Captain Marvel index (1967 - 1982)

1967 - 1982

COMICS INDEX

1967 - 1982

COMICS INDEX LEONIDAS FRAGIAS

The Arts & Charts Index to Captain Marvel The format and design of this book is based on George Olshevsky's Marvel Index series and Murray Ward's DC Index series. Their books have a beautiful layout which was an inspiration for me.

The Official Marvel Index is a series of comic books released by Marvel Comics which featured synopses of several Marvel series. The books were largely compiled by George Olshevsky and featured detailed information on each issue in a particular series, including writer and artist credits, characters who appeared in the issue, and a story synopsis.

The Official Marvel Index was preceded by the Marvel Comics Index (also compiled by Olshevsky) and distributed by Pacific Comics Distributors sporadically from 1976-1982. These books were magazinesized as opposed to comic-sized. The first Official Marvel Index titles were published in 1985, and produced regularly through August 1988.

A similar series of indices was published for DC Comics. The Official DC Index was released by Independent Comics Group (an imprint of Eclipse Comics) from 1985–1988. The books were edited by Murray Ward.

The data for this book is taken from various sources. I fill the gap of the missing data, since I have the complete collection of DC and Marvel comics from the 1930s to the present. Also I made some corrections, when the data is wrong.

The book series cover the silver age (the 1960s) and the bronze age (from 1970 to 1985) of Marvel Comics. This is my favorite era, when it comes to comics. Many thanks to DarkMark, George Olshevsky, Murray Ward, Mark Waid and Mike Tiefenbacher among others.

Leonidas Fragias

THE CAPTAIN MARVEL COMICS INDEX, 2018. Published by Arts & Charts.

Editor: Leonidas Fragias, Writers: Various. Captain Marvel is trademark of Marvel Comics Inc. All art and cover reproductions Š2018 Marvel Comics Inc.

Marvel Super-Heroes #12

Marvel Super-Heroes #13

"The Coming of Captain Marvel! " Mar-Vell is sent alone by the Kree to Earth in order to exact retribution on the planet for the destruction of a Kree Sentry and of Ronan the Accuser by the Fantastic Four.

"Where Stalks the Sentry! " A plane is inadvertently destroyed and Captain Mar-Vell assumes the dead pilot's identity and gains access to top secret information.

Date: December 1967 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Date: March 1968 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Captain Marvel #1 "Out Of The Holocaust-- A Hero! " Captain Marvel continues to battle the Sentry in order to prevent an atomic holocaust at a missile base.

Date: May 1968 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Captain Marvel #2 "From The Void Of Space Comes... The Super Skrull! " The Skrulls sense the Kree presence on Earth and are intrigued. Super Skrull is summoned and sent on a mission to discovery the Kree's purpose in exploring Earth. Meanwhile, an important weapon of Captain Marvel's go missing and a miniature nuclear bomb is activated.

Date: June 1968 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Captain Marvel #3

Captain Marvel #4

"From The Ashes Of Defeat! " The Super Skrull attempts to uncover the Kree's mission on Earth. After escaping custody of his race's mortal enemy, Mar-Vell is denied permission to return to Earth and re-engage the Super Skrull by Yon-Rogg.

"The Alien and the Amphibian! " After a ship of deadly bacteria crashes and sinks in the ocean Mar-Vell is ordered by Yon-Rogg to not allow any interference with the release of the bacteria in order to prove his loyalty to the Kree. The rocket's crash also brings Namor to the scene in order to stop death from destroying his ocean.

Date: July 1968 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Date: August 1968 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Captain Marvel #5

Captain Marvel #6

"The Mark Of The Metazoid " The Metazoid is sent by Russia to America to capture Dr. Lawson and Captain Mar-Vell is put on trial for crimes against the Kree.

"In The Path Of Solam! " An Earth scientist creates a device to harness solar energy, but it may have unintended consequences.

