who wasn't collecting in the 80's you did an outstanding job with this list . I bought every issue on this list the day they came out with the exception of the TMNT .(I also passed on Walking Dead proving I SUCK at speculating ) Back to the subject at hand . The only book I wouldn't have had on this list was Hulk #340 . To me , it had no real relevance , it was just a really cool cover .Two candidates to replace it would be Legends , as this mini series helped to establish the new status quo at DC post crisis .As far as an individual issue , I would go with issue 4 or 5 ,I can't remember the exact one , that reintroduced Wonder Woman to the DC universe .Another candidate would be Jusrice League #1 , which used in the BEA HA HA version of the Justice League , that was wildly popular in the late 80's . And as far as the Crisis on Infinite Earths being convoluted , I think the main reason for that is that DC had 12 issues to clean up a half century of confusion .I'd been reading DC for years by then and I couldn't make heads or tails of it half of the time .Anyway , I've rambled enough . Once again , great video .

[@ericbreen4340]

BWA HA HA* Ihate auto correct .

[@Dante19883]

Thank you so much! I really enjoyed reading this comment. I appreciate the positive feedback. I will look into some of those books that you mentioned as I have not read any of them. Seriously, I was so happy to hear that I was not the only person lost with Crisis on Infinite Earths. I was confused half the time lol and yes I heard that crisis was DC’s attempt to clean up messy continuity. Thanks again for watching and commenting!

[@danim2897]

Born in 77. Let me tell you the 80s were an awesome time to be a kid from age 3 to age 12 . I remember it all and I was a kid the whole entire decade. If I had a time machine I would go back ! I didn’t collect comics until the 90s thou.

[@Dante19883]

Yeah I wish I remembered more of the 80s. It was a great time for comics movies and pop culture as a whole

[@ronbramble5634]

Im longing to find a comick book called (Super powers the last stand,) where superman were under some kind of mind control and hed transform into a hulking creature and he attacked the entire leauge but was stopped by the Green lantern .. id love to see the return of that issue

[@willgrant6458]

Awesome list! I couldn’t agree more!

[@BubsArcadeFighters]

Gr8 video bro!!!! 80s comics had a great vibe and (general) color scheme to them! I like and subbed kep 'er up!

[@Dante19883]

Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed this video! I really appreciate you subbing, watching and commenting. I look forward to hearing from you again in another video. Cheers!

[@tonymoretti2347]

ASM 238 should be on here Hobgoblin was to the 80's as Venom was to the 90's. He was huge

[@Dante19883]

I agree! I will have to do that book justice in another brides for sure! Thanks!

[@NoCoastComics]

Great video and holds up a couple years later! I definitely agree with the #1 pick.

[@Dante19883]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@jimgardner5129]

Happy to say I have over half of those.

[@klangsmithtoo]

Quarantined and rolling through old comic videos. Probably already commented on but you talked about ASM Annual #21 being hyped but didn't mention it is one of the first comics to sport a variant cover. The other cover had Spidey and guests in costume. #17 on the list, Man of Steel #1 is, I believe, the first comic to sport a variant cover. I LIVED these comic book years!

[@Dante19883]

Oh wow, I didn’t know that! Thanks for the info. Stay safe!

[@atrafficcone3031]

With #8 I just the other day got the 4th issue in the series for my b-day from my great uncle along with 30 more comics from the 80’s

[@Dante19883]

Awesome! Enjoy them! You have some awesome books. 80s comics are so exciting! Cheers my friend!

[@boltthebirb7233]

Walt Simonson's run on Thor is incredible and so is John Byrne's run on Fantastic Four. Glad you mentioned days of future past and Superman 1 because to me John Byrne is the 80s.

[@Dante19883]

Yeah simonsons run was amazing! John Byrne did rule the 80s. I’m reading man of steel right now. So good! Love his stuff!

[@boltthebirb7233]

@@Dante19883 Awesome stuff! Can someone be nostalgic for something that existed before they were born? I think they stand up well today. Thanks for your response. Keep making the fun videos!

[@erwa5198]

Good list thought it had alot of Spiderman and Daredevil

[@bruh_hahaha]

great list. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. 🤓👍🏼

[@Dante19883]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope to hear from you again in another video!