Date: September 1968 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: Don Heck

Date: October 1968 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: Don Heck

Captain Marvel #7

Captain Marvel #8

"Die, Town, Die! " Captain Mar-Vell is required by Ronan the Accuser to unleash a virus on an entire Earth. Before he can carry out his mission, Quasimodo attacks the base to gain energy.

"And Fear Shall Follow! " Captain Mar-Vell delves deeper into Dr. Lawson's past and discovers a twisted plot involving money, a secret crime organization, and a killer robot.

Date: November 1968 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: John Romita Sr.

Date: December 1968 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Captain Marvel #9 "Between The Hammer And Anvil " The robot that is after Dr. Lawson has repaired itself and kidnaps Carol Danvers. If one threat wasn't enough, the alien Akkon stalk Captain MarVell in order to exact vengeance.

Date: January 1969 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: Gene Colan

Captain Marvel #10 "Die, Traitor " Mar-Vell is given orders to infiltrate the Organization, but his alter ego becomes the group's object of attack.

Date: February 1969 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: Marie Severin

Captain Marvel #11

Captain Marvel #12

"Rebirth! " The Aakon attack during Mar-Vell's execution, forcing Yon-Rogg to enter the battle and face the Captain. During the course of battle, an untimely demise is dealt.

"The Moment Of The Man-Slayer " Captain Mar-Vell returns to Earth and finds that Dr. Lawson, his alter ego has been needed by the missile base. As he returns to explain away his disappearance, a robot attacks.

Date: March 1969 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Dick Ayers Cover Artist: Barry Windsor-Smith

Date: April 1969 Writer: Arnold Drake Artist: Dick Ayers Cover Artist: John Romita Sr.

Captain Marvel #13

Captain Marvel #14

"Traitors or Heroes? " Captain Mar-Vell is on the run from Earthmen as he prepares his revenge against Yon-Rogg. During his evasion of authorities by assuming a new identity, the base is attacked by the Man-Slayer.

"When A Galaxy Beckons " Iron Man is forced by the Puppet Master to attack Captain Marvel, and in doing so he places Carol Danvers life in danger. Zo appears to Captain Marvel and demands the debt between them be paid.

Date: May 1969 Writer: Gary Friedrich Artist: Frank Springer Cover Artist: Frank Springer

Date: June 1969 Writer: Gary Friedrich Artist: Frank Springer Cover Artist: Frank Springer

Captain Marvel #15

Captain Marvel #16

"That Zo Might Live, A Galaxy Must Die! " Zo commands Captain Mar-Vell to destroy the Kree home world in order to stop a destructive force from spreading throughout the universe. A fugitive from the Kree, Mar-Vell returns to his home planet and attempts to save both his home world and that of life on every other planet.

"Behind The Mask Of Zo! " Captain Mar-Vell heads towards the pagan diety, Tam-bor, and is confronted by Ronan the Accuser. Intervention at the hands of the Supreme Intelligence puts an end to the battle and answers are revealed to the Kree hero.

Date: August 1969 Writer: Mike Friedrich Artist: Tom Sutton Cover Artist: Marie Severin

Date: September 1969 Writer: Archie Goodwin Artist: Don Heck Cover Artist: Don Heck

Captain Marvel #17

Captain Marvel #18

"And A Child Shall Lead You! " Captain Mar-Vell is trapped in the negative zone and only has one chance to escape. Rick Jones runs away from the city and winds up in the middle of nowhere, following a mental image of Cap into a laboratory. As two fates intertwine, Colonel Yon-Rogg attacks.

"Vengeance Is Mine! " Yon-Rogg targets Rick Jones to ensure that Mar-Vell does not have a gateway back to Earth. When the attack fails, the Captain and Colonel come face to face in a confrontation that allows Captain Marvel to unleash his fury.

Date: October 1969 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gil Kane Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Date: November 1969 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gil Kane Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #19 "The Mad Master Of The Murder Maze " Rick Jones goes in search of a job and apartment and comes across both in the same location. What he finds is a human experiment that turns into a deadly came of cat and mouse for all the tenants.

Date: December 1969 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gil Kane Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #20 "The Hunter And The Holocaust! " Rick Jones and Captain Marvel head towards one of Bruce Banner's old labs in the desert to find the one man who can aid the pair of beings escape their forced cohabitation of the same body. En Route, Captain Marvel spies a tornado and lends a hand to the victims.

Date: June 1970 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gil Kane Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #21 "Here Comes The Hulk! " Banner decides to help Rick Jones find a solution to Captain Marvel's exile in the Negative Zone. To complete the information needed, Bruce calls an old friend who is being harassed by students on a campus. Enraged by how violent the protests are becoming, Banner turns into the Hulk and battles Captain Marvel.

Date: August 1970 Writer: Roy Thomas Artist: Gil Kane Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #22 "To Live Again! " After months of silence Mar-Vell finally contacts Rick Jones from the Negative Zone. Wishing to move on with his life, Rick tries to ignore MarVell, but he won't be able to for long.

Date: September 1972 Writer: Gerry Conway Artist: Wayne Boring Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #23

Captain Marvel #24

"Death At The End Of The World! " Megaton is loose in the city and only Captain Marvel can stop him. But can Rick and Mar-Vell get their act together in time to stop a total meltdown?

"Death In High Places! " Who is this woman that has Rick Jones in her sniper's sight and how does Captain Marvel figure in? Is this the end for Rick and Mar-Vell, or the start of a strange new adventure?

Date: November 1972 Writer: Marv Wolfman Artist: Wayne Boring Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Date: January 1973 Writer: Marv Wolfman Artist: Wayne Boring Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #25 "A Taste Of Madness! " Rick and Mar-Vell find themselves caught up in a strange conspiracy designed to break their will. If they can keep their wits about them will they be able to put all the pieces together or will answers remain elusive?

Date: March 1973 Writer: Mike Friedrich Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #26 "Betrayal! " Still fired up about a perceived betrayal, Rick urges Mar-Vell to confront Lou-Ann. There the details of the deviant conspiracy begin to take form.

Meanwhile, the Thing becomes the next unwitting participant in this cosmic game.

Date: May 1973 Writer: Mike Friedrich Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #27 "Trapped On Titan! " After their battle with the Thing and confrontation with Thanos Mar-Vell and Rick find themselves transferred to Titan, largest moon of Saturn.

There they must attempt to make sense of the cosmic events that swirl around them.

Date: July 1973 Writer: Mike Friedrich Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #28 "When Titans Collide! " Captain Marvel, having returned to Earth meets up with the Avengers in the hopes of saving Lou-Ann. Meanwhile, Thanos must deal with the Destroyer if he is to move forward with his plans.

Date: September 1973 Writer: Mike Friedrich Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #29

Captain Marvel #30

"Metamorphosis! " After 8 billion years, Eon finally fulfill their life's mission... Destroy the warrior Captain Marvel!

"... To be free from Control! " Captain Marvel does battle with the Controller, who is currently a pawn in a greater game designed by Thanos.

Date: November 1973 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Date: January 1974 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #31

Captain Marvel #32

"The Beginning of the End! " After weeks of buildup all the pieces are set for the final confrontation with Thanos. Still can Mar-Vell and the Avengers truly hope stop the mad god or simply quake before his unchecked majesty?

"Thanos The Insane God! " Thanos has become one with the universe and Mar-Vell but a dust mote in comparison. Still, he and the others will stop at nothing to bring the Titan to justice.

Date: March 1974 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Date: May 1974 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #33

Captain Marvel #34

"The God Himself! " With Thanos's fleet defeated by the Avengers the time comes for the final confrontation. Though Captain Marvel will surely battle valiantly, it must take inspiration froma surprising source to turn the tables.

"Blown Away! " Rick Jones hits the road on his concert tour with Dandy... and things are anything but. Meanwhile, a new foe and an old friend show up as Mar-Vell must stop the release of a lethal chemical weapon.