[@tonymoretti2347]

**Copper Age**

[@jarredsmith9187]

I agreeTMNT#1 but you forgot the Dark Knight Returns from the 80's.

[@tazrex69]

2 books that deserve mentions: Transformers #1 and G.I. Joe #21. Transformers #1 was wildly successful and became the blueprint of toy cross media marketing of toys in the '80s. G.I. Joe #21 was the famous "silent issue" that contained no dialogue or sound effects in the entire issue.

[@Dante19883]

Thanks for that info, I will have to look into those!

[@LowellLucasJr.]

I agree 100% with your list! Its awesome! Great research too!

[@Dante19883]

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!! Glad you enjoyed the video and as always thank you for watching and commenting, you guys are awesome!

[@HansRickheit]

List needs GROO, SWAMP THING, ELFQUEST, ZOT, FLAMING CARROT, THE TICK, LOVE & ROCKETS and CEREBUS (among others) - maybe a list with more independently published comics?

[@Dante19883]

Great suggestion... admittedly, Indy comics are my weakness.. I don’t know a lot about them. I will have to learn more before I tackle a vid on them lol thanks for the great suggestions!

[@ricomontoya1562]

You only had those if you were really into comics!

[@billdagrasshawking]

I had all of those comics in one or two boxes that were destroyed in a flood🤕 some of them cost soo much now I will never replace them.

[@SkotNealey]

I remember first hearing about TMNT in 10th grade. I knew I had to get that comic book. I got it at the Mall when they had comic sellers setting up for some special event, and treasured it.

[@Dante19883]

Wow!!! I’m jealous if you still have that book.. it’s worth a small fortune lol

[@SkotNealey]

@@Dante19883 it costed a fortune for me when I was in HS...like $4 expensive. lol

[@MetalBum]

Anything wolverine is long term investment. Also secret wars. Spider-Man. And crisis infinit earth huge. Blue chips and 40-30+ yrs old now

[@MetalBum]

ASM 252. Secret wars 8. And the daredevil team up. The trifecta of venom symbiot. Are grails of this age

[@johnnyburger7409]

Wolverine first mini series was written by Chris Claremont...not Frank Miller. Frank Miller drew it.

[@Dante19883]

Yup, my bad! Lol

[@nunyerbizzness93]

Where the hell is uncanny x men 137 (death of phoenix),? good video tho

[@Dante19883]

Yes, must have forgotten it! I agree with you though. It’s one of the greats, thanks for the suggestion. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@SkotNealey]

i got the New Teen Titans (NTT) #1 when it came out...loved it! Read that series up to at least #50, but it became weird when they started to do that Baxter series, where they reprinted the comic as Tales of the NTT for those of us that bought our comics at the new stand because there were no comic shops in our towns.

[@Dante19883]

Yeah that’s what a lot of people tell me, that the NTT is great. I have read a little of it but not much. I think I really have to get on that train lol

[@SkotNealey]

@@Dante19883 That and LOSH (right after Super-boy left it) were my jam until Phoenix captured my attention on the cover of X-Men 135 when I was 10...then i was ALL about the X-Men.

[@calvingoddard206]

Agreed , ask everyone what they remember from the eighties and always in there will be the turtles

[@MetalBum]

Apocalypse is underrated villain.

[@seanfrye9808]

Nothing Was Bigger The The New Teen Titans in the early 1980s, it rivals the X-men! Please do the research.

[@Ronnylama]

I grew up in this era. I am disappointed Stan Sakai was not listed or Cerebis 1. Peter Parker ssm 90 was before asm 252 as well as mug 141. Same month though. I will strongly recommend Scout and American Flagg. Those were great runs. You never mentioned any Alpha Flight or New Mutants. That was a shame. I will have to share more reading to you. Cheers and merry Christmas

[@Dante19883]

Thank you for the suggestions my friend, I will check them out!

[@APPLE-fb7yj]

good list

[@literallyunderrated]

11:19 whaat? There are EC covers that show beheadings and dismemberment. Do you mean just ‘80s superhero comics?

[@Dante19883]

Yup!