Date: July 1974 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Date: September 1974 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

Captain Marvel #35 "Deadly Genesis! " Rick Jones uses his wits to keep Captain Marvel from succumbing to the gas, but places him in danger of a different sort. Meanwhile, Rick's own life is in peril, but some old friends from The Avengers try to offer protection.

Date: November 1974 Writer: Mike Friedrich Artist: Alfredo Alcala Cover Artist: Ron Wilson

Captain Marvel #36 "The Coming of Captain Marvel " The Watcher recalls Mar-vell's history on Earth before making a shocking revelation.

Date: January 1975 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Gene Colan Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #37 "Lift-Off! " Acting on Henry Pym's deduction that the Lunatic Legion are connected with the moon, Mar-vell decides to go there to investigate. Also, Rick Jones takes some Vitamin C. Date: March 1975 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #38 "--No Way Out! " Mar-Vell faces execution by bigoted blue-skinned Kree as the link with Rick Jones evolves further.

Date: May 1975 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #39

Captain Marvel #40

"The Trial Of The Watcher " Mar-Vell attempts to speak on behalf of the defense at Uatu's trial, but must face a physical trial of his own.

"Rocky Mountain 'Bye! " Now separated, Rick Jones heads to his concert while Mar-Vell prepares to leave Earth. Before departing, though, Mar-Vell encounters a familiar face.

Date: July 1975 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Date: September 1975 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #41 "Havoc On Homeworld! " Mar-Vell and Rick land on the Kree home world and meet with the Supreme Intelligence. However, an unexpected surprise awaits the pair.

Date: November 1975 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #42 "Shoot-Out At The O.K. Space Station! " Can Captain Marvel withstand the mighty wrath of the Stranger?

Date: January 1976 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #43

Captain Marvel #44

"Destroy! Destroy! Screams the Destroyer " Rick Jones and Captain Marvel land on a moon in order to repair their transportation. When Drax feels Mar-Vell's presence he goes mad and attacks.

"Death Throws! " While Drax and Mar-Vell continue to battle on and around a moon, Rick Jones lie dying on the satellite sphere. And only Mar-Vell can possibly save him.

Date: March 1976 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Date: May 1976 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #45 "The Bi-Centennial! " Captain Marvel has gone mad! Rick Jones, usually bonded with him on world-saving missions, is now Mar-Vell's biggest target!

Date: July 1976 Writer: Steve Englehart Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #46 "Only One Can Win! " Mar-Vell and The Supreme Intelligence in a battle of epic proportions!

Date: September 1976 Writer: Chris Claremont Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #47 "Crisis! " THE SENTRY STRIKES! Mar-Vell clashes with one of the greatest terrors from his Kree homeworld! Can even the Human Torch help Mar-Vell survive this battle?

Date: November 1976 Writer: Gerry Conway Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #48 "Crucible! " Captain Marvel's duel with the Kree Sentry rages on! And if that wasn't enough to deal with, he'll have to survive the claws of THE CHEETAH! Date: January 1977 Writer: Gerry Conway Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #49 "Asylum Earth! " MAR-VELL, YOU STAND ACCUSED! The Kree's two mightiest champions clash at long last! Captain Mar-Vell vs. Ronan the Accuser! To the victor -Earth!

Date: March 1977 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #50 "To Begin Anew! " Mar-Vell joins forces with the Avengers, just as Earth's Mightiest Heroes are ambushed by the SUPER-ADAPTAOID! Date: May 1977 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #51

Captain Marvel #52

"'Til Death Do Us Part! " Mar-Vell locks horns with the menace of MERCURIO, the four dimensional man!

"Captain Marvel -- Wanted! " Mar-Vell is needed by the Kree for more than one reason - but will he answer the call, and will humanity let him leave?

Date: July 1977 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Date: September 1977 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Captain Marvel #53

Captain Marvel #54

"The War Of The Three Galaxies! " Mar-Vell faces an existential crisis, but upon returning to Earth these problems take a backseat when an old enemy returns.