[@metalheadnick555]

Uncanny X-Men 137? Also, might not have fit the criteria, but The Death of Captain Marvel might count

[@Dante19883]

More great books that you have suggested! I agree with you on these books as well. Uncanny X-Men number 137 is for sure a great addition. I actually haven’t read the death of captain marvel but will have to check it out.

[@erwa5198]

Hope you have avengers annual number 10 on there

[@anthonybilello3160]

The x-men and the new teen titans #1 Marvel/DC crossover... helluurrrr! And spiderman vs. Wolverine #1. Both are big time stand alone stories that are epic 80's comics!!!

[@Dante19883]

Agreed! Those are great 80s books! Thanks for the suggestions!

[@JetBlakNinja]

Uncanny X-Men (Volume 1) 133, 135 - 137. New Teen Titans (Vol 2) 2, 38, 39, 42 - 44, 50, Annual 3. New Teen Titans (Volume 3) 1 - 5. Legion of Superheroes (Volume 2) 290 - 294. Legion of Superheroes (Volume 3) 1 - 5. Batman and the Outsiders (Volume 1) 1.

[@Dante19883]

You listed some great books and runs there! I agree totally!

[@nicholaspanzarino6690]

You missed a few iconic Teen Titans books that I think are more significant than some books that made your top 20: DC Comics Presents #26 (first appearance of the new Teen Titans), New Teen Titans #2 (first appearance of Deathstoke), New Teen Titans #44 (First appearance of Nightwing).

[@Dante19883]

Yup those are definitely big books as well. I agree. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@MrDudoma]

The best decade for superhero comics, hand in hand with the first half of the 2000's.

[@brianmillins361]

Tmnt were great!! Have to agree.. Very deserving of #1 spot on the 80s list

[@Dante19883]

Thanks!!

[@thetoyboxthetoybox8305]

14:31 Incorrect. First appearance of black suit Spider-Man is Marvel Age number 12. Issue 252 is just the first appearance in Amazing Spider-Man.

[@Dante19883]

My mistake. Thanks!

[@literallyunderrated]

I’m not sure I would consider that the 1st, as Marvel Age was basically just an ad to hype the upcoming titles, and not stories. I was more bothered that he fails to mention Marvel Team Up 141 along with ASM 252. No bueno

[@cheesefrog99]

Great list..... But, why put Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen in a "honorable mention" category and not on the list? They were released in regular comic book limited series (DKR 4 issues and Watchmen had 12 issues). And we all know they were incredibly influential. Some of my other 80s favs were Judge Dredd, GI Joe, and Groo.

[@Dante19883]

Yes, I think I excluded them on purpose just based on the fact that they are much hyped about. But you’re right... probably the most influential comic books of all time

[@elisabethrodas]

I love your videos I suscribe

[@Dante19883]

Thank you so much! Glad to have you on the channel. Hope to hear from you again soon!

[@anthonybilello3160]

Tmnt was only known by comic book people until the cartoon. It took 6 years before the cartoon was introduced.

[@jukkavesanen9632]

Comics are not just supehero comics...

[@Dante19883]

Very true

[@philiperigo-backsman7487]

Great energy!! I would add for consideration- The Judas Contract, The Great Darkness Saga, and Under Seige

[@Dante19883]

Absolutely! I haven’t read those, but I will check them out for sure! Thanks for the suggestion. I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@retroshot9725]

Watchmen wasn't originally a graphic novel it was a monthly 12 part series. and even if we were to call DKR a graphic novel, (it's technically a treasury) watchmen still would not fit that format in its original state...

[@jerryp7721]

Green lantern 85. Hard to get darker than a teenager tied off and shouting up heroin on the cover.. God Bless Neal Adams and Denny O’Neil!

[@Dante19883]

I know right!? Lol love that cover!

[@johnnyburger7409]

XMen 136 in 1980 had almost the same cover as Crisis 7 in 1985

[@entertainmenttime6728]

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 could be argue as a start to the age of darker comics that Adults could take seriously, and not just see Comics for children.

[@Dante19883]

Great point!