"The Big Bang Theory " Mar-Vell faces an existential crisis, but upon returning to Earth these problems take a backseat when an old enemy returns.

Date: November 1977 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: Al Milgrom Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Date: January 1978 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: George Tuska Cover Artist: Keith Pollard

Captain Marvel #55

Captain Marvel #56

"Beneath The Mask... A Man! " Mar-Vell tries his best to find a life on Earth, but yet again an old enemy rears his head to disrupt the life of peace Mar-Vell is searching for.

"Survival Quest! " Captain Marvel must find a cure for Deathgrip's condition, and enlists the aid of a few helpful scientists.

Date: March 1978 Writer: Scott Edelman Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Pat Broderick

Date: May 1978 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Gil Kane

Captain Marvel #57 "Star Burst " Captain Marvel's powers are going out of control and it is up to Thor to prevent him from destroying the Earth.

Date: July 1978 Writer: Roger McKenzie Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Pat Broderick

Captain Marvel #58 "A Destroyer--Denied! " Wondering through space, Drax the Destroyer discovers that his adversary Thanos has been turned to stone, and goes berserk with rage, believing his sole reason for existence robbed by the one man in the universe capable of defeating Thanos, the Kree warrior Mar-Vell.

Date: September 1978 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Dave Cockrum

Captain Marvel #59

Captain Marvel #60

"The Trouble with Titan... " Drax and Mar-Vell respond to the distress call from Titan, only to discover Eros and Mentor captured. Quickly learning that they have stumbled into a trap, they confront Lord Gaea who informs the pair of Stellarax, Thanos' contingency plan. The duo then set out to stop ISAAC from carrying out Thanos' orders!

"Moon-Traps And Paradise " On their way to confront ISAAC, Mar-Vell and Drax run across Dionysus, who tricks the pair into drinking enchanted wine, causing them to fall asleep. Meanwhile, Stellarax leads his invasion force to Earth, where Rick Jones learns of Titan's plans. When Drax and Mar-Vell awake, they find themselves face to face with Elysius!

Date: November 1978 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Pat Broderick

Date: January 1979 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Herb Trimpe

Captain Marvel #61

Captain Marvel #62

"Chaos And The Pit! " Confronted by Elysius, Drax and Mar-Vell are able to sway her to their side, rebelling against ISAAC. As the trio faces Chaos, ISAAC's final creation, Stellarax's invasion of Earth continues. As Mar-Vell faces Tartarus and Drax faces Chaos, it takes a concentrated force to fell both enemies and temporarily take ISAAC off-line. With ISAAC down and life support on Titan threatened, Mar-Vell and Drax must return to Earth to stop Stellarax and ending Thanos' legacy!

"Earth Skirmish " Arriving on Earth, Drax and Mar-Vell find themselves outmatched by Stellarax and his forces. As the battle continues, Mar-Vell discovers the secret of Stellarax's power. Using his greed against him, Mar-Vell is able to take out Stellarax, thus ending Thanos' legacy. Following the battle, Drax and Mar-Vell return to Titan to help rebuild their world!

Date: March 1979 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Pat Broderick

Date: May 1979 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Pat Broderick

Marvel Spotlight #1 "The Saturn Storm! " Captain Marvel has taken control of Stellarax's saucer and is heading toward Titan to rescue those that live there. Rick Jones, Gertie, and Drax the Destroyer are along for the ride. However, it may be too late to save Saturn's moon as Thanos has reprogrammed the World-Computer Isaac to due his foul bidding.

Date: July 1979 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Jeff Aclin

Marvel Spotlight #2 "The Dark Corners! " Captain Marvel is trapped inside a living computer! And trying to escape ISAAC's clutches proves a cerebral nightmare!

Date: September 1979 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Frank Miller

Marvel Spotlight #3

Marvel Spotlight #4

"Blue--Red--Blue! " Captain Marvel is hit with two life-changing discoveries- he's in love with Elysius‌and he's the destined protector of Earth and all its creatures!

"Shadow Doom! " Captain Marvel is captured and taken to an alien dimension to help the inhabitants of that dimension in their fight against evil overlords.

Date: November 1979 Writer: Doug Moench Artist: Pat Broderick Cover Artist: Al Milgrom

Date: January 1980 Writer: Archie Goodwin Artist: Steve Ditko Cover Artist: Steve Ditko

Marvel Spotlight #8 "Planet Where Time Stood Still! " What is a planet without time? Captain Marvel seeks an answer!

Date: September 1980 Writer: Mike Barr Artist: Frank Miller Cover Artist: Frank Miller

Marvel Graphic Novel #1 "The Death of Captain Marvel " On a mission to retrieve the body of Thanos, Mentor and Eros discover that Captain Marvel has been keeping a secret from them - he is dying.

Heroes from throughout the universe rally round to try and find a cure, and old enemies return to show their respect, revealing how many people Captain Marvel has touched throughout his life. However, time is running out fast, and no one is sure that a cure will be found in time.

Date: April 1982 Writer: Jim Starlin Artist: Jim Starlin Cover Artist: Jim Starlin

1967 - 1982

An Explanation of the Comics Index In this series, we examine every issue of every DC and Marvel comic book of the silver and the bronze age and also provide you with a color reproduction of the comic’s cover, a complete listing of the creative people involved in producing the comic, a summary of what happened in each adventure, and various other information.

All comics indexed in a series will run in serial order, beginning with the first issue or the earliest issue that features the series being indexed. Each of the index entries is as self-explanatory as possible. Some of the criteria we used to create an index entry are provided below.

Cover Credits It usually takes many people to produce a comic book cover, from conception and design through coloring and production, and it is impossible to credit them all. The Artist, responsible for the basic execution of the cover, does the lion’s share of the work. If more than one artist works on a cover, some usually pencil and the others usually ink.

Records of artists and letterers are sometimes unavailable, particularly for covers that appeared many years ago, so the identities of some cover artists and letterers are the best guesses that the indexers and DC’s and Marvel's current editors and art staff can make. Credits other than Artist or Artists and Letterer appear where known.

Story Information Story titles are given as they appear on the title pages, not as on the covers or in coming attractions. When a story lacks a title or title page (a rare occurrence), a note to this effect appears as a Comment.

Story credits are taken from the credits as published. As with cover credits, it is impossible to credit everybody who worked on a story, but whenever additional information is available, it appears in the Index. If the published credits in a story are incorrect, the Index corrects them wherever possible.

Chronology A time line for all of DC’s and Marvel's comics that allows proper chronological ordering of the appearances of every DC and Marvel character is far from complete. Nevertheless, some appearances are known to precede or follow others.

Whenever chronological information is known reliably but is not obvious from the continuity of the stories, it is noted in parentheses. “First appearance” accompanies a character’s listing when the comic is the earliest one in which the character appears. A first appearance is not necessarily a character’s chronologically earliest appearance, which might occur, for example, in an origin flashback first told many years later. As a general rule, in the case of feature characters who are members of a team but who also appear in their own features or comics, issue-by-issue chronological notations for these characters are made in the indexes to their own features, not in the index to the team feature. For instance, Superman’s chronology is noted in The Superman Index, not in The Justice League of America Index.

A casual reading of a few Plot Synopses will make it abundantly clear that a whole month does not usually pass for the characters in between monthly issues of a comic.

Many issues begin hours or even minutes after the previous month’s story. Consequently, a character who has had his own feature for ten years will not have aged ten years in the time it took for those comics to come out. As for trying to determine in what year a given adventure takes place, there’s no conclusive answer. Specific dates that appear in stories, as well as mention of current events and popular culture, depictions of contemporary fashions, and usage of contemporary slang, are all what is known as Topical References. These are specific details added by a writer or artist to a story to make it seem current at the time the story is being published. They are not necessarily indicators of when — what year or even what decade — a story took place.