[@Danny-no9yt]

Punisher 4 part mini series with Mike Zeck covers

[@DennisConklin-z4g]

Been collecting in the 60's

[@fredleejohnson9281]

Wow'wow I'm just saying Wow'wow I'm just saying thank you for your powerful and deep point of view is indeed in my opinion "FOOD FOR THOUGHT And TRUTH BE TOLD THE TRUTH" And for me only I always, always read between the lines because it is always in black and white on white paper in black ink sometime in blue but never in red unless it is very important. B1

[@waaaghboss64]

Right before you hit #1, I was wondering what could top spiderman 300, and briefly TMNT 1 entered my mind, but I thought, 'no way, that book is just out of reach of anyone who's not wealthy'. Imagine my shock :) And venom was big in the 90's, no the 80's.

[@Dante19883]

Lol ha ha yes! I think TMNT objectively rules the 80s lol

[@jasonbrown3071]

I have a AMAZING FANTASY SPIDERMAN COMIC WOULD love Ike to ask a few questions

[@josephzickgraf9800]

I was born in 1970 I would buy comics early week or try too I still have my comics books

[@Dante19883]

That’s amazing! I love hearing people’s stories from their early days of collecting!!

[@joey2290]

I think tales of the teen Titans 44 had a huge impact as well as the first apearance of nightwing

[@Dante19883]

Great suggestions! I agree!

[@robertt9342]

I don't really care if Spider-Man remained married or not, but OMD was a terrible execution and idea for breaking them up. If you explain it to people they think it's stupid too.

[@Dante19883]

I know right!?

[@Vriappiopoi]

I HAD BATMAN #357 AS A KID!!!!

[@robertt9342]

I wonder if someone can come up with a list of stories (by decade or otherwise) that isn't a list based on cultural milestones, but rather a list of stories that are the most interesting and enjoyable to read. I am sure there is some crossover with this list, but for example, crisis unlike this list wouldn't be on there.

[@Dante19883]

Yup, I think that would be a good idea, however lists of what was really good is very subjective.. I went for cultural milestone because success speaks for itself a lot of times. Thanks for the suggestion and watching and commenting

[@elijahjudd8995]

I have the punisher war journal non mutant mayhem from the 80s

[@Dante19883]

Punisher stuff from the 80s is awesome!

[@AndreiSorin1994]

11:19 The X-Men #136 ( August 1980 )

[@killerd1403]

Where’s swamp thing by Alan moore

[@Dante19883]

Good point! Must have forgotten it. Great series for sure!

[@macktruk13]

Crisis on Infinite Earth ain't great but it is alot berrer then that Secret Wars tripe (way better art too)...also do your research, Man of Steel was John Byrne and Teen Titans was Wolfman and Perez!

[@vpaulbartilucci8544]

Entirely too many slots taken up with Spidey and X-Men-related stuff. No mention of Thor #362 ("Like a Bat out of Hell" featuring Skurge's last stand), Saga of the Swamp-Thing #21 ("Anatomy Lesson" the ultimate "everything you know is wrong" story), Animal Man #5 ("The Coyote Gospel"), The Doom Patrol #19 ("Crawling from the Wreckage"), or Sandman #s 1 thru 8 (compromising the "Preludes and Nocturnes" story arc)! Not to mention all the amazing Indy comics like the critically acclaimed series Zot, Love & Rockets, and Nexus! Heck, you didn't even mention the one issue of Spider-Man that even I, an admitted Spider-agnostic, would think was a lock - Amazing Spider-Man #248 with the back-up story everyone and their mother loves "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man". Top 20 Comic Books of the 80s? Not a chance …

[@Dante19883]

Thanks for your input and your honesty. Admittedly I primarily read marvel and DC, but your brought up some books from those publishers that I haven’t checked out. I would agree with you on Sandman and Swamp Thing, but the others I will have to check out. I may remake this video one day. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonybilello3160]

Wolverine no.1 vol.1 was written by Chris Claremont, not frank.

[@Dante19883]

Yup, you are right... I have this habit of referring to it as the Frank Miller Wolverine because of his art lol. That’s when Frank Miller was really good!

[@anthonybilello3160]

@@Dante19883 I have done the same with those books as well. Keep up the fun videos. you are doing a great job!